New Amplifier

grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
edited August 25 in Rinker Photo Gallery
My 342 currently has 2 amps, the Clarion XC6210 (radar arch speakers) and the APX480M  (front/rear cockpit speakers, sub). I'm thinking about replacing both of those with a JL Audio XDM600/6, which is 600 watts over 6 channels:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13698684/JL-Audio-XDM600-6.html?tp=96419

Anybody have any experience with this, or recommendations?
2006 342EC
Post edited by grouch0jr on
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  • Lake_BumLake_Bum Member Posts: 1,043 ✭✭✭✭
    JL Audio is a fantastic choice.  You cannot go wrong.  They are worth the money 
    2000 Captiva 232 
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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    Does 600W sound like enough power? I just want to make sure I'll be able to hear music at cruise.
    2006 342EC
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  • Lake_BumLake_Bum Member Posts: 1,043 ✭✭✭✭
    grouch0jr said:
    Does 600W sound like enough power? I just want to make sure I'll be able to hear music at cruise.
    Well that's a loaded question.  Are you going to run the subwoofer with it as well?  I haven't looked at the specific model of amp you mentioned.  Some have the ability to run a bridged channel for subwoofers, while providing multiple other channels for your other speakers.  Your amp choice, should depend on what speakers you plan on pushing with it.  And quality companies like JL are "true" watts.  You can find a ton of cheap amps, that claim to have 2000 or 3000 watts that are pure garbage.  
    I am no expert, but I do have years of experience with audio.  Rather than waste a cent of your money, I would consult a shop, and have your list of speakers you plan on using written down, so they have give you the NO BS answer.  
    2000 Captiva 232 
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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    Ha, I know that "enough power" is subjective. 

    I plan on bridging two of the channels for the sub (which the amp is capable of), then running my 6 cockpit speakers off of the other 4 channels. I'll probably run the fronts/rears in parallel and give the arch speakers their own channels. That's the way it's wired now. The speakers I'm looking at are 60W JL Audio.

    I'm comfortable designing the system, I just don't know what kind of power level to aim for. I guess it's safe to assume that anything more than stock will be acceptble for normal listening.
    2006 342EC
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  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,178 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 28
    Can you swing the 1000 watt marine amp?   This would allow you plenty of power for a pair of what I assume are free air subs plus your 6 other speakers without having to max out the amp.  


    Wetsounds also has a great reputation, unfortunately that's become very popular and no longer much cheaper than JL.  

    If two boats are battling over who's playing the loudest crappy country bro rap music next to each other, i cannot distinguish a quality difference between either brand. 
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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    I've only got 1 sub, and don't plan on changing that. I could go for an 8 channel variant so each speaker has its own channel, and 2 channels bridged for the sub. I was looking at Wet Sounds as well... Their 6 channel amp is a bit more powerful and less expensive than the JL. Looks like the speakers im planning on wouldn't max it out:
    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_867HTM6/Wet-Sounds-HTM-6.html?tp=96419

    I like that they use the temrinal blocks, should make for an easier wiring job.
    2006 342EC
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  • FormulabenFormulaben Confirm Email, Member Posts: 170 ✭✭
    grouch0jr said:

    Anybody have any experience with this, or recommendations?
    I have that exact same amp.  It's been great and plenty loud for cabin/cockpit/lounge entertainment.  I went with all JL Audio on my upgrade: MM105 downstairs, MMR-40 at helm via NMEA2000, and MMR-20 at the transom.

    If I could do it over again, I'd probably just grab the MMR-25W for the transom since it's wireless.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-RDesB74Yc5t/p_13699955/JL-Audio-MMR-25W.html
    2006 Fiesta Vee 270
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  • grouch0jrgrouch0jr Member Posts: 41 ✭✭
    Formulaben said:
    grouch0jr said:

    Anybody have any experience with this, or recommendations?
    I have that exact same amp.  It's been great and plenty loud for cabin/cockpit/lounge entertainment.  I went with all JL Audio on my upgrade: MM105 downstairs, MMR-40 at helm via NMEA2000, and MMR-20 at the transom.

    If I could do it over again, I'd probably just grab the MMR-25W for the transom since it's wireless.

    https://www.crutchfield.com/S-RDesB74Yc5t/p_13699955/JL-Audio-MMR-25W.html
    This is great info, thanks. How many speakers to you drive with the amp?
    2006 342EC
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  • FormulabenFormulaben Confirm Email, Member Posts: 170 ✭✭
    2 in the cabin, 2 cockpit, and 2 aft lounge.  All were upgraded to new JL Audio speakers except the aft cabin was 10" wetsounds.  Cutting that hbigger hole was fun. 
    2006 Fiesta Vee 270
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