How Marine Audio Equipment Can Make Your Time on the Water More Enjoyable

marine audio equipment

No matter if you’re sailing the ocean or taking a day trip on your boat, marine audio equipment can make the experience of being on the water more enjoyable.

Marine-grade audio equipment not only has been built to withstand saltwater conditions on the water, but it also features some of the newest tech features that can enhance your listening experience.

Speakers

Speakers are an essential element of any marine audio system. Whether you’re taking a quiet evening cruise or partying it up on board, great speakers make all the difference in how your music sounds.

Marine-specific speakers are built to withstand the rigors of boating life. Usually IP rated for water and dust ingress protection as well as UV and salt fog resistance, these models often feature carbon-fiber cones and titanium components to remain durable even under extreme weather conditions.

Most speakers are designed for acoustic projection in small spaces, such as the cockpit or below deck of a boat. They come with various materials like polypropylene and neoprene rubber surrounds.

Many speakers are designed to produce clear and powerful audio even at high volumes, while still being able to handle the noise generated by powerboats or outboard engines. These speakers vibrate in sync with their magnets in order to generate sound that’s then amplified by a speaker amplifier or electrical system.

These speakers come in a range of prices. Popular options include the Clarion 6.5″ coaxial marine speakers (approximately $120 per pair) and Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5″ 2-way marine speakers which sell for less than $70 each.

The marine speaker market is vast, offering a vast selection of brands to choose from. CW suggests selecting a brand with an established history of producing high-quality audio products as well as excellent customer service.

JL Audio has been in the marine audio production business for decades. Their speakers and subwoofers are built to withstand the abrasion that boating can bring, with rigorous testing to guarantee their longevity.

They offer an expansive range of bass frequencies and powerful projection capabilities to get your tunes heard on the open water. Many of their speakers also come equipped with integrated RGB lighting, making it a great option for those seeking to add some vibrant color to their system.

Amplifiers

Enhancing the sound quality of your marine audio equipment with an amplifier is a simple and effective way to improve audio output from your stereo system, enabling you to hear exactly what the artist intended without losing any details in the music. A quality marine amplifier will take the audio output from your stereo and boost it up to higher volumes so that all sounds are reproduced clearly – without distorting or distorting what the artist intended for you to hear.

Marine applications call for various amps. Some are specifically designed to withstand marine conditions while others boast water resistance so they can withstand exposure to saltwater.

Most marine amps are protected with a conformal coating to protect them against corrosion and environmental damage. This clear, hard substance looks like an even thin layer of epoxy and serves to keep components protected against external elements.

In most cases, marine amps can be increased in power by switching to high-power mode. This may require adjusting the gain control and other settings on the amp to compensate for the higher signal strength. It’s especially essential if your boat has a loud engine and you want to hear music over it clearly.

Some amplifiers also come with an internal equalizer (EQ), which allows you to adjust the level of bass and midrange frequencies. This feature is great for a variety of music genres and will greatly improve your system’s sound quality.

Some marine amps come equipped with a power output switch that lets you choose between low and high power modes. This is an excellent way to quickly turn your boat’s speakers on or off and control the volume of your music while cruising along.

Marine amps differ from car amps in that they must be tailored for the unique audio signal sources found on boats and yachts. To prevent corrosion caused by saltwater, marine amplifiers should use tinned copper conductors as their wiring material.

Head Units

One of the most essential components in a marine audio system is the head unit. Similar to car stereos, they feature waterproof designs and built-in Bluetooth technology for streaming songs directly to your stereo system. Some models also include USB or SD storage devices for music files storage, while others offer Bluetooth streaming that lets you stream songs from smartphones or tablets directly onto your stereo system.

Most of the top marine stereo brands, such as Boss Audio, Dual Electronics, Edifier, Icom, and Fusion offer this option. Most of these units feature multiple sets of preamp outputs which make connecting external amplifiers and subwoofers simpler.

These head units are often used for satellite radio as well, making them a great addition to any boater’s audio system. Most come with waterproof wired remotes so you can quickly switch between stations on board your vessel.

Some marine head units also feature an AUX-in port so you can connect your favorite headphones for portability and music on the go. They are made resistant to salt spray and UV rays so they won’t corrode or wear down over time.

When purchasing a head unit, power rating should be taken into consideration. The higher the RMS power of your speakers, the better they’ll sound; making sure your stereo can effectively drown out any background noise from other boats or the ocean.

The best marine speakers use polypropylene, which is water-resistant and resistant to direct spray from waves or washdowns. Their polypropylene grilles also resist corrosion while shielding the speaker magnets from damage. However, it’s recommended that you don’t place your speakers near an autopilot or boat’s steering compass as some models may be adversely affected by magnetic fields.

Controls

Controls in marine audio equipment allow you to manage different aspects of your system. They facilitate playing music from sources like CD players or MP3 players, as well as listening to radio broadcasts.

Most of these systems boast waterproof controls that are resistant to water, salt and sun exposure. Furthermore, their internal circuit boards have been engineered with corrosion-resistant components.

If you own a boat, then you may be interested in investing in a head unit with features like bluetooth streaming and satellite radio. With these amenities, you can enjoy your favorite songs without having to move between the cabin and speakers.

Finding the ideal sound system for your boat can be daunting, but not impossible! Whether you need speakers that are rugged enough to withstand harsh conditions or an amp with enough power to handle all the volume, you’ll find all of your best options online.

Additionally, you can add a remote control to your system which will let you operate it from any place aboard the boat. With this remote, you can turn on and off your music, adjust the volume level and even alter playback speed of audio files.

Today’s control heads are miniature computers with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities that can be operated using either a tethered smartphone or proprietary remote.

These systems typically utilize touchscreen technology, making them simpler for users to operate. Furthermore, they offer synchronized audio across multiple zones – ideal for boat owners with multiple areas on board where passengers might want to enjoy their favorite music.

When selecting a marine audio system, there are various controls available for you to choose from. When making your selection, take into account how much sound you want and how easy it will be for you to adjust it; this way, you’ll get the most out of your new audio setup. Additionally, consider the size of your vessel as well as any equipment installed aboard it before making a final decision.