Amplifier Kit

AndrewH · 27 October 2007, 17:53

Just spotted this on the Force 4 site and wondered, given the past discussion on this topic, whether this was of interest to anyone.

http://www.force4.co.uk/ProductDetai...7-020bd0731cb2

Regards

Biggles · 27 October 2007, 22:23

Andrew,

Looks a good buy for those in the market for a MP3 player on their boat.

NR.

Jon Brooks · 29 October 2007, 11:20

Looks like the Marine AV kit to me

Cookee · 29 October 2007, 13:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Looks like the Marine AV kit to me

Jon Brooks · 13 November 2007, 16:55

Just ordered this system so will let you know how it sounds!

AndrewH · 13 November 2007, 21:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Just ordered this system so will let you know how it sounds!

Ooo Good-Oh. Be interested to hear your comments. If it gets a good review I might have to write a letter to Santa

TIA

Nasher · 13 November 2007, 23:02

Don't want to worry you, but 50W isn't a lot.

I built a similar system with a 100W amp and bigger speakers that is only just loud enough at speed.

Nasher.

Biggles · 13 November 2007, 23:06

Nasher,

I agree with you. But first I'd like to hear a field report from Jon.

Its the speakers I'm having trouble sourcing. Big boat speakers are horrendously expensive. A half decent amp can probably be sourced from a ICE outlet. But waterproof high wattage speakers seem to be only available as wakeboard speakers.

Nasher · 13 November 2007, 23:19

Nick

These are Marine grade two piece 100W jobbies, the larger part being 6inch, that I found on the bay for not a lot of cash.
Made the surrounds myself.
All the connectors on my std car Amp are covered in silicone grease, and I've sealed up all the holes/gaps in the case with the same stuff.
It all survived last Winter and I've no reason to suspect it wouldn't last a few years. The jack plug for the MP3 lives in the glove compartment.

I'm also looking at a cheap source of some bigger speakers, as I have a choice of two more Amps sat in the garage now.
1 x 500W/C and 1 x 800W/C.

Nasher

Biggles · 13 November 2007, 23:49

Nasher,

I would dearly love a pair of wakeboard speakers. But they are very dear. And I want to be certain I get the right bit of kit.

When I was at the SBS I talked to the lads on the Marine AV stand but unfortunately as nice as they were, they were about as much use as a chocolate fireguard when it came to talking about the wakeboard speakers. They had a few fitted really high on their stand so I couldn't get a look at the bit I am concerned with. Seems the speakers are made with a view to being removed quickly. Therefore the wires just plug in and are open to the elements. Its something I wanted to check out. But so far haven't been able to. I don't mind replacing a 50 quid amp every couple of years but a 300 quid set of speakers has got to last a lot longer.

With regards the Amp I'm going to get a cheap two channel 200 Amp one from Maplins. Thats my plan but until I actually do it I'd like to hear other peoples experiences with different speaker packages and ampages etc so I can get the correct bit of kit.

Nick.

Lostboy · 14 November 2007, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Don't want to worry you, but 50W isn't a lot.

I built a similar system with a 100W amp and bigger speakers that is only just loud enough at speed.

Nasher.

What a complete crock of shit! This is a classic example of quoting a meaningless figure to demonstrate some sort of relevance to the topic in hand. That figure on it's own is completely useless until you establish what distortion level it is quoted at, what resistance it is running (because that decides what quantity and quality of speakers you can drive) and then you can plan your set-up!

Your "100w" amp must have generated that power at a very high distortion level if you couldn't hear it or you were using it to drive speakers that were unsuitable.

A VERY rough guide to power outputs is that you should be looking at figures that relate to 0.1% distortion as an indication of what you are going to be hearing (ie. clean sound with good volume). Most "RMS" figures are quoted at 1% distortion and some (Pioneer were always the worst) at 10%. This is the equivalent to sonic sewage and means you are actually listening to something with an equivalent power of less than 25% of that quoted (power-volume is not a straight line increase!)

A decent 25w per channel amplifier (at 0.1% distortion) will not only drive a half decent set of speakers comfortably but it will be loud enough to make your ears bleed despite being some of the best quality sound you'll have heard!

And don't even get me started on "1000w rated" subwoofers!!!!

Jon Brooks · 14 November 2007, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Nasher,

I agree with you. But first I'd like to hear a field report from Jon.

Its the speakers I'm having trouble sourcing. Big boat speakers are horrendously expensive. A half decent amp can probably be sourced from a ICE outlet. But waterproof high wattage speakers seem to be only available as wakeboard speakers.

Don't hold you breath, it will be a good few weeks before it is all up and running!
Also waiting for confirmation that the kits on its way.

Still have the AIS to fit too!!

Chris · 14 November 2007, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

With regards the Amp I'm going to get a cheap two channel 200 Amp one from Maplins. Thats my plan but until I actually do it I'd like to hear other peoples experiences with different speaker packages and ampages etc so I can get the correct bit of kit.
Nick.

Nick, If you want your speakers to last then running them on a cheap amp is not a good idea. Cheap amps will screw up speakers in no time.

Chris

Biggles · 14 November 2007, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Nick, If you want your speakers to last then running them on a cheap amp is not a good idea. Cheap amps will screw up speakers in no time.

Chris

Chris,

I didn't know that. Thanks. I take it a Marine AV amp should be of sufficient quality.

Nick.

ashbypower · 14 November 2007, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Nick, If you want your speakers to last then running them on a cheap amp is not a good idea. Cheap amps will screw up speakers in no time.

Chris

Really why is that?

Chris · 14 November 2007, 21:42

What damages speakers is distortion or "clipping" cheaper amps are not designed to deliver a clean signal they may deliver power but it is a very dirty feed and will not do the speaker any good.

I spent 2 years working for a a specialist PA hire company as a rigger so picked up some hints on how its done

Rogue Wave · 15 November 2007, 03:44

correct.

Tony · 15 November 2007, 06:33

Why choose "cheap" audio gear for you boats?
Surely spending the extra few quid is worth it, after all our ribs are our pride and joy!
You can buy a full sony set up for not to to much and it will certainly complement you boat.

XS-MP1620W 16cm Coaxial Marine Speakers £49.99
XS-L100P5M Marine Subwoofer £59.99
CDX-HR70MW Marine Head Unit (White trim) £149.99
XM-604M 4 Channel Marine Amplifier £129.99
all from http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/

Nasher · 15 November 2007, 08:08

Tony

Hi.

With the greatest of respect, making the very best of a low cost option is the differance between having something and not having it at all for some of us.

Nasher.

Tony · 15 November 2007, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nasher

Tony

Hi.

With the greatest of respect, making the very best of a low cost option is the differance between having something and not having it at all for some of us.

Nasher.

Hi Nasher,
It seems to me the "low cost" option in this case isn't a very good one..