More and more boaters every year are upgrading the marine audio systems in their water craft. This is thanks to a combination of better products coming to market, as well as consumer knowledge of these products gaining ground. Since Prestige Car Audio & Marine has been in business for over 26 years, we have many people coming to us for the marine audio system in their boats. The most common question we get is, “Is there a logical way to do the upgrades in my boat?” The simple answer is yes.
Here are three easy-to-understand steps that can get you on your way to a better-sounding marine audio system.
1. Audio Source Unit Upgrade
You need a good source. When we say source, we mean “radio” to many people. The reason we use the word “source” is that more and more people use their smartphones as the source of their music, so a normal marine stereo system isn’t always needed anymore. The first thing to ask yourself is, Do you want AM/FM, SiriusXM or a CD player? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you want a marine radio for your boat. If not, you can be good to go with a high-quality Bluetooth receiver that can be integrated with your amplifiers in the vehicle.
2. Speaker Upgrade
Good speakers are a necessity. Most boats come with low-grade speakers that should simply be thrown away. Boat manufacturers are more concerned with giving you sound than how good it is. If they have some age to them, your speakers need replacing regardless. Speakers don’t last anywhere as long in a boat as in other vehicles because of the harsh conditions in which they live.
The second thing to consider is the total quantity of speakers. Do you need more speakers so you can get more volume or to keep the sound level more consistent throughout the boat? Do you enjoy time off the boat in the water or, perhaps, water sports? If so, a set of tower speakers may be in your future. These are directional speakers that can be aimed at people off the boat and have enough power can be heard hundreds of feet away.
3. Power Upgrade
Power is the final piece of the puzzle. When you are cruising in your boat, do you take notice of all the wind noise? It is a lot louder than when you are driving up the road in your vehicle. That means you need a lot more power than a normal car stereo to enjoy your music at speed. When you are docked in your favorite spot, you still need more power since you are trying to blanket an open area with sound, not a closed-in vehicle. An amplifier is the solution to your power needs, and they come in all different sizes and configurations.
SURPRISE! One More Step, Bass!
OK, we lied. There is a fourth piece to the puzzle: bass. That’s right – you can get great-quality bass that hits you in your chest just like that favorite concert you attended. To get real bass in your boat requires one or more marine-grade subwoofers and an amplifier to power them.
Make The Most Of Your Marine Audio System With Prestige
Now that you know what it takes to make a great-sounding marine audio system, you want a skilled company to do the work. We submit to you that Prestige Car Audio & Marine in New Orleans is the best place around for a great-quality marine audio installation. We invite you to contact us HERE about upgrading the stereo system in your boat. One of our audio experts will set up a time to meet with you and your boat, get to know your goals for the upgrades, and then custom-build you a solution tailored around your needs.
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I loved your tip to have an extra battery if you plan to play music while the boat is off. If getting a new sound system, asking the installers what they would recommend for a new battery would be helpful. It makes sense to try to get something that will not leave you stranded but will still keep you entertained.