JL stereo upgrade
JL stereo upgrade
JL mm100 head unit
6 JL 6.5" M6
4 JL 7.7" M6 towers
3 JL 10" M6 subs
1 JL M800/8
1 JL M600/6
Thoughts?
6 JL 6.5" M6
4 JL 7.7" M6 towers
3 JL 10" M6 subs
1 JL M800/8
1 JL M600/6
Thoughts?
Re: JL stereo upgrade
PS What boat do you own? You are going to be hard pressed to power 3 subs without a dedicated amp?
2016 R7
Volvo 380
" ONE MORE DAY II"
"Liquid Lounge" on
Table Rock Lake
Volvo 380
" ONE MORE DAY II"
"Liquid Lounge" on
Table Rock Lake
-
Mbrockman5
- Lieutenant

- Posts: 38
- Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2020 3:27 pm
- Location: Yuba City, CA
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
gdane has a good point. Even with a large enough amp to make 3 subs worth the work, there’s a couple things to keep in mind.
1) All of those components are going to need a significant and dedicated supply of power. Probably more than the motor can supply.... And,
2) Between the subs themselves and their enclosures, amp(s), multiple additional batteries, and everything else, will not only take up a good amount of room, but also add a good amount of weight.
I used to install car audio systems for a living and when customers came in wanting the “Biggest, Loudest system with several subs and huge amps”, I would always remind them that “it isn’t necessarily the size that makes the sound. You have to remember that all those things need a certain amount of power to work properly.” Not only did it save them tons of money and alot of room in their vehicle, but they were always surprised with the outcome of a simple 1 sub/amp system.
This is just my 2 cents and am in no way trying to persuade you otherwise. I’m just giving some outside perspective.
1) All of those components are going to need a significant and dedicated supply of power. Probably more than the motor can supply.... And,
2) Between the subs themselves and their enclosures, amp(s), multiple additional batteries, and everything else, will not only take up a good amount of room, but also add a good amount of weight.
I used to install car audio systems for a living and when customers came in wanting the “Biggest, Loudest system with several subs and huge amps”, I would always remind them that “it isn’t necessarily the size that makes the sound. You have to remember that all those things need a certain amount of power to work properly.” Not only did it save them tons of money and alot of room in their vehicle, but they were always surprised with the outcome of a simple 1 sub/amp system.
This is just my 2 cents and am in no way trying to persuade you otherwise. I’m just giving some outside perspective.
-Mike
1997 Cobalt 200.
(5.7L Merc.)
1997 Cobalt 200.
(5.7L Merc.)
Re: JL stereo upgrade
This was recommended by a guy from Creative Audio. I have a 2006 272 with 2 batteries. Would that not suffice? I'll ask him about this. I appreciate the input.
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Not sure why you would want 6 inch tower speakers. Way too small. Even with 4 of them switch your towers to Wet Sounds Rev 8 or Rev 10.
You don't need 3 subs. No way. 2 max. I'm good with 1.
What kind of amps? How much power? JL in boats are perfect.
You don't need 3 subs. No way. 2 max. I'm good with 1.
What kind of amps? How much power? JL in boats are perfect.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: JL stereo upgrade
MM100 is good, but pricey. Not sure what features you're looking for?ps06272 wrote: Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:36 am JL mm100 head unit
6 JL 6.5" M6
4 JL 7.7" M6 towers
3 JL 10" M6 subs
1 JL M800/8
1 JL M600/6
Thoughts?
Honestly, I'm cheap and would go with the last years models they have for sale being discounted.
(6) MX 650 paired with a M600/6 amp is about perfect for each other. The "M" series would like about 25W more power than the 75W the 600/6 puts out
(4) of the older 7.7 tower speakers and the M800/8 would be perfect as well. The older model is selling for around $550 a pair and is supposed to be a pretty good tower speaker since the speaker was designed to be used with the small pod enclosure. If you're looking to really project sound to a wake boarder or someone on the end of the rope, the Wet Sounds is supposed to be the best tower speaker. (Rev 8 or 10)
I agree, with BBP. (3) 10" subs might be a bit much. And powering (3) would require a big amp. Once again, go old model with (2) M10's and a M600/1 subwoofer amp.
The $$$ you save with the older model speakers will be enough to cover the cost of the 3rd amplifier, but will be a much better set up IMO.
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Very good advise here.xlint89 wrote: Thu Jan 07, 2021 12:01 amMM100 is good, but pricey. Not sure what features you're looking for?ps06272 wrote: Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:36 am JL mm100 head unit
6 JL 6.5" M6
4 JL 7.7" M6 towers
3 JL 10" M6 subs
1 JL M800/8
1 JL M600/6
Thoughts?
Honestly, I'm cheap and would go with the last years models they have for sale being discounted.
(6) MX 650 paired with a M600/6 amp is about perfect for each other. The "M" series would like about 25W more power than the 75W the 600/6 puts out
(4) of the older 7.7 tower speakers and the M800/8 would be perfect as well. The older model is selling for around $550 a pair and is supposed to be a pretty good tower speaker since the speaker was designed to be used with the small pod enclosure. If you're looking to really project sound to a wake boarder or someone on the end of the rope, the Wet Sounds is supposed to be the best tower speaker. (Rev 8 or 10)
I agree, with BBP. (3) 10" subs might be a bit much. And powering (3) would require a big amp. Once again, go old model with (2) M10's and a M600/1 subwoofer amp.
The $$$ you save with the older model speakers will be enough to cover the cost of the 3rd amplifier, but will be a much better set up IMO.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Thanks for the input. I'll go 2 10" subs. BBP the towers are 7.7" they will provide good mid range. Subs for low range and 6.5" high range.
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Ok here's a thought. Do you have room for 12 inch subs?
Run 2 of them.
What are you trying to achieve. I'm not a huge bass person so my 10 inch was just fine and I just dial it in the way I want it. So far my wife hasn't complained so I've been safe. I thought I was dead meat when I installed the system.
I don't know the specs on JL like I know Wet Sounds. So the other guys will help you on that. So far you have gotten great advise. 7.7 on the tower is fine if you want to just listen to them while swimming. They won't be much good for a skier. Wet Sounds on the tower is the way to go. Just saying. Lol
10 inch sub you Prob want about 300w to each one.
6.5 what are those about 100 to 125w each?
Towers I think those might be what 250ish?
Sorry to lazy to look it up.
Myself the D rated amps run so cool and don't draw much. I've been very happy with mine. But you have to make sure you are running the proper wires. Also get the amp that will hit the max power your speaker can handle.
Creative is normally pretty good at telling you what you need. But really your getting great actual advice on here.
Maybe Mr JL Nauti will come in.
Run 2 of them.
What are you trying to achieve. I'm not a huge bass person so my 10 inch was just fine and I just dial it in the way I want it. So far my wife hasn't complained so I've been safe. I thought I was dead meat when I installed the system.
I don't know the specs on JL like I know Wet Sounds. So the other guys will help you on that. So far you have gotten great advise. 7.7 on the tower is fine if you want to just listen to them while swimming. They won't be much good for a skier. Wet Sounds on the tower is the way to go. Just saying. Lol
10 inch sub you Prob want about 300w to each one.
6.5 what are those about 100 to 125w each?
Towers I think those might be what 250ish?
Sorry to lazy to look it up.
Myself the D rated amps run so cool and don't draw much. I've been very happy with mine. But you have to make sure you are running the proper wires. Also get the amp that will hit the max power your speaker can handle.
Creative is normally pretty good at telling you what you need. But really your getting great actual advice on here.
Maybe Mr JL Nauti will come in.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: JL stereo upgrade
BBP brings up a very valid point.
What are your goals with this stereo?
It is not going to be cheap, and being unhappy with your final results is very frustrating.
Are you looking for clarity and good sound? Or are you looking to be loud?
Are going to be listening to the stereo while swimming behind the boat? Want to hear the stereo while wake boarding? Are you trying to be the life of the party at the beach/cove? Or just be able to hear the tunes while under way?
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Are you looking for a ton of bass? (rap) or something with a little punch? (country or rock)
Are you looking for adding LED lights to the speakers?
Are you going to be doing the install yourself, or have a shop do it for you?
As BBP also eluded to, make sure to buy quality power + ground, RCA, and speaker wire along with the appropriate fuses/breakers, and power distribution blocks.
Are you planning on adding any more batteries to your boat?
Please answer these Q's honestly because the type of equipment you purchase will be different depending on your goals.
What are your goals with this stereo?
It is not going to be cheap, and being unhappy with your final results is very frustrating.
Are you looking for clarity and good sound? Or are you looking to be loud?
Are going to be listening to the stereo while swimming behind the boat? Want to hear the stereo while wake boarding? Are you trying to be the life of the party at the beach/cove? Or just be able to hear the tunes while under way?
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Are you looking for a ton of bass? (rap) or something with a little punch? (country or rock)
Are you looking for adding LED lights to the speakers?
Are you going to be doing the install yourself, or have a shop do it for you?
As BBP also eluded to, make sure to buy quality power + ground, RCA, and speaker wire along with the appropriate fuses/breakers, and power distribution blocks.
Are you planning on adding any more batteries to your boat?
Please answer these Q's honestly because the type of equipment you purchase will be different depending on your goals.
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
X100!xlint89 wrote: Fri Jan 08, 2021 11:26 pm BBP brings up a very valid point.
What are your goals with this stereo?
It is not going to be cheap, and being unhappy with your final results is very frustrating.
Are you looking for clarity and good sound? Or are you looking to be loud?
Are going to be listening to the stereo while swimming behind the boat? Want to hear the stereo while wake boarding? Are you trying to be the life of the party at the beach/cove? Or just be able to hear the tunes while under way?
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Are you looking for a ton of bass? (rap) or something with a little punch? (country or rock)
Are you looking for adding LED lights to the speakers?
Are you going to be doing the install yourself, or have a shop do it for you?
As BBP also eluded to, make sure to buy quality power + ground, RCA, and speaker wire along with the appropriate fuses/breakers, and power distribution blocks.
Are you planning on adding any more batteries to your boat?
Please answer these Q's honestly because the type of equipment you purchase will be different depending on your goals.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Looking for clarity and good sound?
Going to be listening to the stereo while swimming behind the boat and just to be able to hear the tunes while under way?
Listen to country or rock
Install myself with the help of a knowledgeable wiring guy
I do not plan on adding more batteries.
Will need to do in stages, running all stock equipment at the present time. Would love to start with tower speakers and amp on stage one if possible.
Looking for help from those that have done it and know WAY more than I do. Thanks
Cruiser
Going to be listening to the stereo while swimming behind the boat and just to be able to hear the tunes while under way?
Listen to country or rock
Install myself with the help of a knowledgeable wiring guy
I do not plan on adding more batteries.
Will need to do in stages, running all stock equipment at the present time. Would love to start with tower speakers and amp on stage one if possible.
Looking for help from those that have done it and know WAY more than I do. Thanks
Cruiser
2004 262 w/8.1 GXi
- Big Block Power
- Fleet Admiral

- Posts: 17930
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2016 8:05 pm
- Location: Neenah,Wi
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
Go with jl 7.7 or larger if you want or rev8 or 10
I have 300 w each going to mine in stereo not mono.
[youtube][/youtube]
I have 300 w each going to mine in stereo not mono.
[youtube][/youtube]
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
-
Mbrockman5
- Lieutenant

- Posts: 38
- Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2020 3:27 pm
- Location: Yuba City, CA
- Contact:
Re: JL stereo upgrade
If you’re just looking for clarity and good sound, one 12 inch subwoofer will be more than plenty. Anything more and you run the risk of far too much bass that can potentially overpower your overall goal of clarity.
Unless you’re listening to rap/hip hop, you don’t want/need more than one. The best sounding system I put in a boat was in a Malibu wake boat and we installed a single 12”JL W6 with a 600 watt Amp and multiple speakers ranging from 6.5” to 6x9’s from bow to stern and on the tower. It provided a perfect balance of high’s, mid’s, and bass to where everything from a symbol to bass guitar was crystal clear.
I only say this because I’d hate to see someone spend an arm and a leg on something that might not turn out how they were expecting and end up disappointed. There’s nothing worse than not enjoying stereo when it’s needed most. Does that make sense?
Unless you’re listening to rap/hip hop, you don’t want/need more than one. The best sounding system I put in a boat was in a Malibu wake boat and we installed a single 12”JL W6 with a 600 watt Amp and multiple speakers ranging from 6.5” to 6x9’s from bow to stern and on the tower. It provided a perfect balance of high’s, mid’s, and bass to where everything from a symbol to bass guitar was crystal clear.
I only say this because I’d hate to see someone spend an arm and a leg on something that might not turn out how they were expecting and end up disappointed. There’s nothing worse than not enjoying stereo when it’s needed most. Does that make sense?
-Mike
1997 Cobalt 200.
(5.7L Merc.)
1997 Cobalt 200.
(5.7L Merc.)
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 32 guests

