Cobaltchat.com

Hi, I'm new to the chat forum. I want to upgrade the sound system on a 2000 293. What's the size of the speaker and how many of them are there? Has anyone had a good experience from a particular brand/model? Thanks so much!

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Hey eyeadvise (optometrist??).

Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

What price range and what’s your goal with the sound you’ll be playing?

Normally the 293 has four speakers in the cockpit and two in the bow/cuddy. Six total.

If you go bigger on your speakers inside the boat, make sure you have clearance around and behind. Usually Cobalt uses 6.5” Sony Xplod speakers in that model year. If you have room for 7.7 or 8” then that would help

Do you have a tower for outside speakers to attach?

We are a JL Audio fan for in-boat tunes—especially their 7.7’s M series speakers. JL M8800/8v2 amp will rock those quite well. (see pic below).

We are a Wet Sounds fan for projecting tunes outside the boat (horn tweeters). Rev 10 tower speakers coupled with a 4 channel Wet Sounds Sinister SDX-4 amp will rock the (house/boat).

We like the Rockford Fosgate Head units and remotes with separate zone control as well as dedicated subwoofer volume buttons.

The below pic would be at the upper end of your cost spectrum.
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Do you have the standard Cobalt subwoofer? Again those three manufacturers mentioned above do some great subs. Alpine Audio has also won some marine subwoofer application accolades.


Others will chime in shortly.
Any pics??

Again welcome aboard mate!

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Thanks so much for all the info. I've heard really good things about JL Audio and Alpine as well. Planning on doing some work on the engines and sound system next weekend!

eyeadvise wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 5:07 pm Thanks so much for all the info. I've heard really good things about JL Audio and Alpine as well. Planning on doing some work on the engines and sound system next weekend!

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Great to hear EA. Post some pics before you purchase if you want additional help. Sometimes with the additional speakers installed in certain models, Cobalt has done some interesting wiring to make things work. Don't want you going down any rabbit holes or purchasing something that won't work for your 293.

We are here to help. There are quite a few folks on here who have done audio upgrades to their water wagons with a wealth of experience.

BTW, if you just want to do a basic head unit upgrade for blue tooth, the Sony MX120BT is a good replacement for the Sony head unit that may be in your 293. It communicates well with the various remotes (if you have any) installed around your boat. It also has good functionality and cool looks.

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eyeadvise wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 5:07 pm Thanks so much for all the info. I've heard really good things about JL Audio and Alpine as well. Planning on doing some work on the engines and sound system next weekend!

Welcome. But sure where on here you heard Alpine. Man when I was in HD a 100 years ago they were the bomb. JL and Wet Sounds on here and in boats now are the bomb.

Big Block Power wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 7:29 pm

eyeadvise wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 5:07 pm Thanks so much for all the info. I've heard really good things about JL Audio and Alpine as well. Planning on doing some work on the engines and sound system next weekend!

Welcome. But sure where on here you heard Alpine. Man when I was in HD a 100 years ago they were the bomb. JL and Wet Sounds on here and in boats now are the bomb.

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Alpine is a sleeper subwoofer surprise.....(also known as a triple S threat).

Click here.

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AsLan7 wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 7:37 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 7:29 pm

eyeadvise wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 5:07 pm Thanks so much for all the info. I've heard really good things about JL Audio and Alpine as well. Planning on doing some work on the engines and sound system next weekend!

Welcome. But sure where on here you heard Alpine. Man when I was in HD a 100 years ago they were the bomb. JL and Wet Sounds on here and in boats now are the bomb.

.
Alpine is a sleeper subwoofer surprise.....(also known as a triple S threat).

Click here.

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Yea I read lots of those west's the best speaker reads. It's like watching Fox News or CNN.

Big Block Power wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 8:33 pm

AsLan7 wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 7:37 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Fri May 08, 2020 7:29 pm

Welcome. But sure where on here you heard Alpine. Man when I was in HD a 100 years ago they were the bomb. JL and Wet Sounds on here and in boats now are the bomb.

.
Alpine is a sleeper subwoofer surprise.....(also known as a triple S threat).

Click here.

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Yea I read lots of those west's the best speaker reads. It's like watching Fox News or CNN.

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So true. There isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t have an agenda. You’ve got to wade thru the swamp to get to the truth at times. That being said Alpine marine subs are a solid product. They were a reader’s choice in Powerboat mags best audio systems a few years back. I don’t think they can match the quality of JL A but for the price they are a nice alternative option for some....especially with their power handling ability. A sleeper Subwoofer that will certainly come alive if pushed. And we all push




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Years ago I did a system upgrade on my 1999 293. Replaced the 4 cockpit 6.5's with Morel's powered by an Alpine class D digital amp. Speakers holes had to be enlarged slightly. Replaced the original Sony head unit with a Kenwood bluetooth and helm remote. Ran the two cabin speakers off the head unit. Re-used the original Kicker powered sub that was mounted below the cockpit. System sounded great!

Check the access opening under the steps to the cabin to see if you have the powered sub already.

Link to Morel speakers. Great units at a economical price. I painted the grilles white to match the interior.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210MAXIM6 ... oax-6.html