Mastercraft purchase advice - audio

[walkedl]

Hi everyone,

Well, after being part of the Malibu family for many, many years, I am ready to upgrade my boat. After visitnig the boat show a few weeks ago and talking to some folks, I've really gotten excited about the '05 Mastercrafts - specifically the X9 (family is both skiers and boarders). What can I say - I can't afford 2 boats! Anyway, I've been working with my local dealer here in Portland and am just about ready to pull the $50k trigger, but I've got some questions about the new JL Audio sound system that MC in installing from the factory. The dealer tells me it's awesome - includes the JL sub, amp and a couple of tower speakers (with built in lights). They look great, but I wasn't all that impressed with the sound. (I like it crisp, clean and loud). Anyone else have experience with the new system they are putting in and/or advice? Should I order without the sub/tower speakers and do my own?

Thanks!

[rodltg2]

save yourself money, add a better stereo later and if your are financing you wont pay interest on the stereo.

[André]

Welcome to the board!
If you're really into audio and looking for a certain sound, i doubt that any "stock" system will please you...
Better put in exactly what you want from the start!
What's a couples of K more...

[JimN]

You were in a big building or outside? There will be a difference in the sound if you weren't outside, like you will be when you use the boat. It could be that it doesn't sound good to you because it needs to be dialed in, too.

[walkedl]

Thanks for the quick reply's. All valid points. I listened to it in the showroom - sounded ok. Heard it on the water - the dealer cranked it up and thats where it fell on it's face. Could have been what he was playing as well as the system not being dialed in.

I have a kick-butt system in my Malibu now, I guess I'll be pulling that out since I'll be trading it in. The one thing I did like from the factory unit was the remote controller to the deck installed in the glove box. I might just keep the head unit and upgrade the rest.

Thanks for your insights. I love this board!

[JimN]

The first thing I would do is see if you can get the system to sound the way you want. Define what didn't sound right and see if there is anything you can do with it to make it sound better without changing equipment. You would be amazed by the sound of rather cheap equipment if it's dialed in. Setting levels correctly means everything in a system like this one. If the amp's input sensitivity is too high, it's gonna sound like crap pretty early. If it's too low, it won't sound bad, but it won't develop the output level it should. If there are two or more amps, each needs the sensitivity set correctly first, then balanced so one doesn't drown out the other.