Ask any boat owner who appreciates good audio and they’ll tell you: the difference between a good marine-grade sound system and a great one is as wide as the ocean is deep. That’s because a great system isn’t measured exclusively by durability or audio quality.
A great system strikes a proper balance between reliability and premium performance without compromising on aesthetics and affordability. Fortunately, there’s a solid selection of high quality marine-grade audio systems available that check all those boxes – and what a boon it is to boat owners to discover that they don’t need big-buck brands to deliver big-time sound.
Marine Sound Systems That Don’t Compromise on Cost or Quality
Let’s be honest: no matter if it’s a leisurely 10m coastal cruiser or an adrenaline-boosting PWC, when it comes to marine audio equipment, the dazzling sunlight and cooling sea breezes can make strikingly short order of a substandard stereo system. UV rays, salt water and persistent exposure to moisture are unavoidable, which is why only the toughest and best all round boat audio equipment should ever be settled upon.
Compact size, high fidelity audio and severe weather survivability are all attributes that boat and watercraft owners look for in their sound systems. Cost efficiency also has to be considered though and owners who take the time to shop for best-in-class stereos and speakers online are rarely disappointed by what they find.
Starting with their ability to withstand even the roughest marine weather, premium quality marine audio systems are engineered around an array of rugged attributes that include:
- Superior corrosion resistance. High quality marine equipment makes extensive use of corrosion-proof materials like stainless steel, aluminium and a wide selection of wear-resistant rubbers and plastics to protect against the effects of nonstop exposure to salty sea spray and fog.
- Robust, waterproof construction. Together with their use of corrosion-resistant materials, robust marine sound systems are built to endure environments where the stresses of engine vibrations and rough water impacts are commonplace.
- Exceptional UV resistance. Marine sound equipment is designed to resist the cracking, brittleness and natural material degradation that can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to UV rays, rapid and dramatic temperature changes and brutally high humidity.
The fact is, it doesn’t matter if a boat or watercraft only gets trailered out during the summer for holiday excursions, or is in wet storage all year for spontaneous weekend excursions, there’s no room to compromise on stereo system reliability. That means if the system’s most critical components aren’t built for long periods in harsh environments, they probably won’t last more than a season on the water.
Boaters don’t, however, need to toss performance or affordability overboard to get a system that’s made to last. And starting with a powerful, fully-featured marine head unit, it’s possible to mount a cutting-edge, high fidelity audio system onto any watercraft without breaking the budget.
Head Unit Features and Functionality for Maximum Audio Compatibility
While there’s no shortage of standout brands that are known for their marine-quality head units and entertainment systems, the prices that many of them command are anything but entertaining. It’s understandable, therefore, that head units from brands like Fusion, Garmin and GME have stepped up to fill a space where the parity between price and performance are taking preference over popularity.
Whether it’s a standard dashboard install, a fresh console refit, or a custom panel upgrade, innovative engineering allows this latest generation of sleek IPX6- and IPX7-rated audio systems to deliver the best in onboard entertainment. And with clean power output levels designed specifically for high-resolution marine sound, these radios offer a wealth of audio features for all budgets, including:
- Standard AM/FM radio tuning, with optional DAB+ and SiriusXM broadcast compatibility;
- USB and AUX porting, with WiFi streaming and MTP Bluetooth® connectivity for Android™ devices;
- Compatibility with all Apple® iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, 6 Plus, and iPod Touch 5th generation devices;
- Fast digital signal processing, and built-in amplification for optimal audio quality in any environment; and,
- NMEA 2000 plug and play functionality allowing connection with marine sensors and display units.
And with Fusion’s Fusion-Link™ and Fusion-Link Lite™ apps, Fusion and Garmin radios and equipment take inter-device connectivity even further. They allow head unit volume, source and audio track selection, audio zone provisioning and any other NMEA 2000 interconnected devices to all be controlled from a single multi-functional device. It’s the backbone for a fully integrated marine electronic and entertainment system that can be managed either from onboard or while ashore.
Marine Speakers That Set the Mood For Onboard Entertaining
If an audiophile-quality head unit is the backbone of a top notch marine sound system, the speakers used with it are the undisputed muscle. Under ordinary conditions, everything from the sound of the wind and water slapping the hull, to engine and exhaust noise can be expected to distort and interfere with sound quality.
Add in the impedance that can be caused by corroded wiring, moisture intrusion and UV degraded cones and rubber surrounds, and it’s easy to understand why marine speakers are designed to leave their automotive counterparts in their wake.
Together with Fusion and GME, pioneering brands like Deck Tech, Debeisi and Standard Horizon are setting new standards for marine speaker performance in the harshest conditions. And with a wide range of both surface- and flush-mounting units to choose from, these premium-grade speakers are available with a wealth of options that include:
- Multiple pairing configurations with output ratings from 60W – 200W;
- Sizes ranging from 2.5“ for surface mounted boxes, to 6.5“ for classic flush mounted units;
- Water and dust intrusion ratings ranging from IP54 – IP65;
- ASTM compliance against both salt spray and UV exposure; and,
- 4 ohm nominal impedance maximum sound and reduced resistance.
Ideally, with their state of the art circuitry and marine-specific design elements, these speakers offer a clarity and crispness that’s as suitable for mounting in gunwales and seat bottoms, as in consoles and cabins. Top of the line flush mounted speakers can even include low-draw LED lighting. That makes them the perfect complement to any onboard entertainment system that’s as responsible for setting the mood as it would be for making music.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, it’s no secret why marine sound systems are generally available at high prices than other mobile systems. With exception, they’re expected to withstand some of the toughest conditions found anywhere. It takes a truly great audio system, however, to strike the proper balance between price and reliability.
Boat owners don’t have to be afraid to go online to shop for the best all round audio equipment and components. They’ll instantly recognise the quality and performance that’s available – all at prices that they’re guaranteed to appreciate.
