The Guide to Choosing Best Marine Stereo Systems

Be it for your summer yacht cruise or your weekend boat ride in your bowrider, having music adds a unique flavour to your adventure. It keeps you entertained and makes your time on the water more enjoyable. However, choosing a stereo system for your marine vessel is no child's play, as it requires adequate planning and budgeting to ensure you choose the best. The market is full of numerous stereo systems with different power ratings, sound qualities, and price points, making it more challenging to make a choice. This guide simplifies and explains the key things to look out for in a marine sound system before making a purchasing decision.

Key Features to look out for when choosing the best marine stereo systems

Unlike the car stereo, which is designed to function best in confined spaces, the marine stereo will compete with a lot of environmental noise, engine noise, and the wind. As such, an ideal boat sound system should be of a higher quality so it can produce better sounds. So, when shopping for a new marine stereo system for your boat, you should look out for the sound and speaker quality as well as other key features:

1. Is it water resistance and weather resistance?

This includes water resistance, UV resistance, and protection against corrosion. Water resistance is essential in marine stereo systems because they will be exposed to water most of the time. Water resistance levels vary; some manufacturers offer only splash resistance, while others offer complete water resistance. Stereos with complete water resistance can overcome a higher stress level than those with only splash resistance. UV resistance is also essential when choosing a stereo system because it will be left in the sunlight for long periods. Stereo systems that are not UV resistant will easily give way, making them fail the durability test. The stereo systems also need to be protected against corrosion, especially if you use them around salt water. Protection against corrosion would ensure that the electronics are intact and are not at risk of a fire or short-circuiting. Your local marine supply store will be able to verify the level of protection required for your needs. Boat

2. Consider the size of your dashboard

It is important you take the size of your dashboard into cognizance before making a decision. The Germans introduced the unified stereo size and called it Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN). DIN measures 2 inches in height and 7 inches in width. Your stereo choice will either be single-DIN (2 X 7 inches) or double DIN (4 X 7 inches). Replacing the marine head unit of your boat sound system with a different size will require some cutting and refabricating of the dashboard. To avoid this, choose a size that is appropriate for your dashboard. In the UK, single DIN is the standard and most prevalent size.

3. What are your connectivity preferences?

The degree of connectivity you need with your stereo system will determine what options to go for in the market. Modern stereos are more capable than those dedicated to AM and FM radio channels in the past. Some have USB, Bluetooth, and AUX ports allowing you to play sounds from your mobile phone or a USB memory stick. Others come fitted with features like SiriusXM satellite radio tuners, allowing you to stream music on Spotify far away from shore. Your preferences, in terms of connectivity, should inform your decision.

4. Security features

Security also plays a huge role in the sound system you decide to choose. After making a great decision on your stereo system, you don't want it to get stolen. Some stereo sets come with a detachable faceplate, making it easier for safekeeping; detaching your faceplate when not on deck prevents it from being stolen at the dock.

5. Most importantly, what is your budget?

Your budget plays a huge role in choosing the best marine stereo systems for you. A marine sound system can range from under £ 100 to hundreds of pounds. Whatever your budget is, with a bit of searching, you can get a good sound system for your boat.

Components of a boat sound system

The sound system in a boat comes in parts and components. These components make for a great sound system that occupants can hear from all around the boat. The main components of a marine audio system include:

Audio source unit

The marine audio source unit is the bridge between human interaction and interaction with the other components. The source unit should have an interactive interface and be easy to control. It is the interface by which you control other components.

Power amplifier

Power amplifiers make enough power available and send it to the woofers and speakers. Adequate power from the amplifier makes the woofers and speakers sound their best. The amplifiers should be made of tough materials to ensure longevity while producing the most power. Kicker marine AMP is a great example and is made of high-end resistant materials. It creates a lot of power, allowing you to enjoy the best sound experience on your boat.

Subwoofers

Subwoofers are an addition to the marine head unit that provides higher bass frequencies and balances the system. Marine subwoofers are engineered to give the bass supplement in open spaces, unlike those present in cars that require an enclosed space. Kicker marine has two sizes, 10 and 12 inches which can fit easily into your boat.

Speakers

The speakers are placed strategically around the boat to provide a surround sound quality. The manufacturers should make the speakers with high-grade materials to ensure it is resistant to marine conditions. They vary in size and power, depending on your budget. Kicker marine speakers are some of the top-rated speakers available in the market, and they come in three sizes 4, 6.5, and 8 inches.

Cables

The components of the stereo system are placed strategically in different locations across the boat and are connected via cables. Like other components of the stereo system, these cables must be resistant to the elements to ensure they last for long.

The Best Stereo Systems for Your Marine Vessel

Choosing the best stereo systems for marine vehicles is relative, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best sound systems for you depend on your taste, size, security features, water and weather protection preferences, connectivity preferences, and power options. Many marine stereo systems in the market might be a good fit for your boat, but what makes one the best is if it meets most of your requirements like price point, power rating, and connectivity options. Also, because of the peculiarity of where they would be used, marine electronics like stereo systems are expected to withstand the adverse weather conditions they would likely face at the marina and out in the open water. They should be able to give you good sound quality and should have batteries that last for long periods.