Speaker Upgrade

[Severum88]

I just thought I would share a cheap upgrade I performed to the stock Fusion 700i on our C26. The stock fusion speakers just plain suck and are not a great match for such a small amplifier in the 700. I sought out much more efficient speakers all around. In the cockpit, I simply upgraded the 4" fusion speakers with the marine 4" Kicker speakers, efficiency of 89 db and 2ohm, which the fusion amp is rated to handle within specs. For the pilothouse, I purchased a set of four Polk Audio TL1 Satellite speakers. These are also rated at 89 db efficiency, yet at 8ohms. So I wired the four pilothouse speakers to the second zone on the 700, which nets the 700 seeing 4ohms, well stated within it's specs. So two Polk speakers where the old fusion pilothouse speakers were mounted, and I added two more in the forward berth, all sharing zone 2.

Kicker Cockpit Speakers:

https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-Coaxial-S ... 302&sr=8-1

Polk Audio:

I bought some second hand on craigslist. 4 for $80. These speakers have been around a while so they are out there on the used market. If you want new:

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TL-Sa ... 720&sr=8-3


If you are picky about sound quality, the upgrade was dramatic. Hope this helps someone, as I have already received a plethora of help and advice from others.

Severum

 

[Cutwater28GG]

interesting. you notice the difference in the cockpit?

for the internal wiring.
all on zone 2. wired in parallel then? does this half the ohms or double it? (my physics is bad!)

 

[iggy]

interesting. you notice the difference in the cockpit?

for the internal wiring.
all on zone 2. wired in parallel then? does this half the ohms or double it? (my physics is bad!)

If you put them in parallel and both sets are 8 ohms. Than the Amp will see 4ohms. If you put them is series, than its 16ohms.

 

[iggy]

interesting. you notice the difference in the cockpit?

for the internal wiring.
all on zone 2. wired in parallel then? does this half the ohms or double it? (my physics is bad!)

If you put them in parallel and both sets are 8 ohms. Than the Amp will see 4ohms. If you put them in series, than its 16ohms.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Did you have to change out the mounts for the Polk Audio Blackstones?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[Severum88]

Wire your pair in parallel so the fusion can easily drive them at 4 ohms net.

I did not use the brackets for the Fusion speakers. I simply removed the brackets, and yes the brackets were installed before the wood was stained. "Who does it?" I simply used some stainless button head wood screws to attach each speaker. Get it nice and snug so the speaker doesn't shift. I may consider threaded brackets in the future but don't like the way they make the speaker stick out so far. If you place them in the same location, you cover any previous holes. I will try and get some pics this weekend to share further.

As an alternate good match of speakers, the Klipsch satellite speakers found in their $350 Home Theater reference pack at Costco.com would rock even more.

Yes, also you can definitely tell a difference in the cockpit. Hands down no brainer upgrade if you appreciate music.

Severum

 

[Cutwater28GG]

love it. my assumption the c26 has the same speaker size cutouts as my 28. so a super easy upgrade in the cockpit.

 

[Severum88]

Gavin: pretty sure you are correct....should be the same size. Throw a simple tape on it and see if you measure close to 4" on the stock fusion. If you do, then those Kicker's will fit with absolutely no mods.

Severum

 

[iggy]

Fusion makes a great head unit. Their speakers in all honesty are not that bad. BUT, you will find better ones out there.

Like Kicker or even better Rockford Fosgate.

 

[Bruce Moore]

I will try and get some pics this weekend to share further.

Severum

Getting a User Photo Album is easy but it requires submitting a request from within the site structure.

1. Sign on to the site.

2. Select the User Control Panel link from the upper left corner of any page. Note: On the home page, this link is in your user menu in the upper right.

3. Click the Usergroups tab, then select the radio button next to the User Albums group.
Scroll down, choose "Join selected" in the drop-down menu, and click the Submit button.

Once you do this, an email is automatically sent to the administrator (me). That message will trigger my ability to approve your request, and you'll receive an email indicating your membership in the UserAlbums group has been activated.

I'll watch for the message, and look forward to seeing your pictures.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Automaticman865]

Hi,
Kinda went the opposite way in my CW28. Made the compromise to install the Dual Electronics TBX10A powered subwoofer. Placed it just inches from the tv on the top shelf. Screwed it in with some angle irons. This is a self powered sub, so it can turn on and off as it follows the radio. The third channel was unused on the radio so it gave me control of the sub by adjusting the channel volume. Also added a bluetooth adapter behind the radio so that I can play music from my phone. Its not quite the same as what you hear from a high powered car stereo shaking your house, but it sure fills in a lot of the missing sound.

Stuart