Bill Almond

New Member
Sep 11, 2018
8
Boat Info
2005, Sundancer 300
Engines
Twin Mercruiser 5.0 MPI, 260HP Bravo 3 outdrives
Hi, I have a 2005 300DA. Looking to upgrade stereo, amp, speakers, and potentially add a sub. Does anyone know where the current amp(s) are in this boat? I have looked but not too hard. I have a Clarion deck now and helm mount as well.

Also, looking for recommendation on setup. I do not want to break the bank, but looking for options.

Thanks in advance!
 
I just replaced my system that had the original Clarion head CD Changer, 4 channel amp for the cockpit and a separate 2 chanel amp for the salon/Vberth.

I installed a Fusion MS-AV755 head (4 zones) unit from Ebay and connected that up to a JL Audio M600/6 that was on sale at West marine last month. All in about $900. I think any head unit will be fine and Fusion is popular, but I have to say the JL Audio M600/6 is awsome.

The higher end fusions have an internal amp on Zones 1&2 and I used those zones/internal amp to power the V-Berth and salon as they don't need much volume. I used Zone 3 line out to the JL Audio Channels 1&2 then powered the cockpit and arch speakers (using existing factory wire). I ran the Zone 3 Sub output to the JL Audio Channels 5&6 and bridged those to the sub.

This leaves me with an unused zone and amp channels that I'm either going to split the cockpit/arch speaker onto their own zone, or add 2 more speakers. If your not going to add/modify speakers, use the JL Audio M400/4 4 channel for $100 less.

Current setup

Stereo.PNG
 
David, if you aren't doing anything with the clarion four channel. let me know. Nice setup btw. I am going back and forth on the JL600/6 or the Rockford Fosgate 600/5.
 
David, if you aren't doing anything with the clarion four channel. let me know. Nice setup btw. I am going back and forth on the JL600/6 or the Rockford Fosgate 600/5.

The Clarion 4 channel was the source of the noise I had been chasing for the last year...I think the capacitors were dying and leaking an AC signal back through the RCA cables. I trashed it (happily!!), sorry. The M600/6 would allow the same number of amped channels as the original config, but using the 2 zone amps onboard the Fusion gives me a little more flexability and expansion room.

After asking around, I think there's no doubt the JL Audio 600/6 is the best way to go. Small footprint, YYYUUUGGGE sound!!

My only issue is the current wiring wasn't long enough to reach the connections, so I had to move it a foot or two out towards the hull of the boat (still behind the curved settee). I'm debating the best way to permanently attach it. I'm thinking off using some 3M 5200 to attach a couple 2" square ribs vertically to the boat hull and then screw a new mounting board to those ribs. Dont want to screw this strait to the hull!!!
 
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Of course I could just rewire the whole thing....
 
I have the 800/8 on my 310. 1 sub wasn’t enough to suit me. So, 4 channels are used for 2 subs. 4 channels for speakers.
 
Let me ask a question here, where are your stereo's and amp wired for power? Are they wired to the house battery bank, or the starting battery bank? On my 330 they are wired to the starting batteries and tend to run them down. I'm thinking of changing them to the house side. Any ideas?
 
When upgrading amplifier power, its highly advised to calculate the cable gauge and upgrade it if needed. I see way too many boat builders use under sized cable gauge and others using the bare minimum for the OEM amp(s).

A 6 chnl amp, like the Jl M600/6 or others, should be running 4 ga at least.
 
its under the forward berth (lift the cushion) in the starboard compatment
Thanks! Found it. Is there only that one Amp? It is there one for the speakers up top in the arches etc?
 
thats the only amp - its for the cockpit speakers - IIRC The cabin speakers are powered by the head unit - the speaker wires are numbered at each end, so easy to trace where they go
 
thats the only amp - its for the cockpit speakers - IIRC The cabin speakers are powered by the head unit - the speaker wires are numbered at each end, so easy to trace where they go
Thanks! Very helpful!
 

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