CMD4 configuration question

[Atalla]

Hey folks - For those of you who have/had a CMD4 in your Searay, before I start pulling things apart, I am wondering if you can let me know what the likely setup is. My 38 has 6 speakers on a 4-channel head unit, so I'm wondering what I should expect is behind the panels. I'm thinking of replacing the speakers first. I just don't want to put speakers that are under powered by the amp. 53x4 is plenty for my needs but clearly that power is being split up to two additional speakers. Anybody know what the factory wiring was? Which speakers are getting the split signal?

Thanks.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

The CMD4's internal amp is rated at 17W rms x 4 @ 4 ohm. Thats pretty typically with a unit of that generation. With that said, id bet there is an external amp in there some where. There is no good way to power 4 speakers off 2 chnls. Theres a safe way, but no good way, but its been done. This would net >4W rms to those 4 speakers.

Either way, I would not base my speaker decision based on their wattage rating. A speaker with a 50W rms rating is not going to do better on a head unit then a speaker with a 100W rms rating. I would choose my speaker based on build quality and sound quality.

 

[Atalla]

Sorry. I was mis-reading the maximum output vs RMS. The operations manual actually lists 19W x 4 @ 4 ohm. But your point is made. Thanks.

Somewhere in my boat, two of those channels are split since there are 6 speakers. Based on performance, I expect the ceiling speakers in the salon, the one in the stateroom and the one next to the helm seat are all four splitting two of the channels and then the two mounted to the spoiler up top are on their own channels.

 

[Belleview3]

My '04 280DA has the typical Clarion setup. My 2 cabin speakers are deck powered on the front channel. The 4 cockpit speakers are on the deck's rear channel going through the 4 channel amp located behind the mirrors in the mid-birth. I bet you have the same or similar setup. If you have the original owner's manual, the information should be there. If you don't have the manual, the owners section of the SR website should have your manual.

 

[Atalla]

My '04 280DA has the typical Clarion setup. My 2 cabin speakers are deck powered on the front channel. The 4 cockpit speakers are on the deck's rear channel going through the 4 channel amp located behind the mirrors in the mid-birth. I bet you have the same or similar setup. If you have the original owner's manual, the information should be there. If you don't have the manual, the owners section of the SR website should have your manual.

Thanks. I'll dig out the manual and see if I can figure it out. Much appreciated.

 

[Cocktail Time]

Thanks. I'll dig out the manual and see if I can figure it out. Much appreciated.

I would bet that on a 38 Sundancer you have an amp for your cockpit speakers and the cabin speakers (4) are run off the head unit. There should be two in the v berth and two in the cabin on the head unit and four to six in the cockpit with a sub...

 

[Atalla]

I would bet that on a 38 Sundancer you have an amp for your cockpit speakers and the cabin speakers (4) are run off the head unit. There should be two in the v berth and two in the cabin on the head unit and four to six in the cockpit with a sub...

Thanks. I have to dig around to see if there is a sub hidden somewhere. 4 speakers in the cockpit, yes. 2 in the v berth and then two in the ceiling in the cabin. I'll open everything up and find the amp and see if there is a sub connected. I have been focused on mechanical and gelcoat so far, have just started digging into electrical. Thanks for all the suggestions.