Panasonic to JL Audio Speakers Advise

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

I'm looking for some input from those who have replaced their stock Panasonic 6 1/2" speakers with JL Audio 6 1/2" speakers.

I did the search and found that First Born performed this mod but needed to install an adapter as the stock hole is 5 1/2" and the JLs need a 5-5 1/4" hole. Was this an easy mod Wesley and can you expand on what is needed?

I have a 2005 300DA and installed JL Audio M4300 and M1400M amps last season along with a JL 10" sub. So far so good. I suppose I could go with the 7.7s and enlarge the hole but my first choice would be to install the 6.5s. Especially in the arch.

Any input would be appreciated but I would like to stay with the upper tier marine speaker companies. Never been a fan of Polk or Bose, no offense to those who are.

 

[First Born]

You are correct, but I did not complete the mod I let the shop do the work. That said all they did was put the plate on it to make it look stock. Had we known that going in I would have probably gone with 7's on the back and 6's in the front....but live and learn. Wish I could be more help.

 

[cpchillin]

Wherever the 7.7"s can fit put them. Generally speaking I'm not a big JL Audio fan but those 7.7"s sound great. It's not a big deal to cut the holes bigger in most cases.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Thanks Wesley. If I have to do a mod anyway the 7's may be the may to go. I will check to see if my M4300 will push four of the 7's.

 

[KayKook]

Any input would be appreciated but I would like to stay with the upper tier marine speaker companies. Never been a fan of Polk or Bose, no offense to those who are.

I would suggest you look at Focal. They are a step above JL Audio without a doubt. Truly "high end". You may need adapters, or extra cutting if you go with their K2-165KRC 6.5's. 5-3/4" hole.
They make adapter rings for these as well for shallow depth installations.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...oogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=froogle

These are the best sounding speakers I have ever heard in a car or a boat. A friend at our marina had a complete Focal system installed on his Carver. He has a total of 12 of these plus Focal Subs and Amps. The sound is the cleanest you can get, by far. Not cheap by any means, but if you want high end, there is no comparison to Focal.

 

[cpchillin]

I didn't even realize that Focal made marine speakers!! I've used their Utopia line in my cars before. If you are even a little bit of an audiophile then you should take a listen to them. Hmm now I gotta find out if any high end amp company makes a marine amp.

 

[KayKook]

Hmm now I gotta find out if any high end amp company makes a marine amp.

The Focal amps are tough enough to handle the marine environment. The carver I mentioned above has 5 of them installed to power the total system. Same high end quality as their speakers.
http://www.focal-america.com/

A Sea Ray Focal speaker install.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

I have heard the Focals in a car system, liked them. Do they make marine grade speakers? I couldn't find them anywhere. I need a speaker that can get douched and come out cranking. I live in the Pacific NW and we get a little wet here on occasion. If I had a motor yacht, trawler or maybe a full hardtop this would not be a real concern.

 

[Crazy35111]

Never heard Focals, but we just placed the JL 7.7s in my boat a few weeks ago and they sound great...Opted for the 7.7 because the 6.5s wouldnt fit into the holes without adapting them...I am VERY happy with them..They sound great and can really crank out some loud tunes with very very little distortion. We put 4 7.7s the JL 10 sub, Alpine F600 amp and Alpine M500 amp to power them.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Thanks all.......looks like the 7.7s are probably the way to go. No mod required after the hole is enlarged and great sound. Just a couple more boat bucks. The mounting depth will be a little tight in the arch but I should have 1/4" to spare.