If you own a boat, then you already know a day spent on the water is a good day. Since 1993, Sweet Sounds has been providing people who go to Lake Washington, Madison Lake and the Jefferson chain of lakes with great-sounding, reliable boat stereo systems. Clients will often come to us looking for ideas for upgrading the stereo systems in their boats, so here are our:
Tips On Upgrading Your Boat Stereo System
1. Choose A Professional
For starters, you want to plan ahead and consult a marine audio professional. As more and more people find out how enjoyable a great-sounding marine audio system is to own, more companies are selling these products. Unfortunately, someone skilled in outboard maintenance or hull repair is not your best choice for an audio upgrade. You want someone who specializes in marine audio, like Sweet Sounds in Mankato, Minnesota.
Once you seek out a marine audio professional, you may find that the audio upgrade has to be done in stages to fit your budget. Proper planning on the front end will ensure that all of your products will work in perfect harmony as you add to the system.
2. Speakers Are A Critical Component
The single most important part of your marine audio system is the speakers, so you never want to skimp on this category. It is well acknowledged in the audio community that speakers are the single biggest improvement to sound quality in your system. When it comes to a marine audio system, better speakers typically last longer, so you get an added bonus.
Sweet Sounds suggests taking the time to listen to speakers ahead of time. Never buy your speakers out of a catalog, online, or at a warehouse club, since you don’t get the opportunity to hear them in advance. We have a wide selection of marine speakers on display for you to audition so you can get a good idea of how your boat will sound when our installation is completed. If you are in the market for a serious audio upgrade, our owner can even get you a demo on the water!
Many times, you will add additional speakers to give your boat more even sound throughout, along with improved output potential.
3. Adding Subwoofers And Amplifiers Make A Big Difference
When you are on your way to your favorite spot or are looking to have your boat be the life of the party, you need power, and you need a subwoofer. Adding amplifiers to the system allows you to play your music at higher volume without straining the equipment, so it sounds better and lasts longer. Subwoofers are the missing element in many boats but once installed, they will give you the low-end bass that makes your music come alive.
4. Marine Connectivity
If you are like most people, you get lots of your music from your smartphone. Sweet Sounds can add Bluetooth, an aux input or SiriusXM, or change the radio as needed to allow you to easily play all your music in your boat.
5. Power To Play All Day
If you want to play your stereo system for an extended time with the engine off, you’ll need extra batteries that are separate from your engine battery. This way, you won’t have to deal with a dead battery leaving you stranded.
6. Reliable Installation Supplies
You want to choose a shop that uses marine-grade installation materials. Many companies will use regular-grade install supplies to save money, but those items won’t last in the marine environment. Sweet Sounds uses marine-grade upholstery products, stainless fasteners and adhesive-lined heat shrink for the ultimate in reliability.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
When you are ready to upgrade the audio system in your boat, we invite you to contact us HERE at Sweet Sounds. Our team will schedule an audio consultation with you to look over your boat with you. We will listen as you tell us your goals for the upgrades while we offer suggestions learned from years of experience. When our consultation is finished, we will work up a solution tailored to your individual needs.
Kendall Everett says
I loved your tip to have an extra battery if you plan to play music while the boat is off. If getting a new sound system, asking the installers what they would recommend for a new battery would be helpful. It makes sense to try to get something that will not leave you stranded but will still keep you entertained.