Using the Best Marine Speaker is a very popular choice for anyone who owns a boater and wants to enhance his experience while on the water. Marine speakers are designed with waterproof and vibration-resistant materials to protect them from getting wet or damaged, and these speakers can be used in a variety of environments.
When choosing a marine speaker to purchase, there are many factors that you should consider first. The size of your boat is one, as not all speakers come with hardware to mount them. The sound quality is another factor that should not be compromised. Some speakers are wireless and operate with batteries. Other speakers use a full-range audible solution and the best speaker wires to ensure the optimum sound possible.
I have put a lot of time (over 30 hours) into researching speakers that are built to operate within the salty environment at sea. My aim was to find speakers that resist corrosion in a highly humid and salty environment. I came up with 5 speakers that are designed for long-term use in humid environments, such as saltwater fishing, marine installations, and docks. The speaker can also be used in freshwater areas and pools.
1. Polk Audio 6.5-Inch Coax Ultra Marine Speaker
Why use the best marine speaker for your boat?
If you have a boat and want to hook up a sound system to it, you should be looking for the best marine speaker. A marine audio system is much different from a normal one in that it has to endure moisture, turbulence, saltwater, sun damage, storms, and varying temperatures.
Since any car and home audio systems are used in dry confined spaces, they do not need the extra durability that marine speakers have. Sure there is nothing stopping you from putting normal speakers on your boat.
However, if you leave them there for a long time you run the risk of damaging your speakers due to the fact that they are not waterproof, UV resistant, and rustproof.
The best marine speaker is thoroughly tested for these qualities before being put out there on the market. They are stress tested under harsh heat conditions, salt chambers, and even being submerged. However, you are not just buying marine speakers to be bulletproof. You want them to sound good as well.
Marine speakers can vary in size, type, specifications, power, and audio quality. Most also have additional features such as a speaker dock, charge station, USB, and Bluetooth. Finally, you also have to think about how much work you want to spend on installing your system. Most marine speakers will require some level of wiring and this presents some challenges. For more information,
The 5 Best Marine Speaker Reviews
- 1. Polk Audio 6.5-Inch Coax Ultra Marine Speaker (Top Pick)
- 2. Kenwood Marine Speakers
- 3. Boss Audio MRWT40 Marine 4″ 2-way 400-watt Waketower
- 4. Kicker 45KM604WL 6.5 Inch 2 Way Coaxial Marine Speaker that Light Up LED in Blue
- 5. Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual Cone Marine Speakers
1. Polk Audio AA2652-A MM651UM 6.5-Inch Coax Ultra Marine Speaker
If you want the best 6.5 marine speaker that strikes a great balance between durability and performance, you should definitely look at Polk Audio AA2652-A. We think these speakers present the ultimate value proposition.
They are completely sealed and entirely waterproof. They are decent-sounding and come at a great price. In terms of durability, these speakers have passed rigorous tests such as salt fog and UV testing.
It is pretty corrosion-free and the input terminals are specially built to prevent rust. This is a 6.5-inch coaxial speaker, which means the diameter of the woofer is 6.5 inches.
There is a built-in grille that includes a tweeter in the middle. We like the fact that you have the tweeter and woofer on one unit, which avoids the need to install a separate tweeter to cover the highs. In terms of audio quality, it is pretty good. The mids and highs are quite crisp and very clear.
The system is lacking a bit in the bass and lows, but this is understandable given the 6.5-inch woofer. If you want some serious bass to bump some beats, you will need to hook up a separate subwoofer. But for the most part, these speakers have decent power and can definitely drive a small party/ They are also great if you are just cruising around listening to music.
We are fully confident they are powerful enough for most boats. And with great durability, economical prices, and a great reputable brand name, you can’t go wrong with the Polk Audio AA2652-A Coaxial Speakers.
2. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5\” 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair (Tan)
As we all know, Kenwood is a premium name brand in the audio world. If you want the best marine speakers and looking to spend some serious money, you should consider the Kenwood KFC Marine Speakers. What is so good about these marine speakers?
The Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5\” 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair is specifically designed for marine use, and as such, was tested for longevity. It features a polypropylene woofer cone that has been UV stabilized to resist the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
The polypropylene cone also provides accurate sound reproduction and a lower risk of distortion, even at high volume levels. The tweeters are composed of coated paper and deliver clean highs with an extended frequency response for crisp sound output.
The speakers are also water-resistant which is ideal for those who plan on spending time around water or in humid conditions.
Technical specifications
- Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20,000Hz – almost all of the audible frequencies
- Impedance: 4 ohms – Nice and low impedance for best sound quality
- Woofer: Water Resistant PP Cone – That’s a must for the harsh environment they’ll be operating in
- Tweeter: 1″ Balanced Dome Tweeter
- Mounting Depth: 2-7/16
Verdict on The Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5\” 2-Way Marine Speakers
It has amazing audio quality as well as great protection and durability from inclement weather. The Kenwood KFC is packed with its proprietary full-range drivers, which have some kind of helical voice coil, that makes sounds startling realistic, and omnipresent. This produces a crazily realistic sound field and excellent audio clarity.
These are definitely premium speakers with premium sound quality. We should not have even mentioned the specifications here because they are meaningless. Just know that they sound great and you don’t have to be directly in front of the speakers to hear this.
Also, you can have a normal conversation when these speakers are cranked up. And this doesn’t mean they don’t sound loud. They can definitely drive some serious power, but the acoustics and design of the Kenwood allow the audio to be loud but not deafening.
In terms of durability and protection, it is one of the best we have tested. The speakers are covered by silicone coating, engineered to weather all of the elements, and stress tested to make sure that they last a long time. These speakers are also fully waterproof so feel free to test them out.
I love these because they come with a moisture-resistant design. You can be assured that these speakers will not be damaged when exposed to water. Whether you’re boating or fishing, these speakers will provide great sound quality and durability.
3. Boss Audio MRWT40 Marine 4″ 2-way 400-watt Waketower
If you are on a budget, the Boss Audio MRWT40 may be the best boat tower speaker for you. These speakers come in a pair and have a 4-inch woofer with a small tweeter in the middle. It has 200 watts of RMS power per pair, which is very reasonable power given the price.
The frequency response is 130 Hz all the way to 20 kHz, so it picks up low bass all the way to the highs.
The cones of the speakers are designed with polyurethane and butyl rubber, which is flexible, allows for great audio quality, and helps the speakers last through all sorts of weather conditions.
The tweeter is made of mylar which is a highly durable material and the voice coils are made from aluminum which is a great soft material that performs under stress.
These are not powered speakers, so you will need a separate amp to drive them. In terms of audio quality, we think they are acceptable but definitely not anywhere near the best we have heard.
The protection is pretty good though although we don’t really like the fact that these speakers are only water-resistant and not fully waterproof. But then again, what do you really expect from budget marine speakers?
The point is, Boss is a reputable brand name and these speakers will get the job done if you want a decent-sounding speaker but don’t want to pay too much.
Technical specifications
- Weatherproof – The MRWT40 comes with the latest weatherproofing materials for protection against harsh elements.
- Cone – Manufactured from polyurethane, the MRWT40 4-inch marine wake tower speakers provide a really resilient and durable material. Using these materials leads to greater sound with the advantage of long-lasting speakers.
- Voice Coil – The voice coils are able to withstand high temperatures. At the same time, they can maintain their strength and have reduced fatigue properties. The benefits are clear for longer playtimes with lower weights.
- Surround – The rubber used has the ability to endure substantial punishment without any sign of damage.
- Tweeter – The way the dome shape radiates sound with what we call a wider dispersion pattern than the semi-dome design is just sublime. As high-frequency sound waves are very directional, having a wider dispersion of the sound waves gives you a larger “sweet spot”
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- The frequency range of operation: 130 Hz to 20 kHz
- Dimensions: 7.1” x 5.4” x 7.1”
- Weight: 5.9 lbs.
- Warranty – BOSS Audio Systems provides a powerful 3-year platinum online dealer warranty.
Verdict on The Boss Audio MRWT40 Marine Waketower
In the market for a high-quality, affordable, and best marine tower speakers system? Boss Audio has an excellent option for you.
The Marine 4” 2-way 400-Watt Waketower consists of two separate speakers with ample power to fill your boat with clear audio. With two separate units, you can have one set up as the left channel and one as the right channel so that your sound is sharper and more dynamic than ever before.
In essence, this Waketower is the perfect option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable, and probably one of the loudest marine speakers. This product has a power handling of 400 watts but produces a unique high-fidelity sound at 73 dB. It features an injection-molded polypropylene cone woofer that can handle the audio with ease and a ceramic tweeter for crisp, clear highs. The speakers are also water-resistant and come with mounting hardware. So this is a really good package for the price tag.
4. Kicker 45KM604WL 6.5 Inch 2 Way Coaxial Marine Speaker that Light Up LED in Blue
Whether you are a fisherman, water-sport enthusiast, or just need some music on the boat, Kicker 45KM604WL 6.5 Inch 2 Way Coaxial Marine Light Up LED Boat Speakers, Pair, 4 Ohm, 150 Max Watts, Blue is the perfect option for you.
These speakers come with LED technology and a coaxial design that delivers crisp highs and deep lows. They feature high-level performance drivers to deliver clear sound at any volume.
You can also install these speakers on your boat in less than ten minutes with the included hardware. Take your favorite tunes with you anywhere!
Technical specifications
- BLUE LED LIGHT: These speakers have some of the most spectacular LED light which look fantastic when you reach the high and midrange sounds coupled with the simplest of speaker installations, providing full-range audio specifically for a marine environment
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Specialized UV treatments on the injection-molded cones avoiding rust, Santoprene surrounds, nice baskets, and very nice grilles help all models maintain top-shelf performance in marine environments
- WEATHERPROOF: These marine speakers are able to endure almost any weather condition and include splash-and-spray-resistant sealed motors, cones, and locking terminal covers
- HEAVY-DUTY: This is a definite plus with the speaker hardware being forged from rustproof stainless steel for superior strength and durability
- 150 WATTS MAX (not recommended for your ears): The speakers meet and exceed ASTM standards for UV, salt, and fog exposure which is what you need in a harsh environment
Verdict on the Kicker Marine speakers
The Kicker 45KM604WL 6.5 inch 2-way coaxial marine speakers are built to last. With a frequency range of 50-20,000 Hz, these speakers can play any type of music you want. This is especially useful if you like to play music full blast for hours on end.
Originally designed with boat owners in mind, the Kicker speakers also work great for other outdoor activities like barbecuing and tailgating. So, if you’re looking for some new speakers that will fill the room with sound (whether it’s your living room or a boat ride), then go ahead and give these a try.
5. Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual Cone Marine Speakers
Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone marine 6.5 speakers are designed to offer unparalleled audio quality for your boat. They can deliver a powerful 360 degrees of sound, which will leave you immersed in the music.
If you want your boat to have that vibrant sound, then this is the speaker for you. Sony XSMP1611 marine speakers are made from durable materials and they are waterproof too.
These speakers will last you for years and they’re easy to install too! Without any wiring, all you have to do is plug them into an amp or stereo system and they’ll play crystal clear sound straight away.
Technical specifications
- 6-1/2″ Dual Cone speaker – It is well designed with proper manufacture
- Water-resistant IPx5 certified design
- UV and Salt Water Resistant – That’s what you need when at sea
- Easily removable grille.
- Enjoy powerful sound with 40 W power handling (peak power is between 140 W to 150 W peak – two speakers mean peak power of 300 W) – That does not sound much, but it has pretty good sound
- 65 Watts CEA2031 RMS Power
Verdict on the Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual Cone Marine Speakers
Sony is a household name in the world of audio equipment. They’ve been producing music systems and sound equipment for decades. Today, they make everything from headphones to TVs. Their marine speakers are aimed at people who love to entertain outdoors with the perfect soundtrack.
The best 6.5 marine speakers diameter cone speakers have a 30-watt RMS amp, and they deliver clear stereo sound with up to 300 watts of peak power. This set includes left and right speakers as well as all the wiring necessary to get them connected to an external amplifier or an mp3 player.
These Sony XSMP1611 6.5-Inch Dual Cone Marine Speakers are ideal for those looking for high-quality outdoor entertainment available at an affordable price.
Best Marine Speaker Buying Guide
Marine and boat speakers can provide great quality audio while weathering inclement weather and conditions.
They need to have some basic level of power since there will be a lot of background noise at sea from waves, especially when you are on the move. Buying marine speakers is more of a headache than buying a home audio or car audio system.
You have to consider durability, audio quality, and even the placement of the speakers and acoustics.
As a potential buyer of marine speakers, you need to balance the durability of the marine speakers with their power and audio quality, all while keeping within your price range. We have put together a list of things to consider when shopping for the best marine speaker.
What are the different types of marine speakers?
In general, you have three major types of marine speakers.
- Coaxial marine speakers.
- Components speakers.
- Dual cones speakers.
1. Coaxial marine speakers
Coaxial speakers are also known as two-way or three-way speakers. This is probably the most common type of marine speaker because of its setup convenience. For coaxial speakers, all of the speakers are in one unit and there are various drivers to power each speaker.
Two-way speakers have a woofer with a tweeter built in the middle.
Three-way speakers have a subwoofer, a woofer in the middle, and a tweeter in the middle of the woofer. For coaxial speakers, all of the sounds are coming from one area and it is easy to balance.
2. Components marine speakers
Component speakers have the tweeter, woofer, and subwoofer completely separated, and each of these units has its own individual driver. For example, surround sound systems are component systems. This type of setup is more complicated but probably delivers better audio quality. You will have to install a standalone subwoofer, woofer, and tweeter in different areas of your boat.
3. Dual cones speakers
Dual cone speakers are speakers in which you have one driver that pushes sound through two cones, usually with one being larger than another.
The large one handles is mid to lows and the smaller cone handles the mid to highs. Dual cone speakers tend to be cheap and they do not have the same audio quality as component or coaxial because there is only one driver for two speakers.
Size of marine speakers
Speaker size is very important when it comes to boat speakers. If you are looking to replace the existing speakers on your boat, you know you are limited to a certain size. Cutting a new hole or extending the existing hole is much more work.
You need to properly measure the exact space you have to work with to get an exact estimate of the available space for speakers. Be sure to include the depth of the hole as well. If you can’t find a proper spot on your boat to keep the speakers, you can also get box speakers.
These speakers come with a fixed enclosure that will protect your speakers from water, salt, UV light, and rust. They can also be transported easily and moved around the boat.
Power and Specification
Power and other specifications are important to evaluate when examining the potential audio quality of the speakers. We suggest you go to a shop and hear them out in person before purchasing for cheap online.
This is because audio specifications can only say so much about the audio quality of a marine speaker. But nevertheless, you should still have a look at the specs. In terms of power, we would focus on RMS power, which represents the average power output of the speakers over time.
The most common quoted power number is peak power, which is a theoretical number that is usually never actualized. You should also consider frequency response range, impedance, and sensitivity to get a full picture of the potential of a particular speaker.
Most importantly, just remember that audio quality is not a direct function of specifications, and you can have speakers with more power and better specs that deliver more clear audio.
Other Features
When looking for the best marine speaker, you should also consider bonus features or add-ons. Some marine speakers come with a cool speaker dock, which you can charge and put your iPhone and synchronize it to the speakers. Other marine speakers have an included head unit with various controls. You may want to also consider speakers with USB attachments and Bluetooth so you can directly link your audio device to it.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudspeaker
