Not too long ago a client contacted Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver about upgrading his Rinker 310 stereo system. Our sales team talked to the client about the products we offer. We also discussed how we design and install marine entertainment systems on cruisers and yachts. The client was impressed with our philosophies and chose to go forward with upgrading the system.
System Design Meeting
As with any marine system upgrade we undertake, we always go to the client’s boat to review their vision for what the system will look and sound like. We can provide a real-time quote on the product and installation while at the boat, ensuring everything will fit in the desired locations.
We met with the client and had a listen to the existing audio system. As he had described, it was quite disappointing. We proposed a new head unit, new amplifiers, new speakers and subwoofers. We offered the client three options of products at different price points. We always give our clients “good, better and best” system designs and allow them to choose what will suit them best. After the client had made his selection we scheduled a time to come back and begin work on the boat.
Head Unit Upgrade
We started by removing the factory source unit and installed a Clarion M505 Bluetooth digital media receiver in the electrical panel of the boat. We added a USB extension next to the radio so the client can connect a phone or USB stick to listen to music. The receiver is connected to a pair of MW1 remote controls that fit nicely into the factory remote locations on the stern and at the helm.
Twin System Amplifiers
The outputs of the radio feeds a pair of Wet Sounds amplifiers. We used a four-channel SD4 amp to power the system’s four speakers and an SD2 to power a pair of subwoofers. The amps are concealed in the cabin and are fed with marine-grade wiring from BlueSea and Audison. The SD4 is capable of producing 185 watts per channel, while the SD2 can provide an awe-inspiring 400 watts to each sub.
Wet Sounds Speaker Upgrade
The factory sound system included four 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in the radar arch. We removed those speakers and installed a set of the new Wet Sounds Revo6 6.5-inch coaxial marine speakers. As the new speakers are much deeper than the original drivers, our fabrication team created a set of spacers out of acrylic plastic and wrapped them in white vinyl to blend with the interior. We finished the speakers with the cool Revo6-XS-W-SS white grilles with stainless steel inserts.
As it is difficult to produce solid bass in an open environment like a boat, we suggested adding a pair of subwoofers to the system. Not only do the subs improve bass response, but they allow the small speakers to focus on midrange and high-frequency performance. The results are better sound all around.
We mounted a pair of Wet Sounds Revo12 subs in the cockpit and finished them with matching Revo12-XS-W-SS grilles. Our installation team made sure the panels the subs are affixed to are rigid and will handle the vibrations the subs will produce.
Rinker 310 Stereo System Tuning
The key to maximizing the performance of any sound system is to ensure every speaker is getting a clean signal that is within the intended operating parameters of the driver. We set the crossovers and sensitivity controls on the amp and confirmed the system frequency response with our AudioControl real-time sound analyzer. With everything dialed-in and balanced, it was time for the client to hear the system for the first time.
He was absolutely thrilled with the way his new Rinker 310 stereo system sounds. Not only is it capable of playing a lot louder than the original system, but the sound is detailed and offers exceptional clarity and extended frequency response.
If you are interested in a sound system upgrade for your boat, drop into Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver or Victoria and speak with a member of our sales team. We would be happy to coordinate a consultation on your boat to ensure we understand your goals for the system. For more information about our marine audio system upgrades, please call the store nearest to you or send us an e-mail using our online contact page. We look forward to working with you.