Challenger 230SE speaker upgrade

[tmthunder]

Just installed JL Audio M770-CCX-SG-TB, M770-CCS-SG-TB, M10IB5-SG-TB speakers with XD700/5 amp, and remote level control. I used a dremel with sanding drum for opening up the stock speaker locations. I used a roto-zip bit with the dremel to cutout the sub location. With the use of a shop vac this process went rather smooth with little dust/mess. I have not hooked up the amp yet but have all of the wiring run. I will get a pitcure of that later on. Here are a few pics of the speakers installed. Some are not so good cell phone pics..... I did power up the head unit with after changeing the speakers and WOW!! What a difference over the stock speakers...... I can't wait to hear it amplified with a sub!!! I purchased everything on Amazon and Ebay using highly respected vendors. I could not be happier so far. Everythings cam in JL audio facotry sealed boxes. Now the only problem..... I think I want to add another set of the M770-CCX-SG-TB speakers on the back by the swim platform just to the left and right of the grab/tow handle..... We will see.

 

[tmthunder]

more..

 

[sgoyal]

Looks really nice...

 

[Dr Honda]

Nice install.

I just wish my boat had that drivers seat. The lifting bolster is nice.

 

[tmthunder]

Thanks guys! Yes the flip up is very nice for docking and manuvering. Hopefully Thursday or Friday I will have time to complete the install of the amp and remote level control.

 

[sgoyal]

Thanks guys! Yes the flip up is very nice for docking and manuvering. Hopefully Thursday or Friday I will have time to complete the install of the amp and remote level control.

After looking at your installation, I am really looking into MX650 for my 180.. . I know you got M series (it's little out of my reach plus I like the look of MX sport grill).

How hard is it to open the speaker location? I remember reading it somewhere that, We already got 6" cutout and M770 got 6.25" .. so it should be really easy using dremal and sanding drum?

 

[tmthunder]

I am not sure what the MX series go for but I looked for a while and found the M770-CCX-SG-TB for $210 on amazon and the M770-CCS-SG-TB's for $250 on ebay. The big reason I went with the M770's was that the stock speaker cut outs were 6" so the 6.5" speakers would have required an adapter to fit. I can tell you that whatever choice you make it will sound better than stock!!! I used the dremel with sanding drum and it took 2 minutes per hole to open up. It was very simple and I used the factory wiring so the install was a walk in the park. I will post up some better photos when everything is complete.

 

[sgoyal]

can't wait for the photos... Thank you so much for the information.

 

[tmthunder]

No problem on the info! Glad I can help out as I have gathered a lot of info on this site!

 

[cycleguy88]

looks great man. Now fire that thing up and see what you think of the sub. I bet you'll want to add one more sub. When you add the other speakers to the back, you can put them on a new amp with an extra sub and have it blasting! You'll want the speakers out back, trust me. When you're in the water, it's hard to hear the "in boat" speakers. I have my towers on every time we're in the water, but if I didnt have towers, then I'd add speakers to the back for sure. Good install!

 

[cycleguy88]

After looking at your installation, I am really looking into MX650 for my 180.. . I know you got M series (it's little out of my reach plus I like the look of MX sport grill).

How hard is it to open the speaker location? I remember reading it somewhere that, We already got 6" cutout and M770 got 6.25" .. so it should be really easy using dremal and sanding drum?

You shouldn't have to open your holes up for the MX series. I barely had to open them up for the M770's, and needed an adapter when I went with the M650's on my 180.

 

[sgoyal]

You shouldn't have to open your holes up for the MX series. I barely had to open them up for the M770's, and needed an adapter when I went with the M650's on my 180.

I ordered Exiled SX65-M (6.5") last night after I got a great deal on that.. I'm going to use LED Speaker Rings (made by local Acrylic company) as a spacer...

I'm working on LED Speaker Rings that would work on JL M650, JL MX650, POLK MM651 or POLK MM651UM...

 

[cycleguy88]

Those are a good alternative to spacers. That's what I was going to do if I'd kept the 180

 

[tmthunder]

sgoyal make sure to post up some pics!!! Cycleguy Thank you for your help and input! The JL amp that I have has outputs for 2 subs so I would beable to power the second sub without issue..... I have been thinking about it already..... If I do the speakers in the very back I may even power them from just the deck I am not sure. My next mod will have to be the dual battery switch and another battery before anymore speakers just for peace of mind

 

[cycleguy88]

Good deal man. Your boat is looking good

 

[tmthunder]

Ok I have the install 99% complete. I just have to shorten up the power wire and work on some tuning. I used a 50hz and a 1000hz sound file to tune the output voltages per the spec in the amp's manual. With only 2 channel input I am assuming that I can not fade front to back??? I have the 4 cabin speaker outputs set to HP and the freq set at 80hz. The sub channel is LP and again is set at 80hz on the 12db setting. What are your settings??? I was only able to play the radio(local FM station) and the speakers sound good but I am not getting the bass response from the sub that I think I should. I need to plug my phone in and try that to see if it makes a difference. Also when I tunes the sub channel with the 50hz file I did not have the remote level control plugged in. Not sure if that matters or not? Here are a couple more pics.

 

[sgoyal]

Man, I'm so jealous of yours JL Sports Grill Speaker.. If I hadn't found a real good deal on Exile Speakers (seems like those speakers are popular with Malibu, moomba, Supra etc.), I was about to order JL... hopefully, Exile don't dis-appoint me

 

[tmthunder]

I don't think you will be disappointed in your speaker choice!!

 

[sgoyal]

What brand of Ground or Power wire did you run? I'm planning to run 4 gauge based on POLK recommendation.

 

[tmthunder]

The wiring was a kit from MA Audio Synergy. It is 4ga oxygen free copper power and ground. You have to be careful some of the wiring out there is not 100% copper and the wire looks big until you remove the insulation and find out the they marketed it as 4ga but that was the diameter of the insulation.... The kit I picked up turned out to be pretty true to size and it is very flexible. Made it easy to get it in the box behind the battery switch. I am sure it is not "Marine" Rated but I failed to find a marine kit.

 

[tmthunder]

by the way I hope you are watching the Grammy's! Carry Underwood is looking damn fine right now!!!

 

[sgoyal]

Carry Underworld -- That dress blew me away...:willy_nilly:

I am looking for amp kit but most of the Kit got only 3-5 feet ground wire (mostly based on car configuration). If I put my AMP in the dash board, there's no way 3-5 feet would work. So I decided to order Cadence Marine rated Ground and Power wire. My friend owns a home theater business, so he's build other high quality wires (FREE) for me.

http://www.audiosavings.com/product...Amp-Power-Ground-Cable/15+FEET+4G150MP-W.aspx

 

[tmthunder]

Nice to have connections at times!!! I ran my ground right to the ground block under the dash so the 4 or 5 foot cable worked fine. The gound block was factory wired with 4ga so I wasn't worried about using it.

 

[sgoyal]

Stupid question--- Is this ground block under passenger Or driver dash board (I'll be putting the amp in the glove box)? If the weather was nice, I'd have popped the cover and do some research before I pick your brain.

 

[tmthunder]

No problem. It is under the drivers side dash. If you look at the first picture that shows my amp you can see the gray/black wire running up. That is where the ground block is. The large black plastic cover is actually a terminal block for 12V positive connections. On my boat that is fed with a 4ga wire as well and protected by a 40Amp circuit breaker located next to the battery switch. If you were running a small amp you could probably tie in right there for Power.