A client from Mechanicsville came to Extreme Audio with his beautiful Chaparral 224 Sunesta boat. He wanted to upgrade the Chaparral stereo system with something that would really rock. We had done audio work on his friend’s boat and he liked the work, so, when it came time for him to get an upgrade, he came to us. Referrals are the highest compliment we can get from our clients, so we were very grateful for the opportunity to work on this boat.
Client Consultation is Our First and Most Important Step
One of our team members sat down with the client and got to know him better. We spent significant time on learning how he used the boat and his aspirations for his marine audio system. We looked over the boat together and explored several different options. Once we gathered all of our information, we worked up a proposal up for the client, and he liked our presentation, so we set up an appointment for the installation.
Existing Clarion Radio Retained and Speakers Upgraded With JL Audio
The Chaparral had an existing Clarion radio in the dash that was a perfectly good unit, so we left it intact and built our audio upgrades around it. This particular boat had two pairs of speakers in it, one set in the front and another in the rear. We replaced both sets of speakers with new 6.5” ones from JL Audio – the MX650-CCX-SG-WH models. These speakers gave the client much-improved clarity, as the existing speakers sounded lifeless and dull. They will also take noticeably more power, and their build quality is legendary.
JL Audio Subwoofer For Great Sounding Bass
Once we had upgraded the four speakers in the boat, we knew the sound quality was going to be great, but it was still going to be lacking one major thing: bass. Nowadays, it is possible to get real, authoritative bass in a boat that will take you back to your favorite concert. A good subwoofer will allow you to not only hear the kick drum and bass guitar but feel it as well. We chose a 10” JL Audio subwoofer, the MX10IB3-CG-WH, which is a unique product in the marine audio world. It is designed from the ground up to work in a boat environment and does not need an enclosure. It works in what is called an infinite baffle setup – in the same way that many subwoofers work in the rear deck of a car. When properly used, these sound great. The team at Extreme Audio installed the sub in the passenger side of the boat near where the cooler sits.
Marine Grade JL Audio Amplifier Powers Entire Chaparral Stereo System
At this point, the client had five great speakers, but, when you want to jam, you need power. We went back to JL Audio again, choosing their M600/6 marine-grade six-channel amplifier. It supplies 600 watts of clean power to the speakers, so now the volume level can truly set the stage for a party.
Trust The Marine Audio Experts At Extreme Audio
Extreme Audio uses different installation products and standards for boat installations. We realize that life on the water is very hard on any stereo system. When you are ready to upgrade the marine audio system in your boat, we invite you to stop by our facility and get to know us better. Our team will work one on one with you to design and install the audio system that best fits your needs. You can also contact us here for more information about any of our products and services.
Can this be similarly applied to a 2016 Chaparral 19H20? And what was the cost upgrade, approximately.
Chris, I’m sure there’s quite a bit of this that could be applied to your 19H20. Best bet for sure would be to contact one of our locations directly to discuss the existing package in the boat, and what options we could offer from there. Naturally if there is any way to bring the boat by, that would be great. I’m sure we could develop somewhat of an idea based on pictures though. Thanks!
I have this boat and was wondering if you saw a potential for 2 rear facing speakers?
Just can’t seem too come up with a location except maybe tower type mounted on the bimini but would have to remove when lowering the Bimini.
That will be a bit tough. If you could bring it by one day we may be able to scope out some options. It may be possible to put a Wet Sounds sound bar under the lip of the rear facing seat, but I’d have to look at it to see if it would comfortably clear people sitting there or walking around it.
have a 2013 Sunesta 264. has clarion main unit ( no bluetooth) no sub or amp as far as I can tell; interested in sub/amp/better speakers. thx
Did the clarion radio have RCA outputs ?
The Clarions definitely have RCA’s. I do have a vague recollection of perhaps OEM equipped units missing the plug for it, so if yours is missing you may need to order that online to get them.