Powerboat Magazine
May Issue 2007

Since Tests of marine stereo systems were conducted more than 10 years ago, stereo manufacturers keep turning up the volume.

With all the last innovations and technology in marine-audio systems today, music has never sounded so sweet.  Tech-savvy boaters are well aware of this fact, and for many, according to Justin Wagner owner of Waves and Wheels Audio, a high quality sound system defines the boat as much as its performance.
    "I believe a good-sounding, loud stereo is just as important as the performance to some boaters nowadays,"  Wagner said.  "When I opened my shop, most of the big time marine stereo systems consisted of four speakers and one free-air subwoofer.  Now that comes stock on most boats out of the factory and most boaters are not satisfied with that."
    The industry has made significant advancements since 1993 when POWERBOAT spent a day aboard and inboard ski boat on California's King River rating sound quality and functionality of stereos.
    Marine sound systems form standard communications, Audiovox and other companies were evaluated, as well as two car stereos from JVC and Pioneer with marine protective covers.  All came loaded with cutting-edge features such as preset channel capabilities, CD input, LCD screens, electronic bass, automatic channel players and more.  The team noted that speakers, amplifiers and protection against the elements were all components of a quality system.  Running the boat at 35 mph with a sound level of 100 decibels, the tester found that JVC's compact 240-watt KS-AG214 amplifier boasted enough power to be heard over the engine and wind noise.
    Today with boats frequently pushing 100 mph, Wagner, 26, said its not uncommon for his shop located on Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks to install a stereo system with more than 5,000 watts.
    "Marine audio has come a long way in the last ten years,"  Wagner said.  " We commonly redesign the entire cockpit interior to accommodate the customers audio, video and custom lighting wants and needs."
    Working with stereos since he was 16, Wagner is well aware of the evolution of sound technology and, since opening Waves and Wheels Audio in 2001, has seen his business expand to installing audio/video systems that range from $1,000 to $120,000 into nearly 300 boats a year.  Many incorporate popular amenities such as satellite radio and iPod/MP3 players that have the capacity to hold video and some 20,000 songs.
    Taking entertainment to another level, marine sound systems have progressed most notably with the integration of video.  Wagner says more boats are being equipped with video screens in the cockpit and camera systems to monitor the engine, cabin and transom.
    While keeping a system cranked up throughout the day can be a challenge, Wagner said there are now charging systems that use gel-cell batteries that weigh less than 8 pounds and produce up to 800 amps.
    As for the future of sound systems, Wagner believes equipment will become more efficient and powerful, and more attention will be focused on media storage.
    "There is no end," he said.  "Your imagination is really the only limit."