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bass problem in a sailboat

Hi!

I have a sailboat with a nice marine-grade stereo, built by Poly-Planar. There are four speakers, powered by a 4 X 45 (180 watts total) head unit. The speakers each have a 5 1/4" "woofer". I generally like the sound. The not-so-low bass is great, but I'd like to boost the really low frequencies just a little. I listen to mostly classical music, and I miss a few very low notes that I hear clearly on my home system. I'm NOT talking about great volume. I just want to boost the very low bass a little. I did this once years ago in a Camaro by simply adding an equalizer to the factory system. I DON'T want to add an amplifier and subwoofer because I don't need the extra magnetic field nor the additional power drain. An equalizer also seems inappropriate because, in this case, it would be a "set it and forget it" thing that I would hide somewhere. Is there a simple way to boost just the very low notes a little with the existing speakers and head unit?

Regards,
Troy Scott
tscott1217d0eb

Showing 3 responses by baffled

baffled
106 posts
 
The Infinity sub needs a minimum of 75 watts RMS. You have about 15 watts RMS max. But.... at 96 db sensitivity there might just be enough bass to fill a sailboat cabin. I would be interested in knowing how it sounds.
baffled
106 posts
 
I had Poly Planar head unit and speakers in my boat and in my hot tub. All factory installed.....and all way below average in every way. Overpriced as well. Not 45 watts constant power.....peak only. I would try new speakers first. Bigger, if possible. Look for something with a high sensitivity rating. Also pay attention to the specs as to how low they will go. If you do not get the bass you are looking for, at least you will have improved the sound dramatically. A passive bazooka tube may be the answer if your head unit will power it. Crutchfield will let you return it if it does not work out. The amplified version would shiver your timbers, but you have ruled that out.
By the way, bass shakers are made to go under your seat and vibrate to the music. They are not speakers at all.
Another idea (and probably the best)would be an inexpensive head unit with bass management. Crutchfield has lots of those. Look for one with lots of internal power. I would look at Crutchfield's comparison chart and focus on the watts per channel. I like the Alpines, but I think you will find Kenwood to be the watts winner. Good luck.
baffled
106 posts
 
tscott, don't be fooled by power specs. Poly-Planar advertizes UP TO 45 watts per channel. That's peak power on a clear day, downhill, with a good head wind. Constant power (RMS)is another story. Still, I am constantly amazed at what the average head unit amp is capable of. I am cautiously optimistic.
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