Music is happiness. And I mean music in all forms:  songs, instrumentals, sound effects and even a little karaoke maybe. Deny it all you want, but there is not a day you have not reached out for your earphones on your ride to work. As much as we would love it refuse the idea, but we reach out to music more than we reach out to people, both consciously and subconsciously.

But having access to music at all places is difficult; as if our lives were not draining and straining us enough, now there has to be a limit set to our one simple pleasure. There is no right time or right place for some music to sway to. A home sound system is great to have and all, but like the name says, it is best at home only, while earphone and headphone can only do so much as entertain you with an average output.  Speaker boxes have come to the rescue and put a stop to all your ordeals. 

Speaker boxes, like home sound systems cover a huge area and audience with a very close, sometimes even better, audio output. However, unlike a home sound system, they are compact and so much more lightweight. This makes them ideal for outdoor uses as well! While they all exist to serve the same purpose of producing high quality audio output, they all differ in features, designs, performances and so much more. To save you all the headache and hassle of having to run more store to store like a clueless 5 year-old, I present to you the Best Marine Speakers 2016. Before you dive right into the list, there are a few basic things you have to know to be able to choose the best marine speakers that suit your needs. Let’s get started!

Types of Speakers

Keeping the increasing consumer demand and preferences in mind, brands have come up with many different designs and specialized speaker boxes with many different builds and bodies to ensure they cover a wider variety and range of audio output and quality. The interior of the speaker boxes, also known as speaker enclosures, are just as important as its exterior. It is ultimately the internal build that manipulates the overall audio. Some more conventional designs that you may like to know about are:

The Sealed Enclosure

The calculated volume of air is used as a spring to control woofer cone movement and to dampen air in this type of speaker.They have a fair smooth roll-off and flat response. These are the more traditional form of speakers, and are not as widely used as they were before. Advantages of sealed enclosures are that they are compact and small, have higher power handling and transient response. Disadvantage is that is low of efficiency compared to output.

The Ported Enclosure

This type of enclosures uses a carefully calculated port or vent to increase audio output at lower frequencies. The air inside the port acts like a piston or motor that moves in the phase with the woofer reinforcing frequencies. Advantages of a port enclosure include more efficiency, increased low frequency output, a moderately low level of distortion. Downsides are that they are less tolerant of design or construction flaws due to being a rather large enclosure, and having no woofer control below tuning frequency.

The Aperiodic Enclosure

This type of enclosure uses an external membrane or channel to dampen the woofer and flatten out the impedance curve of the enclosure. Plus sides include that they are very small in size, allow very flat response and have an excellent low tension. Down sides are that are fall low in efficiency, require large woofer to perform, and are difficult to tune properly.

The Isobaric Enclosure

This type of enclosure, more commonly known as push-pull enclosure, uses 2 woofers mounted face to face, with one wired reverse polarity. This placement cuts the vas in half. The most common rule to follow in terms of an Isobaric enclosure is that twice the woofers, twice the power, but half the box size. Advantages include: very small boxes, better power handling, driver non-linearity cancel out lower distortion. Down sides are that they have a low efficiency due to its small size recommendation.

The Sealed Enclosure (inverted woofer)

This enclosure is often mistaken for an Isobaric enclosure, but it is simply a woofer mounted in a sealed box with the magnet facing out. This is done for cosmetic or depth reasons only; it has no audio benefit.

The Acoustic Enclosure

This type of speaker enclosures includes 2 woofers sharing a volume.

The Infinite Baffle Enclosure

This type of enclosure, also known as free air enclosure,  has a woofer mounted to a surface that isolates the front wave from the back, given that the woofer in an enclosure has a larger than the woofer vas. Plus sides are that these enclosures have a very low resonance, and use minimal space. Down sides are that it has limited efficiency, output, has no control of the woofer below its frequency, and is usually very difficult to seal front wave from the back.

Single Reflex Band Pass

This type of enclosures and sealed that play into a tune enclosure that acts as a low filter. This increases efficiency within the “pass band” or usable frequency range of the enclosure. Plus sides are that these enclosures can be made very efficient within the pass band, and has better power handling within the band. Down sides are that distortions are hard to hear, which can ruin the woofers, low end response, they are bulky and large.

Dual Reflex Band Pass

This type of enclosure is a ported enclosure in which the woofer play in a tune ported enclosure that acts as a low pass filter. This creates a very efficient system with 2 resonance frequencies. Advantages include that it can be more efficient than a single reflex band pass, these types of speakers are excellent for dampening at resonance, and have a better power handling at resonance. Down sides are that it has a steep low frequency roll off (24 dB) being a very large enclosure.

The Ported (SPL) Enclosure

This type of enclosures are extremely large and with a large port area. These enclosures have a high ripple and are used to pinpoint and boost a specific frequency. Plus side is that is has very high SPL. Down side is that trying to reproduce musical frequencies will result in woofer failure.

The Labyrinth Enclosure

This type of enclosure is a form of transmission line, and uses a port that is a fraction of a wavelength to couple with the woofer. Plus side is its out of a particular frequency (SPL purposes) can be increased. Down sides are these enclosures are huge, easy to blow woofers and not practical unless used for SPL competition.

These are just some of the general speaker enclosure designs that are generally used today. Now, it may have got you wondering as to why knowing this is so important to a customer. Well, here is why: customers are clueless. Sorry, if it sounds rude, but is nothing but the truth. Customers know they need a speaker, but they do not know what kind they need, the features it should have or the output is supposed to provide. So, just to make sure you do not go to a store and embarrass yourself, go through the types and it should help you.

This “type and sort” variation lets you know that each speaker enclosure, with each of its specific interior, exterior, hardware and size produce different results of sound quality and audio output. Having known a few basics of these, you can get to understand what is right for and your needs, what to choose and what to avoid! Now, read through for a look into the speaker industry’s largest craze: the marine speaker, and I am all equipped to educate you to make sure that by the end of this article, you can choose the best marine speakers for needs without any fuss.

What is a Marine Speaker?

Finding the best marine speakers can be a bit tricky reason being: the market today has thousands of speakers that are designed for serving many specific purposes, alongside to just producing sounds. Some examples are car speakers, air vessel speakers and more. A marine speaker is also one of those many special speakers.  Unlike most conventional speakers, a marine speaker is different in a way that it has been specially designed to withstand the harsh elements that occur naturally out in the water like heat, moisture, cold and humidity, and wind.

Marine speakers are also made to be water proof most of the times since they have to be on decks and cabins of boats, yachts and other vessels. Some of the best marine speakers also come equipped with features that make sure that the magnet of the speakers do not interfere or hamper with the workability and functioning of the vessels’ compasses or navigation systems. After you have bragged about your new speakers to the crew on board, it would be nothing short of tragic if it ended up being the reason your boat lost its way and got stranded in the middle of nowhere. Always better safe than sorry!

One thing you need to know is not to mistake a weather proof speaker for a marine speaker. Though they are both extremely similar in their build and durability, a weather proof speaker is designed to withstand the harsh temperaments of the weather only. It is very well capable of combating heat, cold, but it may not be able to endure water damages, as well the salty moisture content out on the wild waters. While a marine and weatherproof is both best suited for outdoor uses, a basic weather proof speaker will not be able to serve its purpose well on boats and decks like a marine speaker would. So, make sure you do not end up with the wrong kind!

Benefits of Marine Speakers

Imagine yourself cruising on your new handsome boat with a few friends and family on a sunny summer’s morning. A little music and karaoke would definitely set the atmosphere and enhance the experience, but secretly, you are actually on the edge to listen to the commentating of your game. You turn on your average speakers on the boat and all you hear are loud static noises and a lot of “zzzzzzz”s while your guest stare at your rather embarrassed face. Well, the best marine speakers easily can turn that frown up-side-down. It is about time for an upgrade!

1. Even the best marine speakers are probably the most inexpensive and effective way to upgrade your beloved vessel, and enhance the cruising experience.
2. They are far more superior and durable than the manufactured built-in marine speakers, hands down!
3. Also, These speakers can take a serious punch from the environmental elements: water, salt water, UV, dust, wind, heat etc and still give any speakers a run for their money in terms of sound quality and audio output.
4. Marine speakers come in so many forms and appearances that you would be surprised how much change a good looking and bold marine speaker could bring to your boat’s setting and décor, without claiming down much space.

Things to Look for When Purchasing a Marine Speaker:

Installation Factor

First and foremost, calculate your space where you’d like to see your marine speakers placed or mounted, and decide how would like to see them installed there. You can install your speakers either boxed or flushed. Boxes are easiest to install, as they include their personal acoustic enclosure. This ensures that the sound you heard prior to purchasing it for testing is the sound you will get on your boat. One plus side to box installation is that you do not need to cut holes in your boat to accommodate them. However, they do take up more space and add to the congestion.

Flush mount speakers are precise and clean. They look more attractive and put together. They fit into small spaces and cannot snag tackle or lines; however, they will need cutouts to be done to accommodate them into the spaces. One other thing to look into flush mounting is that you do not place the speakers in places that are not ventilated on the rear and front.  These speakers have cone that need to pump back and fro to move air and generate sound. A mount to cramp will hinder that and cause some serious compromises to the sound quality and frequency response

Number of Driver

Drivers include 2 way or coaxial, 3 way or triaxial or dual cone.
2 way or coaxial speakers comprise of a separate tweeter located inside the woofer in order to handle the high frequencies and efficiently audio’s sound range.

3 way or triaxial speakers add a midrange driver to cut the woofer and tweeter for extra fullness and crispness.

Dual cone speakers are a less costly alternative through using a small whizzer and a high frequency cone attached in the center of the woofer. Dual cone speakers have only one coil which is the one that converts electrical signal from the receiver into mechanical vibrations that drives the cone of the speakers.

 Power Handling

Bigger is often better, but it would be unreal and impractical to expect that a 10 watt signal would sound better on a 100 watt speaker. Best marine speakers will have a higher RMS. Make sure you get ones that are rated for as much RMS watts output as your receiver or you will end up exploding the speaker when you turn up the volume, and sure don’t want that! 

Waterproof and Weatherproof Capabilities

Every which aspect that makes home or car speakers more appealing: steel frames, grills, exposed copper wires and sometimes paper cones, is exactly what is a bad news for basic speakers on board. These aspects are what cause corrosion and rusting out on the waters. Since salt air and moisture is the primary element that is causing the issue here, waterproof or marine, water resistant speakers should be used below decks as well as in the cockpits.

Marine rated speakers are made with polypropylene cones, neoprene rubber surrounds, corrosion resistant metal parts and UV tolerant plastic parts. Some of the best marine speakers have an ASTM certification as a proof of their durability. However, even the best marine speakers would not be able to handle it if you submerged the poor device under water. Just because it says waterproof does not give you the liberty of using it as fishing bait.

Magnet Interference and Defense

Like previously mentioned, the magnet compasses can experience interference from the magnets of the motors and shielded cables and wires of the speakers. The best marine speakers almost always keep this in mind and have a proper shielding. So, make sure you keep an eye open on this, unless, you want to live the Life of Pi very closely that is

Sub-woofers

Sub-woofers exist to create a dense bass from the audio produced. Many people like it, many don’t. So, you get to choose whether you are buying one with or without the sub-woofers. However, to keep options often, the latest and best marine speakers often let you separately attach a sub-woofer to it.

Amplifier

Say if you do happen to install a subwoofer, you will need a separate power amplifier to drive it. Regular speakers can runs off the built-in amplifier, but you will get more power, tremendous volume and crisper sound quality the best marine speakers with an amplifier attached. Amplifiers are also great for audio when your boat is on the run in fast speed where the wind and boat noise deteriorate the sound experience. Well, if you are going to blow up some speakers, you might as well take the town down with you!

Free-air Rating

Most subwoofers are placed into specially designed enclosures. However, a free-air or infinite baffle subwoofer does not need a box, thus saving some premium space on your boat. Free-air subwoofers also have flat frequency response for a crisp, clean bass. So, look for a higher free-air rating in the best marine speakers. 

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks on marine speakers that could take your experience up a notch without costing a penny away from your wallet!

1. Before you even go out to purchase your marine speakers, take a note of the space you want to put it on, as well as the direction. Having an idea on the space will allow you to purchase one that fits the area properly, but not to snug and congested. You want to give it enough room to do its jobs! The placement of the speakers will allow you to control where you want more or less audio reach. Placing it on the deck, facing the window is usually preferred since it produces the best output this way.
2. I have seen and heard way to many people power washing their marine speakers and battering the poor device to “clean” it. Remember, just because you can, does not mean you should! Marine speakers are rough and durable speakers that are waterproof and weatherproof to the elements, this does not mean you can drown it under water and expect it to fine perfectly okay after. To clean up your speakers, use a light hand and damp cloth. That’s it.
3. To maximize your marine speaker’s performance, hook in an amplifier and watch it rock your boat! However, be careful not to exceed a volume of 85 decibels for a long time. This limit, when crossed, has the power to deteriorate your hearing.

Best Marine Speakers

There is no place more beautiful to listen to your favourite band, then on the blue water, away from the hustle bustle of the city and its people. We have selected the top 10 best marine speakers through strict scrutiny and investigation of features, power and consumer experiences. Now for the fun bit, you get to see our first-hand review of these beasts. Let’s start!

• The Pyle PLMRKT4B 

This marine speaker is a 6.5 inch, 4 channel 800 watt with micro marine amplifier speaker system. It also comes with a mountable wired volume control, and a waterproof stereo 3.5 mm to RCA adaptor for plugging in virtually any audio source, including your iPod or MP3 player. It also comes with a waterproof poly bag which lets you enjoy while keeping your equipments safe. The amplifier is equipped with high and low level inputs, an electronic crossover network, plus power protection circuitry and anti-thump turn on to protect your devices to the maximum. These speakers’ attention to protection and safety in particular, has earned itself a place on our list of the best marine speakers!

Features

• The Pyle PLMRKT4B has an impedance of 4 Ohms.
• Includes a 2 inch Polymer Cone tweeter
• It has 6.5 inch polypropylene cone
• This speaker comes in a cloth surround suspension
• A frequency that has response of 80 KHz to 20 KHz
• It rates 100 watt RMS and also rates 200 Watt at peak

Pros:

• This speaker is packs a punch with its power and sound output
• It comes with a great mounting and installation facility, and accessories

Cons:

• The amplifier of its speakers has a tendency to overheat.

• Polk Audio DB651 

The Polk DB651 has the best of both world, and that is why it earned its place on our compilation of the best marine speaker. Here’s how: these speakers are a 6.5 inch by 6.75 inch, 2 way marine and automobile speakers! It has a precise combination of silk and polymer dome tweeter and Mica cone woofer enable smooth roll-off and quick response at any volume. The rubber surround promotes bass response as well as increasing the longevity of the speakers under harsh conditions. These speakers will win over you win its versatility.This is a highly efficient speaker which will consume less power and give you great output.

Features

• Polk Audio DB651 has a Dynamic Balance Driver for pure, distortion free sound
• Polymer and Mice composite cone are stiff yet lightweight for big sounds and little distortion
• Marine certification gives it the proof of being capable to withstand harsh conditions on the waters
• Its swivel mount tweeter allows for precise projection of sound
• It has a low-mass 2 layer Kapton voice coil. This give it a high melting point ensuring reliability and high power handling

Pros:

• This speaker is a dual function devices that operates both in boats and cars with the same commitment
• It has a swivel mount
• Includes a Kapton coiling

Cons:

• It is rated low on bass efficiency.

• The MCM Custom audio 60-10021 Marine Wake-board Speakers 

Third in our list of the best marine speakers are the MCM Custom audio 60-10021 marine wake-board speakers. This speaker pair has been designed and tailored specifically for mounting on a boat’s wakeboard tower or any suitable tube or rail, these waterproof wakeboard speakers provide excellent audio quality and have more than enough gut to stand up to the harsh marine environments. It gutsy mounting gives it all the rights to make its place on our list of the best marine speakers!

Features

• The MCM Custom audio 60-10021 marine wakeboard speakers have black and sturdy plastic mounts
• It has a power handling of 100 watt RMS and 200 watts at peak
• This speaker has an impedance of 4 Ohms
• A frequency response of 40 KHz to 20 KHz
• It has a sensitivity of 90 dB maximum

Pros:

• These speakers have the build and make-up to be mounted on a boat’s wakeboard: a place where even the best marine speakers may not be able to survive

Cons:

• It was is a little difficult to mount with versatility
• The brackets are often scrutinized to be rather loose

 

• The Kicker 11 KB6000W 

These 6.5 inch marine speakers come in box enclosures. It comes with mounting hardware, water resistance enclosure. Its woofers cleverly utilize precisely tuned polypropylene cones and ruuged and sturdy Santoprene surrounds. The system can be blended with a 12 dB octave low pass crossover to give you the iconic speaker quality with impedance compensations. The Kicker 11 KB6000W has won its rightful place in our list of the best marine speakers with its durable build and amazing audio features.

Features

• These speakers have a power handling of RMS 75 watts and 150 watts at peak.
• Each enclosure includes 16.5 woofer, and a tweeter
• It has a frequency response of 55 KHz to 21 KHz
• This marine speaker has an impedance of 8 Ohms

Pros:

• They come in box enclosures, meaning you do not have to do any additional cut-out on your boat
• It has amazing sound quality

Cons:

• Coming in box enclosure may save you from boat cut-out, but it will most definitely claim much of the valuable premium boat space since these speakers tend to be bulky and large

 

• The BOSS audio MRWT40 Wake Tower Marine Speakers 

It was an absolute given to have a BOSS product in our compilation of the best marine speaker. The BOSS audio MRWT40 wake tower marine speakers are 4 inch, 2 way marine wake tower speakers or UTV/ATV roll bar speaker system. It comes with amazing power, and strong wake tower mounting that is an attribute of a robust, sturdy and heavy-duty speakers.

Features

• The BOSS audio MRWT40 wake tower marine speakers have a quick-fit terminal design
• It has 2 one inch tweete and 2.5 inch midrange
• The BOSS audio MRWT40  has a power handling of 200 watts RMS and 400 watts at peak
• It has an impedance of 4 Ohms
• The frequency response of this device is 40 KHz to 20 KHz
• It has a sensitivity of 95 dB

Pros:

• The BOSS audio MRWT40 wake tower marine speakers produce an amazing sound quality with clean, crisp notes
• It has a wake tower mounting
• It is voice coil

Cons:

• (Almost no complains so far!)

• The JBL MS6200 6.5 inch 2 Way Marine Speakers 

The JBL MS6200 speakers are 6.5 inch, 2 way marine speakers. They speakers weigh 5 pounds and measures (6.5 x 6.5 x 2.8) inches in dimension.  These marine speakers are entirely weather proof, which features it polypropylene woofer cone and dome tweeter with an advanced grill assembly. Each speaker uses around 60 watts and reaches a peak of 180 watts. The JBL MS6200 speakers have a power handling of RMS 60 watts, and a peak of 1890 watts. It has sensitivity of 91 decibels and a frequency response of 55 Hz to 20 KHz. The JBL MS6200 speakers are made to withstand some harsh and rough elements of the weather. It is designed to endure heat, moisture, wind and humidity. It is ideal for outdoor placement and will be great around pool sides without you feeling too conscious. Majority of these speakers’ body is made out of tough polypropylene.

Features

• The JBL MS6200 6.5 inch 2 way marine speakers have a power handling of 60 watt RMS, and 180 watt at peak.
• It has sensitivity rating of 91 dB
• The frequency response is of 55 Hz to 20 KHz

Pros:

• It is lightweight and compact

Cons:

• It is not ASTM certified.

 

• The BOSS Audio ASK904B 

The BOSS AUDIO ASK904B speaker is a 4 channel weatherproof, all-terrain speaker with amplifier. It is a combo pack that includes an amplifier, 2 pairs 6.5 inch full range marine speakers, an inline multi function remote control, USB to aux adapter and a protective phone pouch and a flush mount bezel for remote. It has Bluetooth audio streaming. The combo weights 10 pounds and measures (7.48 x 5.22 x 1.65) inches in dimension. This comes with a BOSS standard 3 year platinum dealer warranty too! Well, those are certainly a lot of things you are getting with your speakers.

Features

• The BOSS Audio ASK904B are weatherproof speakers with poly carbon cone and rubber surround.
• It has 90 watts RMS, and a peak of 180 watts.
• This speaker include Bluetooth audio streaming
• 3 year platinum dealer warranty

Pros:

• The BOSS Audio ASK904B is undoubtedly a very powerful speaker that will blow your minds, and boat, away with its sound quality
• It comes with many accessories, and the best dealer warranty in the market

Cons:

• It has a very limited mounting option

 

• The Pyle PLMR24 

The Pyle PLMR24 is a mini weather proof speaker box. It is exactly what the name says: tiny and weather proof! It is just (5.2 x 3.8 x 3.6) inches in dimensions and weighs just 3.3 pounds. The Pyle PLMR24 is a 3 way marine speaker, given it is entirely waterproof. It has a 24 oz. magnet structure powering the cone woofer, a 1 inch super dome tweeter, a built-in capacitor crossover network. Moreover, it has a removal mesh grill. It contains a complete set of mounting wires, and the coaxial speakers and wires. This speaker is definitely rich on features!

Features

• The Pyle PLMR24 is completely waterproof
• It has a 3.5 aluminum injection cone woofer and also has 24 oz. magnet structure.
• Includes a 1 inch super dome
• Its bass reflex vent add increased bass response
• It has a tough and sturdy ASB construction
• The power handling of this device is of 100 watts RMS, and 200 watts at peak
• It has an impedance of 4 Ohms

Pros:

1. These speakers are incredibly lightweight and compact
2. They are entirely waterproof
3. You will receive an amazing sound quality

Cons:

1. Its mounting aspect does not allow for much improvising or freedom

 

• The Kicker KM654LCW 

The KICKER KM654LCW is one of KICKER’s creations from its range of marine speakers. It measures only 16.5 x 8.2 x 4.5 inches in dimensions and weighs 6.7 pounds for a set of 2. This device comes with a peak power of 195 watts and an RMS power of 65 watts. It has a removable multi-coloured LED lightning. The KICKER KM654LCW includes a 6.5 inch woofer and an impedance of 4 ohms. It has a frequency response of 35 Hz to 21000 Hz. This speaker comes with a standard one year warranty as well. It has a peak power of 195 watts and an RMS power of 65 watts. The sensitivity rate is also great which is 90B. Clearly, it covers a wide range of frequencies.. It has a 6.5 inch woofer and an impedance of 4 ohms. It also has a frequency response of 35 Hz to 21000 Hz.

Features

• The Kicker KM654LCW has coaxial speakers
• It has an RMS power of 65 watts and a peak power of 196 watts
•  The Kicker KM654LCW has an impedance of 4 Ohms
• The tweeter dome is made out of titanium.

Pros:

• The Kicker KM654LCW has an entertaining LED light feature
• It is lightweight and compact
• This marine speaker has been made with quality construction materials

Cons:

• While it did crawl its way up our list of the best marine speakers with its amazing defense features against the harsh environmental elements, it does lack a little bit on the audio quality

 

• The Poly-Planar MA7500W 

The Poly-Planar MA7500W is a 2 way marine speaker in a way that it has 2 frequency responses: from 60 KHz to 20 KHz. It comes in a white housing. It weighs 3.5 pounds and measures 12 x 11 x 6.6 inches in dimensions with wires nearly 10 ft long. Each speaker box operates on 50 watts on maximum power with an impedance of 4 ohms. It has a cone size of 3 inches and has a strong powder coated stainless steel grills and brackets. These features are a great starter to look for by anyone looking for a marine speaker.

Features

• It comes in a box enclosure
•  This device can be run on 50 watts of maximum power.
• It has a low magnetic field so as to not hamper with your boat’s navigational systems

Pros:

• It has one of the features only the best marine speakers could have: a low magnetic field operation!
• One will get many versatile mounting options from this speaker.

Cons:

• (No complaints from our part so far!)

So here you have it: our list of the best marine speakers available on the market today! Now that you are all educated and prepared, you can go grab your perfect marine speakers without any problem.