Click
on any of the pictures below to see a larger version. |
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| Well, lets just say it’s pretty loud. But
if you’re looking for great sound quality this system
definitely delivers under the toughest conditions. Starting
with the factory Clarion, this marinized source unit has an
auxiliary input, controls a changer and controls a satellite
radio tuner. We took advantage of the auxiliary input with an
iPod docking port. It’s also an excellent input for the
soundtrack from a laptop DVD. Underneath the radio and protected
from water, we installed a Clarion equalizer offering two primary
advantages; six high voltage line level outputs provide plenty
of dynamic range to eight channels of amplifier inputs; the
built-in sub level control and dual-amp-balancer delivers three-way
zone control. When the tower speakers are cranked up for the
benefit of the distant wakeboarder, the driver and passengers
can reduce the levels on the boat. Oh yeah, there’s a
five band graphic EQ also. |
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A switch to the left of the equalizer turns off the battery-direct
memory lead for winter storage. Otherwise all memory settings
are maintained weekend to weekend. |
Although the source unit and total audio system
is wired battery-direct, the supply is interrupted via a relay
which is controlled by the ignition key. This provision allows
the system to function with the key identical to factory but
without bridging the dual battery isolation. Complete dual
battery isolation is important so that the auxiliary battery
can be depleted while at anchor without drawing on the cranking
battery.
A second relay is controlled by the source unit’s remote
turn-on lead output. The relay in turn supplies the equalizer,
iPod power and triggers the three amplifiers. This feature
avoids the damage to a source unit’s circuit board which
is caused by having to pass an accumulated substantial current
over thin traces. |
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Also, we installed barbed ‘T’ connectors and
tubing from the drink holder into the existing drain line.
This will keep the drink holder from collecting water and
releasing into the locker below and over the amplifiers. |
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A hardwired remote at
the dash gives the driver full control. |
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A second waterproof remote on the transom allows control from
either the sunpad or the swim deck. Plus, these remotes will
control satellite radio and CD changer. |
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Under the driver’s instrument panel and to the left,
we installed an iPod docking port and holder. The power supply
and line out is totally concealed. The line level is routed
around the bow to the source unit input. Control is at your
fingertips.
The iPod holds 20 gig of music storage, won’t skip
and is portable from home to car to boat to anywhere. |
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Within the portside console, we installed
three Clarion marine amplifiers. A 400 watt four-channel amp
drives the six pair of fullrange speakers within the bow deck
and cockpit deck giving us independent gain controls. A 200
watt two-channel amp drives the four tower coaxials. A 400
watt two-channel amplifier is bridged to drive a single 12-inch
subwoofer. |
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 Positive
and negative power distribution blocks neatly divide the heavy
gauge battery-direct cable into four smaller extensions for
three amps and the source electronics. |
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| We installed an AC to DC 10 amp single bank charger
along side one of the two transom-mounted batteries. Just outside
the battery compartment in the storage locker is two DC breakers
(stereo and helm) plus an AC breaker panel and a recessed male
AC inlet. This convenient charging system will restore the depleted
auxiliary battery when the boat is in the slip by simply plugging
into standard shore power service. In addition, the younger
generation can have constant power for their entertainment electronics
while tied up along side their parent’s sport cruiser.
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The Tigé operates off the cruiser’s AC generator
when anchored overnight at a remote location without draining
the batteries. |
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A pair of Clarion coaxials easily blanket the open bow. |
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| We added two pair of Clarion separate component
speakers to the cockpit deck. We constructed a custom façade
under the driver’s console that brings the speakers out
and directs the mid and tweeter upward and inward. The midrange
has its own chamber providing total front to rear isolation.
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A JL Audio W3 12-inch subwoofer is loaded into an airtight
waterproof enclosure. The enclosure is built from high-tensile-strength
Medex that is constructed using solvent-based versus water-based
glue. We also use a waterproof adhesive in our assembly. Then
the enclosure receives multiple applications of fiberglass resin
both inside and outside. The enclosure is spaced up off the
deck to allow the carpet to dry and eliminate mildew. |
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The enclosure partially penetrates into the forward locker
but consumes negligible storage. The enclosure volume is a full
1.25 cubic foot as recommend for optimum performance. Transient
response is good, linearity is good and the deep bass extension
is incredible! |
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A one-piece carpeted façade covers the subwoofer enclosure
and supports the iPod port and mid/tweeter speakers. Quick-disconnects
on everything allows for easy service access. |
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We machined an aluminum woofer grill. In this case, we etched
the surface with a brushed pattern similar to that of the instrument
panel. We can also powdercoat in a matching color. Patterns
are available from functional to flashy. |
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The tower speakers feature four spun-aluminum canisters in
black powercoating to match the tower. Clarion marine coaxials
are used following the theme of the deck speakers. We dyed the
speaker rims and grills black to match the enclosures. The process
requires multiple coats of a UV stable automotive dye in order
to permanently bond with plastic. The enclosures are filled
with polyester batting which serves to dampen the enclosures
and simulate a larger displacement. The Clarion coaxials are
efficient and therefore project very well. The best part is
that these speakers are true marine with sealed tweeter posts
and drip holes out the bottom. |
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A service loop allows the tower to breakdown for storage without
interrupting the wires. The deckcap penetration is concealed
through the center of the tower base. |
| This Tigé received a first class
installation with a touch of flash. Every design is
unique to fit the style you’re looking for. |
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| Earmark Car Audio ©2004
Earmark Car Audio. All Rights Reserved. Design & Programming
by
Earmark Inc. |
