Audio Upgrade on 2021 GS22 - Add Sub and Amp

[justincastles]

Hey Guys! Long time no post, but we just bought a 2021 GS22 after having our 2005 SAN210 TE for over 15 years and I'm playing catch up on all things Nautique.

While it has the factory JL audio system with on pair of 8" JL tower speakers, the boat we got only has 4 cockpit speakers, M400 amp and M200 amp.

I'm looking to add a sub and an amp along with a matching pair of bow speakers.

Hopefully some of you might be able to help with these questions before I start ordering things and cutting holes.....

1. It looks like the tower speakers are only running off two channels of the m400 in a standard wiring configuration, I assume these should be wired to bridge the channels of the m400 to put approx 200w into each tower speaker?
2. Any thoughts on adding an amp? I'm thinking of either adding a JL XDM 5ch amp and keeping both the M400 and M200, or replacing the M200 completely with the XDM 800. Does anyone know what amps came from the factory with the premium audio package?
3. JL make two M6 10" subs, should I get the infinite baffle or the enclosed version? I'm guessing enclosed but they seem to be very hard to find.
4. Finally has anyone fitted the sub themselves before? Apparently it's no problem to cut into that spot but it's a bit concerning as you can't see whats behind there! (pics attached)

Open to any ideas you guys have on how to go about this, even different amps or subs etc.

Thanks in advance!

[bturner]

There's a couple guys on here that are pro's that would probably have a much better idea of how to go forward than I but this is what I know from my 2016 JL installation.....

1. It looks like the tower speakers are only running off two channels of the m400 in a standard wiring configuration, I assume these should be wired to bridge the channels of the m400 to put approx 200w into each tower speaker?

I don't think this is the case, at least not on mine. With my boat the 4 cockpit speakers are on 2 channels (2 speakers on a single channel wired in parallel for 2 of the channels). It works fine however it's not how I would have wired it.
Based on that, my guess is that the 2 other channels on the 400/4 are probably bridged for the sub (this is most likely the case as I'm thinking the tower speakers would be in an upgrade package) and the 200/2 is being used for the tower speakers with one channel feeding each speaker.

2. Any thoughts on adding an amp? I'm thinking of either adding a JL XDM 5ch amp and keeping both the M400 and M200, or replacing the M200 completely with the XDM 800. Does anyone know what amps came from the factory with the premium audio package?

I'm not a massive stereo guy but I'm fairly certain someone like the Distinctive Audio guy will come by sooner or latter to weigh in but my thoughts would be to use the 400/4 to power the 2 subs on bridged channels. I would then get a 600/6 to power the 4 cockpit speakers on their own channels and the 2 bow speakers on their own channels as well. This keeps everything simple.
The wild card is going to be the wiring for the amp. My boat already had the breakers in the panel but no wiring going to the amp location. You're going have to figure out your wiring and how to get it there. The manual for the amp will have the recommended gauge for the wiring for the new amp and hopefully you'll be able to route the cables via the same route as the other 2 amps already installed.

3. JL make two M6 10" subs, should I get the infinite baffle or the enclosed version? I'm guessing enclosed but they seem to be very hard to find.

I would get behind the existing sub, get the part number off it and look it up. I'd then buy the same type sub as what's installed. My guess is that it's going to be an infinite baffle but that would be a guess.

4. Finally has anyone fitted the sub themselves before? Apparently it's no problem to cut into that spot but it's a bit concerning as you can't see what's behind there! (pics attached)

I haven't for your boat but if that's the stock location you should be fine. The issue I see is dealing with the Sea Deck which is going to be a different piece than what you currently have as the pattern is cut for and designed to accent the sub. Getting that stuff is a real treat. IMO, I would first start by researching if that piece is available and obtaining it. If not from Nautique Parts then from Sea Deck. Once you have that you can use that pattern to locate the exact area for the sub installation. Cutting a round 10" hole through fiberglass of unknown thickness should be a treat as well. There are 10" hole saws available and I have an adjustable jig that I used on mine that is typically used for cutting holes in drop ceilings and HVAC. It took a bit of time for this to work on my installation but it did work. The other option would be a saber saw or a router but I used what I thought would be best for what I had available to me at the time.

Should be interesting to see what others come up with. I'm sure there's going to be some much more elaborate and expensive options to choose from.