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You want a stereo system so sweet you can rock the boat even when it’s tied up to the dock? Then you’ll need to choose your components carefully, because many “marinized” systems are merely automotive stereos with a different label on the box. Speakers are particularly sensitive to the marine environment, and many that are called “marine” will self-destruct just a season or two after they first get splashed with saltwater or hit with a washdown hose. Make sure you get a pair that’s designed and built for boats, not simply outdoor use. One new model of speakers introduced for boating use is the Infinity’s 6912M, and after trying a pair out, we can say without hesitation that these will do your ears right whether you’re blasting Buffet or pumping out Pearl Jam.
The 6912M is a 6” x 9” oval-shaped speaker that requires a 3 1/16” mounting depth. That means it’ll fit into most inwales without a problem, and I found plenty of space aft of the helm in our 22’ Glacier Bay test boat. During installation I appreciated the fact that Infinity included both stainless-steel mounting hardware and a stick-on gasket in the box. Once these 100-watt RMS/300-watt peak-to-peak puppies were in place, I hitched up the wires, tuned in, and turned up the volume—sound quality was excellent, thanks to the polypropylene woofer cone and rubber surround which have 36-20,000 Hz frequency response and a sensitivity of 96 dB. Naturally I gave these speakers my patented blast-with-the-washdown test, and they kept singing right through the soaking. But, what about longevity? Look to the integrated basket and grill assembly; unlike many marine speakers which are built with a soft plastic that becomes brittle after aging in the sun, these are a harder, UV-resistant plastic. They also have a chromed appearance, so they offer a bit more bling then your usual marine speakers. That means your boat won’t just sound better, it’ll look better, too—whether you’re jamming while jigging or just rockin’ out at the dock.
Price: MSRP $200
The Highs: Good sounds, strong construction, and a slick look.
The Lows: Oval shape won’t match many manufacturer’s pre-cut speaker holes.
Who Wants It: Anglers who like to jam tunes but hate replacing “marine” speakers on a seasonal basis.
Contact: www.prospecelectronics.com.
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