Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

Marine Audio

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

-

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

Contrary to how some marine audio amplifier manufacturers approach the design of their products, an amplifier designed for a boat isn’t just painted a different color. From coatings on the circuit board and the finish on the heatsink to the materials chosen for the electrical connections, a marine amp needs to be designed from the ground up for reliability. In this spotlight, we’ll look at what makes the Rockford Fosgate PM400X4 a perfect solution for your marine audio application.

Specifications of the Rockford Fosgate PM400X4

The PM400X4 is a four-channel amplifier rated to produce 50 watts of power into four 4-ohm loads and 100 watts into 2-ohm loads. Each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 200 watts of power into two 4-ohm loads. The bridged configuration would be ideal for a pair of subwoofers or wakeboard tower enclosures, such as the 10-inch Rockford Fosgate M2WL-10H.

Performance-wise, Rockford Fosgate rates the amp as having a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a tolerance of 1 dB. Most companies use a 3 dB rating. This is a Class A/B amplifier, so you know the frequency response with real dynamic loads is going to be ruler-flat to well beyond where humans can hear. Distortion is specified as less than 1%. We know from our testing that these amplifiers are capable of better than 0.02%, putting them in line with the cream of the crop.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
The PM400X4 is a four-channel Class-AB amplifier designed for marine applications.

Design Features

The PM400X4 is based on a cast aluminum heatsink that measures 11.03 by 7.76 inches and stands 2.38 inches tall. The heatsink is finished in a light grey powder coat that’s not only durable but also resistant to fading under prolonged UV exposure.

Speaker, signal, and power connections are made along the front edge of the amp. Terminal blocks with set screws accessible from the top of the amp ensure secure and reliable connections for up to 4-AWG power and ground wires and 8-AWG speaker connections. The terminal blocks use stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion. The amp has four RCA input jacks that are slightly recessed into the front panel.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
Custom-tooled terminal blocks ensure that power and speaker cables are held in place securely.

Signal Processing and Controls

As you can see from the photos, there’s a removable panel on top of the amp that provides access to the controls. Each pair of channels has a sensitivity control that’s adjustable from 150 millivolts to an impressive 12 volts. The RCA input jacks have a balanced differential circuit design. Not only does this help eliminate noise, but it means your installer can connect the output of a factory radio or small amplifier directly to the PM400X4 without the need for a line output converter.

Each pair of channels has a crossover function switch that selects between high-pass, low-pass, or full-range operation. The associated frequency control is adjustable from 50 Hz to 250 Hz, and the crossovers have a -12 dB-per-Octave slope with a Butterworth alignment.

Additionally, Rockford Fosgate included a Punch EQ2 control with each pair of channels. Your installer can dial in up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz and 12 dB at 12.5 kHz to give your music a little kick or sizzle. In a marine application, the added high-frequency output can be very beneficial to systems where the speakers are mounted low under the seats.

Rockford Fosgate PM400X4
All the controls and adjustments are concealed behind a removable panel on the amplifier’s top panel.

Keeping Things C.L.E.A.N.

The PM400X4 includes Rockford Fosgate’s C.L.E.A.N. distortion-detecting circuitry on each channel. The amp features an input clip indicator LED beside the RCA jacks to optimize signal-to-noise performance. Each pair of channels has an output clip indicator to let your installer know when the amp reaches maximum output. Setting up an amp with the C.L.E.A.N. circuitry saves time and eliminates clipping, which can add unwanted high-frequency content and damage tweeters.

Element Ready Design

We’ve mentioned the UV-resistant powder coat finish and the stainless-steel terminal hardware. These are just part of the Element Ready design of the PM400X4. Additionally, the circuit board has a two-part epoxy coating that helps eliminate corrosion from exposure to salt, as you’d find near the ocean. The epoxy, combined with hot melt adhesive around significant components like the power supply capacitors, ensures that vibrations and impacts won’t damage the circuit board.

Upgrade Your Marine Entertainment System Today!

If you are interested in having an audio system upgrade designed for your boat, drop by a local Rockford Fosgate retailer. They can combine speakers, subwoofers, and a source with high-quality amplifiers like the Punch PM400X4 to create a system that will sound amazing and last for years.

To find an authorized retailer near you, use the locator tool on the Rockford Fosgate website. While you are online, check out their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube feeds to stay up to date with the latest product releases and cool event coverage.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

-

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

Having a great-sounding audio system on your boat is one of the best ways to improve your time on the lake or ocean. Rockford Fosgate is an industry leader in marine audio products. Their speakers, subwoofers, source units and amplifiers are at the heart of some of the best-sounding boats on the water. Let’s check out the Punch Series M2-200X2 amplifier in this product spotlight.

Specifications of the Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2

The M2-200X2 is a two-channel amplifier that’s rated to produce 50 watts of power per channel into four-ohm loads. When the load impedance is two ohms, power output increases to 100 watts per channel. The amp can be bridged to deliver 200 watts of power into a single four-ohm load.

From a perspective of performance, Rockford Fosgate rates the amp as having a bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a THD spec of < 1.0%. Having tested several Punch amplifiers in our labs, we know that they dramatically outperform these modest specifications. We’ve seen frequency response measurements that are within 3dB to well below 5 Hz, and THD numbers in the <0.02% range. Punch and Power series amplifiers not only measure well on the bench, but they also sound excellent.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
The M2-200X2 is a two-channel amplifier designed to withstand the challenges of marine applications.

Marine Stereo Amplifier Features

The M2-200X2 is based on the same cast aluminum heatsink design as the Punch Series amplifiers. These high-mass heatsinks are a key component in determining reliability and thermal stability at high power levels. Indeed, there are many compact amps on the market that make similar power claims. However, we doubt they will play at full power for more than 30 minutes without overheating.

The M2-200X2 has a footprint of 6.8 by 8.1 inches and stands 1.9 inches tall. All the power, signal and speaker connections are made along the front edge of the amp to keep the installation tidy. Angled terminal blocks accept 4-AWG power and ground connections, while a smaller block accommodates at least 12-AWG speaker cables.

The amplifier has a pair of RCA input jacks that will accept up to 4 volts. Adjacent to the speaker jacks is a Molex plug for speaker-level inputs. This will take up to 12 volts of signal. The amp has an Auto Remote Turn-On feature that monitors the inputs for the presence of the BTL offset voltage from a head unit or similar amplifier. This is an excellent feature if your installer is connecting the amp to a radio that doesn’t have RCA outputs.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
Power, signal and speaker connections are made via zinc-coated brass terminals along the front edge of the amp.

Signal Processing

The Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2 has a variable crossover that can be adjusted from 50 Hz to 250 Hz. The slope is -12 dB per Octave and features a Butterworth alignment. A switch on the top of the amp allows your installer to select between high-pass or low-pass operation, or to bypass the filtering completely.

The M2-200X2 features Rockford Fosgate’s C.L.E.A.N. circuit on both the input and output, allowing your installer to optimize the amplifier’s power and noise performance. The C.L.E.A.N. LED indicators illuminate when maximum power is achieved.

Element Ready Design

Rockford Fosgate rates the M2-200X2 as being Element Ready. In this application, the amp is constructed with corrosion-resistant materials like a UV-resistant powder-coated cast aluminum heatsink and corrosion-resistant zinc nickel-plated brass hardware. Where the moniker becomes more critical is the use of a conformal coating on the circuit board to prevent corrosion in environments with high salt content. Furthermore, the board and its attached components can withstand impacts and vibrations that would cause problems with lesser products. If your boat takes a pounding as you jump over waves, then this physical stability is crucial to the longevity of your marine audio system.

Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2
The M2-200X2 includes mounting hardware and a hex key to make installation straightforward.

Upgrade Your Boat with Rockford Fosgate Marine Audio

If you are shopping for a great-sounding, reliable amplifier to upgrade your marine audio system, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the M2-200X2. This stereo amplifier is an ideal solution for powering a few sets of speakers or a subwoofer. In fact, running two of them would make for a perfect two-way marine audio system that can play for hours and hours.

Visit the Rockford Fosgate website and use their dealer locator to find a shop near where you live. While online, be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn about their impressive marine audio upgrade solutions.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER MSC65

-

KICKER MSC65

There are dozens of companies manufacturing marine-grade speakers. That certainly doesn’t mean that all the speakers sound good and have equivalent performance. KICKER, a company known for developing car audio, powersports and marine audio solutions, recently launched their M-Class Premium Series of marine products. This spotlight will look at the MSC65 6.5-inch coaxial speaker from this high-end family. Let’s check it out!

MSC65 Specifications

The KICKER MSC65 speakers have a published frequency response of 55 Hz to 25 kHz with an efficiency of 89 dB at 1W/1M. Recommended amplifier power is 15 to 100 watts, while peak power handling is 200 watts. The mounting requirements are a 5-7/16” hole with 3-9/16” of depth behind them.

Features of the KICKER MSC65

The MSC65 is a 6.5-inch coaxial that’s designed around a glass-filled nylon chassis. The chassis provides a stable platform for the magnet and moving assembly. At the heart of the speaker is a carbon-fiber-infused polypropylene woofer cone. A Santoprene synthetic rubber surround provides a compliant connection at the top edge of the cone that will last for many years.

For a tweeter, each speaker uses a textile material called Teteron to provide smooth, audiophile-grade performance. The tweeters have a diameter of 28mm (1.1 inches), so they can play low enough to prevent the woofers from becoming directional. The speakers use an integrated -12 dB/octave passive crossover at 3.2 kHz, which helps to ensure smooth and natural sound.

A perforated metal mesh grille protects the tweeters. An eight-spoke grille above the woofer cone supports the whole assembly. This eliminates the need for a pole piece, thereby increasing the woofer’s cone area to improve efficiency and bass production. Each pair of speakers includes both the white and charcoal grilles.

Electrical connections for the speaker are made via two-position Deutsch-style connectors to ensure a reliable, water-resistant connection. The speakers feature RGBW LED illumination, which lights up the cone from an LED strip wrapped around the tweeter’s neodymium magnet. The optional KMLC LED Lighting Remote controller can control the five-wire lighting system. Alternatively, the lighting can be hard-wired to a specific color to match your boat.

KICKER MSC65
The MSC65 set includes both charcoal and white grilles along with RGBW lighting to add a little extra style.

Real Marine™ Products

KICKER has invested significant resources into ensuring the entire series of M-CLASS products is up to the toughest challenges Mother Nature can dish out. All the speakers and subwoofers are tested for resistance to corrosion from salt under the ASTM B117 standard. They are also tested for colorfastness and resistance to chalking or fading due to prolonged UV exposure under the ASTM G154 standard. Finally, they have an IPX66 water-resistance rating thanks to integrated mounting gaskets on the backs of all the speakers. You can be confident that your purchase from KICKER will last for many years.

KICKER MSC65
Speaker wire and illumination connections are handled by weather-resistant Deutsch-style connectors that are molded into the chassis.

Other KICKER M-Class Solutions

Aside from the MSC65 6.5-inch coaxial speakers, the M-Class line includes 8-inch coax speakers along with 6.5 and 8-inch component speaker sets. The series includes 10 and 12-inch subwoofers designed for compact enclosures or infinite baffle applications. There is also a compact marine-grade subwoofer enclosure with a 10-inch subwoofer and a matching 10-inch reFLEX passive radiator to improve low-frequency efficiency.

Upgrade Your Boat with KICKER M-Class Speakers and Subwoofers Today!

If the sound system on your boat doesn’t put a smile on your face when you turn up the volume, drop by an authorized KICKER retailer today and ask them about the amazing new M-Class marine audio products like the MSC65. You can find an authorized dealer using the locator tool on their website. For more information on KICKER marine, powersports and car audio products, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and of course, their amazing YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Hertz Capri H100

-

Though there are dozens, if not hundreds, of marine source unit options on the market, very few are designed with audio performance as their primary consideration. To this end, the Hertz Capri H100 features support for modern high-resolution audio file playback and premium Bluetooth streaming connectivity. Combined with a large color display, this is the marine source to consider for those who care about sound quality. Let’s check it out!

Hertz Capri H100 Design and Features

The H100’s focal point is its large 4.3-inch color TFT IPS display. The In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology dramatically improves off-axis viewing clarity to ensure the displayed information is visible even when the radio is mounted at an angle. Aside from the usual audio source information display, the Capri has a camera input that could help with docking a larger boat.

A rotary volume encoder is located on the left side of the front panel, making control easy and intuitive. Rubberized buttons above and below the control handle source selection, track selection and menu access.

The H100 radio has a slender rear chassis and an oversized face. The face measures roughly seven inches wide and four inches tall. The cutout for the chassis needs to be six by 2.5 inches. The chassis will protrude about 5 inches behind the mounting surface. The front panel has an IP67 rating, so it can handle getting splashed without fear of water damage.

Hertz Capri H100
The H100 display features a high-quality color display and intuitive controls.

Source Options

The Capri H100 features an AM/FM receiver with tuner frequency spacing support for countries worldwide. RDS and RDBS information display is also supported, so you can see what track is playing, assuming the station broadcasts that information. The radio will also receive Weather Band information so you can stay up to date with the marine forecast in your area.

If you want the best sound quality from your entertainment system, you must start with the best source. Connecting a USB memory stick with FLAC, WAV or Vorbis files will deliver high-resolution audio playback. You can also play MP3, WMA or AAC files. The radio supports USB memory sticks up to 256 GB in size with as many as 9999 files on the stick.

The Capri H100 isn’t shy about inputs. First, there’s an RCA input that you can use with a media or DVD player. A TOSLINK S/PDIF input also supports 24-bit, 192 kHz audio streams.

Moving down the sound quality food chain takes us to Bluetooth. The Capri is state-of-the-art, supporting LDAC and aptX HD high-resolution formats. If your Android phone supports these transmission types, your music will sound better than the classic AAC protocol. You may have to dig into your phone’s menu to turn these all on. Those of us with an iPhone are stuck with AAC.

The H100 can be upgraded with a SiriusXM SXV300 tuner module and antenna if you want to enjoy genre-specific entertainment. This is a must-have in rural regions without terrestrial radio stations or cell service.

System Connectivity and Expansion

Let’s start by looking at the audio outputs. The built-in four-channel amplifier is rated to produce up to 70 watts of power when driving four two-ohm loads. Continuous ANSI/CTA-2006 compliant output is 26 watts per channel into four four-ohm loads.

The Capri H100 is a multi-zone radio with four sets of stereo and subwoofer RCA outputs rated for four volts RMS. Each stereo output has an optional high-pass filter that can be set to 60, 80 or 100 hertz. The subwoofer outputs have the same low-pass frequencies. There’s also an eight-band graphic equalizer for each of the four zone outputs. Your installer could configure a system for the helm, the main seating area, a front berth and the cabin.

The deck is part of Hertz and Audison’s Full DA HD ecosystem. As such, it features a coaxial S/PDIF output with support for 24-bit, 192 kHz digital audio. If you want to feed a digital signal processor with a clean signal, this connection has you covered.

Hertz Capri H100
The Capri H100 offers four zones of control to ensure everyone on your boat is entertained.

Remote Control Options

The Hertz Capri H100 can be upgraded with your choice of wired remotes to make controlling the radio from around a large boat easier. The optional Capri HD1 mimics the functionality of the main Capri H100 radio and includes the same controls and color display. If you want something more streamlined, the compact HMC U1 remote has source, volume and track selection buttons in a small chassis. The latter would be ideal for a swim platform where its compact size is a big feature.

An NMEA 2000 port on the back of the radio chassis allows you to connect the H100 to a multi-function display.

What you might not have seen coming is the Hertz Marine Control app for your Apple or Android smartphone. You have complete control over all four zones’ source options and volume levels when connected. Your installer can use the app to set crossover points and fine-tune the equalizers as mentioned earlier.

Hertz Capri H100
The Capri H100 includes a NMEA 2000 that lets you connect to a multi-function display at the helm.

The Heart of a Premium Marine Audio System

Whether you have a bowrider, wakeboard boat, or want a multi-zone audio system for your cruiser or yacht, the Hertz Capri H100 marine radio is the perfect solution. Combine it with high-quality speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers, and you have entertainment options that are perfect for an evening of dinner and drinks with friends or blasting around the lake with someone on the tow rope.

Visit the Hertz website and use their dealer locator tool to find an authorized retailer near you. While online, be sure to follow Hertz on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: PMX-1R Marine Remote

-

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R

Installing a marine radio in your boat is the best way to improve your day on the water. If your boat has bow seating, a swim platform, a cuddy, or a full cabin, adding a wired remote to the source unit at the helm makes it easier to control the music. The marine audio experts at Rockford Fosgate offer several wired remote solutions to upgrade their marine multimedia receivers. Let’s check out the PMX-1R wired remote control.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R Design

The PMX-1R is a compact wired remote with a rotary encoder, eight buttons, and a 2.7-inch color display. Its functions mimic the controls on the PMX-2, PMX-3, and PMX-5CAN radios. The remote also works with the PMX-8BB and the older PMX-5 source unit.

The remote measures 4.2 inches in height, 4.5 inches wide, and only 2.5 inches deep. Its shallow depth makes it a popular choice for instrument clusters where space behind the mounting panel is an issue. In those applications, a source unit like the nearly identical-looking PMX-3 could be installed in the galley or nav station.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R doesn’t require much mounting depth, making it ideal for mounting in the hull of a boat.

The display features the same TFT wet-bonded design used in the PMX-3 source unit. This construction method allows for great visibility and vibrant colors in bright conditions.

At the center of the remote is a rotary encoder with a large knob that serves as the system volume control. The knob can be pushed to access additional functions. Speaking of additional functions, the eight rubber-coated buttons provide direct access to track or channel selection, source selection, and even dimmer control. Knowing how Rockford Fosgate fanatics think, dedicated SUB + and SUB – buttons provide direct access to adjust the subwoofer output. Things couldn’t be more intuitive.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The wet-bonded 2.7-inch color display is easy to read in harsh lighting conditions.

Remote Wiring and Installation Options

Your installer will find a multi-pin DIN connector on the remote’s rear. This plug connects to any Rockford Fosgate marine source units mentioned above using the PMX16C 16-foot, PMX25C 25-foot, or PMX50C 50-foot extension cables sold separately. Multiple remotes can be used with a single source unit with the addition of the PMXYC Y-cable. Rockford Fosgate marine radios will support up to three remotes and as much as 100 feet of cable in the installation. That’s not 100 feet per remote, by the way.

The remote mounts through a three-inch hole in whatever panel you choose. Your installer can clamp the remote with the aluminum support bracket. Alternatively, they can use the four stainless steel mounting screws to affix the remote from the front. A trim ring is provided to conceal the mounting hardware, giving the remote a clean and tidy appearance. A rubber seal ensures water won’t get into the boat through the mounting hole in either solution.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R includes several installation options to ensure reliable operation.

Element Ready™ Design

Crucially, all Rockford Fosgate marine source units and remotes feature their Element Ready™ design. Where most companies stop with weather resistance ratings like the IPX6 found on the front panel, things go several steps further with the PMX-1R and its brethren. The remotes are tested in a UV light exposure chamber, which mimics years of prolonged sun exposure. The materials and design must remain colorfast and not turn chalky, fade, or dry out. Further, salt fog testing ensures the radios and remotes can be used in saltwater without concern over corrosion.

Rockford Fosgate takes things even further with its vibration and impact testing. When crashing over the waves, your boat can experience impacts of well over 5 G’s, with emergency situations exceeding 7 G’s. All products carrying the Element Ready™ symbol are tested on a vibration bench to ensure the design and internal components can withstand these stresses. When the Product Specialist you are working with tells you that purchasing a Rockford Fosgate marine source unit and remote is an investment in quality, they have the proof to support that statement.

Unlimited Installation Applications

Aside from marine applications, recreational vehicles, motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and toy haulers are popular applications for Rockford Fosgate marine source units and remotes. A radio can be installed in the dash, and then additional remotes can be added in the kitchen, master suite, or even outside to control a set of marine-grade speakers. If you have a four-seater side-by-side, a PMX-1R could be added to a Stage 5 Polaris Ranger audio system to give the backseat crew as much control as the driver.

Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R
The PMX-1R can be used almost anywhere to make controlling an audio system easier.

Upgrade Your Marine Radio with the Rockford Fosgate PMX-1R Today!

Whether you are starting to build an audio system from scratch or looking to upgrade an existing installation, adding a remote like the PMX-1R is an excellent solution. If space is limited, the PMX-0 remote without an LCD display is another option. To find the best solution for your application, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today. You can find a shop near you using the online locator tool on their website. As always, be sure to follow our fanatical friends from Tempe on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.