Loudest Marine Speakers

Music and sailing just seem to go together. However, it goes without saying that music only sounds as good as the system it’s playing through.

A great sounding boat audio system can transport you to a simple universe where your only worry is the strength and direction of the breeze.

There are a lot of ways to improve your boat’s audio system, but adding new aftermarket speakers is one of the most effective and affordable.

We know that shopping for the best marine speakers can be frustrating. But finding the best deal makes everything – all the hours of research and comparative shopping – well worth it.

In this guide, we’ve evaluated the loudest 6.5 marine speakers that you can buy for this year, no matter what your budget.

So, without any further ado, onto the list…

Loudest 6.5 Marine Speakers

1. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW

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Kenwood KFC-1653MRW

• Injection-molded polypropylene cone woofers
• Rubber surround
• 1 inch balanced-dome tweeters built into grilles
• UV-resistant fixed grille design
• 50 watts RMS (150 watts peak)

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Within the audio space, Kenwood is one of the top-rated brands. The company has been in the loudspeaker industry since 1946, and you could say they know a thing or two about sound.

The KFC-1653MRW is some of the best 6.5 marine speakers that Kenwood has to offer, all things considered. These speakers are very well-engineered and most importantly, they are quite affordable.

These Kenwood speakers are designed to bring power and precision to your boat’s sound system. They come equipped with 1″ balanced-dome tweeters built into white UV-resistant grilles and waterproof polypropylene cone bonded to durable rubber surround for long lasting performance.

Additionally, thanks to their composite speaker baskets, and stainless steel hardware, these solid speakers will last for many years to come.

The Kenwood KFC-1653MRW speakers have a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz and 86 dB sensitivity. At 50 watts of continuous power and the ability to handle bursts up to 150 watts, these speakers are loud enough to cut through wind, waves, and engine noise. They deliver the highs, the lows and everything in between with ease. though to produce well-refined lows, try pairing with a marine subwoofer.

2. Kicker KM654LCW

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Kicker KM654LCW

• Built-in adjustable LED backlighting
• UV-treated polypropylene woofers
• Santoprene rubber surround
• Sealed motor structure and locking terminal covers
• 3/4 inch balanced dome titanium tweeters

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Kicker products don’t really need an introduction. This audiophile brand has made a name for itself as a serious contender in the car audio industry. Their products seem to hit the sweet spot for a lot of guys, and for good reason.

The Kicker KM654LCW speakers sound impressive. The built-in multi-colored LEDs lighting really makes them stand out from the crowd – a nice option for a night time party on the boat. With this lighting system, you can select the color of the lights to match your mood. You can also use an optional remote control to change the colors on the fly.

With sealed motors, rubber cone surrounds, and locking terminal covers to keep spray away from the internal components, these LED-enhanced speakers are ready to shrug off harsh environmental abuse and rock your boat with loud and undistorted sound.

Speaking of which these speakers come equipped with UV-treated polypropylene woofers coupled with Santoprene rubber surround. They also feature 3/4″ balanced dome titanium tweeters designed to deliver spectacular highs without annoying harshness.

With an impressive frequency range of 35 – 21,000 Hz, and 90 dB sensitivity rating, plus the ability of being able to handle up to 65 watts and bursts up to 195 watts, it’s safe to say that these are truly the loudest marine speakers you can buy.

3. Polk Audio DB652

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Polk Audio DB652

• Marine certified — recommended for fresh water and powersports applications
• 6-1/2 inch polypropylene woofer cones
• Rubber surround
• 3/4 inch silk dome tweeters
• Handles up to 100 watts RMS (300 watts peak power)

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If you’ve ever taken any interest in speakers, Polk Audio is a brand you likely recognize, and for good reason. It’s a legacy speaker maker that makes a range of quality speakers for different applications.

These speakers offer stellar performance for the money. They’re specifically designed for cars. However, because they’re marine certified with IP55 rating (water- and dirt-resistant), these Polk Audio speakers are also suitable for motorcycles, boats, ATVs — you name it.

These ruggedly built 2-way speakers are featured with a 6-1/2″ polypropylene woofer cones with a strong rubber surround. A 3/4″ silk dome tweeters deliver crystal clear highs with precision to give you a vibrant soundstage, while the built-in crossover keeps the highs and lows flowing to the proper drivers.

Polk Audio DB652 speakers can handle a staggering 100 watts on continuous basis. They boast a 40Hz to 22kHz frequency response and 92 dB sensitivity, giving you all the range and power you could want. These impressive specs make these babies the loudest marine speakers on the market.

The downside, however, is that these speakers have coated steel baskets and their terminals and crossover components are not covered, therefore, it’s highly recommended to not use them in salt water environments.

4. Pioneer TS-MR1640

Pioneer TS-MR1640

• 6-1/2 inch white water-resistant injection-molded polypropylene (IMPP) woofer
• 1 inch polyetherimide (PEI) semi-dome tweeters
• Water-resistant rubber surround
• Gold-plated tinsel leads and terminals
• Corrosion-resistant mounting hardware
• Recommended power range 2-30 watts RMS

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No list of best marine speakers would be complete without the Pioneer TS-MR1640. These speakers epitomizes the company’s track record of high-end performance with solid build quality.

Speaking of build quality, the Pioneer Nautica speakers at hand are built specifically for the tough marine environment, so you can count on dependable performance onboard your craft. They’re featured with 6-1/2″ white water-resistant injection-molded polypropylene woofer cones supported by water-resistant rubber surround. With a lows that digs down into the depths of 30Hz, these speakers are masters at providing full, deep lows.

To complement the deep lows, these speakers use 1″ PEI semi-dome tweeters that render pristine highs that will easily cut through the sound of the waves, wind, and roar of the engine.

Pioneer TS-MR1640 sport an impressive frequency response of 30-30,000 Hz, and 91 dB sensitivity. Their 30 watts RMS power handling is slightly below average. Sill, these speakers are capable of being loud when coupled with an amp.

Loudest 6X9 Marine Speakers

If you believe in “the bigger, the better”, speakers prove that axiom right.

So, if you’re looking for something that can bump out extra power, 6X9 marine speakers are the way to go. Generally speaking, 6×9 marine speakers will deliver more volume and bass than 6.5 speakers.

That said, let’s take a close look at some of the loudest 6×9 marine speakers in the market.

1. JBL MS 9520

JBL MS 9520

• Polypropylene cones
• Synthetic rubber surrounds
• Grille-mounted balanced-dome tweeters
• UV- and corrosion-resistant polymer baskets and grilles
• 300 watts peak power

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Within the audio space, JBL is one of the most renowned and well-reputed names. The company has been in business for a very long time and has mastered the art of providing top-notch speakers. The same goes for its selection of marine speakers.

JBL built these great-sounding MS 9520 speakers to withstand the harsh marine elements. They feature waterproof motor structures, a one-piece cast-polymer basket, a sealed magnet, and durable rubber surrounds. Their oversized Plus One™ polypropylene cones on offer higher sensitivity, increased low-frequency thump, and dynamic performance in a sound that is deep, loud and clear.

Speaking of clarity, these speakers come with grille-mounted balanced-dome tweeters, which ensure a rich experience in the upper frequencies, defined by a bright musical detail. In other words, things that used to sound fuzzy and distorted when you crank it up, like brass, vocals, and pianos, will sound crystal-clear through these speakers.

Specs-wise, these speakers are quite outstanding. They can handle up to 100 watts RMS, and bursts up to 300 watts at peak. With a 92 dB sensitivity and a frequency response of 37Hz to 20kHz, you’ll score crisp highs, fantastic mid-range clarity and a respectable bass.

2. Dual Electronics DMS369

Dual Electronics DMS369

• Poly-coated cloth surround
• Magnetically shielded weather-resistant woofers
• UV impregnated ABS heat-resistant weatherproof grilles
• Stainless steel mounting hardware included
• Corrosion and rustproof basket design

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Some of the speakers on this list cost are a bit pricey, and they’re worth it. But if you just need a decent pair of 6×9 marine speakers that can get the job done without tearing a hole in your wallet, the Dual Electronics DMS369 is where price and performance meet.

While the majority of marine speakers we’ve come across have a 2-way design, the DMS369 sport a 3-way design. So, in addition to their Mylar dome tweeters, and weather-resistant injection molded woofer cones, these speakers add in extra piezo dome tweeters to extend the high frequency response.

These speakers boast 89db sensitivity and have a frequency response of 42Hz – 17kHz. They can handle up to 50 watts RMS and up to 200 watts at peak.

3. Boss Audio Systems MR690

Boss Audio Systems MR690

• Polypropylene woofer cone
• Treated cloth surround
• 1 tweeter per speaker

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On a budget but still want the loudest 6×9 marine speakers? Check out the BOSS Audio Systems MR690 speakers. They’re not expensive, but you still get a lot for the money.

If you’re a picky audio enthusiast, I’m afraid these speakers aren’t going to blow your mind with the sound quality, as they won’t deliver chest-thumping bass, or crisp highs. That’s not to say that they’re nothing to write home about. Quite honestly, the Boss MR690 are a definite improvement over the stock speakers.

These speakers come equipped with 1 inch mylar dome tweeters and Polypropylene woofer cones bonded to treated cloth surround. The plastic grilles on these are pretty flimsy.

Boss MR690 speakers have a frequency range of 60Hz – 20kHz, and 92dB sensitivity. They can handle up to 175 watts RMS, and bursts up to 350 watts at peak.

4. Polk Audio DB692

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Polk Audio DB692

• Marine certified — recommended for fresh water and powersports applications
• 3-way design
• 6x9 polypropylene woofer cone with rubber surround
• 3/4 inch silk dome tweeters
• 1/2 inch supertweeters
• Handles up to 150 watts RMS (450 watts peak power)

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Polk Audio makes top-notch speakers, all things considered. Sure, their speakers are slightly expensive than the rivals, however, they’re worth the extra money.

So, if you believe that “you get what you pay for”, Polk Audio DB692 speakers prove that axiom right. Additionally, when you name a series of speakers after sound measurement unit (dB for decibels), you’re telling people one simple fact – crank them up, they’re set to rock!

Polk Audio DB692 speakers boast 93 dB sensitivity and have an great frequency range of 30-22,000 Hz. At 150 watts of continuous power and the ability to handle bursts up to 450 watts, there’s no denying that these are the loudest marine speakers you can buy.

These speakers are featured with a 6″x9″ polypropylene and UV tolerant woofer cone with a waterproof rubber surrounds, and 3/4″ silk dome tweeters. Because these are 3 way speakers, polk audio equipped them with 1/2″ super-tweeters for extended high-frequency detail, producing a more clearly defined soundstage where you can picture the placement of every instrument. The built-in crossover directs the the highs to the tweeters and super tweeters and lows to the woofers.

These Polk speakers are marine certified with IP55 rating (water- and dirt-resistant). They’re tested for salt-fog, UV and humidity, making them a good choice for ATVs, convertibles, motorcycles, and fresh water applications.

On the debit side, these speakers are not meant to be used in salt water environments because their terminals and crossover components are not covered.

Loudest Wakeboard Tower Speakers

If you’re looking for speakers that can project audio signals over a long-range regardless of background noise, wakeboard tower speakers are you best bet.

Adding a pair of tower speakers to your vessel will make a night and day difference in terms of sound quality and performance. They’ll immerse in you in a pleasurable musical atmosphere.

Without any further ado, let’s take a look at some of the loudest wakeboard tower speakers out there…

1. BOSS Audio Systems MRWT40

BOSS Audio Systems MRWT40

• Ideal for boats, ATVs, golf carts
• Polypropylene composite cones
• 1 inch tweeters
• Durable rubber surround
• Outdoor-ready basket and grille
• Integrated mounting brackets fit bars up to 2 inches
• Each speaker handles up to 100 watts RMS (200 watts peak power)

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Boss Audio has been in business for quite some time now. They offer a wide variety of reasonably-priced products. And the wakeboard tower speakers at hand are no exception.

These rugged MRWT40 4 inch tower speakers from Boss Audio prove that big sound can come from small packages. They can be used in a wide variety of vehicles including boats, ATVs, off-road vehicles, golf cart – you name it.

Boss Audio MRWT40 speakers come equipped with polypropylene cones supported by durable rubber surround, and 1 inch dome tweeters. They all sit in rugged, UV-resistant baskets to keep the internal components away from the elements. As an extra precaution measure, the internal components are also sealed for protection against moisture.

These speakers are mounted in weatherproof ABS enclosures and come with integrated mounting brackets that fit bars up to 2 inches.

Each MRWT40 speaker carries an impressive 94dB sensitivity rating and is capable of handling a staggering 100 watts RMS (200 peak). That’s quite impressive for their sizes. They project sound very well and have good highs and mids, with decent bass for four inch speakers.

2. Pyle PLMRW65

Pyle PLMRW65

• Water resistant housing
• Bullet-style speaker design
• Large diameter sound projection
• Gold-plated speaker plug terminals
• 1 inch dome tweeters
• Fits mounting bars up to 2.0 inch in diameter
• Heavy duty engineered ABS construction
• Corrosion and stain resistant coating

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Pyle is an established brand that’s been in the audio space for around six decades now. They’re a company known for their long tradition of making affordable speakers, and their “Hydra” marine speakers line is no exception. However, Pyle has a reputation for hit-or-miss quality. So how do their wakeboard tower marine speakers measure up? Let’s find out…

These white 6.5 speakers provide a clean, elegant appearance when mounted. They sport an IP-44, which makes them protected against water splashing from any angle.

They provide a total of 200 watts of continuous power and 400 watts dynamic, with large Butyl surrounds supporting 6-1/2″ Poly Mica woofer cone. Additionally, these speakers come equipped with 1″ high-quality polymer dome tweeters. They have a frequency response of 70Hz to 20 kHz.

3. DTI DSWT65

The DTI DSWT65 wakeboard tower speakers are quite an achievement, and we think they deserve to retain the crown of loudest wakeboard tower speakers for the money.

For most people, these speakers will be all they’ll ever need, regardless of boat, golf cart, ATV type and size. At around 100 watts RMS and 280 peak, the DTI DSWT65 speakers puts out well-balanced sound throughout the audible frequency range. They truly satisfy whichever the type of music you like listening to.

The DTI DSWT65 are featured with 25 oz Magnet motor structure, 1/2″ Polyamide dome tweeters and Poly mica woofer cones supported by butyl rubber surround. They’re housed in weatherproof heavy duty molded enclosures.

These speakers come equipped with gold plated binding posts, and built-in adjustable bar mounting brackets, making them ideal for wakeboard sound systems or other outdoor Marine audio applications.

As for cons, it’s really difficult to think of any. If anything, I’d say that the leads for hooking up the speaker wires are a little flimsy.

Some Key Specs to Consider

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for boat speakers. You’ll want to consider key specs such as sensitivity, power handling, frequency range, impedance…etc. All of these factors can be helpful in making your decision. However, if you’re interested in buying the loudest marine speakers, speakers’ sensitivity and power handling should be the main two specs to pay close attention to.

That’s not to say that the other key specs aren’t of much importance. Quite honestly, they do matter. But in this case, the most critical key specs to look out for are sensitivity and RMS power handling.

• Sensitivity — measures the amount of sound a speaker yields from the power applied to it. It goes hand in hand with power handling. A pair of speakers with high sensitivity rating require less power to produce the same amount of sound as a pair of speakers with a lower sensitivity rating.
• Power handling — It is A measure of how much power (watts), a speaker can take before it is damaged.
  • Peak Power Handling: It refers to the maximum amount of power a speaker can handle during a brief musical burst.
  • RMS Power-Handling: It refers to the maximum amount of power a speaker can handle on a continuous basis.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the loudest marine speakers for your boat can be a challenge. The sheer number of marine speakers out there is enough to boggle the mind.

To help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve compiled a list of different marine speakers that perform quite well and pack in a serious punch.

This is not by any means a comprehensive list. There is a wide variety of boat speakers out there. Too much to cover in one post. However, we wanted to give you a few solid options. With any luck you’ll find something works for your setup.