Some audio questions

[mustangjoe87]

I will first say that I have never really taken the time to learn much about setting up a good system. I want to rework the stereo on my boat, currently I have a sony marine head unit 2 6in rounds in the hull sides and 2 6x9's in movable boxes so i can set them on the transom while in the water. I basically just want to get a bit more volume and better sound quality out of it. Right now if I turn it up too far the radio shuts off and restarts. Is this because I need an amp? I was also thinking about adding two more speakers in the back for a total of 6. Thank you for your help and patience

 

[Tin]

Right now if I turn it up too far the radio shuts off and restarts. Is this because I need an amp?

Yes, you do need an amp. Most modern solid-state amps are designed to power-off or scale back volume if the systems starts clipping. When an amp clips, you have a high likelyhood of frying the voice coil.

 

[CamaroKid91Z]

Remember if your going to be updating the speakers and possibly getting an amp... your going to want to get bigger power and ground wire to handle the amps that you will be putting out. I had the same issue with my buddies boat, although he already had an amp and 2 subs, he would turn it up and it would kill the sound from the speakers, ended up being too small of power wire. So just make sure you run bigger power wire and get a good ground for both the head unit and amplifier.

 

[mustangjoe87]

I see, any recommendations for an amp that will see some moisture? Also when I put the amp in does it only connect to the speakers I want more bass out of or all of them?