Marine Grade Accessories – the Backbone of a Sound Sound System
Published: Friday, August 27, 2021
When evaluating sound systems for your boat, the information can be overwhelming and a lot of it “sounds” the same. However, on closer inspection, we see the analogy of a healthy, fit body—it needs a strong skeleton and nervous system to operate at optimum. Same with your boat’s sound system.
KICKER Marine Audio starts with the basics—top materials and components that give your system “good bones.” The company also goes the distance with testing and compliance requirements, making certain that each product that bears its name is “fit” for marine use.
Let’s start with the small pieces that can avert a big disaster—like a blown amp—or a fire.
Fuses
KICKER Marine Audio’s MRBF terminal fuses meet SAE-J1171 standards for ignition protection and are IP66 rated. They are ignition protected—safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats and the clear window gives visual indication if blown. Plus, they are color-coded for each amperage. Available in 40-300 AMP, $19.95
Marine Master Fuse Holders
KICKER Marine Audio masterfully designed this master fuse holder that easily mounts on your battery terminal, accepting MRBF marine fuses, regulating the power from each fuse, and making them easy to change. As with all KICKER Marine Audio components, the fuse holder is compliant to Coast Guard and ABYC standards. Model # KMFMF $29.95
Power Distribution
KICKER is the only 12-volt aftermarket brand to offer a power distribution system that meets Coast Guard and ABYC standards so it is safe for use in new boat construction.
Fused Distribution Block
Amplifiers need to be over-current protected. In a multi-amplifier system, each amp needs its own over-current protection. For this reason, KICKER built its Fused Distribution Block. Simply add an MRBF marine fuse for every amp you want to protect—that is up to three amplifiers per block which is compliant to Coast Guard and ABYC standards. Model # KMFDB3 $79.95
Ground Distribution Block
To route and connect power or ground circuits, KICKER Marine Audio designed its ground distribution blocks to provide the best possible connection from your amplifiers to ground. Rather than repurpose a car-stereo solution to a marine environment, KICKER created a simple, ABYC-compliant ground block made specifically for your boat. KICKER Marine Audio recommends using the RT-Series ring terminals (in various gauges, $19.95, 4-pack) for the best possible connection, as they accept three ground wires and are compliant to Coast Guard and ABYC standards. Model # KMDB3 $49.95
Marine Wire
KICKER Marine Audio is WIRED for sound, using only 100-percent, full AWG spec, oxygen-free copper (OFC) in all its wire and products. OFC provides wire flexibility, high corrosion resistance, and low internal resistance for maximum power transfer. This marine-grade wire is like the nervous system for your boat.
Some manufacturers use cheaply made, copper-clad aluminum (CCA) as a wire replacement in their accessory lines. You pay less initially but expect higher cost later for the higher internal resistance, lower wire flexibility, and lower corrosion resistance.
Another common money-saving manufacturing tactic, is decreasing the amount of copper strands inside, compensating with a thicker, outer PVC jacket. This shortcut results in poor performance and limits the current to your amp, often losing as much as 20 percent amp output! But KICKER Marine Audio does NOT cut corners—or copper strands—and uses full-spec tinned copper wire with a full strand count and total cross-sectional area that meets or exceeds the American Wire Gage (AWG) requirements. With KICKER Marine Audio, you enjoy full amp output.
Signal Cable
Split-pin signal cable connections ensure an excellent union between the cable and amplifier input and a strong signal. KICKER Marine Audio’s pure oxygen-free cable (OFC) wire delivers the highest signal clarity and in addition, its full PVC jacketing extends to completely cover the ground ring, providing a superior seal between the elements and your amplifier. All marine RCA cables feature an ultra-slim union for snag-free cable routing in tight places. Available in 1-10 meters, $19.95 - $49.95.
Look for top-quality marine-grade components in your sound system and you will find a sound investment in a strong system that can really carry a tune!
A version of this article appeared in the Summer Issue (July/August) 2021 of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt magazine.
tags: Electronics, Retrofitting
