Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair Review

Let’s Talk About Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair

The Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair promises to bring both robust sound and vibrant aesthetics to your marine environment. Boss Audio aims to deliver an immersive audio experience coupled with eye-catching RGB lighting, controllable from the convenience of a wireless remote, all at an accessible price point. Let’s dive into whether these speakers live up to the promise of a budget-friendly upgrade for your boat.

My old marine speakers finally gave out after years of saltwater spray and harsh UV exposure. I needed something that could withstand the elements, deliver decent sound, and preferably add a bit of visual flair without breaking the bank. The Boss Audio speakers seemed to tick all those boxes on paper.

Unboxing them revealed a fairly standard set of marine speakers; the build quality felt acceptable for the price, with the polypropylene cone suggesting some level of water resistance. The weight felt appropriate for a 6.5-inch speaker, and the included remote was a welcome addition. They felt much lighter and less robust than my previous Rockford Fosgate marine speakers.

I considered similar speakers from Pyle and Kenwood, but the Boss Audio speakers stood out because of the integrated RGB lighting and the included wireless remote. The others required separate controllers or more complex wiring for lighting effects. I was cautiously optimistic about these speakers; the price was definitely appealing, but I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes you get what you pay for.


Real-World Testing: Putting Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Boss Audio Marine Speakers on my 21-foot center console boat, replacing the aging speakers in the existing cutouts. I tested them primarily in calm bay waters and near-shore coastal areas during several fishing trips. The speakers were subjected to typical marine conditions, including saltwater spray, direct sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures.

The speakers performed adequately in moderate conditions; the sound was clear enough for casual listening, although lacking in deep bass response. The RGB lighting added a nice visual touch at dusk and dawn, and the wireless remote made it easy to adjust the colors and effects. Under heavy rain or high winds, however, the sound was easily drowned out, and the lighting became less noticeable.

The ease of use was commendable; installation was straightforward, and the wireless remote paired instantly. I did have some initial issues with the remote’s range; it required a clear line of sight to the receiver to function reliably. I was initially pleased with the visual upgrade the lighting provided, but the audio quality left something to be desired.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Boss Audio Marine Speakers are showing some signs of wear and tear. The speaker cones are slightly faded from sun exposure, and the plastic housings have a few minor scratches. However, they continue to function without any major issues.

The durability seems acceptable for the price point; there are no signs of corrosion or water damage despite repeated exposure to saltwater spray. I regularly rinse the speakers with fresh water after each use, which probably helps prolong their lifespan. They certainly don’t hold up as well as the higher-end JBL marine speakers I have on my pontoon boat, but they’re also significantly cheaper.

Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water and a wipe down with a soft cloth is all that’s needed. So far, the Boss Audio speakers have neither outperformed nor significantly disappointed me; they deliver adequate performance for casual use but lack the robust sound and durability of more expensive options.

Breaking Down the Features of Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair

Specifications

  • The Boss Audio Marine Speakers boast a 200W max power handling per pair, which is a reasonable figure for their size. In practical terms, this means they can get fairly loud, but don’t expect them to rattle your fillings.
  • The polypropylene cone construction offers some resistance to moisture and UV damage, essential for marine environments. Polypropylene is a common and cost-effective material, balancing durability and sound quality.
  • The 1in Aluminum voice coil contributes to efficient heat dissipation, allowing for sustained high-volume playback. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat, helping to prevent damage to the speaker.
  • The frequency response range of 70 Hz- 20kHz indicates the range of sound the speakers can reproduce. While it covers most audible frequencies, the lower end (70Hz) suggests a limited bass response.
  • The system sensitivity of 88 dB indicates how loud the speakers will be at a given power input. 88 dB is a decent sensitivity rating, meaning they don’t require a huge amount of power to produce a reasonable volume.
  • The 1in Neodymium tweeter is designed for crisp, clear high-frequency reproduction. Neodymium magnets are powerful and compact, allowing for a smaller and more efficient tweeter design.
  • They feature 20 RGB illumination options, allowing for customizable lighting effects to match your mood or boat décor. The RGB lighting is a nice visual touch, adding a bit of fun to the listening experience.
  • The system impedance is 4 Ohms, which is a standard impedance for car and marine audio systems. Ensure your amplifier is compatible with a 4-Ohm load.
  • A wireless RF remote is included for controlling the lighting effects, adding convenience and ease of use. The remote is a handy feature, allowing you to adjust the lighting without fiddling with wires or switches.
  • The mounting depth is 2-9/16in (65mm), which is relatively shallow, making them suitable for a variety of mounting locations. A shallow mounting depth simplifies installation, especially in tight spaces.

Performance & Functionality

The Boss Audio Marine Speakers perform adequately for casual listening in calm conditions; the sound is reasonably clear, and the tweeters deliver decent high-frequency response. The bass response, however, is somewhat lacking, especially at higher volumes. These speakers are more suited for midrange clarity than deep, thumping bass.

Their strength lies in their visual appeal and ease of use, thanks to the RGB lighting and wireless remote. However, they struggle to compete with engine noise or wind at higher speeds, and the sound quality doesn’t match that of more expensive marine speakers. They meet expectations for a budget-friendly option but don’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price point; the materials feel somewhat lightweight, but the construction appears reasonably solid. The design is fairly generic, with a simple, clean aesthetic that should blend well with most boat interiors. They are noticeably lighter than my previous speakers, which gives them a less substantial feel.

The speakers are user-friendly; installation is straightforward, and the wireless remote is intuitive to use. There is no significant learning curve; anyone with basic audio installation experience should be able to set them up in minutes.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Boss Audio Marine Speakers should last a few seasons; regular rinsing with fresh water after exposure to saltwater is essential. The materials are not as robust as those found in higher-end marine speakers, so don’t expect them to withstand extreme conditions for extended periods.

Maintenance is simple; just wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime. Repairing them is likely not cost-effective; replacing them would be a more practical option if they fail.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boss Audio Marine Speakers come with a wireless RF remote for controlling the RGB lighting. There are no additional accessories included or readily available from Boss Audio.

The speakers are compatible with any standard marine audio amplifier with a 4-Ohm impedance. You could potentially upgrade the wiring or add a separate subwoofer for improved bass response, but that would likely negate the cost savings of choosing these speakers in the first place.

Pros and Cons of Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair

Pros

  • Affordable price: These speakers offer a budget-friendly way to upgrade your marine audio system.
  • RGB lighting with wireless remote: The customizable lighting adds visual appeal and is easy to control.
  • Relatively easy installation: The shallow mounting depth and standard wiring make installation straightforward.
  • Decent midrange clarity: The speakers provide acceptable sound quality for casual listening in calm conditions.
  • Lightweight design: The lightweight construction simplifies handling and mounting.

Cons

  • Limited bass response: The speakers lack deep bass, especially at higher volumes.
  • Questionable long-term durability: The materials are not as robust as those found in higher-end marine speakers.
  • Limited remote range: The wireless remote requires a clear line of sight to function reliably.


Who Should Buy Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair?

The Boss Audio Marine 6.5in Speakers are perfect for casual boaters, anglers on a budget, or anyone looking to add a bit of visual flair to their marine audio system without spending a fortune. They’re also a good choice for smaller boats where space is limited, thanks to their shallow mounting depth.

These speakers should be skipped by audiophiles, serious offshore anglers who demand top-tier performance in harsh conditions, or anyone seeking long-term durability and premium sound quality.

A must-have modification would be a higher-quality amplifier to extract the most potential from the speakers and improve overall sound quality.

Conclusion on Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair

The Boss Audio Marine 6.5in 2 Way 200W Speaker w/ Multi Color Illumination and Wireless Remote – Pair provides a decent entry-level option for marine audio, especially for those prioritizing aesthetics and affordability. They won’t blow you away with their sound quality or rock-solid durability, but they offer an acceptable level of performance for the price.

The value proposition is fair; you get what you pay for, which is a functional set of marine speakers with some fun lighting effects.

I would cautiously recommend them to boaters on a tight budget who understand their limitations and prioritize visual appeal over audiophile-grade sound. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly upgrade that adds a bit of color to your boating experience, these speakers are worth considering. But if sound quality and long-term durability are your primary concerns, you’re better off investing in a higher-end option. So, crank up the tunes (at a reasonable volume) and enjoy the light show!

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