Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair Review

Let’s Talk About Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair

For those of us who spend our lives on the water, whether it’s fishing, sailing, or just cruising, having reliable and enjoyable audio is almost as important as having a good hull. That’s where the Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair comes into play. Boss Audio is a well-known name in the car and marine audio world, promising quality sound and durable construction at an accessible price point.

My old boat speakers were starting to sound like they were filled with gravel, and one had completely blown out after a particularly rough fishing trip. I needed a replacement that could handle the harsh marine environment and still deliver decent sound without breaking the bank. After some research, the Boss Audio MR6B speakers seemed like a solid option balancing price and performance.

Out of the box, the speakers felt surprisingly sturdy for the price. The polypropylene woofer cone looked like it could withstand some moisture and UV exposure, and the rubber surround gave me confidence that they wouldn’t crack after a season in the sun. They felt similar in build to some cheaper JBL marine speakers I considered, but the price of the Boss Audio pair was what truly made it stand out.

I also briefly looked at some Polk Audio marine speakers, known for their high-fidelity sound, but they were significantly more expensive. Ultimately, I chose the Boss Audio MR6B because I needed something affordable and reliable, not necessarily audiophile-grade sound. My first impression was positive; I was eager to install them and see if they could bring my boat’s audio system back to life.


Real-World Testing: Putting Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Boss Audio MR6B speakers on my 21-foot center console boat, primarily used for saltwater fishing and weekend cruises. The installation was straightforward, fitting perfectly into the existing speaker cutouts on my boat’s console. I’ve spent countless hours in the boat this spring and summer and had plenty of chances to test the speakers.

I used them under a variety of conditions, from calm sunny days to choppy seas and light rain. While they are not fully submersible, they stood up to splashes and humidity without any noticeable degradation in sound quality. I found that the Boss Audio speakers could hold their own, with sound that exceeded my expectations for speakers at their price point.

The volume was definitely adequate to hear the tunes when out cruising at mid-range speeds. Though I found myself cranking it up some when running offshore to hear the songs over the roar of the engine, the music was more than acceptable. No time was needed to get used to the sound or quality of these speakers.

The initial sound quality was good, but after a few hours of use, they seemed to “break in” and sound even better. I didn’t notice any immediate issues, which was a pleasant surprise considering the price.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Boss Audio MR6B speakers continue to perform well. I’ve had them installed for over six months and have used them at least twice a week on average.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the rubber surrounds still look as good as new. I wipe them down with a damp cloth after each fishing trip to remove any salt spray, and that seems to be enough to keep them in good condition. The marine environment can be particularly brutal on electronics, and I’ve seen more expensive speakers fail much faster.

Maintaining them is very simple, requiring just a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove salt and grime. Compared to my previous speakers, which deteriorated quickly, the Boss Audio MR6B speakers have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability. They’ve definitely outperformed other cheap marine speakers I’ve used in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Boss Audio is a well-known brand in the car and marine audio market, known for providing value-oriented products. They’re known for making entry-level speakers that are accessible and can bring joy to boaters who are on a tight budget.
  • Color: The speakers come in Black, which blends well with most boat interiors. Black is an aesthetically pleasing color that doesn’t tend to stand out or look too gauche.
  • Quantity: The speakers are sold in pairs, which is perfect for replacing a set of old speakers or setting up a new system.
  • Size: Each speaker is 6.5 inches, a common size that fits in many existing speaker cutouts. This made installation in my boat very easy.
  • Speaker Type: These are Coaxial speakers, meaning the tweeter is integrated into the woofer. Coaxial speakers are easy to install and are an economical option for good-sounding speakers.
  • Configuration: The speakers feature a Dual Cone design, meaning they use a woofer and a tweeter to reproduce a wide range of frequencies. This makes them ideal for general listening.
  • Woofer Size: The woofer is 6.5 inches, which is a good size for producing bass and mid-range frequencies. 6.5-inch woofers will deliver solid sound.
  • Supplied Grill: Yes, they come with grills to protect the speakers from damage and the elements. The grills were easy to install and look great in my boat.
  • Mounting Depth: The mounting depth is 2.1875 inches, making them easy to install in shallow spaces. The speakers could fit in my boat’s console, where space was limited.
  • Mounting Diameter: The mounting diameter is 6.75 inches, ensuring a snug fit in standard 6.5-inch speaker openings.
  • Standard Warranty: They come with a 1 Year warranty, which offers some peace of mind against defects. This 1-year warranty from Boss Audio is very nice.
  • Peak Power Handling: They handle 180 Watts of Peak Power, which means they can handle short bursts of high volume. They can handle a lot of volume, which I found to be the case.
  • System Impedance: The System Impedance is 4 ohms, compatible with most marine stereos.
  • System Sensitivity (1W/1m): The sensitivity is 89 dB, meaning they are relatively efficient and can produce a good amount of sound with less power. With a high sensitivity rating, they have some decent volume.
  • System Frequency Response: The frequency response is 80 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 1 dB, covering a wide range of audible frequencies. The range of frequencies that these speakers produce is very solid.

These specifications are important because they determine the overall performance and sound quality of the speakers. The polypropylene woofer and rubber surround contribute to their durability in a marine environment, while the power handling and sensitivity ratings determine how loud and clear they can play.

Performance & Functionality

The Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair performs its job admirably, providing a significant upgrade to my boat’s audio system. The speakers aren’t going to deliver audiophile-quality audio.

They produce clear highs and decent bass, making them enjoyable for listening to music while cruising or fishing. The speakers are more than satisfactory for everyday use.

The sound quality is excellent for the price, though they might not satisfy serious audiophiles looking for crystal-clear sound at high volumes. The construction of the product is also very good, giving me the confidence that these speakers can last for years to come. The durability is particularly impressive considering the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Boss Audio MR6B speakers have a simple, functional design that blends well with most boat interiors. The black color is understated and doesn’t detract from the overall aesthetics of the boat.

The speakers are relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making installation a breeze. There’s no significant learning curve; simply connect them to your stereo system, and you’re ready to go.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, the Boss Audio MR6B speakers are expected to last for several seasons, even with regular exposure to sun and saltwater. Routine maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.

Repairing them would likely involve replacing the entire speaker unit rather than individual components, but given the low cost, this is a reasonable trade-off. The design of these speakers seems to be made with the intention that they can last for years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The speakers come with protective grills, which are essential for preventing damage from impacts and the elements. There aren’t many customization options beyond that, but considering their intended use, that’s perfectly acceptable. You might want to replace the wiring harness, depending on your existing setup.

They are compatible with most standard marine stereos and amplifiers, making them a versatile choice for various boat audio setups. The speakers also look good with other brands of stereos and amplifiers.

Pros and Cons of Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair

Pros

  • Excellent value for the price.
  • Decent sound quality for everyday listening.
  • Durable construction and weather-resistant design.
  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Simple and understated design that blends well with most boat interiors.

Cons

  • Sound quality may not satisfy serious audiophiles.
  • Limited customization options.


Who Should Buy Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair?

The Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair is perfect for boat owners who are on a budget and need reliable, weather-resistant speakers for casual listening. They are well-suited for fishing boats, smaller cruisers, and pontoon boats where high-fidelity sound isn’t a top priority. Pro anglers and casual boaters alike would benefit from this audio upgrade.

Anyone looking for audiophile-grade sound or needing speakers for a large yacht might want to consider a higher-end option. No matter what boat you have, you can definitely find the value with these speakers.

A must-have accessory would be a good quality marine-grade wiring harness for a clean and reliable installation. You also might want a new marine stereo if you’re doing a full upgrade.

Conclusion on Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair

The Boss Audio MR6B 6.5″ Dual Cone Marine Coaxial Speaker Pair offers an impressive value proposition for boat owners seeking affordable and reliable audio solutions. For a very fair price, you can be enjoying your tunes on the water in no time.

The price is definitely justified given the sound quality, durability, and ease of installation. I would personally recommend these speakers to anyone looking for a budget-friendly upgrade to their boat’s audio system. If you’re on a budget and are looking to bump your tunes on the water, these are the speakers for you.

If you’re ready to upgrade your boat’s audio system without breaking the bank, the Boss Audio MR6B speakers are a solid choice. Upgrade your boat today and enjoy the sounds of the open water.

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