Since speakers are electronic devices, it is normal you cannot have them play in your bathroom. Of course, these are ordinary speakers we are talking about. Today, not only that you can find speakers that you can take in your bathroom, but also on your boat. That means they are waterproof and even better, they resist to salted water. High end marine speakers are like that.
The issues that call for attention with marine speakers are:
- What kind of vehicle are they going to be installed on: a house boat or a speed boat?
- Will they be installed inside or outside?
- Are these speakers retrofit?
- What is the power load the stereo can produce?
- How are the speakers wired?
- What is the most efficient direction of the speakers, when installed outside?
A pair of conventional speakers may seem cheaper, but used in a wet environment they become useless and sometimes dangerous. Marine speakers on the other hand, while more pricey, are protected against corrosion, have waterproof components and some of them are completely sealed against external factors action. Marine speakers don't use paper cones. The circuitry is also entirely protected.
When installing and wiring marine speakers, extra-caution is needed with sealing the wires between the insulation and soldering. The use of liquid electrical tape is recommended.
There are two types of marine speakers:
- Flush Mount Speakers: they come installed in tight spaces, e.g. you have to cut a hole in the boat and place them in. Behind the speakers, be careful not to have any open air path, because the bass response will be damaged. They are space saving.
- Box Speakers: they don't need to be mounted in special enclosures, as their own enclosure is set to output the best sound. The disadvantage is they occupy more space on the boat.
JBL, Boss, Jensen, Infinity, JVC and Poly-Planar are just few of the best marine speakers you can choose from.