Review: Skar Audio SK65M 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Full Range Coaxial Speakers – Unrivaled sound quality at a great value

Experience the installation journey and superior sound quality of SCAR Audio Marine Speakers... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Skar Audio
Model Name	SK65M
Speaker Type	Woofer
Connectivity Technology	Coaxial
Special Feature	Waterproof

Introduction: Unboxing SCAR Audio Marine Speakers

Alright folks, I recently got my hands on the SCAR Audio marine speakers and to put it simply, let’s say I’m all fired up to unbox these babies and review them for you. It’s been a while since I had a boat and, if you didn’t know, marine audio has sky-rocketed in popularity over the past couple of years.

A Little Background

Now, before I plunge in, let me fill you in on my background a little. I had a long stint doing car audio professionally and worked at a custom shop for some years. My work revolved around custom car audio, marine audio, ATV audio, and more. So, it’s safe to say that I know a thing or two about audio products.

My Newest Acquisition

Fast forward to the present, I recently bought a used Whiteboard boat. The first thing that jumped out to me was the pitiful state of the boat’s speakers. They were desperately calling out for a replacement. Thus began my speaker hunt, which ultimately led me to the doorstep of SCAR Audio.

The Speaker Hunt

Now, when it comes to speakers, the price ranges are vast. I didn’t want to go all out on this boat right away. After browsing JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, and others, I stumbled upon SCAR Audio. What really piqued my interest was the wave of positive reviews it was riding on.

First Impressions

So, there they were at my doorstep, my SCAR Audio Marine Speakers. I have to mention, the shipping time was fantastically swift. The speakers arrived three days after placing the order, sooner than I expected. The weight of the box caught me off guard. It felt heavier than I anticipated, suggesting a sturdy magnet inside, an encouraging sign for its power handling and frequency response capabilities.

Being a newbie to SCAR audio, I thought, why not give it a whirl for the price they’re demanding? And with that, it’s time to dive into the SCAR audio marine speakers review. Let’s get started.

Measuring Expectations: How I Came Across SCAR Audio

• Transitioned from car audio to marine audio profession
• Chose SCAR Audio due to positive reviews
• Received SCAR Audio speakers rapidly and smoothly

Marine audio and I have come a long way. Back when I was heavily into car audio, a major part of my activities involved customizing car audio systems in a professional setting. The progression into marine audio felt only natural, especially with the booming popularity it has been gaining lately.

My connection with marine audio got its major boost when I happened to purchase a used Moomba wakeboard boat. The boat’s speakers were in dire need of replacement, and thus began my quest to find the perfect marine speakers.

With the vast range in prices and product options, my mission was to avoid going all-in straight away. My main focus was replacing the inherent boat speakers – the wakeboard rig would have to wait. In my search, I came across big names like JL Audio and Rockford Fosgate. Being a Rockford Fosgate fan, I even considered using an unused sub from the brand I had lying around.

Stumbling Upon SCAR Audio

Despite the well-known brands in my sphere, nothing piqued my interest as much as SCAR Audio. Full disclosure, I was not familiar with the brand before this. However, their impressive number of positive reviews caught my attention. My initial reservation was replaced with curiosity, and so I decided to give SCAR Audio a shot.

In terms of price and potential value, SCAR Audio looked like a winner. My speakers were en route faster than you could say ‘SCAR Audio’, and the arrival was as swift. It came three days in, a pleasant surprise as I had not expected them before the weekend.

The entire process was smooth, sparking anticipation to unbox and evaluate these speakers that had garnered such positive reviews.

From the onset, I was not expecting these speakers to blow me away. After all, they weren’t the most expensive ones on the market. However, I wanted to be sure I wasn’t ignoring a hidden gem due to price perceptions. Most importantly, remember that audio quality and price are not necessarily proportional.

Being a long-time audio enthusiast, I was ready to critique these speakers – and that’s precisely what we will delve into next.

First Impressions: Unveiling the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers Package

• SCAR Audio Marine Speakers arrive with sturdy packaging
• Features heavy-duty magnets for superior audio quality
• Durable structure hints at longevity in harsh conditions

As we take the first steps into the uncharted waters of the marine audio sphere, I believe it’s the first impression that matters most. Right from the outset, the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers had a way of commanding respect with its sturdy packaging.

Unboxing Experience

The anticipation was mounting, and when I finally got my hands on the speakers, I was pleasantly surprised. The package was substantial, heavier than I had anticipated, and that’s always an indication of the quality within. Upon unboxing, I was greeted with a user manual and some foam surrounds, additions that were as practical as they were thoughtful.

Hefty audio magnates

Lifting out the speakers, the weight of quality was pretty evident. A good sturdy magnet often suggests solid power handling, frequency response and sensitivity, all critical factors when it comes to sound reproduction. The SCAR Audio speakers boasted of a rather heavy-duty magnet, an impression that was pretty hard to ignore.

Nicely Packed

Protecting these hefty magnets was an adequately safe package, which I think deserves kudos. There’s nothing more disappointing than finding your eagerly anticipated product damaged during transit. The combination of protective packaging and speedy delivery provided an initial impression that was hard to fault.

Visual Appeal

Let’s not forget the aesthetics. The first glance at these speakers and you know they’re built to last. The robust structure and finish suggest that these speakers can hold their own against the harsh marine environment.

First Impression Verdict:

Right off the boat, the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers commanded attention. They arrived speedily, were packed carefully, and seemed robust and sturdy in build. However, the real test will be during installation and, of course, the performance out on the waves. Bear in mind, these are just initial observations, and the real proof will lie in the audio pudding.

The Teardown: Comparing Old Kenwood Speakers and New SCAR Audio Marine Speakers

• Kenwood speakers have small, unprotected magnets
• SCAR speakers feature large, well-protected magnets

Out with the old and in with the new. That’s one of the joys of upgrading, right? But before I went all-in with the installation of the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers, I thought it would be helpful to break down the differences between what I previously had on my boat – a set of Kenwood marines – and these new speakers.

Now, let’s not dismiss the Kenwood speakers off-hand. They had served my boat well enough, albeit with a few grating rattles here and there. But really, the stars of the show were these new, glossy, SCAR audio Marine Speakers and I was eager to compare the two sets.

The Magnet Narrative

Immediately, what caught my attention was the magnet. A speaker’s magnet is critical for power response, power handling, and frequency response. With a stronger magnet and voice coil, you can expect better sensitivity and sound reproduction. This is not a trivial matter.

I noticed the magnet on the Kenwood speakers was tiny and not well protected. These SCAR speakers, on the other hand, had a fairly robust magnet structure, well protected too. This discovery raised my expectations significantly.

Side by Side Comparison

• Kenwood Marine Speakers: Small and unprotected magnet
• SCAR Audio Marine Speakers: Large and well-protected magnet

While the other physical attributes of the speakers were also noteworthy – like build quality and aesthetics – it was the difference in magnet size that left a lasting impression on me. It also reaffirmed my decision to transition to the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers.

Comparing these speakers gave me insights into what I was leaving behind and what exciting aspects I was inviting into my sound setup. With this teardown, I had a better understanding and greater appreciation of the product that arrived at my doorstep.

Overall, the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers offered promising potential. However, as we all know, the true test of a speaker lies not in its size or aesthetic, but in its sound reproduction. Only after installation and a sound check will I be able to pass a final verdict on these speakers. So, let’s hope the sound is as hefty as the product’s build and magnet!

The Installation: Getting Hands on the SCAR audio Marine Speakers

• SCAR audio marine speakers need installation work
• Speakers may not fit standard 6.5-inch mounts
• Installation can vary based on boat and setup

It was finally time to shift gears from merely admiring the SCAR audio marine speakers to actually putting them to work. I must admit, the prospect of witnessing the much-awaited audio transformation really ramped up the adrenaline.

Swapping Speakers: The Sound Test Prelims

My first assignment was to remove the old Kenwood speakers from my boat. With the old pals out of the way, I was all set for the new recruits – the SCAR audio marine speakers. Tuning in to the radio, it was rather apparent that my boat’s audio system urgently needed a revamp. The rattling sounds were far from ideal, proof that the swap was exactly what the boat had been longing for.

Installation Roadblocks: Size Matters

Caution: My excitement turned into a kind of trepidation when I figured there was a size discrepancy. Despite both the speakers being 6.5 inches technically, the size of the frame or basket was my nemesis here. The SCAR audio speakers were quite bigger compared to the old Kenwood speakers. What this meant was that without modifying the existing holes in the boat, these speakers weren’t going to fit.

I quickly got hold of a reciprocating saw and began widening the hole. I must say, this process was quite demanding and required some expertise. The thickness of the ABS and the fiberglass was quite a challenge. So, if you’re planning on a similar swap, my advice would be to assess the size difference of the new speakers and evaluate if drilling or cutting for the speaker mount is something you can tackle on your own.

Discussing overall installation, the speakers were not straightforward plug-and-play. Meaning, they needed additional work, the drilling I just mentioned. Though getting them up and running was exhilarating, it would have been helpful if SCAR audio had highlighted this aspect – that the speakers may not fit standard 6.5-inch speaker mounts.

While this review documents my experience with installing the SCAR audio marine speakers, it’s essential to remember that the installation process could vary greatly based on the type of boat, existing audio setup, and the specific speaker model. And I hope these insights will help you prepare better for your audio overhaul.

Cutting Corners: Modding My Boat for the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers

• SCAR Audio speakers required modification for boat installation
• Installation involved significant cutting and cleanup
• Understanding of boat’s construction is crucial

In the course of installation, I had faced some real challenges. It was pretty apparent that the new speakers were not going to fit into the standard six-and-a-half-inch mount in my boat due to their considerable size. So, to make it work, I ended up having to mod my boat somewhat to accommodate these marine giants.

The Fitting Process: A Lesson on Boat Skeptics

Let’s talk a bit more about the fitting process here. The problem arose when I noticed the difference in the diameter of the original factory-installed speaker holes, and the required mount size for SCAR Audio speakers. Both labeled as six and a half inches, but the SCAR audio speakers needed about a quarter inch more space all the way around. Surprise? Yes. Deal-breaker? Absolutely not.

Installation Tips: Useful Tools for Effortless Installation

So how did I make it work? A quick run-down of my toolkit: an air saw, a reciprocating saw, some patience and a little bit of elbow grease. Here’s a heads up for those considering installing these speakers: Get prepared for some heavy-duty cutting. And remember, always measure twice, cut once.

The cutting process was definitely a task and threw up some surprises along the way. To be specific, I had to navigate through both ABS panel and fiberglass to create the necessary space. Beyond the measurements, additional cleanup was needed to handle the mess from the installation. Definitely a point to note when planning your own installation.

Some final words of caution:

• Make sure you have a good understanding of your boat’s construction before attempting installation. The last thing you’d want is to damage your boat.
• Be prepared for some extensive modification, depending on your boat’s make and model.
• Always do a pilot hole before driving in the screws to avoid cracks.
• The cleanup process is a little time-consuming, so plan accordingly.
• Lastly, a shop vac will be your best friend during the cutting process.

In conclusion, the SCAR Audio speaker installation was a learning journey. Would I recommend a novice trying to install these speakers on their boat without professional assistance? Probably not. However, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, and you’re confident with your handyman (or woman) skills, you’re probably in for an interesting ride.

Finishing up: The Aesthetics and Cleanup

• Cleanliness is essential after installing new equipment
• Shop vacuums are effective for cleaning sawdust
• Final touches enhance the overall aesthetic

After successfully fitting the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers into their respective slots, my attention veered towards the cleanliness of the boat. It’s all too easy to forget this step after the exhilaration of installing something new, but tidying up is just as critical as every preceding step.

Coping with Sawdust Mess

The process of carving additional space for the speakers resulted in a significant amount of sawdust scattered around different sections of the boat. The boat’s surfaces, including the dash and control panel, were cloaked in a fine layer of this wooden powder.

Needless to say, my vessel was in dire need of cleaning. Before proceeding with the remaining tasks, like gluing the edges of the vinyl and putting in the screws, I found myself reaching for the trusty shop vacuum to restore some semblance of order to the boat. Let me tell you, a shop vac is a real lifesaver in these situations, swiftly cleaning the scattered sawdust without much fuss.

The Final Touches

With the boat finally returned to its original state, minus the sawdust, I proceeded to the final mounting of the speakers. I placed a bead of hot glue all around the opening before fixing the speakers in place. This was to ensure that the vinyl around the opening had an extra bit of security and would stay in place.

Once the speakers were safely fastened in place, I was given the chance to sit back and admire the end product. The aesthetic upgrade was absolutely worth the effort. The SCAR Audio Marine Speakers sat splendidly in their slots, giving an overall more polished and modern look to the boat’s interiors.

In conclusion, the finishing up phase might not be the most exhilarating, but it’s essential for preserving the aesthetic appeal of your boat and the longevity of your speakers. Trust me, investing time into cleanup and final touches is as rewarding as the sound test itself!

The Sound Test: SCAR Audio Marine Speakers in Full Swing

• SCAR Audio Marine Speakers provide clear, quality sound
• Speakers offer high performance at a reasonable price
• Installation process may be slightly complicated

It’s Monday evening and the installation marathon has finally ended. With the SCAR 6.5 marine edition speakers finally in place, it was time for the ultimate test – the sound check. The anticipation was high.

Without mincing my words, let me say this – the improvement was nothing short of major. The sound that came through the speakers was crisp, clear, and packed a punch. And remember, this was without an amplifier. I do have a 4×35 receiver built into the boat but the impressive sound quality was all thanks to these formidable SCAR Audio speakers.

The Song

I tuned in to a random song playing on the radio and was met with a sound that resonated throughout the boat. The once-rattling old speakers were now replaced by these heavy-duty replacements delivering rich, full-bodied sound.

Impressed would be an understatement. These speakers definitely give you a bang for your buck. Priced reasonably, the sound quality matches speakers that are priced multiple times higher!

The Comparison

Let me break it down for you. I’ve been to several custom car audio shops including big names and tested out their offerings. Many of these competing brands were priced two to three times higher than these SCAR Audio speakers. And to be very honest, the performance, sound, and overall value of these speakers lived up to – if not surpassed – those competitors.

I’m seriously looking forward to testing them further with different genres and tracks. The prospect sounds like a melodious weekend at the lake.

The Verdict

While I could go on about the sound, let me cut it short here. For the price of 100 bucks a pair, you really can’t go wrong with these. They add an impressive soundscape to your boating experience and they are definitely well worth the investment. Be it a casual lake day or a lively boat party, these speakers are sure to keep the vibes rocking.

Please keep in mind, this is based on my personal experience and results may vary based on individual preferences and usage. And remember, like all products, these are not exempt from their own set of disadvantages. In the case of these SCAR Audio speakers, be prepared for a bit of a hassle during the installation process!

Closing Thoughts: SCAR Audio Marine Speaker’s Bang for the Buck

As my experience with the SCAR Audio marine speakers nears its conclusion, it’s time to reflect on the process and provide an overall evaluation. Always keep in mind, these are just my personal insights and your experience might differ based on your individual needs and circumstances.

The Economics of the Deal

I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that I was somewhat skeptical about the quality of these speakers given their price. It’s often too easy to fall for a deal that seems too good to be true. But I should admit, these speakers have provided a pleasant surprise. The difference in sound quality compared to their more expensive competitors is negligible. So, in my humble opinion, these speakers provide excellent value for the money. A great deal indeed for a hundred bucks a pair!

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound Performance: The SCAR Audio marine speakers lived up to my expectations, providing a significant upgrade in sound quality from the old speakers in the boat. Even in the absence of an amplifier, these speakers projected a rich and full sound, which even exceeded some of the higher-priced competitors in my book.

Aesthetic: The speakers not only sound good, they also look good. They are robustly built and appear to be capable of surviving the marine environment well. Good design and high-quality build materials lend confidence in their longevity.

Installation Challenges

While I did encounter some challenges during the installation process (remember the bolt pattern and hole size issues?), it’s crucial to remember that not everyone will face these problems. The hole-size issue seems to be boat-specific, and people with newer or different model boats might not face this issue at all. However, it’s something worth noting, especially for those of you without power tools or a penchant for DIY projects.

Verdict

All said and done, I am pleased with my SCAR Audio marine speakers purchase. In my opinion, they provide excellent bang for the buck and a massive upgrade over their predecessors – and all without breaking the bank. So, if you’re considering a new set of marine speakers, do give these a shot. And yes, before you buy, don’t forget to measure your existing speakers’ mounting holes, you might avoid a fair bit of hassle with the installation.

Should you buy the Skar Audio SK65M 6.5″ 2-Way Marine Full Range Coaxial Speakers?

Buy it if…

You’re looking for great sound quality at an affordable price

SCAR Audio Marine Speakers provide impressive sound, rivalling speakers that are priced two to three times higher.

You are handy and confident with installation

If you are comfortable with drills, saws and modifications, the installment should be no issue for you.

You appreciate fast shipping

The review noted that the speakers arrived far quicker than expected, which could be a big plus if you’re eager to upgrade soon.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re not comfortable with modifications

The speakers require a larger hole for mounting than the size of standard six and a half inch speakers. If you’re not comfortable with this, it might be a dealbreaker.

Your boat has a complex wiring system

The review mentioned issues with getting the speakers into a boat that had complex wiring, and it might be a problem if your boat has a similar setup.

You prefer lightweight items

The speakers are notably heavy (although the reviewer saw this as a positive since it indicated solid magnet quality), but you might prefer a lighter pair.

FAQ

Are the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers directly compatible with all boat models?

No, you might need to modify the speaker mounts in your boat, especially if you previously had smaller six and a half inch diameter speakers installed.

Does the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers package come with any installation accessories?

Yes, the package contains a user manual and foam surrounds for installation.

Can the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers be installed without any equipment?

No, you will need tools like a reciprocating saw or aerosaw for potentially enlarging the speaker hole. You also need a screwdriver for mounting.

How does the weight of the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers compare to other brands?

The SCAR Audio Marine Speakers are quite hefty due to the strong, good quality magnet. This contributes to better power response and sound reproduction.

Does the reviewer plan to add any other sound equipment to his boat?

Yes, he plans to add a five-channel amp and a fosgate subwoofer to further enhance the sound.

What was the main challenge during the installation of SCAR Audio Marine Speakers?

The main challenge was the size difference between the new speakers and the old ones, which required modification of the speaker hole.

How do the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers compare to other brands in terms of sound quality?

According to the reviewer, the SCAR Audio Marine Speakers sound ‘every bit as good’ as competitors priced two and three times higher.