System for Yacht

as far as the amp goes, i would highly recommend picking up a used audio analogue puccini se (or perhaps the audio refinement complete, which is very similar sounding). it's nice and compact, sounds absolutely fantastic, and is aesthetically pleasing to boot. i heard the puccini se playing through triangle titus speakers at a store, and it was a really good sounding combination. should fit nicely within your budget, plus a little left over for cabling.

best of luck!

-eric

suggest using car electronics so that you won't have to run on generator power, which can be somewhat noisy (of course the 12 volts can be noisy as well when the engines are running). I've always preferred Alpine head units myself. So many options in that respect; it may be a difficult choice. But Eric, since we're both avid radio listeners I second-rec. the Alpine's due to their excellent tuners. With security being an issue here, a built-in rig might have a lesser tendency to wander off when no one is around.

Get car audio gear, you aren't going to be able to critically listen for long periods of time on a boat(I know its impossible, have tried). Besides you will need weather proof speakers and the most inexpensive way to do that is with car audio then build the cabinets-I say you will need weather proof speakers because there will be temperature swings, humidy issues and various other potential problems I wouldn't want to risk it. Me and my buddy just put 4-12's and 2 component sets and 3 amps in his new cigarette boat, and boy o boy does that thing fly!!! we didn't need to waste the money on audio stuff, should have saved it for repairs when we break stuff. ~Tim

Important to use marinized 12 volt electronics as we all know the environment will be hostile to conventional home electronics. OTOH, if your audio system is intended for use when on shore power and if you run your AC when away (keeping humidity down), then you will have some more choices. Do you have an inverter and where is the location of the vessel?

Thanks guys, I think the Alpine system sounds like the best idea so far. What is a good website to find info on high end car audio?