Even though car and marine stereo systems look the same, they aren’t! There are some big differences that we’ve covered in this in-depth marine stereo vs car stereo comparison.
The biggest difference between these two stereo systems is the construction quality. Marine stereos are heavily constructed to withstand harsh weather, whereas car stereos aren’t very durable. Apart from that, they differ in wiring, sound quality, size, and cost as well.
Go through this guide to know about all the differences between these two systems.
Table of Contents
Differences Between Marine Stereo And Car Stereo
Marine Stereos | Car Stereos |
|---|---|
Manufacturers use high-quality materials in the construction | The construction materials aren’t as good as marine stereos |
Marine stereos are waterproof | Car stereos aren’t waterproof |
They’re coated with UV protective sealant | They aren’t protected from UV ray |
Constructed heavily, therefore lasts long | They aren’t heavily constructed; hence, the lifespan is short |
Sound quality isn’t as detailed and balanced as car stereos | Disperse balanced and detailed sound |
Features waterproof thick wiring | Features basic wiring |
They’re expensive | Less expensive than marine stereos |
Comes with speakers bigger than car stereo | Features small speakers |
Can handle up to 400 watts RMS power | Can’t handle more than 40 watts RMS power |
Marine Vs Car Stereo: Head-to-Head Comparison
Below we’ve pointed out all the differences between these stereo systems and described each of them in detail. Have a look:
Waterproof Construction
There is a big difference between car and marine stereos in terms of construction. Compared to cars, marine stereo construction quality is way too high. The reason why their construction is different is that they are typically open and exposed to different elements.
Whereas the car stereo system is well-protected inside the car and it’s not exposed to different elements like the other one.
Marine stereo systems are constructed with highly durable waterproof materials. And still well-coated with high-quality waterproof sealants to make sure they withstand water splashes.
Marine Stereo
Not only that, these systems are coated for UV-ray protection as well.
Moreover, they’re surrounded and sealed by rubber which ensures that even if water splashes on them, nothing reaches inside the internal parts.
On the other hand, car stereo systems aren’t coated with waterproof or UV-protective sealants because there’s very less chance of sun rays falling or water splashing on the system.
They aren’t sealed or surrounded with rubber either.
Car Stereo
Materials
As mentioned before, marine stereos are exposed to harsh weather. Hence, they come with high-end materials which can withstand heavy abuse. The rubber they use to seal the entire system is made of neoprene. And the speakers feature polypropylene cones.
Plus, the grilles in the marine speakers are way tougher than car stereos. Even the frames that come with most marine stereo are made of stainless steel.
Therefore, if compared, marine stereo definitely takes the crown. That being said, car stereo systems are perfect as they are.
Longevity
Car stereo systems have the needed level of durability, but they aren't even close to marine stereos in comparison.
Marine stereo systems are made to go through harsh weather and they can tackle corrosion, water, sun-ray, and heavy vibration which car stereos can't tackle.
Sound Quality
Compared to marine, car stereo sound quality is very superior. In a car, the stereo system has to produce sound within an enclosed area, hence it doesn't need to be very loud which enables it to produce a detailed and balanced sound. Plus, the stereo in cars doesn't have to deal with deafening noise as well.
Whereas, marine stereos need to cover a wide area and they also deal with irritating wind, engine, and wave noise which is why they can't deliver sound quality as good as car stereo systems.
That being said, marine stereo does produce sound clean and loud enough to enjoy.
Wiring
Both the car and marine stereo systems wire's internal material is the same, it's copper. They differ in terms of cable quality.
As said before, marine stereos need to go through unfavourable conditions, therefore, they come with heavy-duty waterproof cables which car stereos don't come with. Car stereos come with very basic wiring.
Most of the time, the thickness of marine stereos is better than those in cars. Apart from that, marine stereo circuit boards are also sealed well which car stereo circuit boards lack.
So overall, marine stereo wiring are far better and long-lasting than the car stereo.
Price
Marine stereo systems are made of waterproof and durable materials. Plus, these stereo systems go through several tests to ensure quality and they are extremely durable.
Car stereo systems don’t come with any of the mentioned ones, which is why marine stereo is more expensive than car stereo systems.
Amplifier
Marine stereo system amplifiers are marine-certified and their circuit boards are heavily coated in order to prevent water, moisture, and corrosion damage. Having that said, marine amplifiers aren’t fully waterproof, they’re splash proof. And, they’re UV treated as well.
On the other hand, car amplifiers aren’t sealed, hence water, moisture, and UV-ray can easily damage them.
Speaker Size
Car stereos usually come with small speakers which fit either in the dashboard or in the doors. Some woofers are bigger than the door or dashboard speakers.
On the other hand, marine stereo comes with speakers that are bigger than cars. Usually, they’re mounted on the side or on the top.
Power Ratings
For obvious reasons, marine speakers can handle higher power than cars. Stereos in the car can handle a maximum of 40-watt RMS, whereas marine stereos can handle up to 400 watts RMS.
Our Verdict
As said before, the main differences between marine and car stereos are the material and construction quality. The way car stereos are constructed, they’re perfect for cars. But if compared with marine stereo systems, then they aren’t even close.
With that said, wrapping up this marine stereo vs car stereo comparison, We hope it delivered the value you expected.
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