Fusion RA50 vs RA205

[CHANCE1234]

20' CC. I'm only going to have two speakers facing towards the console with no amp as I usually fish solo. What are the major performance differences between these two stereos? The RA50 is over $125 cheaper on Amazon but I don't want to sacrifice too much. I'll use it for am/fm and Bluetooth via an iPod the other times. The only NEMA 2000 device on the boat is the Suzuki SMIS gauge. I will be going with 2 JL MX650 speakers which are capable of handling 60 watts each. The RA205 is capable of sending 50 watts per speaker where the RA50 is only capable of sending 40 watts per speaker. Is that 10 watts difference between the two radios enough for me to realize/hear the difference? Thanks for the help as I have no idea what 10 watts difference would sound like it. Figured someone might know some technical stuff... Thanks

[Briguy]

A lot of great reviews out there. Match it up with some quality speakers and you can't go wrong. That being said, I'm adding a higher end system to my boat soon so I went with the RA-205.

[CHANCE1234]

Will I even notice 10 watts less power out of the RA 50 with the JL 6.5 speakers? That is my ultimate question

[flyingfrizzle]

Far as the wattage difference you probably wont notice a difference coming from the head unit built in amp. Now 40 watts from a built amp in the head unit vs an external 40 watt amp, you will notice a BIG difference. The built in unit will do fine for listing on the boat for good sound but if you really want to crank it up like at a sand bar loud you would want to look at more power from some external amplifier power. Also when looking at watts pay attention to RMS power (watts) vs MAX watts. The rms is a continuous power and is best when judging what you really get. Max is an maximum during burst sections of music and those numbers are usually inflated for sales purposes...

[CHANCE1234]

Thanks frizzle. The difference between the two was only 3 watts RMS. So I went with the cheaper one. If its not loud enough I can slwYs add a small amp I guess but I'm guessing it will be fine for when I'm on the drift or just putting around. Thanks again

[flyingfrizzle]

Originally Posted by CHANCE1234

Thanks frizzle. The difference between the two was only 3 watts RMS. So I went with the cheaper one. If its not loud enough I can slwYs add a small amp I guess but I'm guessing it will be fine for when I'm on the drift or just putting around. Thanks again

I think u will b happy unless u really want to crank it up for a lot of people near you. Adding an amp is always a good option for better sound quality or more power but I dint think you will need it.