Roswell Marine Speakers Review

Roswell Marine builds some of the most distinctive marine speakers on the market. Their R1 series includes 6.5‑inch and 8‑inch component‑style in‑boat speakers and matching tower speakers. These speakers blend premium component‑style sound with striking aesthetics and durable construction, making them popular among wakeboat owners and lifestyle boaters who want an eye‑catching audio upgrade. Below we’ll explain the key features, why people choose Roswell speakers, and where they sit in the premium marine audio space.

Key Features

Premium Component‑Style Sound

Roswell’s R1 speakers pair a coaxially mounted 1‑inch silk‑dome tweeter with a robust midrange driver. The tweeter is hidden behind the grille to protect it from water while maintaining crisp, detailed highs. A 12 dB/octave crossover is built into the speaker’s chassis to properly blend the midrange and high frequencies, helping deliver a refined, component‑like sound without needing an external crossover network. Reviewers note that the R1 series produces premium component‑style sound while still being easy to install.

Integrated RGB LED Lighting

Every R1 speaker includes an RGB LED backlight ring around the cone. By connecting the speaker’s lighting leads to an RGB controller (sold separately), you can cycle through colors or select a custom hue to match your boat’s interior lighting. The LEDs are mounted behind the grille so they don’t interfere with sound and add a stylish glow at night. Many boat owners choose Roswell for the integrated lighting and aesthetic flair, which makes them a focal point of the boat’s interior.

Marine‑Ready Construction

Roswell builds its speakers to handle real marine conditions. The R1 series uses a Deutsch‑style wiring harness with water‑tight connections and rugged gaskets to seal the speaker’s internals. The drivers and grilles are designed to resist saltwater and UV exposure, and the wiring harness ensures reliable connections in wet environments. Roswell backs the R1 series with a two‑year warranty and states that the speakers are engineered to survive extreme saltwater and UV conditions. These features make them appropriate for high‑end wake boats and saltwater applications where lesser speakers often fail.

Sizes and Power Handling

Roswell offers the R1 speakers in 6.5‑inch (80 W RMS, 160 W peak) and 8‑inch (100 W RMS, 200 W peak) formats. The tower versions use the same drivers inside a sealed aluminum enclosure that mounts to a wakeboard tower. Both sizes are 4 Ω speakers and are efficient enough to run off a quality marine head unit or amplifier.

Additional Details and Options

• Custom grilles – Roswell sells black and white grilles to match your interior.

• RGB lighting controller – Pair the speakers with an optional RGB controller to program colors and effects.

• Component‑style look – The R1 speakers use Roswell’s signature floating grille design that resembles high‑end home audio drivers.

• Subwoofers and amps – The R1 family includes matching subwoofers and amplifiers for a full‑system upgrade.

Why People Buy Roswell Speakers

• Style and Lighting – Roswell’s integrated LED rings and signature grilles make the speakers a design statement. Many boat owners choose them because they complement a boat’s lighting scheme and stand out on a tower or in‑boat panel.

• Refined Sound – The coaxially mounted silk‑dome tweeter and 12 dB crossover give the R1 speakers a more refined, balanced sound than many traditional marine coaxials. Fans describe the sound as clear and “component‑like” with enough mid‑bass punch for loud open‑air listening.

• Marine Durability – Saltwater and UV‑resistant materials, sealed connections and water‑tight wiring harnesses help ensure the speakers keep playing season after season. The two‑year warranty provides peace of mind.

• Easy Installation – Because the crossover is concealed inside the speaker and the wiring harness uses Deutsch connectors, installing Roswell R1 speakers is straightforward. The tower models come with mounting hardware to bolt directly to wakeboard towers.

Considerations and Limitations

• Price – Roswell’s R1 speakers are priced in the premium range, reflecting their build quality and integrated lighting. They are often more expensive than mainstream coaxial options.

• LED Controller Not Included – To access the full RGB lighting effects you’ll need to purchase Roswell’s separate controller. Without it, you can only connect the lights to a single color.

• Limited Sizes – The R1 series currently only comes in 6.5 in. and 8 in. sizes; there is no 7 in. or 6×9 option.

• More Complex Wiring – Running power and ground for the LED lighting adds wiring complexity compared to a non‑lighting speaker.

Laurie & David’s Take

Laurie: “I love the way Roswell’s speakers look at night. The colored rings give a boat such a fun personality. It’s easy to see why many families choose them for entertainment and aesthetics.”

David: “From an engineering perspective, Roswell’s coaxial design with a silk‑dome tweeter and built‑in crossover is a solid approach. They’ve addressed salt and UV resistance with sealed connectors and quality materials. However, their multi‑driver design still relies on a crossover network and moving tweeter parts—components that can eventually corrode or fail in harsh environments. That’s why DC GOLD takes a different path with a single full‑range cone, no tweeters and no crossover. Our speakers are built to outlast the boat. But for those who want colorful lighting and component‑style sound, Roswell is a top contender.”

Conclusion

Roswell’s R1 series has carved a niche in the marine audio market by combining premium component‑style sound, integrated RGB lighting and robust marine construction. The coaxial drivers with silk‑dome tweeters and concealed 12 dB crossovers deliver clear, balanced audio. Water‑tight connections and salt‑resistant materials provide durability, while optional LED control adds visual flair. They’re a great choice for boaters who value style as much as sound and don’t mind paying a premium for extras.