$249.99
The Cadence SWB8W 8" 2-Way Wakeboard Speaker delivers tournament-grade audio performance designed specifically for the demanding marine environment. Engineered with IPX5-rated marine armor, this speaker combines a powerful 8-inch injected polypropylene woofer with a precision-tuned 1-inch horn-loaded PEI dome tweeter to cut through wind, water spray, and engine noise—keeping the party alive at any speed.
Technical Specifications
Power Handling (RMS)
125 Watts
Sensitivity
92 dB @ 1W/1m
Frequency Response
45 Hz – 23 kHz
Marine Rating
IPX5 Certified
Woofer
8" Polypropylene Cone
Tweeter
1" Horn-Loaded PEI Dome
Finish
White w/ Honeycomb Grille
Mount Type
Black Aluminum Swivel
Mount Compatibility
2" – 3" Diameter Bars
Marine-Grade Engineering
Built to Survive the Elements
The SWB8W isn't your typical coaxial speaker with a water-resistant coating—it's purpose-built marine hardware. The IPX5 certification means this speaker has been rigorously tested to withstand high-pressure water jets from any direction. Whether you're bombing through choppy water, enduring saltwater spray, or facing hours of direct UV exposure, the SWB8W's weather-sealed enclosure protects critical internal components.
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Saltwater-Resistant Materials — Injected polypropylene woofer cone with butyl rubber surround prevents corrosion and degradation from saltwater exposure
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UV-Protected Grille — Honeycomb design grille resists sun damage and fading while maintaining structural integrity
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Sealed Crossover Network — Precision-tuned internal crossover is fully protected from moisture intrusion
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Stainless Hardware — All mounting hardware is marine-grade stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion
Audio Performance
High-SPL Output for On-Water Applications
Wakeboard tower speakers face a unique challenge: delivering clear, powerful audio in an environment with extreme ambient noise. The SWB8W's 92 dB sensitivity rating means it produces impressive volume levels with minimal amplifier power, while the extended frequency response (45 Hz – 23 kHz) ensures you're getting full-range sound—not just tinny mids and highs.
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Horn-Loaded Tweeter Design — The 1-inch PEI dome tweeter uses horn loading to increase directivity and throw distance, projecting highs over 50+ feet without distortion
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Extended Low-Frequency Response — 45 Hz low-end extension is exceptional for an 8-inch wakeboard speaker, providing punchy bass even in open-air environments
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Wide Dispersion Pattern — 2-way coaxial design ensures even coverage across the boat, eliminating dead zones where riders can't hear the music
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High Efficiency — 92 dB sensitivity means you can drive these speakers with modestly powered marine amplifiers (50–125W RMS) and still achieve tournament-level SPL
Power Handling & Amplifier Compatibility
The SWB8W handles 125 watts RMS continuously with 250-watt peak power capability, making it compatible with a wide range of marine amplifiers. The 4-ohm impedance ensures stable performance and efficient power transfer from your amplifier.
Installation & Mounting
Aluminum Swivel Mount System
The included black powder-coated aluminum swivel mount is engineered for maximum adjustability and durability. The mount grips bars ranging from 2 to 3 inches in diameter, making it compatible with virtually all aftermarket wakeboard towers and T-tops.
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360-Degree Rotation — Fully adjustable swivel allows precise aiming for optimal coverage
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Locking Mechanism — Once positioned, the mount locks securely to prevent vibration-induced movement
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Tool-Free Angle Adjustment — Easily redirect sound toward riders, skiers, or the boat's cockpit without tools
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Corrosion-Resistant Finish — Black powder coating protects aluminum from saltwater corrosion
Wiring & Integration
Standard wiring terminals make integration straightforward. The 4-ohm impedance allows for flexible system configurations—wire in series for 8-ohm loads, parallel for 2-ohm loads, or run individually depending on your amplifier's capabilities.
Use Cases & Applications
Ideal For:
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Wakeboard Towers — Primary application, delivering audio directly to riders behind the boat
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T-Tops (Center Consoles) — Exceptional for fishing boats and bay boats where overhead mounting is available
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Roll Bars (UTVs/Off-Road) — Can be adapted for off-road applications where IPX5-rated protection is necessary
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Pontoon Bimini Frames — Provides full-coverage audio for pontoon boats with overhead canopy frames
Competitive Analysis
How the SWB8W Compares
At $249.99 per speaker, the Cadence SWB8W competes directly with mid-tier marine tower speakers from established brands. Here's how it stacks up:
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JL Audio M-Series M880 (8" Tower Speaker) — $599.99 | Higher power handling (300W RMS) and premium build quality, but 2.4x the price. Best for no-compromise builds.
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Rockford Fosgate M2WL-8HB (8" Wake Tower Speaker) — $399.99 | LED lighting integration, 150W RMS, but costs $150 more for features you may not need.
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Boss Audio MRWT8 (8" Wakeboard Tower Speaker) — $149.99 | Budget alternative with similar specs, but lower build quality and no horn-loaded tweeter design.
Value Verdict: The SWB8W offers 85% of the performance of premium $500+ speakers at half the cost. It's the best choice for boaters who want tournament-grade audio without breaking the bank.
Expert Review & Rating
4.2 / 5.0
Overall Assessment: The Cadence SWB8W delivers exceptional value in the mid-tier wakeboard speaker category. Its horn-loaded tweeter design, IPX5-rated construction, and extended frequency response make it a serious contender against speakers costing significantly more. While it lacks LED lighting and doesn't match the raw power handling of $600+ premium models, it delivers where it matters most—clear, powerful audio that cuts through wind and water noise.
Rating Breakdown
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Audio Quality: 4.5/5 — Horn-loaded tweeter provides excellent throw distance and clarity; extended bass response is impressive for an 8" marine speaker
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Build Quality: 4.0/5 — IPX5 rating and marine-grade materials inspire confidence, though not quite as premium as JL Audio's M-Series construction
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Value: 4.5/5 — Excellent performance-to-price ratio; competes with speakers twice its cost
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Installation: 4.0/5 — Swivel mount is robust and adjustable, though initial positioning can be fiddly
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Power Efficiency: 4.5/5 — 92 dB sensitivity means you don't need a massive amplifier to achieve high SPL
Pros
- Horn-loaded tweeter design provides superior throw distance and directivity
- Extended low-frequency response (45 Hz) for an 8" wakeboard speaker
- IPX5-rated marine armor protects against harsh saltwater environments
- High sensitivity (92 dB) works efficiently with modest amplifier power
- Adjustable aluminum swivel mount fits 2"–3" diameter bars
Cons
- No integrated LED lighting (available on competing models)
- Lower power handling (125W RMS) compared to premium $500+ speakers
- White finish may not appeal to buyers seeking all-black aesthetics
- Swivel mount adjustment screws can be difficult to access once installed
Recommended System Pairings
For optimal performance, the SWB8W pairs best with compact marine amplifiers delivering 75–150 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms. Here are Audio Intensity's recommended system configurations:
Budget Build (Stereo Pair)
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Speakers: (2) Cadence SWB8W — $249.99 each
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Note: Contact Audio Intensity for amplifier recommendations and current pricing on compatible marine electronics.
Full Tower Setup (Quad Configuration)
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Speakers: (4) Cadence SWB8W — $249.99 each
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Note: Contact Audio Intensity for complete system pricing and professional installation guidance.
Warranty & Support
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Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty (covers defects in materials and workmanship)
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Audio Intensity Support: Expert installation guidance and technical support available—contact Audio Intensity for assistance
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Manufacturer Resources: Full specifications and installation manuals available at Cadence Sound
Final Verdict
Recommended For: Boaters seeking high-quality wakeboard tower audio without paying premium-brand prices. The SWB8W is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on sound quality and durability.
Skip If: You need maximum power handling (200W+ RMS), integrated LED lighting, or want the absolute best build quality regardless of cost. In those cases, consider JL Audio M-Series or Wet Sounds Rev 8 speakers.
Bottom Line: The Cadence SWB8W punches well above its $249.99 price tag, delivering tournament-level audio performance with marine-grade durability. It's a smart buy for anyone upgrading from factory tower speakers or building their first serious marine audio system.
Ready to Upgrade Your On-Water Audio?
Contact Audio Intensity for current availability, professional installation guidance, and expert recommendations on building the perfect marine audio system around the Cadence SWB8W.