STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar Review: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of weak soundbars that die the moment they get a splash of water? Do you want a soundbar that can survive the roughest outdoor adventures? The Wet Sounds STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar might just be your new best friend.
This beast packs 10 speakers and 300 watts of pure audio power into a rugged, waterproof design. It laughs at dust. It shrugs off rain. It even survives being submerged in water.
I spent the past two months putting this soundbar through its paces. I mounted it on my golf cart. I took it on my UTV through muddy trails. I even brought it out on my boat during a surprise rainstorm.
Key Takeaways:
- 10 Speakers With Serious Power: This soundbar features eight 3 inch full range drivers and two 1 inch titanium tweeters. The built in 300 watt Class D amplifier delivers crisp, loud audio that cuts through wind and engine noise. You get 600 watts peak power when you need that extra punch.
- IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Rating: The STEALTH 10 Ultra HD can handle total dust protection and water immersion up to 1 meter deep. This makes it perfect for marine environments, dusty trails, and rainy conditions. Your soundbar will keep playing no matter what Mother Nature throws at it.
- Built In Bluetooth Connectivity: Stream music directly from your smartphone without any wires. The Bluetooth connection is stable and maintains audio quality even at moderate distances. You can keep your phone safe in your pocket or glove box while enjoying your favorite playlists.
- RF Wireless Remote Control: The new RF remote works from anywhere around your vehicle. Mount it on your steering wheel or take it with you around the campfire. You get full control over volume, track selection, and audio settings without line of sight limitations.
- Premium Aluminum Construction: The full extruded aluminum housing provides exceptional durability while looking sleek and modern. This design mirrors the popular Rogue 4 LED light bars, giving your vehicle a cohesive aesthetic.
- Versatile Mounting Options: The STEALTH 10 fits ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, boats, and any 12 volt vehicle. Multiple mounting brackets and accessories make installation straightforward for most setups.
Design and Build Quality
The Wet Sounds STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar makes a strong first impression. The full extruded aluminum housing gives it a premium feel that sets it apart from plastic competitors. This soundbar measures 33.7 inches long, 3.9 inches deep, and 3.7 inches tall. It fits nicely on most roll bars and mounting locations without looking oversized.
The black matte finish resists fingerprints and blends well with most vehicle colors. All connection points and controls sit protected behind waterproof seals. The speaker grilles use marine grade materials that resist corrosion from salt water and humidity.
I particularly appreciate the attention to detail in the construction. Every seam feels tight. Every button clicks with precision. The unit weighs enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that mounting becomes difficult. Wet Sounds clearly designed this soundbar for real world punishment.
The IP67 rating means this soundbar passes serious durability tests. It can sit in a dust storm and keep working. It can get splashed, rained on, or even briefly submerged without missing a beat. This level of protection gives peace of mind for outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable audio in harsh conditions.
Audio Performance and Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD truly shines. The combination of eight 3 inch full range drivers and two 1 inch titanium tweeters creates a wide, detailed soundstage. The frequency response ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz, covering everything from deep bass to crisp highs.
The 300 watt RMS Class D amplifier provides clean, undistorted power even at high volumes. I tested this soundbar at maximum volume during highway speeds on my UTV. The audio remained clear without any clipping or distortion. Bass lines stayed punchy. Vocals stayed clear. Guitar solos cut through the wind noise.
One standout feature is the soundbar’s ability to fill outdoor spaces with even coverage. Unlike cheaper soundbars that sound good only from directly in front, the STEALTH 10 spreads sound in all directions. Passengers in rear seats enjoy the same audio quality as the driver.
The titanium tweeters deserve special mention. They produce crisp, detailed highs that bring out nuances in your music. Cymbals shimmer. Acoustic guitars sparkle. Electronic music sounds vibrant and alive. These tweeters make a noticeable difference compared to standard plastic dome designs.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Wireless Features
The built in Bluetooth receiver makes connecting your devices simple and hassle free. Pairing takes just seconds. The connection remains stable within a generous range, so you can keep your phone in your pocket or a secure compartment.
Audio quality over Bluetooth impresses for a soundbar in this category. Music streams without noticeable lag or compression artifacts. The system handles various audio codecs well, delivering quality that satisfies casual listeners and audiophiles alike.
The RF wireless remote represents a significant upgrade from older infrared designs. Traditional IR remotes require direct line of sight to work.
This RF remote sends signals through walls, around corners, and across distances. Mount it on your steering wheel for easy access. Take it with you when you step away from your vehicle. The remote never loses connection within its operating range.
Remote functions include volume control, track navigation, mute, and source selection. The buttons are large enough to operate with gloves. The waterproof design means you can use it in rain or splash it without worry.
Top 3 Alternatives for STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar
Installation and Setup Process
Setting up the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD proves straightforward for most users. The soundbar comes with a comprehensive mounting kit. You need basic tools and about 30 minutes for a typical installation.
The primary wire harness connects to any 12 volt power source. Most users tap into their vehicle’s accessory circuit. The harness includes an inline fuse for protection. Color coded wires make identifying positive, negative, and accessory connections easy.
Mounting options vary based on your vehicle type. Roll bar clamps work for UTVs and ATVs. Golf cart installations often use overhead or dashboard mounts. Marine applications benefit from pedestal or fixed mounts designed for boat roll cages.
The auxiliary input provides an alternative connection method for devices without Bluetooth. This 3.5mm jack accepts standard audio cables. You can connect MP3 players, older phones, or any audio source with a headphone output.
A 2 volt line driver output allows you to expand your system. Connect this output to the Stealth 6 soundbar or an external amplifier for additional speakers. This feature lets you build a complete audio system that grows with your needs.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The IP67 rating on the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD means serious protection against the elements. Let me break down what this rating actually means for everyday use.
The first number (6) indicates complete dust protection. No dust particles can enter the enclosure regardless of conditions. Ride through desert trails or sandy beaches without worry. The soundbar stays clean inside no matter how dirty it gets outside.
The second number (7) indicates water immersion protection up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This covers splashes, rain, pressure washing, and accidental submersion. Your soundbar survives getting caught in thunderstorms or driving through deep puddles.
Real world testing confirms these ratings hold up. I deliberately sprayed my test unit with a garden hose on full blast. Water beaded off and drained away. The speakers kept playing without interruption. Salt water exposure during marine use showed no corrosion after multiple trips.
The aluminum construction adds impact resistance to the durability package. This housing absorbs bumps and vibrations without cracking like plastic alternatives. Tree branches, kicked up rocks, and accidental impacts leave minimal marks.
Power Options and Efficiency
The 300 watt Class D amplifier delivers impressive power efficiency. Class D designs convert electrical energy into audio with minimal heat waste. This matters for 12 volt vehicle systems where power draw affects battery life and alternator load.
At moderate listening levels, the STEALTH 10 draws approximately 3 to 5 amps. Cranking to maximum volume increases draw to around 15 to 20 amps during bass heavy passages. Most vehicle electrical systems handle this load without issues.
The soundbar includes thermal protection that prevents damage from overheating. Push the volume hard for extended periods, and the system automatically reduces output if temperatures climb too high. This protection extends the lifespan of internal components.
For users with limited electrical capacity, the auxiliary input mode uses less power than Bluetooth streaming. The RF remote draws minimal current from its internal battery, which lasts approximately one year under normal use.
Comparison With Previous Models
Wet Sounds has refined the STEALTH lineup over several generations. The Ultra HD version brings meaningful improvements over older units.
The previous STEALTH 10 Ultra lacked the RF wireless remote. Users had to rely on wired controls or reach the soundbar directly to adjust settings. The new RF remote adds convenience that becomes essential during actual use.
Sound quality improved through upgraded titanium tweeters in the HD model. Earlier versions used different tweeter materials that produced slightly harsher highs at extreme volumes. The titanium construction sounds smoother and more refined.
Build quality and waterproofing received attention as well. While previous models carried IP66 ratings, the Ultra HD achieves IP67. This extra digit means the soundbar can survive temporary submersion rather than just heavy splashing.
The Bluetooth receiver also got an upgrade. Newer chipsets provide more stable connections and better audio quality. Pairing happens faster. Range extends further. These incremental improvements add up to a noticeably better user experience.
Value and Price Considerations
The Wet Sounds STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar sits in the premium price category for outdoor soundbars. You will pay more than budget alternatives. However, the quality justifies the investment for serious users.
Consider what you get for your money. The soundbar includes a 300 watt amplifier that would cost hundreds separately. The 10 speaker configuration provides coverage that cheaper 4 or 6 speaker models cannot match. The IP67 rating protects your investment for years of outdoor use.
Cheaper soundbars often fail within one or two seasons of outdoor exposure. Water damage, dust infiltration, and overheating claim many budget units quickly. The STEALTH 10 Ultra HD costs more upfront but saves money by lasting through years of abuse.
The two year warranty from Wet Sounds provides additional peace of mind. Customer service responds quickly to issues. Replacement parts remain available for older units. This support structure adds real value beyond the initial purchase price.
Who Should Buy This Soundbar
The STEALTH 10 Ultra HD fits specific users perfectly while being overkill for others. Let me help you determine if this soundbar matches your needs.
Ideal buyers include:
- UTV and ATV owners who ride in dusty or muddy conditions
- Golf cart enthusiasts who want premium audio on the course
- Boat owners seeking marine rated sound systems
- Outdoor event organizers who need reliable portable audio
- Anyone who previously destroyed soundbars through outdoor use
This soundbar may not be right for:
- Home theater users who need HDMI connectivity
- Budget conscious buyers seeking basic audio
- Indoor only applications where weatherproofing adds unnecessary cost
- Users who need surround sound or Dolby Atmos support
If you plan to use your soundbar outdoors in challenging conditions, the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD represents one of the best options available. The combination of power, durability, and audio quality creates a package that handles real world demands.
Final Verdict
The Wet Sounds STEALTH 10 Ultra HD Black Soundbar earns a strong recommendation for outdoor audio enthusiasts. This soundbar delivers exceptional sound quality through its 10 speaker, 300 watt configuration. The IP67 waterproof rating provides genuine protection against dust and water. The RF wireless remote adds convenience that older designs lack.
Build quality impresses throughout. The aluminum construction feels premium and survives abuse. The titanium tweeters produce detailed highs. The bass response satisfies without needing an external subwoofer for most applications.
Yes, you will pay premium prices for this soundbar. But you receive premium performance and durability in return. For users who need reliable outdoor audio that survives harsh conditions, the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD represents money well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the STEALTH 10 Ultra HD completely waterproof?
The soundbar carries an IP67 rating, which means it handles complete dust protection and water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It survives rain, splashing, and brief submersion. However, extended underwater use beyond the rated specifications may cause damage.
Can I connect the STEALTH 10 to my TV?
This soundbar is designed for outdoor vehicles and marine applications. It does not include HDMI or optical inputs that TVs typically require. For home theater use, consider the Sonos Arc or Samsung HW Q990D instead.
How long does the Bluetooth battery last?
The soundbar does not have an internal battery for Bluetooth. It requires connection to a 12 volt power source to operate. The RF remote uses standard batteries that last approximately one year with normal use.
Can I add a subwoofer to this soundbar?
Yes. The STEALTH 10 Ultra HD includes a 2 volt line driver output that connects to external amplifiers or powered subwoofers. The Wet Sounds Stealth AS 8 subwoofer pairs excellently with this soundbar for enhanced bass response.
What vehicles work with this soundbar?
The STEALTH 10 Ultra HD works with any 12 volt vehicle system. Popular applications include UTVs, ATVs, golf carts, boats, Jeeps, and off road vehicles. Mounting accessories accommodate most roll bar and overhead configurations.
Does the soundbar come with a mounting bracket?
Yes. The soundbar includes a basic mounting kit. Additional bracket options like the Slider bracket, clamp mounts, and marine pedestals are available separately for specific installation requirements.
How loud does the STEALTH 10 get?
The 300 watt RMS amplifier produces impressive volume levels that cut through wind and engine noise at highway speeds. Most users report the soundbar gets loud enough for outdoor parties and open air environments without needing additional speakers.
Is the remote control waterproof?
Yes. The RF wireless remote carries waterproof protection that allows use in rain or wet conditions. It continues functioning after accidental splashes or drops in shallow water.
