Garmin JL Audio A60: Premium sound with four zones on board

Garmin is expanding its audio range not with yet another basic Bluetooth radio, but with two central control units for larger in-car systems. The JL Audio A60 and A60-H combine music sources, loudspeakers, amplifiers, remote controls and chartplotters into a networked system. This approach is primarily aimed at owners who wish to provide separate sound systems for several living areas and operate the system from the helm or via a multifunction display.

Installed in plain view or concealed

The JL Audio A60 is designed as a classic marine radio for visible installation at the helm. The unit features a 2.95-inch colour display with a resolution of 640 × 360 pixels that is readable in sunlight. This allows you to select the source, volume and individual listening zones directly on the unit.

The JL Audio A60-H is designed to keep dashboards tidy. The Hideaway version is fitted out of sight and connected to a compatible Garmin multifunction display for operation. This means there is no need for an additional cut-out at the helm. This is particularly useful during refits, when existing displays are reused and there is limited space on the panel.

Before installation, however, owners should check carefully whether there is sufficient space behind the dashboard and whether the existing chartplotter is actually supported. Cable routing, the power supply and the connection to the NMEA-2000 backbone should also be taken into account during the planning stage. Garmin offers an adapter for an existing cut-out for a JL Audio MediaMaster A60 retrofit kit which is due to be available to order from 4 September 2026.

Four separate listening areas

Both devices can manage up to four audio zones. On a motor yacht, for example, this allows the cockpit, saloon, foredeck and flybridge to be controlled separately. This means the music in the cockpit does not have to be played at the same volume as in the saloon, and individual areas can be muted if required.

However, the radio alone is not the only factor determining the result. Speaker positions, amplifier power, cable cross-section, fuse protection and the available battery capacity must all be suited to the installation. On open boats in particular, wind noise, engine noise and the distance between the speakers and the listening position have a significantly greater impact on the sound than in an enclosed cabin.

The integrated DSP (digital signal processing) is designed to optimise the performance of the connected speakers and subwoofers and protect them from overload. Set-up is carried out via the Garmin Audio app using the Easy Tune function. Whilst this can simplify the basic setup, it is no substitute for a proper installation.

DAB and control via NMEA 2000

Sources include, amongst others, Bluetooth LE audio streaming and a built-in DAB tuner. DAB can be an alternative to traditional FM reception in coastal areas, although the actual reception quality still depends on the antenna, the location and the distance from the transmitter.

Via NMEA 2000, the radios can be connected to a Garmin chartplotter and the NRX-300 wired remote control. Speed-dependent volume control is also provided: As speed increases, the system automatically raises the volume to compensate for engine, wind and water noise. The sound quality itself is not improved by the on-board system, but operation becomes significantly more centralised. This is in line with current Garmin systems, in which, for example, the Signal 400 and 220 VHF radios can be integrated into the on-board electronics via NMEA 2000.

New remote controls for larger boats

Garmin is also introducing two control units. The JL Audio R5 combines volume control and play/pause functions in a single large rotary knob. According to Garmin, a 1.5-inch-diameter hole is all that is required for installation.

The JL Audio NRX-300 wired remote control features an integrated LCD display and five buttons. It can control up to four zones and is connected via NMEA 2000. Both control units are IPX7-rated. On smaller pleasure craft, control via radio, app or plotter is usually sufficient. On flybridge yachts or boats with separate living areas, however, an additional remote control may be useful.

According to the manufacturer, the new radios are protected against typical on-board conditions in accordance with IPX6 and IPX7. This includes powerful jets of water and temporary submersion. However, professional installation with properly sealed mounting openings remains essential.

Technical Specifications

Anyone wishing to upgrade their system with new speakers will find that the Fusion Apollo marine speakers and subwoofers There are already suitable components available from the Garmin range. An independent field test is still needed to determine how well the A60 models perform in real-world on-board use in terms of ease of use, sound tuning and chartplotter integration.

Book recommendation

Theory and Practice of Vehicle Electrical Systems By Jens Feddern, this book covers the basics of on-board electrical systems, from power supply and DC distribution to cabling, interference suppression and fault-finding. The book helps readers to realistically assess the requirements of an upgraded audio system. Particularly before retrofitting amplifiers, subwoofers or additional control units, it provides the necessary understanding of circuit protection, cable routing and a well-organised installation.

How important is a fully integrated audio system on board to you, and in which areas of your boat would you actually make use of separate sound zones?