The 7 Best Marine Amplifiers With Bluetooth
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in March of 2020. One of the great pleasures of boat ownership is installing a high quality stereo. While amplifiers are always critical for these kinds of setups, our selected Bluetooth-capable models are particularly useful for adding wireless streaming to older systems, or even replacing dedicated head units altogether for those who find themselves sticking to phone-based music services. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Infinity K5
2. Rockville RXM
3. Boss Audio Systems MC900B
Editor's Notes
April 24, 2020:
Although Bluetooth has become a standard on nearly all marine receivers, it's still relatively uncommon to find an amplifier with this capability. However, there are several specific cases where investing in a Bluetooth capable amp is preferable.
For instance, those with vintage boats who want to play music from their phone may find that they'd like to keep their original stereo intact, or create an invisible setup if their boat never had a such a thing to begin with. Options like the Velex Water Resistant Amplifier and Kicker Bluetooth Amplifier are great for this application because they are small and easily hidden, and can add modern streaming abilities to your boat without affecting its classic appearance. These options are also great for people who simply want to eliminate the need for purchasing a separate head unit, since they accept RCA, 3.5-millimeter, and USB inputs. This variety of accepted sources and a wired remote allow these units to take over the functions of both a receiver and an amplifier with ease.
Those who are more concerned with quality and volume than price should check out the Infinity K5 and Rockville RXM. Both are well made pieces with adjustable filters, robust enclosures, and good maximum power outputs, although some bridging will be required for the Rockville to reach its true potential. This sacrifices a few of its 8 channels, but allows it to achieve a higher volume on a per-speaker basis or power a large sub more effectively.
If you're looking at amplifiers as a part of a brand new installation, the Boss Audio Systems MC900B is worth looking into since it includes 4 marine speakers in its modestly priced package. They're definitely not the most high-quality marine speakers available, and a dedicated subwoofer is not included, but if you're not an audiophile and just want something affordable that works it might be the perfect option.
4. Kenwood Compact Marine Amplifier
5. Velex Water Resistant Amplifier
6. Pyle Hydra 400
7. Kicker Bluetooth Amplifier
After graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 with a bachelors in Literature and Creative Writing, Brendon Hannaford moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy and television. Beyond writing, he’s always had a passionate interest in the clever engineering found in consumer electronics and machinery, with an eclectic interest that spans diverse categories such as photography equipment, musical instruments, and automotive technology. When not writing and researching for Ezvid Wiki, Brendon spends his time performing sketch comedy and tinkering with his motorcycle.