New Release: JL Audio A60 & A60-H Marine Head Units
Premium Audio for the Open Water
A high-quality soundtrack can completely transform a day out on the water, which is why the release of the new JL Audio A60 and A60-H marine head units is such exciting news for boat owners. Whether you are doing a complete helm refit or simply upgrading your existing sound system, these new models bring premium audio control, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and seamless integration with your existing marine electronics.
Let's take a closer look at what makes the A60 series stand out, the key differences between the two models, and how to decide which one is the right fit for your vessel.
Shared Features: Power and Control
Despite their different form factors, both the A60 and A60-H share a robust set of features designed to deliver high-fidelity audio in harsh marine environments. Both units are built with an internal Class D amplifier delivering 17 watts RMS across 4 channels, and both carry IPX6 and IPX7 water and dust ratings.
- Built-in DSP Technology: Digital Signal Processing optimises the audio signal sent to your speakers and subwoofers. This ensures a superior, distortion-free listening experience while protecting your audio components from damage.
- 4-Zone Audio Control: Using Multi-Zone technology, you can independently control the volume and audio settings in up to four different areas of your boat - perfect for balancing sound between the cockpit, flybridge, and cabin.
- NMEA 2000 Compatibility: Both units integrate seamlessly with NMEA 2000 networks. This allows for wired integration and control directly from compatible Garmin multifunction displays (MFDs) or the JL Audio NRX-300 wired remote.
- Wireless Control via Garmin Audio App: The popular Fusion Audio app has been rebranded to the Garmin Audio app. Using Bluetooth LE, you can set up custom DSP profiles, perform over-the-air software updates, and control your music directly from your smartphone or a compatible Garmin smartwatch.
- Versatile Audio Sources: Listen your way with support for AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and DAB+ radio - a crucial feature for European and UK boaters.
The JL Audio A60: The Classic Helm Solution
The standard A60 head unit features a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks fantastic on any contemporary helm. Its defining feature is a 2.95-inch high-resolution colour display. This LCD screen is daylight-readable and fog-resistant, ensuring you always have a clear view of your track information and audio settings, regardless of the weather conditions.
If you prefer having a dedicated physical interface on your dash with intuitive rotary control and clear on-screen menus, the A60 is the model to choose. It retails at £429.99 and provides a traditional, user-friendly hub for your boat's entertainment.
The JL Audio A60-H: The Hideaway Alternative
Helm space is often at a premium, especially on smaller vessels or heavily equipped fishing boats. The A60-H - also known as the hideaway stereo - takes all the powerful features of the A60 and packs them into a compact, screen-less black box (white box actually), that is designed to be mounted entirely out of sight.
You can hide the A60-H inside a helm console, within a storage locker, or inside any other concealed compartment. Because it connects via NMEA 2000 and Bluetooth, you simply control your audio through your Garmin MFD, your smartphone, or a Garmin smartwatch. It provides all the audio performance of the A60 without taking up a single inch of valuable dash space.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Choosing between the A60 and the A60-H ultimately comes down to your helm layout and how you prefer to interact with your boat's systems.
Choose the JL Audio A60 if:
- You have available space on your dash.
- You want a dedicated, physical interface for guests or crew to easily adjust the music without needing an app or MFD access.
- You appreciate a full-colour screen to view album art and radio stations at a glance.
Choose the JL Audio A60-H if:
- Your helm is cluttered, and you want to maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
- You already use your Garmin MFD as the central control hub for all your boat's systems and prefer to control audio from there.
- You want to secure your head unit away from the elements or potential theft in a locked compartment.
Both models are an excellent investment for anyone looking to upgrade their marine audio setup with modern DSP technology and reliable network connectivity. If you need help planning your audio network or integrating these units with your existing Garmin or NMEA 2000 systems, feel free to get in touch with our team.
The JL Audio A60: The Classic Helm Solution
The standard A60 head unit features a sleek, modern aesthetic that looks fantastic on any contemporary helm. Its defining feature is a 2.95-inch high-resolution colour display. This LCD screen is daylight-readable and fog-resistant, ensuring you always have a clear view of your track information and audio settings, regardless of the weather conditions.
If you prefer having a dedicated physical interface on your dash with intuitive rotary control and clear on-screen menus, the A60 is the model to choose. It retails at £429.99 and provides a traditional, user-friendly hub for your boat's entertainment.
The JL Audio A60-H: The Hideaway Alternative
Helm space is often at a premium, especially on smaller vessels or heavily equipped fishing boats. The A60-H - also known as the hideaway stereo - takes all the powerful features of the A60 and packs them into a compact, screen-less black box (white box actually), that is designed to be mounted entirely out of sight.
You can hide the A60-H inside a helm console, within a storage locker, or inside any other concealed compartment. Because it connects via NMEA 2000 and Bluetooth, you simply control your audio through your Garmin MFD, your smartphone, or a Garmin smartwatch. It provides all the audio performance of the A60 without taking up a single inch of valuable dash space.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Choosing between the A60 and the A60-H ultimately comes down to your helm layout and how you prefer to interact with your boat's systems.
Choose the JL Audio A60 if:
- You have available space on your dash.
- You want a dedicated, physical interface for guests or crew to easily adjust the music without needing an app or MFD access.
- You appreciate a full-colour screen to view album art and radio stations at a glance.
Choose the JL Audio A60-H if:
- Your helm is cluttered, and you want to maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
- You already use your Garmin MFD as the central control hub for all your boat's systems and prefer to control audio from there.
- You want to secure your head unit away from the elements or potential theft in a locked compartment.
Both models are an excellent investment for anyone looking to upgrade their marine audio setup with modern DSP technology and reliable network connectivity. If you need help planning your audio network or integrating these units with your existing Garmin or NMEA 2000 systems, feel free to get in touch with our team.
