Product Spotlight: KICKER KMC5

Going back a few decades, only a handful of car audio manufacturers offered marine-specific source unit options. These were often car radios with oversized front panels with waterproofing features. Now, there are dozens of companies that offer marine source units. One that stands out for its features and performance is the KICKER KMC5, which is the subject of this product spotlight. Let’s check it out!

Features of the KICKER KMC5

The KMC5 is a marine source unit with a face measuring 5.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. The radio mounts through a three-inch hole, so it can replace a small round unit or a large gauge in an instrument cluster. If nothing else, drilling the mounting hole with a hole saw is much easier for your installer than cutting out a rectangle with an air saw. The radio needs about seven inches of clearance behind the mounting surface for the chassis and wire connections. The front panel is IP66 rated, so you don’t have to worry about rain or splashes causing issues. Of course, KICKER’s Real Marine rating means the radio is built with materials that won’t fade, chalk, crack, or corrode when exposed to the sun or saltwater.

The radio features a sunlight-viewable 3.5-inch full-color LCD screen that provides a clear view of what’s playing from a USB thumb drive, SiriusXM satellite radio, or the built-in AM/FM tuner. USB support is compatible with FAT32-formatted thumb drives, and media formats include MP2, MP3, WMA, WAV16, FLAC, AAC, ALAC, and M4A. You can also stream music or a service like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or Apple Music over the Bluetooth A2DP connection. The radio includes Bluetooth AVRCP so you can control your smartphone or media player from the source unit.

While we are on the topic of audio sources, it’s worth noting that the KMC5 includes a Weatherband tuner and an auxiliary input. You can use the input with something like a TV, DVD player or media player if you have a larger boat. Speaking of video, the KMC5 has a video input that can be used with an optional backup camera. There’s an external trigger included, so the rear camera can be activated with a switch at the helm. This would be a great option for backing a boat into a narrow slip at the marina.

If you’ve looked closely at the buttons on the face, then you might have seen the Favorite option. This is a quick-access button to whatever source, radio station or weather information channel you want.

KICKER KMC5 — The front panel of the KMC5 radio features a 3.5-inch color display, making it easy to see what’s playing.

System Features and Specifications

Moving on from source options, we should discuss the outputs from the radio. The KMC5 includes six channels of amplification, each rated to deliver 25 watts into a 4-ohm load and 40 watts into a 2-ohm load. You’ll notice the power wire on the amp harness is larger than the typical 14- or 16-gauge conductor you’d find on a 22-watt x 4 radio. Your installer may need to run a dedicated 10-AWG cable for power and ground to the fuse panel at your point. Hey, if you want an amp, even one in a source unit, to produce power, you need to feed it power properly.

On the preamp side, the radio includes stereo front and rear outputs, a pair of subwoofer outputs and a 2-zone RCA output. The fifth and sixth speaker output connections are assigned to the second audio zone output. So, you could power speakers beside the TV, in the galley or a berth. If you are using the preamp outputs with a separate amplifier, the second audio zone might be ideal for a set of wakeboard tower speakers. This system design would give you separate control of the zone-2 volume. In fact, you can rename this separate zone to Tower, Transom, Cockpit, or Interior in the setup menu. You can also configure the Zone-2 volume to track the main volume or be adjustable on its own.

Audio Features

The KICKER KMC5 includes an adjustable high-pass crossover for the front and rear speaker and preamp outputs. The filter can be set to 50, 80, or 120 hertz to suit the size of the speakers in the system. The radio has two tone-control options. It has conventional bass, midrange and treble adjustability, or it can be switched to Custom EQ mode. The Custom EQ includes Rock, Pop, Jazz and custom options. In the custom menu, you can boost or cut audio at 50, 125, 250, 500, 1k, 3k, and 8k Hz center frequencies to fine-tune the system.

You can expand the KICKER KMC5 with the two-inch KRC12 remote or the KRC55 Digital remote. The KRC55 includes a color display that replicates what’s shown on the main radio screen.

Upgrade Your Boat with the KICKER KMC5 Today!

If you are in the market for a full-featured multimedia radio for your boat, or even a side-by-side or UTV, then drop by a local authorized KICKER retailer today and ask about the KMC5 radio. You can find a KICKER dealer near you by using the locator tool on their website.

Be sure to follow KICKER on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about their impressive car audio, marine, motorcycle, powersport and lifestyle product offerings.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is a marine-grade amplifier with a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) designed to power and tune an entire audio system from a single compact, marine-ready chassis. Combining eight channels of amplification with advanced signal processing, it allows a professionally designed system to deliver clean, controlled sound in boats and other harsh outdoor environments.

Modern marine audio systems face unique challenges. Wind noise, engine noise and open-air listening environments make it difficult to achieve balanced, detailed sound. A DSP amplifier like the VENEZIA V8 DSPx² allows a professional technician to precisely tune the system so music remains clear and dynamic even when conditions are less than ideal.

By combining amplification and signal processing in one product, the VENEZIA V8 DSPx² simplifies system design while providing the flexibility needed for high-performance marine audio systems.

The Technology Behind the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

Close-up of the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine amplifier power and signal connections. — Close-up product details reinforce the amplifier’s purpose-built marine design and professional-grade system integration.

The defining technology in the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is the integration of a high-performance multi-channel amplifier with advanced digital signal processing. This approach allows a professional retailer to power speakers and precisely control how audio signals behave throughout the entire system.

A digital signal processor (DSP) works by analyzing and modifying the audio signal before it reaches the speakers. In a vehicle or marine environment, speaker locations, reflective surfaces and background noise can dramatically affect how music sounds. The DSP allows technicians to correct these issues by adjusting crossover points, equalization, time alignment and output levels so the system performs as a cohesive whole.

In the VENEZIA V8 DSPx², the DSP and amplifier sections are engineered to work together from the start. This integration reduces the need for separate components and allows signal processing adjustments to directly influence amplifier output. The result is more precise control over the system’s tonal balance and dynamics, which is especially important in open-air listening environments where clarity and projection matter.

Another important advantage of this integrated design is system flexibility. An eight-channel amplifier provides multiple configuration options for powering speakers and subwoofers throughout a vessel. The DSP makes it possible to tailor each channel’s response to match the speaker type and its location within the boat, helping create a balanced listening experience across multiple seating areas.

Marine environments also place special demands on electronics. Moisture, vibration and temperature changes can affect performance and reliability. By combining signal processing and amplification within a single purpose-built marine amplifier, Hertz reduces system complexity while maintaining the durability needed for life on the water.

Key Features and Capabilities

Connection panel on the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine DSP amplifier. — The rear panel highlights the amplifier’s integrated connectivity for multi-channel power and advanced system control.

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² includes a range of technologies that support high-performance marine audio systems:

Eight Channels of Amplification: Provides the flexibility to power multiple speaker zones or combine channels for higher output when needed.
Integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Allows professional system tuning including equalization, crossover configuration and time alignment for improved tonal balance.
Marine-Grade Construction: Designed to withstand moisture, salt exposure and vibration common in marine environments.
Compact System Architecture: Combining amplification and DSP processing reduces the number of components required in the system.
System Tuning Flexibility: Multiple output channels allow retailers to create tailored listening zones throughout the vessel.

Design And Construction

Top view of the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² marine DSP amplifier. — The low-profile chassis and clean industrial design reflect the amplifier’s premium marine-focused engineering.

The VENEZIA V8 DSPx² is engineered specifically for marine use, where durability is as important as performance. Marine electronics must withstand humidity, salt exposure and vibration without compromising reliability or sound quality.

Hertz designed the amplifier with protective materials and sealing strategies that help guard sensitive circuitry from environmental exposure. These measures help maintain consistent performance in challenging conditions often encountered on the water.

Thermal management is also critical in compact marine installations. Efficient amplifier design helps control heat buildup while maintaining stable output performance, even during extended listening sessions.

The result is a component built not only for sound quality but also for long-term reliability in marine environments.

Why This Product Matters for Vehicle Audio Upgrades

The Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² matters because it allows a professionally designed audio system to deliver clear, balanced sound in environments where traditional systems struggle. By combining amplification and advanced signal processing, it gives system designers the tools needed to optimize every speaker in the system.

In open-air marine environments, music can easily become thin or uneven without proper tuning. A DSP amplifier allows professionals to shape the system’s response, so vocals, instruments and bass remain balanced across different seating areas.

For listeners, the result is a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Music sounds more natural, details become easier to hear and the system performs consistently even when background noise increases.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Help from a Professional

Achieving the best performance from a DSP amplifier requires expert system design and precise tuning. A qualified specialty retailer has the tools and experience to integrate products like the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx² into a system that delivers outstanding sound.

Visit the BestCarAudio.com Dealer Locator to find a trusted professional near you. A knowledgeable retailer can recommend the right equipment, design a system tailored to your vehicle and provide the expert calibration needed to bring your music to life.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER MSC65

There are dozens of companies manufacturing marine-grade speakers. That certainly doesn’t mean that all the speakers sound good and have equivalent performance. KICKER, a company known for developing car audio, powersports and marine audio solutions, recently launched their M-Class Premium Series of marine products. This spotlight will look at the MSC65 6.5-inch coaxial speaker from this high-end family. Let’s check it out!

MSC65 Specifications

The KICKER MSC65 speakers have a published frequency response of 55 Hz to 25 kHz with an efficiency of 89 dB at 1W/1M. Recommended amplifier power is 15 to 100 watts, while peak power handling is 200 watts. The mounting requirements are a 5-7/16” hole with 3-9/16” of depth behind them.

Features of the KICKER MSC65

The MSC65 is a 6.5-inch coaxial that’s designed around a glass-filled nylon chassis. The chassis provides a stable platform for the magnet and moving assembly. At the heart of the speaker is a carbon-fiber-infused polypropylene woofer cone. A Santoprene synthetic rubber surround provides a compliant connection at the top edge of the cone that will last for many years.

For a tweeter, each speaker uses a textile material called Teteron to provide smooth, audiophile-grade performance. The tweeters have a diameter of 28mm (1.1 inches), so they can play low enough to prevent the woofers from becoming directional. The speakers use an integrated -12 dB/octave passive crossover at 3.2 kHz, which helps to ensure smooth and natural sound.

A perforated metal mesh grille protects the tweeters. An eight-spoke grille above the woofer cone supports the whole assembly. This eliminates the need for a pole piece, thereby increasing the woofer’s cone area to improve efficiency and bass production. Each pair of speakers includes both the white and charcoal grilles.

Electrical connections for the speaker are made via two-position Deutsch-style connectors to ensure a reliable, water-resistant connection. The speakers feature RGBW LED illumination, which lights up the cone from an LED strip wrapped around the tweeter’s neodymium magnet. The optional KMLC LED Lighting Remote controller can control the five-wire lighting system. Alternatively, the lighting can be hard-wired to a specific color to match your boat.

KICKER MSC65 — The MSC65 set includes both charcoal and white grilles along with RGBW lighting to add a little extra style.

Real Marine™ Products

KICKER has invested significant resources into ensuring the entire series of M-CLASS products is up to the toughest challenges Mother Nature can dish out. All the speakers and subwoofers are tested for resistance to corrosion from salt under the ASTM B117 standard. They are also tested for colorfastness and resistance to chalking or fading due to prolonged UV exposure under the ASTM G154 standard. Finally, they have an IPX66 water-resistance rating thanks to integrated mounting gaskets on the backs of all the speakers. You can be confident that your purchase from KICKER will last for many years.

Upgrade Your Boat with KICKER M-Class Speakers and Subwoofers Today!

If the sound system on your boat doesn’t put a smile on your face when you turn up the volume, drop by an authorized KICKER retailer today and ask them about the amazing new M-Class marine audio products like the MSC65. You can find an authorized dealer using the locator tool on their website. For more information on KICKER marine, powersports and car audio products, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and of course, their amazing YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Hertz Capri H100

Though there are dozens, if not hundreds, of marine source unit options on the market, very few are designed with audio performance as their primary consideration. To this end, the Hertz Capri H100 features support for modern high-resolution audio file playback and premium Bluetooth streaming connectivity. Combined with a large color display, this is the marine source to consider for those who care about sound quality. Let’s check it out!

Hertz Capri H100 Design and Features

The H100’s focal point is its large 4.3-inch color TFT IPS display. The In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology dramatically improves off-axis viewing clarity to ensure the displayed information is visible even when the radio is mounted at an angle. Aside from the usual audio source information display, the Capri has a camera input that could help with docking a larger boat.

A rotary volume encoder is located on the left side of the front panel, making control easy and intuitive. Rubberized buttons above and below the control handle source selection, track selection and menu access.

The H100 radio has a slender rear chassis and an oversized face. The face measures roughly seven inches wide and four inches tall. The cutout for the chassis needs to be six by 2.5 inches. The chassis will protrude about 5 inches behind the mounting surface. The front panel has an IP67 rating, so it can handle getting splashed without fear of water damage.

Hertz Capri H100 — The H100 display features a high-quality color display and intuitive controls.

Source Options

The Capri H100 features an AM/FM receiver with tuner frequency spacing support for countries worldwide. RDS and RDBS information display is also supported, so you can see what track is playing, assuming the station broadcasts that information. The radio will also receive Weather Band information so you can stay up to date with the marine forecast in your area.

If you want the best sound quality from your entertainment system, you must start with the best source. Connecting a USB memory stick with FLAC, WAV or Vorbis files will deliver high-resolution audio playback. You can also play MP3, WMA or AAC files. The radio supports USB memory sticks up to 256 GB in size with as many as 9999 files on the stick.

The Capri H100 isn’t shy about inputs. First, there’s an RCA input that you can use with a media or DVD player. A TOSLINK S/PDIF input also supports 24-bit, 192 kHz audio streams.

Moving down the sound quality food chain takes us to Bluetooth. The Capri is state-of-the-art, supporting LDAC and aptX HD high-resolution formats. If your Android phone supports these transmission types, your music will sound better than the classic AAC protocol. You may have to dig into your phone’s menu to turn these all on. Those of us with an iPhone are stuck with AAC.

The H100 can be upgraded with a SiriusXM SXV300 tuner module and antenna if you want to enjoy genre-specific entertainment. This is a must-have in rural regions without terrestrial radio stations or cell service.

System Connectivity and Expansion

Let’s start by looking at the audio outputs. The built-in four-channel amplifier is rated to produce up to 70 watts of power when driving four two-ohm loads. Continuous ANSI/CTA-2006 compliant output is 26 watts per channel into four four-ohm loads.

The Capri H100 is a multi-zone radio with four sets of stereo and subwoofer RCA outputs rated for four volts RMS. Each stereo output has an optional high-pass filter that can be set to 60, 80 or 100 hertz. The subwoofer outputs have the same low-pass frequencies. There’s also an eight-band graphic equalizer for each of the four zone outputs. Your installer could configure a system for the helm, the main seating area, a front berth and the cabin.

The deck is part of Hertz and Audison’s Full DA HD ecosystem. As such, it features a coaxial S/PDIF output with support for 24-bit, 192 kHz digital audio. If you want to feed a digital signal processor with a clean signal, this connection has you covered.

Remote Control Options

The Hertz Capri H100 can be upgraded with your choice of wired remotes to make controlling the radio from around a large boat easier. The optional Capri HD1 mimics the functionality of the main Capri H100 radio and includes the same controls and color display. If you want something more streamlined, the compact HMC U1 remote has source, volume and track selection buttons in a small chassis. The latter would be ideal for a swim platform where its compact size is a big feature.

An NMEA 2000 port on the back of the radio chassis allows you to connect the H100 to a multi-function display.

What you might not have seen coming is the Hertz Marine Control app for your Apple or Android smartphone. You have complete control over all four zones’ source options and volume levels when connected. Your installer can use the app to set crossover points and fine-tune the equalizers as mentioned earlier.

The Heart of a Premium Marine Audio System

Whether you have a bowrider, wakeboard boat, or want a multi-zone audio system for your cruiser or yacht, the Hertz Capri H100 marine radio is the perfect solution. Combine it with high-quality speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers, and you have entertainment options that are perfect for an evening of dinner and drinks with friends or blasting around the lake with someone on the tow rope.

Visit the Hertz website and use their dealer locator tool to find an authorized retailer near you. While online, be sure to follow Hertz on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN

Compared to just over a decade ago, there are dozens of options for marine source units on the market. Few are truly high-end units with state-of-the-art audio performance and compatibility with chartplotters and multi-function displays. Unsurprisingly, Rockford Fosgate offers several class-leading solutions. Their PMX-5CAN multi-zone digital media receiver is the focus of this Product Spotlight. Let’s check it out!

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN

Starting with the basics, the PMX-5CAN is an oversized-face single-DIN receiver. This means the chassis has the standard two-by-seven-inch height and width dimensions, but the display and control panel are larger and sit in front of the mounting surface. The face measures eight inches wide and stands 3.5 inches tall.

The radio’s front panel features a 2.7-inch (measured diagonally) color TFT display to let you know what’s playing. A large rotary volume control is located to the left, making it easy to adjust the radio without searching for a button. Rubber buttons surround the perimeter of the radio and provide source access, source selection, tracking control, radio preset access, and menu navigation. Knowing how Rockford Fosgate fanatics roll, they’ve included subwoofer-level control buttons directly on the radio face.

Entertainment Source Options

The PMX-5CAN includes an AM/FM receiver for terrestrial radio and a WeatherBand receiver, so you can stay informed about marine forecasts and avoid getting caught on the water during inclement weather. The AM/FM tuner can be set to regions like North America, Europe, Asia, or Japan to accommodate different channel frequency spacings. To enjoy SiriusXM’s genre-specific entertainment, your installer can add an SXV300 tuner module and antenna.

The USB port on the rear of the chassis lets you connect a USB memory stick up to 32GB in capacity to play MP3 or WMA audio files. The radio supports up to 999 songs, which should be more than enough for a day on the water. You can also connect your iPhone, and the deck will use it as an audio source. The USB port is powered and will charge your device with up to one amp of current.

You can also stream music wirelessly to the PMX-5CAN over Bluetooth. The radio supports audio streaming with the A2DP profile and includes AVRCP control. AVRCP allows you to change tracks on your device using the radio’s buttons. Hands-free calling is not an option on this radio as it’s intended for marine applications, not a car or truck.

Finally, the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN offers an auxiliary input. This is the perfect solution for listening to audio from a media center, DVD player or laptop computer.

Audio Configuration and Processing Features

One feature that sets the PMX-5CAN apart from many other radios is its true 2-zone operation. This means you can listen to SiriusXM in the berth while playing streamed music over Bluetooth in the cockpit. The Zone 2 output is provided via a set of RCA cables, so you’ll need an amplifier to power those speakers.

Speaking of RCA cables, the radio features front, rear, and subwoofer outputs rated for four volts with an output impedance of 500 ohms. The built-in four-channel amplifier is rated to produce 25 watts continuously into four four-ohm speakers. The amplifier can also drive two-ohm loads and will deliver up to 50 watts max per channel in that configuration.

The deck includes adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers for RCA and speaker-level outputs. There are also separate seven-band graphic equalizers for the main and secondary zones. Your installer can use these tools to ensure maximum performance from your system. A web configuration tool on the Rockford Fosgate website allows all these audio settings to be saved to a file and loaded into the radio from a USB memory stick.

System Control Options

The “CAN” suffix in the radio’s part number refers to its compatibility with several multi-function displays. With the addition of the PMX-CAN NMEA-2000 interface module, the PMX-5CAN can be controlled by many Garmin and Raymarine devices. This compatibility allows, for example, a radio mounted in the cabin to be controlled from a Garmin GPSMAP device at the helm.

Up to three PMX-0R or PMX-1R remotes can be connected to the radio for secondary control. These are a perfect solution if you want to change tracks from the swim platform or adjust the volume from the galley.

Durability and Reliability Features

The Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN is designed from the ground up to offer class-leading reliability in all marine applications. As such, it bears Rockford Fosgate’s Element Ready moniker. This means it can withstand being splashed or sprayed with a hose, thanks to an IPX6 water intrusion rating.

All materials used in the front panel are rigorously tested under the ASTM B117 and ASTM D4329 standards to withstand salt exposure without corroding and prolonged UV exposure without fading or discoloring. Unlike many other manufacturers, Rockford Fosgate subjects its products to intense shock and vibration testing to ensure they hold up under pressure. If you’re pounding the waves on a jet boat, you’ll want a radio that can take a beating.

Upgrade Your Boat with the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN Receiver

If you’re shopping for a high-quality, easily upgradeable marine radio for your boat, visit a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the PMX-5CAN. This is a fantastic solution for a simple audio system and can also serve as the heart of a complex multi-zone, multi-control system on a cruiser or small yacht. You can use the dealer locator tool on the Rockford Fosgate website to find your nearest retailer.

While you’re online, check out their other high-performance marine speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers to make your time on the water even more enjoyable. Don’t forget to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay updated on all the latest products and see the amazing events the team attends.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: KICKER KMC5

Features of the KICKER KMC5

System Features and Specifications

Audio Features

Upgrade Your Boat with the KICKER KMC5 Today!

Product Spotlight: Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

The Technology Behind the Hertz VENEZIA V8 DSPx²

Key Features and Capabilities

Design And Construction

Why This Product Matters for Vehicle Audio Upgrades

Upgrade Your Vehicle with Help from a Professional

Product Spotlight: KICKER MSC65

MSC65 Specifications

Features of the KICKER MSC65

Real Marine™ Products

Other KICKER M-Class Solutions

Upgrade Your Boat with KICKER M-Class Speakers and Subwoofers Today!

Product Spotlight: Hertz Capri H100

Hertz Capri H100 Design and Features

Source Options

System Connectivity and Expansion

Remote Control Options

The Heart of a Premium Marine Audio System

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN

Entertainment Source Options

Audio Configuration and Processing Features

System Control Options

Durability and Reliability Features

Upgrade Your Boat with the Rockford Fosgate PMX-5CAN Receiver

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