Upgrading Your Boat Stereo System: Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate Marine Receivers Compared

Choosing the right marine receiver is crucial when upgrading your boat’s stereo. Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate are two top brands offering high-quality receivers designed to withstand the marine environment. In our latest article on the TAS Electronics Blog, we compare the key features, specifications, and benefits of Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers, discussing factors like water resistance, connectivity options, power output, and ease of use.

By examining the differences between these brands, you can make an informed decision when selecting the best receiver for your boat’s marine audio system. Whether you prefer Kenwood’s traditional button layout and advanced audio tuning or Rockford Fosgate’s large touchscreen display and DSP technology, both brands offer excellent solutions for enhancing your boating experience.

Trust TAS Electronics for expert advice and top-notch marine sound systems to elevate your time on the water.

The Importance Of Water Resistance When Upgrading Your Boat Stereo

When it comes to marine receivers, water resistance is crucial when rockin’ the waves. Both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate offer receivers with excellent water resistance ratings, ensuring that your stereo system can withstand splashes, humidity, and even the occasional rain shower.

Kenwood marine receivers, such as the KMR-M332BT, feature an IP66 rating, which means they are protected against powerful water jets and heavy seas. The faceplate and buttons are designed to prevent water ingress, and the rear of the unit is sealed to keep moisture out.

Similarly, Rockford Fosgate marine receivers, like the PMX-8DH, are built to withstand the elements. They feature a UV-stable, IPX6-rated front panel that can handle water splashes and even hose pressure cleaning. The rear of the unit is also sealed to protect against moisture and dust.

Both brands offer excellent water resistance, protecting your investment in a marine receiver against the harsh marine environment.

Connectivity: The ability to integrate with various components of your audio system ensures better sound quality throughout. Options For Your Marine Stereo System

Regarding connectivity, Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers offer a wide range of options to suit your needs. Whether you want to stream music from your smartphone, listen to satellite radio, or connect an external audio source, these receivers have you covered for the best sound quality.

Kenwood marine receivers offer the following connectivity options:

• Bluetooth: Stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.
• USB: Connect a USB device to play music files or charge your smartphone.
• AUX input: Connect an external audio source, such as an MP3 player, using a 3.5mm cable.
• SiriusXM-ready: Add a SiriusXM satellite radio tuner (sold separately) to access a wide range of music, sports, and entertainment channels.

Rockford Fosgate marine receivers also offer a variety of connectivity options, including compatibility with your entire audio system for better sound quality:

• Bluetooth: Stream music wirelessly and make hands-free calls using the built-in microphone.
• USB: Play music files from a USB device or charge your smartphone.
• AUX input: Connect an external audio source using a 3.5mm cable.
• SiriusXM-ready: Access satellite radio with an additional SiriusXM tuner (sold separately) to improve the overall sound quality of your audio system.
• Pandora: Control Pandora radio directly from the receiver using your smartphone’s data connection.

Both brands offer a range of connectivity options, making it easy to enjoy your favorite music and audio sources while out on the water.

Boat Stereo System Power Output 

Power output is another essential factor to consider when choosing a marine receiver. You want a receiver that can deliver enough power to your speakers to overcome wind, engine noise, and other background sounds.

Kenwood marine receivers offer impressive power output specifications. For example, the KMR-M332BT features a built-in amplifier with a maximum output of 50 watts x 4 channels. This means you can power up to four speakers with plenty of volume and clarity, enhancing your audio system.

Rockford Fosgate marine receivers also deliver impressive power output. The PMX-8DH features a built-in Class-AD amplifier with a maximum output of 50 watts x 4 channels. Additionally, this receiver includes a separate 4-volt, 3-channel RCA pre-amp output for connecting external amplifiers, making it easy to expand your system with additional speakers or subwoofers.

Both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers offer ample power output to drive your boat’s speaker system with clarity and volume.

Upgrading Your Boat Stereo System With An Easy To Use Interface

When you’re out on the water, you want a marine receiver that is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. Both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers excel in this area, offering features designed to make operation simple and straightforward.

Kenwood marine receivers feature the following user-friendly features:

• Large, easy-to-read display: The KMR-M332BT features a large, 1.8-inch LCD display with adjustable brightness and contrast for easy visibility in any lighting conditions.
• Intuitive button layout: The buttons are clearly labeled and thoughtfully arranged for easy access to frequently used functions.
• Rotary volume knob: A large, rotary volume knob allows for quick and precise volume adjustments, even when your hands are wet.
• Optional wired remote: Add an optional wired remote (sold separately) to control your receiver from anywhere on your boat conveniently.

Rockford Fosgate marine receivers also prioritize ease of use:

• High-contrast display: The PMX-8DH features a high-contrast, 2.7-inch full-color display that remains visible even in bright sunlight.
• Intuitive touchscreen interface: The touchscreen interface is easy to navigate, with large, clearly labeled icons for accessing various functions.
• Customizable shortcuts: Create custom shortcuts on the home screen to quickly access your favorite features and audio sources.
• Steering wheel control compatibility: Retain your boat’s existing steering wheel audio controls (if equipped) with an optional adapter (sold separately).

Both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers are designed with ease of use in mind, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your time on the water without struggling to operate your stereo system.

Upgrading Your Sound System With Additional Features

In addition to the core features discussed above, both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers offer a range of additional features that can enhance your listening experience and add convenience to your boat’s stereo system.

Kenwood marine receivers offer the following additional features:

• NMEA 2000 compatibility: Some Kenwood marine receivers, like the KMR-M332BT, are compatible with the NMEA 2000 marine networking standard, allowing you to integrate your stereo with other onboard systems, such as GPS and fish finders.
• 13-band equalizer: Fine-tune your audio with a 13-band graphic equalizer, ensuring that your music sounds great in any environment.
• Digital time alignment: Optimize the sound stage for your specific listening position using digital time alignment, which adjusts the timing of the audio signal sent to each speaker for the best sound quality.
• Rear USB port: In addition to the front USB port, some Kenwood marine receivers feature a rear USB port for connecting additional devices or hiding a USB drive out of sight.

Rockford Fosgate marine receivers also offer a range of additional features:

• DSP technology: The PMX-8DH features a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) with a 5-band parametric EQ, time alignment, and crossover settings for precise audio tuning.
• NMEA 2000 compatibility: Integrate your PMX-8DH with other NMEA 2000-compatible devices on your boat for seamless control and data sharing.
• Dual-zone control: Independently control the audio in two different areas of your boat, such as the main cabin and the cockpit, with separate volume and source selection for each zone.
• Rear camera input: Connect a rear-view camera (sold separately) to the PMX-8DH for added safety and convenience when docking or maneuvering your boat.

These additional features demonstrate the commitment of both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate to providing versatile, high-performance marine receivers that cater to boaters’ unique needs.

Kenwood vs Rockford Fosgate Marine Audio: Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we’ve examined the key features and benefits of Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers, let’s take a closer look at how they stack up against each other in a head-to-head comparison.

Feature	Kenwood	Rockford Fosgate
Water Resistance	IP66-rated	IPX6-rated front panel
Connectivity	Bluetooth, USB, AUX, SiriusXM-ready	Bluetooth, USB, AUX, SiriusXM-ready, Pandora
Power Output	50W x 4 channels	50W x 4 channels + 4V 3-channel pre-amp output
Display	1.8″ LCD	2.7″ full-color touchscreen
Ease of Use	Large buttons, rotary volume knob, optional wired remote	Intuitive touchscreen, customizable shortcuts, steering wheel control compatible
Additional Features	NMEA 2000 compatibility, 13-band EQ, digital time alignment, rear USB port	DSP technology, NMEA 2000 compatibility, dual-zone control, rear camera input

As you can see, both Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers offer excellent water resistance, a wide range of connectivity options, and impressive power output. However, there are some key differences between the two brands:

• Rockford Fosgate receivers offer a larger, full-color touchscreen display, which may be easier to navigate and read in bright sunlight, improving the user experience and sound quality.
• Kenwood receivers offer a more traditional button layout and rotary volume knob, which some users may prefer for their tactile feedback and ease of use.
• Rockford Fosgate receivers offer additional features like DSP technology, dual-zone control, and rear camera input, which may appeal to boaters with more complex audio setups or those who prioritize convenience and safety.
• Kenwood receivers offer features like a 13-band EQ and digital time alignment, which may be more attractive to audiophiles who want greater control over their sound.

Ultimately, the choice between a Kenwood or Rockford Fosgate marine receiver will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

TAS Electronics Has The Hottest Boat Stereo Systems On The Market and Experienced Marine Audio Professionals

Choosing the right marine receiver is essential when upgrading your boat’s stereo system. Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate are two of the most respected brands in the marine audio industry, offering high-quality receivers packed with features designed to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Both brands offer excellent water resistance, a wide range of connectivity options, impressive power output, and user-friendly interfaces. However, the two have some key differences, such as display size and type, additional features, and overall design philosophy.

By carefully considering your specific needs and preferences and comparing the features and benefits of Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers, you can make an informed decision and choose the best receiver to upgrade your boat’s stereo system. Whether you opt for a Kenwood or Rockford Fosgate receiver, you can be confident that you’re investing in a high-quality, durable, and feature-packed solution that will enhance your boating experience for years to come.

Remember, at TAS Electronics, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect marine audio solution for your needs. Our team of experts is always ready to answer your questions, provide guidance, and assist you in choosing the best components for your boat’s stereo system. Visit our store or contact us today to learn more about our selection of Kenwood and Rockford Fosgate marine receivers, as well as our wide range of other top-quality marine audio products like head units, amps, subwoofers, and other marine audio system gear.

from TAS Electronics https://taselectronics.com/blog/upgrading-your-boat-stereo-system/
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