B&G Navico Audio Marine Speakers Review

B&G Navico Audio Marine Speakers Review

B&G, a brand under Navico Group, is renowned for its sailing electronics, but its marine audio offerings, particularly the 6.5-inch 200W speakers paired with the SonicHub2 audio server, bring robust sound to the water. Designed for integration with B&G’s multifunction displays (MFDs) like Zeus³ and Vulcan, these speakers cater to boaters who value seamless control and connectivity alongside solid audio performance. Below, we explore the key features, reasons boaters choose B&G Navico Audio, and their place in the marine audio market. 

Key Features

Full-Range Coaxial Sound with SonicHub2 Integration

B&G’s 6.5-inch marine speakers are 2-way coaxial designs, featuring a woofer for midrange and bass paired with a bridge-mounted tweeter for clear highs. Rated at 200W peak power, they deliver loud, full-range sound suitable for open-air boating. The speakers are optimized for use with the SonicHub2 audio server, which supports Bluetooth streaming, USB playback, and Pandora/SiriusXM connectivity (US only), all controlled via B&G MFDs or the Fusion-Link app. Reviewers note the system’s clarity and ease of use, making it ideal for tech-savvy boaters who want integrated audio control.

Sleek Design with Optional LED Lighting

While B&G’s standard 6.5-inch speakers focus on function over flash, some configurations support optional RGB LED lighting when paired with compatible Navico systems. The lighting, controlled via the SonicHub2 or MFDs, adds a subtle glow to enhance a boat’s ambiance at night. The speakers’ white grilles and compact design blend seamlessly into modern boat interiors, appealing to sailors and motorboaters who prioritize a clean, integrated look.

Marine-Grade Durability

B&G’s speakers are built to withstand harsh marine conditions, featuring waterproof construction with UV-resistant grilles, sealed cones, and corrosion-resistant materials. Rated for marine environments, they meet industry standards for salt, spray, and UV resistance, ensuring reliable performance in coastal and offshore settings. The SonicHub2 system includes water-tight NMEA 2000 connectors, enhancing the speakers’ durability when integrated into a networked setup. A one-year warranty backs their construction, though this is shorter than some premium competitors.

Size and Power Handling

B&G offers its marine speakers primarily in a 6.5-inch coaxial format, rated at 200W peak (approximately 100W RMS) at 4 Ω, making them compatible with the SonicHub2’s 50W x 4 amplifier or external marine amplifiers. The speakers are designed for efficiency, delivering strong output without requiring high-end amplification, which suits smaller boats or simpler audio setups.

Additional Details and Options

• Grille Options: Standard white grilles for a clean, nautical aesthetic.

• SonicHub2 Integration: Supports Bluetooth, USB, AM/FM, and SiriusXM (US only), with NMEA 2000 connectivity for MFD control.

• Mounting Hardware: Includes stainless steel hardware and a mounting template for straightforward installation.

• System Expansion: Compatible with B&G subwoofers and amplifiers for a complete audio solution.

Why People Buy B&G Navico Audio Speakers

Integrated Ecosystem

B&G’s speakers shine when paired with the SonicHub2 and B&G MFDs, offering seamless control of audio via networked displays or smartphones. Boaters with existing B&G electronics (e.g., chartplotters, radars) choose these speakers for their plug-and-play compatibility and unified interface.

Clear, Loud Sound

The 6.5-inch coaxial design delivers full-range audio with crisp highs and adequate bass, cutting through wind and engine noise. While not audiophile-grade, the sound is well-suited for recreational boating and sailing environments.

Marine Durability

With waterproof construction and corrosion-resistant materials, B&G speakers are built for marine life, offering reliability in saltwater and UV-heavy conditions. The NMEA 2000 integration ensures secure, water-tight connections.

Easy Installation

The speakers come with mounting hardware and a template, and the SonicHub2’s compact design simplifies wiring. This makes B&G a favorite for boaters who want a hassle-free audio upgrade, especially within Navico ecosystems.

Considerations and Limitations

Limited Size Options

B&G’s marine audio lineup is focused on 6.5-inch speakers, with no 7-inch, 8-inch, or component-style options, limiting flexibility for boats requiring larger or specialized drivers.

Sound Quality Trade-Offs

While the speakers deliver loud, clear sound, they lack the refinement of premium brands like JL Audio, with a coaxial design that may introduce cross-phase distortion in high-fidelity applications. Audiophiles may find the bass less robust without a dedicated subwoofer.

Dependency on SonicHub2

The speakers’ full potential relies on the SonicHub2 audio server, which adds cost and complexity. Without it, functionality is limited, and the optional RGB lighting requires additional controllers.

Shorter Warranty

The one-year warranty is shorter than the two-year warranties offered by competitors like JL Audio or Roswell, which may concern boaters in harsh environments.

Laurie & David’s Take

Laurie: “B&G’s speakers are a great fit for boaters who love tech and want their music tied into their navigation system. The sound is clear, and the optional lighting adds a nice touch for evening sails. It’s perfect for families who want an easy, integrated audio experience.”

David: “B&G’s coaxial design and SonicHub2 integration are clever for tech-focused boaters, and the waterproofing is solid for marine use. However, the multi-driver setup with a tweeter and crossover introduces potential failure points in harsh conditions, and the sound isn’t as pure as a single-driver design. At DC GOLD, we use a single full-range cone with no crossover, ensuring durability and a cohesive soundstage that lasts decades. B&G is great for networked systems, but for pure audio and longevity, we take a different approach.”

Conclusion

B&G Navico Audio’s 6.5-inch marine speakers, paired with the SonicHub2 audio server, offer a compelling solution for boaters who value integration with B&G’s sailing electronics. The coaxial design delivers loud, clear sound, and the waterproof construction ensures reliability in marine environments. Optional RGB lighting and NMEA 2000 connectivity add modern flair, but the limited size options and reliance on the SonicHub2 may deter some. For tech-savvy sailors seeking a networked audio solution, B&G is a strong choice, though audiophiles may seek more refined sound elsewhere.