MB Quart Marine Speakers Review

MB Quart Marine Speakers Review

MB Quart has a long history in audio, dating back to the 1960s in Germany, and their Nautic series of marine speakers aims to bring that legacy to the water. Known for their budget-friendly pricing and versatile options, MB Quart offers coaxial speakers and subwoofers designed for boats and powersports vehicles. While the brand was once a premium name in car audio, its current marine lineup targets affordability and functionality. Below, we explore the key features, reasons boaters choose MB Quart, and their place in the marine audio market.

Key Features

Coaxial Sound with Compression Horn Option

MB Quart’s Nautic series includes coaxial speakers in 6.5-inch and 8-inch sizes, featuring a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter for bright, crisp highs paired with a polypropylene midrange driver. Some models, like the NK1 series, offer a unique “Point Source Technology” with coincident-mounted compression horns, designed to deliver high sound pressure levels (SPL) and full-range sound in open-air environments. Reviewers note that these speakers provide loud, clear audio suitable for overcoming engine noise, though the sound can lean bright rather than warm.

Optional RGB LED Lighting

Many MB Quart Nautic speakers, such as the NK1-116 and NK1-108, include optional RGB LED lighting integrated into the grille or cone, adding a customizable glow for nighttime boating. An external RGB controller (sold separately) is required for color changes and effects. The lighting enhances aesthetics, making these speakers appealing for boaters who want a vibrant look to match their vessel’s style.

Marine-Grade Construction

MB Quart designs its Nautic speakers to withstand marine environments, using UV-resistant polypropylene cones, water-resistant surrounds, and corrosion-resistant grilles (available in black or white). The speakers carry a “Life Shield” badge, indicating compliance with ASTM International standards for marine durability. They feature sealed wiring harnesses to protect against saltwater and spray, with a one-year warranty backing their construction. These features make them suitable for coastal and freshwater boating.

Sizes and Power Handling

The Nautic series offers 6.5-inch (60 W RMS, 120 W peak) and 8-inch (80 W RMS, 160 W peak) coaxial speakers, typically at 4 Ω impedance, making them compatible with most marine head units or amplifiers. MB Quart also provides 10-inch shallow-mount subwoofers (200 W RMS) for bass-heavy systems. The speakers are efficient, requiring moderate power, which suits budget-conscious boaters looking for solid performance without high-end amplification.

Additional Details and Options

• Grille Options: Black or white grilles, with some models offering shallow-mount designs for tight spaces.

• Compression Horn Models: Select NK1 speakers use a compression horn for higher SPL, ideal for loud environments.

• Subwoofers and Amps: Matching 10-inch subwoofers and compact NA2-series amplifiers complement the speakers for full-system builds.

• Bluetooth Controllers: MB Quart offers marine head units and Bluetooth controllers for seamless audio control.

Why People Buy MB Quart Speakers

Affordability

MB Quart’s Nautic series is priced significantly lower than premium brands like JL Audio, making them a popular choice for boaters on a budget. They offer decent sound quality for the cost, appealing to those upgrading from basic factory speakers.

Loud and Bright Sound

The titanium tweeters and optional compression horns produce a bright, loud sound that cuts through wind and engine noise, making MB Quart a go-to for recreational boaters who prioritize volume over nuanced audio fidelity.

Marine Durability

With UV- and water-resistant materials and ASTM-compliant construction, MB Quart speakers are built to handle marine conditions. The one-year warranty provides reassurance, though it’s shorter than some competitors’ offerings.

Easy Installation

The coaxial design with integrated crossovers and standard mounting sizes (6.5-inch and 8-inch) simplifies installation. The optional Bluetooth controllers and compact amplifiers make MB Quart systems accessible for DIY boaters.

Considerations and Limitations

Sound Quality Trade-Offs

While MB Quart speakers are loud, their titanium tweeters and compression horns can sound harsh or overly bright compared to silk-dome designs, potentially fatiguing for long listening sessions. They lack the warmth and balance of premium brands.

Brand Reputation Shift

MB Quart was once a high-end audio brand, but after multiple buyouts (now owned by Maxxsonics, a company also producing Hifonics), some users report a decline in quality compared to their 1980s–1990s German-made products. Current models are manufactured in China, which may affect long-term reliability.

Limited 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 saltwater environments.

RGB Controller Extra

Like many brands, the RGB lighting requires a separate controller, adding cost and wiring complexity for those wanting full lighting functionality.

Laurie & David’s Take

Laurie: “MB Quart’s speakers bring a fun, lively vibe to a boat with their bright sound and colorful lighting. They’re a great choice for families on a budget who want loud music and a cool glow at night. The sound is punchy, perfect for a day on the water.”

David: “From an engineering standpoint, MB Quart’s coaxial design with titanium tweeters and optional compression horns is effective for high SPL in noisy environments. Their ASTM-compliant construction is solid for the price. However, the multi-driver setup with crossovers and tweeters introduces components that can degrade in marine conditions. At DC GOLD, we eliminate those points of failure with a single full-range cone and no crossover, ensuring our speakers outlast even the toughest environments. MB Quart is a good value, but for audiophiles, it doesn’t match our focus on pure, durable sound.”

Conclusion

MB Quart’s Nautic series offers an affordable entry into marine audio with loud, bright sound, optional RGB lighting, and solid marine-grade construction. The coaxial speakers and compression horn options deliver high SPL for recreational boating, while the budget-friendly price appeals to cost-conscious buyers. However, the sound can be harsh, and the brand’s reputation has shifted from its premium roots. For boaters seeking value and volume, MB Quart is a strong contender, but those prioritizing longevity and audio purity may look elsewhere.