Fusion’s Flagship Delivers 50% More Power and Instant Streaming for Boaters Who Expect More
Garmin’s new Apollo RA800 Premium Marine Radio from Fusion drops the legacy designs and pushes straight into high-performance marine audio. This is not a cosmetic refresh. The RA800 offers lossless audio, Wi-Fi streaming, and a 50% power boost over the RA770 and RA670. For serious boaters, that's a data point that matters.
Let’s cut through the marketing. Here's what the RA800 does better, why it matters, and how it compares to past models and current alternatives.
Key Specs: Apollo RA800
| Feature | Apollo RA800 |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Output | 50% more than RA770/RA670 |
| Display | 4.3-inch full-color LCD |
| Audio | High-resolution, lossless |
| Streaming | Wi-Fi with Apple AirPlay |
| Digital Radio | DAB & DAB+ support |
| Speaker Zones | Up to 4 simultaneously |
| Integration | Fusion DSP, PartyBus Network |
| Price (USD) | ~$1,070 (approx. from €999.99) |
Why the Power Bump Matters
Garmin’s headline feature—a 50% increase in amplifier power—translates into better performance in open water conditions. When engine noise and wind compete with your soundtrack, wattage isn’t just nice to have. It's required.
- More volume headroom: Better dynamic range across all speaker zones.
- Cleaner sound at higher volumes: No distortion in high-demand audio moments.
- Improved multi-zone output: All four zones stay loud and clear.
Boats aren’t cars. Power efficiency has to be balanced with durability. Garmin’s True Marine design ensures this system operates in salt, heat, and vibration.
Wi-Fi Over Bluetooth: Smart Move
Bluetooth gets unstable over water. Garmin fixes that with seamless Wi-Fi streaming, including Apple AirPlay. Here's why that matters:
- Less compression: Retains original audio quality.
- Faster transfer: No lag during pairing or playback.
- Stable multi-device connection: Better in-party transitions.
This makes the RA800 a rare marine stereo with networked streaming performance rivaling home audio systems.
The Display Delivers
The 4.3-inch LCD offers high-resolution output, but the real win is readability in direct sunlight. Garmin upgraded both color saturation and response time—now eight times faster than previous models.
That’s practical in a wet, high-glare cockpit environment.
Fusion DSP: Data-Driven Audio Optimization
The Apollo RA800 supports Fusion Digital Signal Processing (DSP). This means the system auto-adjusts audio output based on:
- Speaker size
- Environmental acoustics
- Zone location
This isn't gimmicky. It delivers optimized audio in cabins, cockpits, and open decks—without manual EQ adjustments.
PartyBus: Whole-Boat Sync
The PartyBus network links all Apollo stereos onboard. Benefits include:
- Zone control: Each system plays from the same source.
- Independent volume settings: Customize per location.
- Synchronous playback: No audio delay between zones.
This is scalable audio for multi-deck yachts or sport boats with separate passenger areas.
Installation: Backward Compatible
Garmin built the RA800 with the same wiring and physical mounts as the RA770 and RA670. No rewiring. That makes upgrades easier for:
- Charter fleet operators
- Custom builders
- Aftermarket installers
This alone could drive high-volume adoption from pro shops and OEMs.
DAB and DAB+ Support
While U.S. marine operators rely mostly on satellite or streaming, DAB/DAB+ support adds flexibility for European users. That means higher-fidelity terrestrial radio without monthly fees—a win for international cruisers and weekenders alike.
Pricing and Market Fit
At €999.99 (approx. $1,070 USD), the Apollo RA800 sits at the top end of the premium marine audio market. But the pricing aligns with what you get:
- High-efficiency amplifier
- Wi-Fi + Apple AirPlay
- Marine durability
- Scalable architecture
For owners upgrading from the RA670 or RA770, the RA800 makes immediate sense.
