Boost the audio experience with purpose-built JL Audio AP Amplifiers from Garmin

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is launching the JL Audio AP Amplifiers, an ultracompact series for boats and off-road vehicles available Jan 8, 2026 with suggested retail prices starting at $349.99. Four models cover common installs: a 200W RMS 4-channel with Bluetooth and AUX, a 300W RMS monoblock for subwoofers, a 300W RMS 4-channel, and a 600W RMS 6-channel with staggered power. Three models include Easy Tune digital setup and speaker protection. Units use efficient Class-D amplification, a cast alloy case, built-in LCD top-panel controls, IP67 water/dust rating, and targeted installs for boats, ATVs, UTVs.

Key Figures

4-channel amp power 200-watt RMS JL Audio AP 4 Channel with Bluetooth

Monoblock amp power 300-watt RMS JL Audio AP Monoblock subwoofer amplifier

4-channel system power 300-watt RMS JL Audio AP 4 Channel for speakers and subwoofer

6-channel amp power 600-watt RMS JL Audio AP 6 Channel for larger systems

Ingress protection rating IP67 Water and dust resistance of JL Audio AP Amplifiers

Launch date Jan. 8, 2026 Availability of JL Audio AP Amplifiers on garmin.com

Starting price $349.99 Suggested retail price for JL Audio AP Amplifiers

Marine sales basis year 2024 Claim as largest marine electronics manufacturer based on 2024 sales

Market Reality Check

$210.68 Last Close

Volume Volume 910,659 vs 20-day average 1,000,088 suggests no unusual trading interest pre-announcement. normal

Technical Price 202.44 is trading below 200-day MA at 215.56, indicating a weaker medium-term trend ahead of this launch.

Peers on Argus

Peers showed mixed, generally modest gains (e.g., KEYS, TDY, COHR up; TRMB down) while GRMN was roughly flat, pointing to a company-specific rather than sector-driven backdrop.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 03	Data report release	Positive	+1.2%	Garmin Connect 2025 data report showing growth in user activities.
Dec 02	Product launch	Positive	+0.1%	Launch of inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator with enhanced features.
Dec 02	Avionics contract win	Positive	+0.1%	Selection of G5000H flight deck for 24 Brazilian UH-60L Black Hawks.
Nov 20	Design award	Positive	-1.3%	Garmin OnBoard system winning the 2025 DAME Design Award.
Nov 06	Innovation awards	Positive	-0.7%	Five CES 2026 Innovation Awards across multiple Garmin product lines.

Pattern Detected

Recent product and award announcements have produced a mix of aligned and divergent price reactions, with both gains and declines following generally positive news.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Garmin has highlighted multiple product innovations and recognitions. In Nov–Dec 2025, it reported new satellite devices, avionics upgrades for 24 Brazilian UH-60L helicopters, safety awards for Garmin OnBoard, CES 2026 Innovation Awards, and the 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report. Price reactions ranged from about -1% to modest gains, showing that positive operational news has not always translated into consistent upside.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement introduces JL Audio AP Amplifiers, expanding Garmin’s marine and powersports audio lineup with multiple Class-D, RMS-rated options and an IP67-rated rugged design. In the past few months, Garmin has frequently reported new products, contracts and awards, underlining an innovation-driven strategy. Investors may watch how these amplifiers contribute to marine and powersports revenue, how adoption compares with prior JL Audio launches, and whether follow-on integrations across Garmin’s ecosystems emerge.

Key Terms

class-d technical

"Operating with an efficient Class-D design, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers offer"

A Class D share is one of several types of stock a company can issue that carries its own set of ownership rights — such as voting power, dividend priority, or fee arrangements — distinct from other classes. For investors, the class determines how much influence they have over corporate decisions and how they share in profits, similar to buying different ticket types to the same event where each ticket grants different seats and backstage access.

bluetooth technical

"includes Bluetooth technology for direct audio streaming in addition to an AUX input."

A wireless communication standard that lets nearby devices exchange data without cables, like an invisible short-range cord linking phones, headphones, sensors and cars. For investors, Bluetooth matters because it shapes how easily products connect, influences consumer demand and user experience, affects sales of chips and accessories, and creates recurring value through ecosystem compatibility and licensing—factors that can drive revenue and competitive position.

ip67 technical

"They carry an IP67 rating2 for resistance to water and dust."

IP67 is an industry durability rating that tells how well a product is sealed against dust and temporary water exposure: the first digit (6) means it’s fully dust-tight, and the second digit (7) means it can survive being submerged roughly one meter deep for about 30 minutes. For investors, an IP67 rating signals stronger product reliability and wider market appeal—potentially fewer returns, lower warranty costs, and access to customers who need rugged or outdoor-ready devices, which can affect sales and brand value.

lcd technical

"The amplifiers also feature a built-in LCD display for manual control,"

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat-panel screen technology that uses a layer of liquid crystals to control light and form images, like tiny adjustable window blinds that let varying amounts of light through to make pictures. Investors care because LCD production, demand and pricing affect revenue, profit margins and supply chains for electronics makers and retailers, so shifts in LCD costs or adoption can change company earnings and capital needs.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Garmin's latest amplifiers keep the party going with a robust sound and heightened clarity, perfect for boats and off-road vehicles

OLATHE, Kan., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN), the world's largest marine electronics manufacturer¹, today announced the JL Audio^® AP Amplifiers, an all-new series that delivers powerful audio to every part of the boat or off-road vehicle with an ultracompact design. Boaters and adventure-seekers can choose from four different options, including a model with Bluetooth^® technology that seamlessly connects with a compatible smartphone to stream audio on the go.

"Make any boat or off-road vehicle's audio system the life of the party with our new JL Audio AP Amplifiers that allow you to play your favorite songs loud and clear. They are built to withstand a demanding environment, delivering superior audio quality year after year."
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Choose your amplifier

Operating with an efficient Class-D design, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers offer increased power to connected speakers and subwoofers with a lower battery drain than Class-AB amplifiers. Available in four different options, boaters and off-road enthusiasts can choose the model that best fits their audio setup. 

• For users looking for easy installation, the 200-watt RMS 4 Channel includes Bluetooth technology for direct audio streaming in addition to an AUX input.
• For those with smaller systems that need more bass, the 300-watt RMS Monoblock is designed to power a single subwoofer.
• For those looking to power a complete sound system, the 300-watt RMS 4 Channel powers four pairs of speakers or two pairs of speakers and a subwoofer.
• For those with larger systems, the 600-watt RMS 6 Channel is designed with staggered power that can run up to six pairs of speakers or four speakers and one subwoofer.

Three of the amplifiers contain Easy Tune functionality that offers audio optimization, speaker protection and allows for digital set-up. Customers can also easily access physical controls right on the integrated top panel display to manually adjust their amplifier's settings.

Resilient design

Constructed with a tough cast alloy casing, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers keep the beat going year after year. They carry an IP67 rating² for resistance to water and dust. The amplifiers also feature a built-in LCD display for manual control, while the 4 Channel model with Bluetooth technology includes a remote.

These amplifiers are rugged and can be easily installed to a variety of boats, ATVs, UTVs and other power sports vehicles, augmenting any vehicle's sound system. 

Available to purchase on www.garmin.com on Jan. 8, 2026, the JL Audio AP Amplifiers have suggested retail prices starting at $349.99. To learn more, visit garmin.com/jlaudio.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin and its brands – JL Audio and Fusion – are committed to developing and delivering world-class audio entertainment solutions, including high-performance stereos, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio components for the marine, car, RV, powersports and home markets. For more information, visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team or follow our  blog.   

¹Based on 2024 sales.
²Water rating does not include cables.

About Garmin: Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Garmin and JL Audio are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd., or its subsidiaries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mike Cummings and Adrieanna Norse
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

When will Garmin (GRMN) sell the JL Audio AP Amplifiers and what are the starting prices?

The amplifiers will be available Jan 8, 2026 on garmin.com with suggested retail prices starting at $349.99.

What JL Audio AP Amplifier models and wattages are available from Garmin (GRMN)?

Four options: 200W RMS 4-channel (Bluetooth/AUX), 300W RMS monoblock, 300W RMS 4-channel, and 600W RMS 6-channel.

Which JL Audio AP Amplifier model from Garmin (GRMN) includes Bluetooth streaming?

The 200W RMS 4-channel model includes Bluetooth technology for direct smartphone streaming and an AUX input.

Do Garmin JL Audio AP Amplifiers have water and dust protection suitable for marine use (GRMN)?

Yes; the amplifiers carry an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance (note: rating does not include cables).

What setup and protection features do Garmin JL Audio AP Amplifiers offer (GRMN)?

Three models include Easy Tune for audio optimization and speaker protection; all have an integrated top-panel LCD for manual control.

Where can buyers find more information and purchase Garmin JL Audio AP Amplifiers (GRMN)?

Product details and purchases are available at garmin.com/jlaudio and on garmin.com starting Jan 8, 2026.