MS-RA70NSX Marine Stereo with NMEA 2000® and SiriusXM

FUSION MS-RA70NSX Marine Stereo with NMEA 2000® and SiriusXM

A marine stereo is more than background music on the water — it's the entertainment and communication hub of your helm, and on a properly integrated boat, it's a networked component of your onboard electronics system that can be controlled from your chartplotter, your smartphone, and even your wrist. The Fusion MS-RA70NSX is engineered to deliver exactly that level of integration in a standard DIN-sized package that drops into any existing DIN cutout without modification — making it the ideal upgrade for boaters who want modern connectivity, multi-zone audio control, SiriusXM satellite radio capability, and full NMEA 2000® network integration without a helm reconstruction project.

This is Fusion's solution for the boater who values audio quality and system integration equally — a stereo that performs well as a standalone unit and becomes significantly more capable when connected to the rest of the boat's electronics ecosystem through NMEA 2000® and Fusion-Link™.

DIN-Sized Design — True Drop-In Replacement.
The marine stereo upgrade market is complicated by the fact that most helm installations were built around the standard DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) cutout — a 180mm × 50mm opening that has been the universal standard for automotive and marine head unit installations for decades. Any departure from this standard requires helm modification that ranges from cosmetically visible to structurally involved. The MS-RA70NSX is designed to the exact DIN specification, meaning it installs directly into any existing DIN cutout on any boat without modification to the helm panel, dashboard, or surrounding structure. For boaters upgrading from an existing DIN-sized marine stereo, installation is straightforward: disconnect the old unit, connect the new one, and secure it in the same cutout. No routing, no cutting, no fabrication.

NMEA 2000® Integration — Your Stereo as a Networked Onboard Component.
NMEA 2000® is the marine electronics industry's standard digital networking protocol — the backbone that connects chartplotters, GPS antennas, depth sounders, wind instruments, engine monitors, and AIS systems into a unified onboard electronics network where data flows between devices automatically. The MS-RA70NSX includes a dedicated NMEA 2000® port (1 LEN, 50mA draw) that connects the stereo directly to this network, enabling capabilities that transform it from a standalone audio device into an integrated system component:

• Chartplotter Audio Control: Compatible Garmin and other NMEA 2000®-networked multifunction displays (MFDs) can display and control the MS-RA70NSX's audio functions — source selection, volume, zone control — directly from the chartplotter interface. One screen controls navigation and audio simultaneously.
• GPS Time Synchronization: The stereo can receive time data from the NMEA 2000® network for accurate clock display without manual setting.
• Network Audio Distribution: Audio source and volume information can be shared across the NMEA 2000® network with compatible devices and displays.

For boaters with existing NMEA 2000® networks — which includes virtually any modern boat with a chartplotter — NMEA 2000® connectivity transforms the MS-RA70NSX from a good stereo into a genuinely integrated helm component.

Fusion-Link™ — The Most Widely Adopted Marine Audio Control Protocol.
Fusion-Link™ is Fusion's proprietary control protocol that operates over NMEA 2000® and Wi-Fi networks to enable remote audio control from multiple device types. The MS-RA70NSX supports the full Fusion-Link™ control ecosystem:

• Compatible MFD Control: Garmin chartplotters and other Fusion-Link™-compatible MFDs display full audio control — track information, source selection, volume, zone management — directly on the chartplotter screen. Helm audio control without reaching for the stereo head unit.
• Smartphone Control: The Fusion-Link™ app for iOS and Android provides full stereo control from a smartphone over Wi-Fi — source selection, volume, zone management, track browsing. Leave the phone in a pocket and control audio from anywhere on the boat.
• Garmin Watch Control: Fusion-Link™ ANT wireless protocol enables audio control directly from a compatible Garmin wearable — volume adjustment and track control from the wrist. The ANT wireless range is up to 10 feet; Bluetooth range extends to 30 feet.

This three-platform control capability — MFD, smartphone, wearable — means the stereo can be operated conveniently from virtually any position on the boat without physically accessing the head unit.

SiriusXM-Ready — Satellite Radio on the Water.
The MS-RA70NSX includes a dedicated SiriusXM port that accepts the optional SiriusXM Connect vehicle tuner (sold separately), enabling full SiriusXM satellite radio reception aboard. SiriusXM provides 150+ channels of commercial-free music, sports, talk, news, and entertainment across the continental United States — with satellite coverage extending well offshore beyond the range of AM/FM terrestrial radio. For coastal and offshore boaters who spend significant time out of FM range, SiriusXM provides continuous, consistent entertainment without the static and signal drop-out of terrestrial radio.

Important SiriusXM Notes:

• Requires the SiriusXM Connect vehicle tuner (sold separately) — the tuner is not included
• SiriusXM subscription required (separate from tuner purchase)
• Available in the United States only
• Does not support SiriusXM Traffic or Weather data services — audio channels only
• The SiriusXM Connect vehicle tuner should be positioned with clear sky view for optimal satellite signal reception

Multi-Zone™ Technology — Independent Audio for Different Areas of the Boat.
Single-zone audio systems play the same source at the same volume throughout the entire vessel — a limitation that becomes frustrating when the cockpit crew wants to listen to the game at volume while guests in the cabin prefer quiet conversation. The MS-RA70NSX's Multi-Zone™ Technology provides up to two fully independent audio zones, each with its own:

• Independent Volume Control: Cockpit and cabin zones operate at completely different volume levels simultaneously
• Zone Naming: Each zone can be named for clear identification — "Cockpit," "Cabin," "Bow," or any custom label
• Volume Limits: Per-zone volume limits can be set to prevent one zone from being driven too loud — useful for protecting speakers in enclosed spaces or respecting marina quiet hours in the cabin while maintaining cockpit volume
• Independent Source Routing: Each zone can receive audio from different sources simultaneously

The two amplified speaker connections support two-zone amplified output directly from the head unit. For installations requiring additional zones, external amplification via the RCA pre-out connections extends the system further.

Built-In Class-AB Amplifier — Honest Power for Direct Speaker Drive.
The MS-RA70NSX's built-in amplifier delivers 26 watts RMS × 4 channels at 4 ohms (14.4V input, less than 10% THD) — the rated continuous power figure that reflects real-world listening performance, not the peak 200W marketing figure that reflects instantaneous maximums. For direct speaker drive without external amplification, 26W RMS per channel is appropriate for standard marine coaxial speakers in the 4–6 inch range. The Class-AB amplifier design provides better audio fidelity than Class-D designs at moderate listening levels — relevant for boaters who prioritize audio quality over raw power efficiency.

For Upgraded Speaker Systems: The MS-RA70NSX includes a comprehensive set of RCA pre-out connections for external amplification:

• 2 × Zone line outs (1 × L+R per zone) — feed external amplifiers for each zone
• 1 × Subwoofer pre-out (mono) — dedicated subwoofer amplifier connection

Note: The subwoofer and zone line-out pre-outs require external amplification — the head unit does not power subwoofers or additional amplifier-driven zones without external amps.

Bluetooth Wireless — 30-Foot Range, Multi-Device Connectivity.
The MS-RA70NSX includes Bluetooth 2.4 GHz wireless audio streaming with a range of up to 30 feet — adequate to cover most boat cockpits and saloon areas from a smartphone stowed in a pocket or mounted on a helm bracket. Bluetooth audio provides convenient wireless music streaming from any paired smartphone without cables, dongles, or physical connections. Pair your phone once and reconnect automatically on subsequent uses.

Optically Bonded 2.6" Monochrome LCD — Readable in Sunlight.
Display readability in direct sunlight is the primary challenge for any helm-mounted screen on a boat. Standard LCD displays rely on internal backlighting that washes out in bright ambient light, making track information and menu navigation difficult to read. The MS-RA70NSX uses an optically bonded display — the LCD panel is bonded directly to the protective cover glass with optical adhesive, eliminating the air gap between them. This air gap is where internal reflections occur in standard displays; eliminating it significantly reduces glare and greatly improves contrast and readability in direct sunlight. The 128 × 64 pixel monochrome display shows track information, source status, zone levels, and menu navigation in a clean, readable format optimized for helm use.

IPX7 Front Panel Water Resistance — Built for the Marine Environment.
The MS-RA70NSX's front panel carries an IPX7 water resistance rating — protection against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes. In practical terms, IPX7 means the front panel and controls withstand direct spray, rain, splashing, and brief water contact without damage to the controls, display, or front-panel electronics. This is the appropriate water resistance specification for a helm-mounted stereo that will be exposed to spray, rain, and occasional water contact during normal boating use.

Important Installation Note: IPX7 rating applies to the front panel only when properly installed. The rear of the unit, connections, and wiring are not rated for water exposure and must be protected from moisture in the installation location. Proper marine installation requires protecting all rear connections from water intrusion.

Multiple Source Options — Complete Input Flexibility.
The MS-RA70NSX provides the full range of audio source inputs expected from a modern marine stereo:

• AM/FM radio via standard Motorola antenna connector
• Bluetooth wireless audio streaming
• USB 2.0 audio playback (music files from USB storage)
• iPhone/iPod integration (Apple device audio)
• Android Open Accessory (AOA) for Android device integration
• AUX input via RCA connection
• SiriusXM satellite radio (with optional SiriusXM Connect tuner)

Software Updates via USB — Future-Proof Firmware Management.
Firmware updates for the MS-RA70NSX are delivered via USB — connect a USB drive with the update file, and the unit installs the update directly. This update mechanism ensures the unit can receive feature enhancements, bug fixes, and compatibility updates throughout its service life without requiring specialized equipment or dealer service.

NRX Remote Compatibility — Wired Remote Control Option.
The MS-RA70NSX is compatible with Fusion's NRX series wired remotes — allowing installation of a dedicated audio control panel at a secondary helm, in the cabin, or at any location on the boat where a wired connection is practical. NRX remotes provide full audio control capability at remote locations without requiring Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.

Multi-Language Interface.
The MS-RA70NSX supports six language options for the menu interface: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish — accommodating international crews and boaters operating in multilingual environments.

Operating Temperature Range — Suitable for the Marine Environment.
Rated for operation from 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C), the MS-RA70NSX covers the full temperature range encountered in marine helm environments — from cold-weather spring and fall boating to the elevated temperatures of an enclosed helm station in direct sun during summer operation.