Garmin Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 Marine Stereo, With Built-in Wi-Fi, A Garmin Brand

My previous setup was their Ip700i marine iPod compatible stereo unit networked to a NRX-200 remote and BT-200 bluetooth adapter I installed back in 2013. Although this did the job, I always felt it was a bit temperamental. Updates were cumbersome, there were occasional bluetooth issues and the iPod docking functionality was not useful for me anymore with having to use older iPod models.Garmin acquired Fusion back in 2014 and though there were upgraded models in the meantime, the Fusion Apollo series is one giant leap forward for boatkind. There are less expensive options for marine stereos, but if you want a music system designed from the ground up for the marine environment and lifestyle this is the winner. Paired with the finally working acceptably Fusion Link app, you have an amazing degree of flexibility in listening ease whatever size boat you install it in.The Fusion Apollo networks with other Apollo units with their PartyBus protocol for distinct listening and control over several areas of your boat, but I imagine you will have to have a pretty damn big boat to need this flexibility. My 45’ Sea Ray Sundancer was already setup for three listening zones playing the same material and with this units capability to handle 4 zones with separate volume control this was already plenty for what I needed. Along with the 4 zone outputs, there are connectors for USB input (with charging capability), two auxiliary inputs with RCA connectors, an RJ-45 network jack, an optical input connector, Sirius satellite input, antenna input and standard NMEA 2000 connector. There are also wires to trigger an amp, for dimming and for a muting circuit. Built in to the unit is Bluetooth and WiFi giving the unit AirPlay capability.The 4.3” capacitive touch LCD display is bright, responsive and, so far, does a pretty good job of resisting fingerprint grime. Fusion also thoughtfully still included a big round knob for volume control and moving through menus. The interface is highly intuitive and initial setup was a breeze. My Raymarine Axiom MFD’s can control the unit utilizing the NMEA 2000 network, but I have the unit only networked to the old NRX-200 remote and am keeping it off the bus. I don’t see the need to control the unit from an MFD now that the FusionLink app works so well.I’m giving the unit 5 stars because it really is an amazing unit. It has plenty of inputs and outputs, the interface is great, and in a short time it has become one of those things that “just works” on my boat. If you are contemplating replacing a non-Fusion stereo, I don’t think you can go wrong for the price. If you are upgrading, like I was, from an older Fusion stereo you will have to decide whether the close to $700 price tag is worth the improved functionality.It is not all rainbows and kittens and there are some minor irritants which you should be aware of which keeps the unit from being perfect. The unit, for some unfathomable reason is a bit narrower than a standard sized din cutout. If, like me, you are replacing an older Fusion unit you will have the old screw holes showing on either side of the unit. Download the cutout template from Fusion to see if you may have any gaps from a previous installation of any stereo unit. My unit is installed behind a cabinet door, so it’s not a big deal, but why doesn’t Fusion (Garmin) include their retrofit kit (sold separately nowhere) or a faceplate adapter kit with the unit. This is a miss and many boaters who are retrofitting an older stereo unit might be gnashing their teeth at what suddenly could be a less than professional looking installation at best….and expensive glass work at worst.The USB input connector is on the back of the unit and no extension cable is provided. Order one so you have it for installation or be prepared to un-install to add one later. The older units had enough extension on their connectors to where this wasn’t necessary. Lastly, although it’s a smaller nit to pick, it would have been nice if Fusion could have retained the same style connector they have been using on their past units for ease of installation. Even a plug adapter from their older units to their newer units would have saved a lot of disconnecting, crimping and reconnecting. It would be great if the wire ends were already stripped and tinned as well.Overall, I’m greatly satisfied with putting my gift certificates and reward point to use for my latest marine indulgence. The FusionLink app still has a couple of nuisances, but is far better than previous versions and will likely be corrected after more user input. I’m checking this project off as complete and moving on to all the other upgrade dysfunctions.

Replaced an old unit with this. I can’t believe how much better the system sounded. App works great to use with phone. Install was pretty straight forward other than boats and fiberglass = cuts. One note it has a sub output for every channel. I’m sure it’s noted in description but was a good surprise to me.

OK

Update: You do need to use a really good cord with this unit, it is way more sensitive than the older one I had. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi still sucks after the update and I waited till the end of the season in Texas to post this update.rantMy review doesn’t change, USB should work minus a bad cord but again Airplay is why I bought this. I think it’s a heat issue because it works fine after working on my boat for 8 hours in my storage but on the water… maybe 1-2. Fusion is welcome to help me fix it but they dropped the case when the USB worked. Look at Wet sounds, they got it right and the rest of my system is Wet sounds and I have zero issues with my subs, tower or Rev10s and amps but this is that one device that doesn’t work well. It’s soo bad it’s going with the boat when I sale it.Actually the more I think about it, I added on a remote to it when the low Bluetooth one ‘fell off’. Guess what happens when the primary unit glitches? Just dropped it down to one star./rant————————First thing first. This review is my own, I wasn't paid for this and I purchased this unit through Amazon Prime with my own personal account. I am not angry, but I will be honest with my feedback. This is my second Fusion Marine unit, my previous RA70NXS was installed for 2 years and really enjoyed using the product, but it wasn't perfect. I would give it a 4 out of 5. Bluetooth was buggy at times so we would switch to Ipod mode and rarely had issues. I rarely touched the radio but for volume and used my phone once it connected.This new RA-770, well I am not happy with it but let me go in order with good and bad.The good:DSP (what I can use) and the inputs are great. Touchscreen is nice and Wifi control (when it works) is really handy for switching and controlling the radio. Controlling the system via your phone is what makes me stay with Fusion, much easier doing this on your mobile phone vs with any screen and this is touchscreen. Wifi settings seems to be only on the head unit but that's a one time setup. Updates are easy as well along with inputs, names, tone settings... just really good here.Sound is amazing, getting it tuned to sound good took only a 15 minutes but great took a bit longer as I moved inputs around and got subs leveled out. I am using 4 inputs, three amps with one input for a upgrade. This is the system to control those details in next to Wet Sounds. 4 Fusion 6.5 200W, 2 Rev10s, 485 and a 12T2D2 Rockford Fosgate Sub, split between 3 amps. I added the Fusion USB extender/Aux port, Handheld Mic and an ANT remote for transom control.Install is easy wiring wise, but watch out for the dim size... I had to make a plate out of ABS using the template. That's why I gave it a 4, it isn't a pretty one, but I will let the audio store do something better.The bad:I've had it for 38 days used it 3 times (if you count the install day) and found out today that must return it for a USB issue, won't connect/charge my phone. I have 2 different ones 12max and a 10, but we tried about 4 different version of iPhones, so its not a version/software issue. That requires either sending the unit in and waiting for the return or a credit card hold for the full amount of the unit. For us Texas residents, that just under $700 tied up till mid June for a quality control issue. I just missed the return window by a day.Bluetooth playback is buggy, disconnects and reconnects for no reason while it is sitting under the head unit. Airplay is useless (might be Apple, might be Fusion you decide). Can't use it with the handheld mic, playback stops and you have to reconnect to start playback again. It also disconnect/reconnects and wifi has a longer range then Bluetooth. Really WIFI/Airplay, inputs and DSP are the reason I bought this unit, and only half of that works.Handheld Mic takes more than 2 seconds to switch and it sensitive, so that may be the settings but right now I think it could be the head unit.Bottom line, I would recommend the RA70NSX if you don't need a lot of inputs or the pretty screen, its stable and has issues but works very well.The RA-770...nope you should hold on this one RUN to another option, unless you want to have a very pretty $650+ thing that doesn't do the main thing it should do. Yes I am working it out with Fusion so maybe I get to update and say I fixed this later, but right now I am worried I made a bad choice.

I upgraded from the 400 series because I wanted to tie my garmin in to the radio via NEMA 2000 and the 400 series did not offer that option. I am so glad I upgraded to the 770. The multiple zones are great and offer so many tuning options. The party bus feature is also amazing. We all have the Apollo’s and connect them together via party bus and can all play music together on desperate boats!

Install was a breeze and it worked perfect. The functions are really amazing with total zone control in my two zones. Using your phone to control it is a huge plus. I also used the remote control pucks which work great as well.

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It looks and performs amazing! Couldn’t be happier after coming from our old Clarion!