Hertz CAPRI HBB Hidden Marine Digital Media Receiver

The Hertz CAPRI HBB is a hidden marine digital media receiver for boat owners who want a full-featured audio source without placing a display-equipped receiver at the helm. Its black-box design allows the main unit to be installed out of sight while control is handled through compatible remotes, the Hertz Marine Control app, or an NMEA 2000 network. It is designed for 12 V negative-ground vessels.

The CAPRI HBB combines a built-in Class-D amplifier with four independently controllable listening zones. Each zone has its own stereo RCA line output and dedicated subwoofer RCA output, making it suitable for boats with separate cockpit, cabin, bow, and swim-platform audio areas. Zone-level adjustment, crossover settings, equalization, and output-level options help tailor the system to the vessel layout.

Its native DSP operates at 24-bit/96 kHz and supports an extended audio band up to 40 kHz. The built-in 8-band equalizer is adjustable for each zone, and eight EQ presets are available for quick system voicing. Bluetooth 5.1 streaming supports LDAC, AAC, and aptX HD codecs for compatible devices.

Source options include AM/FM radio with RDS, Weather Band, USB playback and charging, Bluetooth streaming, dual RCA auxiliary inputs, and digital S/PDIF connections. The USB source supports MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, and AAC-LC files. DAB+ and SiriusXM capability require their respective compatible external tuner hardware.

For expanded marine-system integration, the CAPRI HBB supports NMEA 2000 control from a compatible multifunction display and offers an A2B digital-bus connection for compatible A2B equipment. Its four-zone RCA architecture can feed external marine amplifiers, while the integrated amplifier can drive speakers directly in standard audio mode. A camera input and battery-voltage gauge add useful vessel-oriented functionality.

Key Features

• Hidden Black-Box Source: Keeps the primary receiver out of sight while supporting remote, app, and NMEA 2000 control.
• Four-Zone Audio: Provides separate stereo and subwoofer outputs for four independently managed listening areas.
• 24-Bit/96 kHz DSP: Supports high-resolution audio processing with an extended audio band up to 40 kHz.
• Built-In Class-D Amplifier: Delivers up to 4 x 70 W peak power at 4 ohms for direct speaker connection.
• Flexible Digital Connectivity: Includes optical S/PDIF input, coaxial S/PDIF output, and A2B digital-bus capability.
• Marine-Focused Sources: Includes AM/FM, Weather Band, Bluetooth, USB, dual AUX inputs, and optional DAB+ or SiriusXM support.

Design & Installation

The CAPRI HBB uses a compact black-box layout with no integrated display, helping maintain a clean helm or cabin appearance. Hertz lists an IP66 front-panel rating, and the unit is intended for water- and spray-resistant marine use rather than submersion or high-pressure water exposure. Its concealed format is suited to installations where a separate control point or compatible multifunction display is preferred.

Install the receiver on a 12 V negative-ground vessel, away from engine-compartment heat, direct sunlight, excessive vibration, and locations that may interfere with vessel operation. Use the four-zone RCA outputs for external amplification, or use the integrated amplifier in standard audio mode; select a CAPRI HD1 remote, HMC U1 remote, app control, or a compatible NMEA 2000 display based on the desired control arrangement. DAB+, SiriusXM, and A2B operation require compatible optional equipment.