Hertz HMR 15 Marine Media Receiver with AM/FM & Bluetooth

The Hertz HMR 15 is a compact marine-grade digital media receiver for boats and other 12-volt negative-ground vessels. It combines AM/FM radio, USB playback, Bluetooth audio streaming, and an RCA auxiliary input in a square panel-mount format. The design provides a centralized source unit for systems where space, weather exposure, and straightforward operation are important.

A 2.8-inch dot-matrix display and large pushbutton controls make source selection, tuning, track changes, and level adjustments accessible from the helm. Bluetooth 5.0 supports wireless music streaming from compatible mobile devices, while USB playback accommodates locally stored music. The receiver also provides AM and FM tuner operation with selectable U.S. and European tuning ranges.

The HMR 15 has a built-in four-channel amplifier rated for 50 watts peak per channel at 4 ohms, with a CEA output rating of 22 watts RMS by four channels at 14.4 volts. It supports 4- to 8-ohm speakers per channel, making it suitable for a basic four-speaker marine system. Bass, treble, balance, fader, loudness, and three EQ presets allow practical sound adjustment without adding a separate processor.

For expanded systems, the receiver includes separate front and rear stereo RCA line outputs plus a stereo RCA subwoofer output. The subwoofer output has selectable 80, 120, or 160 Hz low-pass filtering and independent subwoofer level adjustment. These connections allow the HMR 15 to work as a source unit for external amplifiers and a dedicated powered subwoofer stage.

The front panel carries an IP66 rating, while Hertz also lists ASTM-D4329 UV-resistance and ASTM-B117 salt-fog-operability standards for the product. Its 89.5 mm circular mounting cutout and supplied U-bracket support installation in a dash or console panel. An optional HMC U1 wired remote-control system can be used, with support for up to three remotes.

Key Features

• IP66 Front Panel: Helps protect the front control surface from dust and powerful water jets.
• Bluetooth 5.0 Streaming: Plays music wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth devices.
• Four-Channel Amplifier: Powers compatible 4- to 8-ohm speakers directly.
• Three RCA Output Zones: Provides front, rear, and subwoofer preamp connections.
• Selectable Subwoofer Filter: Offers 80, 120, or 160 Hz low-pass settings.
• USB Music Playback: Supports MP3, WMA, and compatible WAV files.

Design & Installation

The HMR 15 uses a compact square-face marine-source design with a 2.8-inch dot-matrix display and large marine-grade pushbuttons. Hertz does not publish a specific enclosure-material specification, but it lists an IP66 front-panel rating along with ASTM-D4329 UV-resistance and ASTM-B117 salt-fog-operability standards. The receiver's layout keeps common source, tuning, volume, and playback controls on the front panel.

Install the unit in a 12-volt negative-ground vessel using the specified 89.5 mm mounting hole and 72 mm mounting depth, allowing clearance for the harness and connections behind the panel. It can be panel-mounted with four screws or secured with the included U-bracket. Use the built-in amplified outputs for compatible speakers, or connect external amplifiers through the front, rear, and subwoofer RCA outputs for a larger system.