KENWOOD KMR-M300BT 3-Inch Gauge-Style Marine Receiver

The KENWOOD KMR-M300BT is a compact digital media receiver designed for boats, UTVs, golf carts, and other applications that use a 3-inch gauge-style opening. It provides AM/FM and weather-band reception, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB playback, and built-in four-channel amplification without using a CD mechanism. Its compact format helps bring modern source and system-control options to locations where a conventional DIN receiver may not fit.

This receiver is intended for installations exposed to moisture, dust, vibration, sunlight, and salt-air conditions. Its faceplate is rated IP66 and the body is rated IPX4, while the circuit board uses conformal coating for improved moisture resistance. The unit also incorporates salt-spray, UV-resistance, and vibration-focused durability measures for outdoor-powered-sports and marine use.

A built-in amplifier supplies up to 19 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms or 28 watts RMS per channel at 2 ohms. The 13-band graphic equalizer lets users adjust tonal balance across low, midrange, and high-frequency bands. Independent subwoofer level control is available when the subwoofer RCA output is connected to an external amplifier and subwoofer.

Bluetooth 5.0 supports wireless music playback using A2DP and AVRCP profiles, while the rear USB connection supports compatible mass-storage devices and charging up to 1.5A. USB playback supports MP3, WMA, AAC, and FLAC files, including FLAC files up to 24-bit/48 kHz. The 2.7-inch color TFT display and variable-color button illumination provide clear source and setting access in a compact dashboard footprint.

The KMR-M300BT can serve as the control center for a larger marine audio system. Front, rear, and subwoofer 2.0-volt RCA preouts support external amplification, while a rear camera input can display an optional camera feed. It is SiriusXM-ready with compatible optional hardware and subscription, and it supports the optional KENWOOD KCA-RC35MR wired marine remote for control from additional locations.

Key Features

• Marine-Focused Protection: IP66 faceplate and IPX4 body ratings support exposed installations.
• Built-In Four-Channel Amplifier: Drives compatible 2- to 8-ohm speakers directly.
• Bluetooth 5.0 Streaming: Plays music wirelessly from one connected Bluetooth device.
• Rear USB Input: Supports music playback and provides 5V/1.5A charging.
• AM/FM And Weather Band: Adds broadcast radio and USA/Canada weather-band reception.
• System Expansion Outputs: Front, rear, and subwoofer preouts support external amplifiers.

Design & Installation

The KMR-M300BT uses a round gauge-style chassis with a 2.7-inch color TFT display, LED backlighting, and variable-color illumination. Its faceplate carries an IP66 rating, while the body is IPX4 rated. The design also uses conformal-coated circuit boards and is described by KENWOOD as salt-spray, UV, and vibration resistant.

Installation requires a 77 mm (3-inch) circular mounting hole and adequate rear clearance for the chassis, wiring harness, USB lead, antenna, RCA connections, and optional accessories. The unit operates from a 12V DC battery system and uses a 20A fuse. Connect speakers rated from 2 to 8 ohms, use the rear RCA outputs when adding external amplification, and add compatible optional SiriusXM, camera, or KCA-RC35MR remote components as needed.