We've had Garmin boat owners tell us two different shops pointed them toward Fusion for chartplotter integration, on the assumption that Kicker "doesn't do the Garmin thing." That's not accurate. The Kicker KMC5 ($519.96) and the Fusion Apollo MS-RA770 ($799.99) are both genuinely NMEA 2000-certified, both talk to a Garmin chartplotter, and both are sold here. The real decision isn't which brand supports Garmin, it's which feature set and price point actually fits your boat.
The $280 price gap between them buys a specific, nameable set of features, not just a brand name.
Key Takeaways
- Both the KMC5 and MS-RA770 are NMEA 2000-certified and integrate with a Garmin chartplotter for on-screen audio control, the "Kicker can't do Garmin" claim isn't accurate for either brand's flagship-tier units.
- The MS-RA770 adds a full touchscreen glass display, AirPlay 2, built-in Wi-Fi, and Fusion's PartyBus multi-zone networking, none of which the KMC5 offers.
- The KMC5 adds SiriusXM readiness, a zone-2 preamp output, and a video RCA input with remote trigger, at $280 less.
- The MS-RA770 requires a larger cutout for its touchscreen display than the KMC5's 3-inch gauge-style mount, confirm dash space before choosing based on price alone.
- Neither is the budget option, if you don't need Garmin integration at all, the entry-level Kicker KMC2 covers basic audio for a fraction of either price.
Why "Kicker Doesn't Do Garmin" Isn't the Full Story
It's true that most of Kicker's own head-unit lineup, the KMC2, KMC3, and KMC4, has no NMEA 2000 support at all. That's likely where the "go with Fusion instead" advice comes from. But the KMC5 specifically is NMEA 2000 certified and built for exactly this use case. The right comparison for a Garmin owner isn't "Kicker vs. Fusion" as brands, it's KMC5 vs. MS-RA770 as the two actual Garmin-integrated options on the table.
Check the KMC5 → | Check the Fusion MS-RA770 →
Feature Walkthrough
Display and Interface
The MS-RA770 has a full-glass touchscreen display, the first touchscreen marine stereo with AirPlay 2 and built-in Wi-Fi according to Fusion. The KMC5 uses a 3.5-inch sunlight-viewable display without a touchscreen interface, a simpler and smaller footprint at the helm.
Network and Multi-Zone
Fusion's PartyBus network lets multiple Apollo-series stereos share sources, volume, and power state across a boat. The KMC5 offers a single zone-2 preamp output, real second-zone capability, but not the same multi-unit networking scope as PartyBus.
Chartplotter Integration
Both are Fusion-Link Wired or Kicker-confirmed NMEA 2000 certified and control from a supported Garmin MFD. The MS-RA770 additionally connects to Fusion NRX remote controls on the same NMEA 2000 network for localized zone control.
Extra Inputs
The KMC5 includes a video RCA input with remote trigger, useful for a backup or dock camera feed on its own display, a feature the MS-RA770 doesn't list.
Price and Install Considerations
At $519.96, the KMC5 costs $280 less and fits the same 3-inch cutout common to Kicker's mid-tier units. The MS-RA770's touchscreen glass panel requires more mounting depth and a different cutout profile, confirm your dash space fits Fusion's mounting template before assuming a straight swap.
Who Each One Is For
Choose the KMC5 if you want confirmed Garmin/NMEA 2000 integration, a video input, and zone-2 output, at the lower price and simpler interface. Choose the MS-RA770 if a touchscreen display, AirPlay 2, and multi-unit PartyBus networking across the boat are worth the $280 premium to you.
Honest Cons
Neither is a budget option. If Garmin integration isn't actually a requirement, the KMC2 or a similar entry unit covers basic audio for far less.
The MS-RA770's touchscreen needs more panel depth and a different cutout than the KMC5's gauge-style mount, a real retrofit consideration, not a drop-in swap between the two.
The KMC5 lacks AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi streaming, which some owners specifically want for a modern smartphone-first experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kicker actually support Garmin chartplotter integration?
Yes, specifically on the KMC5, which is NMEA 2000 certified. Kicker's other head units (KMC2, KMC3, KMC4) do not have this feature.
Is the Fusion MS-RA770 better than the Kicker KMC5?
It has more features, a touchscreen display, AirPlay 2, PartyBus networking, at a $280 higher price. "Better" depends on whether you'll use those specific features.
Can I network multiple KMC5 units the way Fusion's PartyBus does?
The KMC5 offers a zone-2 output for a second zone, but not the same multi-unit PartyBus-style networking Fusion offers across several stereos.
Which one is easier to retrofit into an existing dash?
The KMC5's 3-inch gauge-style cutout matches Kicker's mid-tier lineup. The MS-RA770's touchscreen panel needs its own mounting template, check both against your existing cutout before deciding.
Bottom Line
Both the KMC5 and MS-RA770 solve the actual Garmin integration problem, the difference is a touchscreen, AirPlay 2, and PartyBus networking on Fusion's side versus a lower price, video input, and simpler interface on Kicker's. Pick based on which specific features you'll use, not on which brand a shop happened to recommend.