Fusion RA670 vs RA210: Which Fusion Marine Stereo Fits Your Boat
The Fusion Apollo MS-RA670 and the MS-RA210 look almost the same from the helm: same face size, same 2.7 inch color display, same dash cutout. The difference is inside. This guide compares the two using Fusion’s published specifications, so you can decide which one your boat actually needs.
The short answer
- Choose the MS-RA210 if you want great sound in one or two areas of the boat, Bluetooth streaming from your phone and control from your chartplotter, without paying for features you will not use.
- Choose the Apollo RA670 if you want a third audio zone, Wi-Fi streaming with Apple AirPlay 2, an optical input for a TV in the salon, or a multi stereo system linked with Fusion PartyBus.
RA670 and RA210 side by side
| Feature | Apollo MS-RA670 | MS-RA210 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio zones | 3 | 2 |
| Peak power | 280 W | 200 W |
| Amplified speaker channels | 4 | 4 |
| RCA line outputs (left, right and subwoofer per zone) | 3 zones | 2 zones |
| Bluetooth streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2 | Yes | No |
| Digital optical input | Yes | No |
| Fusion PartyBus | Yes | No |
| Ethernet port | 1 | No |
| Fusion DSP | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM and SiriusXM Ready | Yes | Yes |
| NMEA 2000 certified (chartplotter control) | Yes | Yes |
| Display | 2.7 in color LCD | 2.7 in color LCD |
| Size (W x H x D) | 6-3/16 x 2-11/16 x 4-7/8 in | 6-3/16 x 2-11/16 x 5 in |
| Dash cutout (W x H x D) | 5-5/16 x 2-1/16 x 4-1/8 in | 5-5/16 x 2-1/16 x 4-1/4 in |
| Cover included | Yes | No |
What both stereos share
Both units use Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing, which applies loudness curves and Fusion speaker profiles to tune the sound for each area of the boat. Both are Fusion-Link Wired NMEA 2000 certified, so a supported chartplotter or fishfinder can show and control your music on its screen, and both work with Fusion NRX series wired remotes on the same NMEA 2000 network, such as the NRX300. Both can be controlled from the free Fusion-Link app on a phone and get over-the-air software updates through it. Each comes with a 6 ft NMEA 2000 drop cable, a power harness, an aux and line out harness, mounting hardware and a template.
When the MS-RA210 is enough
Many center consoles and bowriders play music in one or two places: the cockpit and the bow, or the helm and the tower. The RA210 covers exactly that with two zones, four amplified channels rated at 26 W RMS x 4, and left, right and subwoofer line outputs for each zone if you add an amplifier. You stream from your phone over Bluetooth and see the music on your chartplotter through NMEA 2000. If that describes your boat, the RA210 gives you Fusion DSP sound without paying for Wi-Fi and networking features you will not use.
When the Apollo RA670 is worth it
The RA670 earns its place on bigger boats and on boats with a cabin. It adds a third zone, so the cockpit, the flybridge and the salon can each have their own volume and settings. Built-in Wi-Fi brings Apple AirPlay 2 streaming, and the digital optical input lets you run sound from a TV in the salon through the boat speakers. The RA670 also supports Fusion PartyBus, which shares one music source across several Apollo stereos, for example with an MS-SRX400 zone stereo in a cabin. If you want a touchscreen and a fourth zone, the next step up is the Apollo RA770 with a 4.3 inch glass touch display.
Amplifiers and speakers
Both stereos drive four speakers on their own. For more speakers, a tower or a subwoofer, use the line outputs with an external amplifier. JL Audio AP amplifiers, like the AP600/6 six channel amplifier, offer Easy Tune with compatible Fusion DSP stereos through the Fusion app. See all Fusion stereos and amplifiers and JL Audio marine speakers and subwoofers.
Does the Fusion MS-RA210 have Wi-Fi?
No. Fusion lists Bluetooth and ANT wireless for the MS-RA210, but no Wi-Fi, so it does not support Apple AirPlay 2 or PartyBus. If you want Wi-Fi streaming, choose the Apollo RA670 or RA770.
Can an RA670 replace an RA210 in the same dash hole?
Yes. Fusion lists the same face size, 6-3/16 x 2-11/16 inches, and the same cutout width and height, 5-5/16 x 2-1/16 inches, for both units. The RA670 needs 4-1/8 inches of depth behind the dash and the RA210 needs 4-1/4 inches, so the RA670 fits where an RA210 was installed.
Do the RA670 and RA210 work with a Garmin chartplotter?
Both are Fusion-Link Wired NMEA 2000 certified, so a supported chartplotter or fishfinder on the same NMEA 2000 network, including Garmin units that support Fusion-Link, can show and control the stereo on its screen. Each stereo comes with a 6 ft NMEA 2000 drop cable.
Do I need a SiriusXM subscription for these stereos?
Only if you want SiriusXM. Both stereos are SiriusXM Ready, which means they need a SiriusXM receiver, sold separately, and an active SiriusXM subscription. AM/FM radio, Bluetooth and USB work without any subscription.
Shop Fusion stereos
Both the Apollo MS-RA670 and the MS-RA210 ship from Pompano Beach, FL, with free US shipping on orders over $199. Not sure which one fits your boat, or want it installed? Call (786) 277-2596 or request a quote on our marine electronics installation page.