Overview

The JL Audio M3 Marine Speakers is a range of 4 O marine speakers offered in 6.5-inch and 7.7-inch sizes, with grille and lighting options that let you match the look of your boat. The flush-mount coaxial versions handle 60 W continuous (6.5-inch, 55 Hz to 25 kHz) or 70 W continuous (7.7-inch, 45 Hz to 25 kHz), and they fit standard cutouts of 5.00 to 5.25 in (127 to 133 mm) or 6.25 in (159 mm).

For planning your install, allow 2.78 in (71 mm) of mounting depth for the 6.5-inch speakers or 3.17 in (81 mm) for the 7.7-inch speakers. If your mounting location sees spray or rain, the front of the speaker is protected when installed correctly, but the rear of the speaker and the wiring are not waterproof. Keep the back side dry, avoid mounting where water can collect, and do not submerge or blast the speakers with high-pressure washdown.

Key features

• 4 O nominal impedance across the range for common marine stereo and amplifier setups
• 6.5-inch coaxial format: 60 W continuous power handling, 55 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB), 5.00 to 5.25 in (127 to 133 mm) cutout, 2.78 in (71 mm) mounting depth
• 7.7-inch coaxial format: 70 W continuous power handling, 45 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB), 6.25 in (159 mm) cutout, 3.17 in (81 mm) mounting depth
• Recommended amplifier power per channel: 20 to 120 W (6.5-inch) or 20 to 140 W (7.7-inch)
• Optional integrated RGB LED illumination on select versions with separate 12 V wiring per speaker (10 to 14.4 V DC) and an inline fast-blow fuse rated at 150 mA per speaker for the LED feed
• 7.7-inch enclosed system option for pipe-style mounting with an enclosure diameter of 7.70 in (196 mm) and about 12.6 in (321 to 323 mm) of depth, with mounting fixtures required (sold separately)

Variants

This range includes 6.5-inch and 7.7-inch sizes, with grille choices in White Classic, White Sport, and Gray Sport depending on size.

Some versions add RGB illumination, which means you will run a separate fused 12 V feed for the lighting at each speaker location. The 7.7-inch size is also offered as an enclosed system for installations where a self-contained speaker pod and a mounting fixture make more sense than a flush cutout.

Installation and setup

For flush-mount installs, confirm you have the right cutout size for the speaker you are ordering, and make sure there is enough clearance behind the panel for the listed mounting depth plus wiring and strain relief. A flat, vertical mounting surface helps the gasket seal and keeps water from pooling on the grille.

If you are mounting into fiberglass, pilot hole sizing for #8 fasteners is 7/64 in for fiberglass 0.125 in thick or less, or 1/8 in for fiberglass more than 0.125 in thick. Before drilling or cutting, check for hoses, harnesses, and structure behind the surface, and mount the speakers securely so they stay put in chop and vibration.

Electrical and system integration

These speakers present a 4 O load and work well with typical marine head units and external amplifiers when you stay within the recommended per-channel power range for the size you install. Turn the audio system off before making connections, and protect all terminals and splices so they cannot short to ground or each other in a damp marine environment.

RGB lighting setup

RGB-equipped versions require separate 12 V wiring at each speaker location for the lighting circuit. Place an inline fast-blow fuse on the positive LED feed at the power source end of the LED wiring for each speaker, using the 150 mA fuse value specified for these models.

The wiring can be set up for fixed colors by combining the lighting leads, or you can use an RGB lighting controller for adjustable control. Check local waterway regulations before using accent or speaker lighting on your vessel.

Enclosed system mounting

The 7.7-inch enclosed system versions use a dedicated enclosure and require matching mounting fixtures (sold separately). Swivel-style fixtures are intended for horizontal pipes, and the enclosure should be mounted directly above or directly below the pipe.

Plan for the physical envelope of the enclosure when placing it on a hardtop, T-top, arch, or tower. The enclosure depth is about 12.62 in (321 mm) for Classic and 12.69 in (323 mm) for Sport, so clearance matters for rotation, wiring, and nearby canvas or rails.

Use on board

The flush-mount speakers are a good fit for cockpit side panels, cabin bulkheads, or helm seating areas where you want a clean cutout install and solid output from moderate amplifier power. The enclosed system versions make sense when you need a speaker pod on a pipe-mounted location, such as an arch or tower, and you want to keep the installation tidy and secure.