BOSS Audio MGV550B
#1 in Gauge-holeFull review
A gauge-mount stereo with a big touchscreen and camera input, for a center console or UTV where you want to see a backup camera. The amplifier rating is not published.
Amazon $245$245
The BOSS Audio MGV550B is the better marine stereo overall, rated 3.1 to 2.8. The BOSS Audio MGV550B leads on warranty and display. The Kenwood eXcelon KMR-XM500 wins on features. The BOSS Audio MGV550B costs $104 less ($245 vs $349).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Kenwood eXcelon KMR-XM500
#3 in Gauge-holeFull review
The step-up version of Kenwood’s gauge-hole stereo, for a system that will run external amplifiers. If the stereo will power the speakers directly, the KMR-M300BT does the same job for less.
Amazon $349$349
Which should you buy?
- Choose the BOSS Audio MGV550B for warranty (3-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and display (5 in color touchscreen vs 2.7 in color).
- Choose the Kenwood eXcelon KMR-XM500 for features (SiriusXM-ready, weather band, Bluetooth, USB playback vs Bluetooth, USB playback).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every gauge-hole marine stereo; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | BOSS Audio MGV550B | Kenwood eXcelon KMR-XM500 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Amplifier power 20% | 50 RMS power at 4 ohm not published (neutral score used) | 19 19 W RMS x 4 at 4 ohm |
| Zones 15% | 0 single zone | 0 single zone |
| Pre-amp outputs 10% | 29 3 RCA output sets | 29 3 RCA output sets at 5 V |
| Features 25% | 20 Bluetooth, USB playback | 50 SiriusXM-ready, weather band, Bluetooth, USB playback |
| Water rating 10% | 70 IPX6 front | 70 IP66 front |
| Display 10% | 100 5 in color touchscreen | 58 2.7 in color |
| Warranty 10% | 100 3-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| BOSS Audio MGV550B | Kenwood eXcelon KMR-XM500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | ||
| Amplifier power (RMS, 4 ohm) | - | 19 W x 4 RMS |
| Zones | 1 | 1 |
| RCA output sets | 3 | 3 at 5 V |
| Sources and control | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| USB playback | Yes | Yes |
| Phone app | No | No |
| SiriusXM-ready | No | Yes |
| NMEA 2000 | No | No |
| Wi-Fi or AirPlay 2 | No | No |
| Weather band | No | Yes |
| DAB+ | No | No |
| CD player | No | No |
| Camera input | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Gauge hole | Gauge hole |
| Front water rating | IPX6 | IP66 |
| Display | 5 in color touch | 2.7 in color |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |