Garmin is stepping beyond its usual comfort zone of GPS, wearables, and marine tech with a new high-end home audio lineup released globally under the JL Audio name. JL Audio, a brand long associated with premium marine sound systems, became part of Garmin in 2023. Now, that expertise is being repackaged for the living room in what Garmin describes as a premium, luxury-grade audio system.
The new range is built around two active loudspeakers and a central control component, giving buyers a complete, modern hi-fi setup designed for serious listening at home. Both speaker models feature built-in digital signal processing (DSP) and support high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/192 kHz, aiming to deliver clean detail, wide dynamic range, and precise tuning. Garmin also leans into the “active speaker” approach: instead of relying on a separate external amplifier, each speaker includes dedicated amplification, with one amplifier per driver. This design can help improve control and clarity because each driver is powered and managed individually.
For those who want a full-size statement piece, the JL Audio Primacy T6 Active 3-Way Loudspeaker is the tall tower option. It’s positioned as the flagship-style model for larger spaces where scale, power, and room-filling sound matter. If you’re working with a smaller room or prefer a more minimalist footprint, the JL Audio Primacy S3 Active 2-Way Loudspeaker is the compact alternative, designed to sit on a bookshelf or similar surface (with optional stands also available).
Customization is also a major part of the pitch. Both loudspeakers can be tailored with interchangeable panels offered in a range of premium finishes, allowing the system to blend with modern interior design trends rather than looking like traditional studio gear.
Tying everything together is the JL Audio Primacy CS Stereo Centerpiece, a multifunction component that acts as both a preamplifier and a networked streamer. It includes Primacy Automatic Room Optimization (P.A.R.O.), a feature designed to help tune the system to the acoustics of your room for more balanced, accurate playback. The Stereo Centerpiece connects to the Primacy loudspeakers using the Dante Digital Network, a technology commonly used in professional audio environments for reliable, high-quality digital audio distribution.
Streaming support is robust and clearly aimed at everyday convenience as much as audiophile performance. The system supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay, and Google Cast, making it easy to play music directly from popular apps and devices. Garmin also includes a wireless tabletop remote with a physical volume knob and touch controls, and there’s a companion Primacy app for remote system control.
This is not an entry-level setup, and the pricing reflects the luxury positioning. In the United States, the JL Audio Primacy T6 Active 3-Way Loudspeaker with DSP is priced at $90,000 per pair. The JL Audio Primacy S3 Active 2-Way Loudspeaker with DSP costs $35,000 per pair, with optional stands priced at $3,500. The JL Audio Primacy CS Stereo Centerpiece is listed at $15,000.
With this launch, Garmin is making it clear it intends JL Audio to be more than a marine-audio specialist. The Primacy lineup targets buyers who want a design-forward, high-resolution, networked home audio system with room optimization, flexible streaming, and premium build options—positioned firmly in the luxury hi-fi category.
