Garmin is expanding beyond smartwatches and pushing further into premium home audio, unveiling a new line of ultra-thin JL Audio Pavilion subwoofers designed to disappear into walls and ceilings.

The new 8-inch Pavilion Thin-Line subwoofers follow Garmin’s 2023 acquisition of US audio specialist JL Audio, best known for its high-end subwoofer technology.

Garmin says the Pavilion subwoofers are built for “premium sound performance” in a compact architectural design.

They come shortly after Garmin introduced the JL Audio Primacy premium home audio system (pictured below), signalling a broader move beyond wearables, navigation and marine electronics.

JL Audio's Primacy is a Dante-Powered, Auto-Optimizing Home Audio System - CEPRO

The new subwoofers use JL Audio’s Concentric Tube Suspension technology, which is designed to deliver tight, deep bass from a shallower speaker profile.

The units require a mounting depth of just 3.8 inches, or around 9.6cm, allowing them to be installed in walls or ceilings without a dedicated enclosure. A dog-leg mounting system is also designed to simplify installation by removing the need for a backplate.

The Pavilion range is aimed at home theatre installers, premium residential audio projects and outdoor entertainment areas.

Garmin says the subwoofers are made with marine-grade materials and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including areas exposed to harsh conditions.

They carry an IPX5 water-resistance rating and are built to withstand UV and salt-fog exposure, making them suitable for covered patios, pool areas and marine applications.

Each subwoofer includes a fine-mesh magnetic grille, available in circular or square designs. Buyers can choose black or white finishes, and the grilles can be painted to better blend into surrounding décor.

The JL Audio Pavilion Thin-Line subwoofers are priced at US$1,000 each, which translates to roughly A$1,425 before any local taxes, duties or distributor mark-ups.

Australian availability has not yet been confirmed.

While the pricing puts the Pavilion range firmly at the high end, the low-profile design could appeal to customers wanting serious bass without a visible subwoofer box.