LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.16.2021) – Founded in 2001 by a handful of consumer/mobile electronics veterans, Maxxsonics USA has grown into a flourishing culture, following, and lifestyle featuring car enthusiast individuals inspired by audio that crave installations in every machine and vehicle with superior sound. Now with a fully dedicated team who live and breathe that same passion for audio in all the products they design, Maxxsonics USA continues to pave the way in possibilities for what audio can sound like when pushed to the limit in any machine or vehicle, no matter the installation size.

Starting as a “mobile-only” business and expanding horizons into Marine, then UTV and Off-road, there are now many different product offerings for many selections of machines or vehicles. From MB Quart Nautic speakers for every on-the-water boat adventure to Hifonics ALPHA amplifiers that are so compact in size that fit in nearly any vehicle space, Maxxsonics USA has created products that offer possibilities in any scenario, wherever the adventure may lead.

On the 20-year company journey, Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics USA, commented, “From starting as a “mobile-only” business and expanding into explosive growth in the Powersports industry with MB Quart and Hifonics being OEM for Polaris and Kawasaki, I am honored and excited to see the Maxxsonics USA story and trajectory unfold in such a short period. From the expansive product offerings across the entire family of audio brands to the ever-growing company size including, the opening of an entirely new facility in Arizona – Maxxsonics USA is a testament of audio dedication, brand loyalty, and expanding horizons into what the future may hold.”

With product offerings growing throughout the decades in nearly every aspect of travel and lifestyle, so has the staff and company size. Over the last two decades, Maxxsonics USA has grown from a small, single-digit employee-size company to a larger middle-size company that has now expanded into Arizona.

In 2001, Maxxsonics USA started as a small office building in Lake Zurich, IL, and then moved to a larger building while remaining in the same northwest suburb Chicago. A few years ago, Maxxsonics USA moved to an even larger office building with an expansive warehouse facility in Libertyville, IL. This past year Maxxsonics USA even opened its doors to an ALL-NEW Arizona facility to focus and improve R&D, model-making, and environmental testing capabilities.

A growing product selection and ongoing presence at events and trade shows have increased visibility and popularity across the entire family of audio brands, which now include MB Quart, Hifonics, Crunch, and Autotek. From Jeep Beach to Sand Sports Super Show, SEMA, to Overland Expo, Maxxsonics USA continues to expand awareness and exposure of the newest products and offerings where the industry and lifestyle demands.

Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing, also commented, “I have been with Maxxsonics for almost 75% of the company’s existence, and I am extremely proud of all that we have been able to accomplish. Under Alden’s leadership, we have steadily grown into a leading supplier in a very competitive market. 20, greatly successful years is the result of our team’s efforts to push the envelope and improve on what we all do every day. It is that dedication from our team that gives me an immense sense of pride to work at Maxxsonics.”

A crucial milestone has been the growing partnership and collaboration with OEM suppliers that include Polaris, Kawasaki, and CFMOTO. With these well-known and high-tier brands, Maxxsonics USA has developed, collaborated, and brought to fruition audio kits for multiple vehicle lineups that include the Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Honda Talon, and Kawasaki KRX. With these ongoing partnerships and room for more in the future, Maxxsonics USA continues to push horizons in every corner of machine and vehicle.

Adding to the rapid growth of Maxxsonics USA and a reflection of the last 20 years, Sherri Sawyer, Vice President of Finance & CFO, known as Employee #1, who helped start and build the company up for what it has grown into today,mentioned, “To be a part of this family company from the first day and to see what it’s grown into is truly special. From the rapid growth of variety in product selections to the simultaneous increase in employee size, Maxxsonics has turned into an audio beacon for car enthusiasts, music lovers, and everything in between. I’m so happy to continue to be a part of the rich history and evolving Maxxsonics story.”

Over the last two decades, Maxxsonics USA has continued to define the standard in audio and push the possibility of innovation with products for any occasion and need. In 2021, Hifonics launched the ALL-NEW ZEUS Theta amplifier line that was crafted and designed specifically in remembrance of Mr. Tremendous, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Ted Henricks. These special amplifiers capture the pulse of Hifonics and the inspiration that Ted left on Hifonics as a brand and Maxxsonics as a company. ZEUS Theta amplifiers carried on Ted’s mission of perfecting customer service towards others with 110% high-quality audio, as Ted brought to his job at Maxxsonics every single day.

For every off-road adventure that turns into a canyon of darkness, there are Autotek LED Round Lights to shine brightness upon the unknown, and for any narrow forest mountain trail that demands concert levels of sound, there are MB Quart Universal Overhead Systems that will project music that will be heard from miles away. From milestone innovations like affordable Class-D to illumination on speakers and amplifiers and the newly announced Jeep Tuned Audio Kits for Jeep Wrangler (JL)/Gladiator (JT) vehicles – across the entire family of audio brands, Maxxsonics USA keeps pushing the boundaries for creation and innovation with products and solutions for every adventure and calling.

Here’s to an incredible 20th anniversary while it’s time to turn the page toward the horizons of the future on what tomorrow will bring.

For more details on Maxxsonics USA or the entire family of audio brands, visit the website at maxxsonics.com.

HOLLY HILL, FL (09.16.2021) – Heise LED Lighting Systems by Metra Electronics announced on Wednesday that they will be teaming up with Deland, Florida’s Daniel Dye and GMS Racing for this week’s running of the ARCA Menards Series’ Bush’s Beans 200 at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.

Daniel Dye’s racecars have featured Heise’s parent company, Metra Electronics, since 2018 at numerous short-track venues. This will be the first time Heise LED Lighting Systems will be featured on the quarter panels on the #21 Chevrolet SS. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Daniel and have Heise front and center for this race at Bristol,” said Jake Bates of Metra Electronics. “Daniel’s Race to Stop Suicide program has been a great cause for our community and we are proud to help support his mission. This week’s race is also a great opportunity to expose viewers to Heise and the wide range of aftermarket vehicle lighting upgrades that we offer.”

“It’s pretty special to me to have Heise LED on our racecar for one of the biggest races of the season. Everyone from Metra and their team have been huge supporters of ours for years, and to represent Heise LED Lighting Systems at the Bristol highbanks, on national television and radio, is truly a dream come true. I can’t thank them enough for the continued support and hope to park that beautiful American themed No. 21 Chevy in victory lane,” added Daniel Dye.

The Bush’s Baked Beans 200 marks the last race of the ARCA Menards East Series and the third to last race of the ARCA Menards National Series. Dye is poised to make his run for the ARCA East Championship title with only 24 points separating him from the leader and will attempt to repeat history with the same team that won last year with another GMS Racing driver.

Daniel Dye will take the green flag at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” this Thursday, September 16th. The race will be televised live on FS1 starting at 6:30 pm EST and on MRN/SiriusXM radio, followed by the Camping World Truck Series’ UNOH 200 Presented by Ohio Logistics for a racing doubleheader.

Visit heiseled.com for more.

Paul DiComo, longtime Polk Audio and Definitive Technology sales and marketing manager, lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully with his wife Susan Putnam by his side on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Paul was born on January 24, 1951, to Charles and Lillian DiComo in Newark, New Jersey. After college at Rutgers, Newark, he moved to Boston, cutting his audio and sales chops first at Waltham Camera and Stereo, then at Tweeter Etc, managing both the Chestnut Hill and Harvard Square locations.

In 1981, Paul joined the fledgling electronics group NAD as National Sales Manager. Two years later, he accepted the role of National Sales Manager at Polk, and in 1995 used his writing and industry relations skills as Marketing and Public Relations Manager.  In both of these roles Paul was an important figure in the growth of Polk Audio from a small regional company to one of the largest of its type in the global market. Paul was recruited to Definitive Technology in 2007 as Senior Vice President of Marketing and New Product Development, a role he held until late 2013.

From January 2014 on, Paul, with partner Al Ballard, founded CE-Marketing Pros, LLC., a marketing agency helping established and start-up Consumer Electronics brands build market share and consumer awareness. 

Paul was well known throughout the consumer electronics industry for his keen intellect, his passion for his work, but most of all for his larger-than-life personality and love of life. His laughter was infectious and his outgoing personality made him a natural fit for his many roles in the industry. As he travelled the US and the world, Paul gained the respect of many, and would freely share his love and passion for music and fine audio products.

He is survived by his beloved wife and life partner, Susan Putnam, and their sons Michael and Gregory as well as two grandchildren.

A memorial in Paul’s honor will be held at the Candle Light funeral home in Catonsville, Maryland on Saturday, September 25th.

(In lieu of flowers, contributions to MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) would be appreciated. https://www.themmrf.org)

STILLWATER, OK (09.15.2021) – Citing reasons that relate to the current pandemic, KICKER is announcing its choice to cancel plans to exhibit live at November’s annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

KICKER had planned a booth showcasing product, demo vehicles and celebrity appearances for attendees prior to this week’s decision. The mobile-audio company has also decided to suspend all corporate travel and events through December.

“Management continues to make the health and well-being of our employees and customers the top priority,” said Kevin Campbell, Director of Global Marketing. “This is a tough decision, but one we feel must be made.”

Before this decision, KICKER Corporate had plans to attend the Sand Sports Super Show in Costa Mesa, Calif., and MERA KnowledgeFest in Dallas, along with the SEMA Show. In August, KICKER had canceled its appearance at Dallas KnowledgeFest, just prior to the event itself postponing until December.

No further details are available at present time. If more information should become available, KICKER will provide it as warranted.

Visit kicker.com for more.

CLEARWATER, FL (09.14.2021) – PAC has launched a full series of high-voltage line output converters under the brand name LOCPRO AVANCED, enabling installers to add aftermarket amplifiers to OEM head units, which is particularly important in today’s market. The line showcases PAC’s legacy of advanced technology, by featuring incredible input power capabilities, enhanced output controls and noise isolation countermeasures.

The line includes a 1-series (LPA-1.2 and LPA-1.4) which handles up to 20V input and a 2-series (LPA-2.2 and LPA-2.4) and E-series (LPA-E.4) that handle up to 40V.

The benefits of LOCPRO ADVANCED’s line output converters include:

• On-board load resistors selection
• High input power
• Auto turn-on with wide range DC offset
• Durable housing
• Single stereo gain control
• Up to 9.5V of output voltage

• Turn-on mode (remote and DC)
• Selectable ground isolation

Additional features for the 2-series:

• 40V input power
• Low pass filter
• Bass boost
• Removable quick connectors with screw type terminal
• Optional Remote level controller (LPA-REM)

Additional features for the E-series:

• Aluminum housing to increase thermal dissipation efficiency
• 2 or 4 Input channel selection
• Retains fader 4-ch in/out
• Selectable turn on mode
• Includes the remote level controller (LPA-REM)

For more information contact your local PAC sales representative or visit www.pac-integrate.com. If you are interested in becoming an authorized PAC dealer, contact the Global Headquarters, AAMP Global.