Team Nutz in the House at the Keystone Big Show in Big D

Posted on March 7, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Team Nutz.

DALLAS, TX (03.08.2021) – The Keystone Big Show, at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center on March 5th and 6th, was the first in-person automotive aftermarket trade show since the COVID-19 Pandemic gripped the U.S. Well over 100 companies showcased their latest products on the Convention Center show floor.

Ben Bjerke (L) and Doug Macher from Team Nutz flank Keystone representative Kyle Graziul on the Big Show floor Saturday afternoon.

Team Nutz, based in Pittsburgh PA, offers a wide variety of 12volt and automotive aftermarket products in their marketplace. Ed Nuttall related “When we heard about the upcoming Keystone Show is Dallas we quickly made the decision to attend. Keystone is a key vendor and we saw this as an opportunity to see firsthand the latest products from their vendors and network with other dealers at the show. We made plans for two staff members, Doug Macher and Ben Bjerke, to attend.

Macher and Bjerke hitched a ride on Southwest and they had a very productive two days at the Keystone Big Show. Macher related to 12volt News “We spent time in a lot of booths, talked with booth staff members and saw a ton of cool new products. Overall, Ben and I will take back a lot of information to Ed. It was a very informative event for us.”

Pickup trucks were spotlighted in many booths as attendees walked the event aisles.

“Team Nutz is a very proactive retailer and a post for the Keystone Big Show caught eyeballs at the 12volt Central Studios. That was when we learned Ed was sending Doug and Ben to the event. This article, spotlighting the Team Nutz trip to the Keystone Big Show, was a result of that Team Nutz Instagram post and following conversation” 12volt News staff related.

At the Keystone Big Show there were virtually no traditional 12volt companies exhibiting on the event floor. There was also very little buzz across the 12volt industry regarding the event even though 12volt companies are adding products from the automotive aftermarket category to their product mix..

Everything is big in Texas, with the Keystone Big Show being in a Big convention hall.

Lighting and associated products, which are selling well in the 12volt industry, shined brightly in several exhibitors’ booths.

As one on one in-person activity has been restricted it is still extremely important to communicate effectively. Many are saying they have been Zoom-called to death. Many in the industry bang out txt messages and emails like it’s a game. First one to 50 today wins is not a long term strategy for success.

Retailers meet face to face with consumers, and talk in person with those individuals, about products for their rides. It’s impossible for someone to feel bass in their chest on a smartphone, laptop or screen.

Thank you to all in the industry, like Ed Nuttall, who will talk to the 12volt Central Studios on the phone to generate positive visibility for their products and activities across the 12volt industry.

Using the 12volt STP Tool can get the ball rolling… Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844.

Stinger Electronics Launches New Marine and Powersports Media Player with Switch Command

Posted on March 7, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Stinger.

CLEARWATER, FL (03.08.2021) – The highly anticipated SPXM1 has arrived, just in time for boating and powersports season. The rugged infotainment hub puts a wide range of enhanced entertainment features into the hands of boaters and adventure seekers alike, and allows for a customizable experience.

SPXM1 adds a 2.7-inch full color display with LED-backlit buttons for viewing in all lighting situations, including while wearing polarized sunglasses. It is engineered to withstand the harsh elements experienced off-road or off-shore, with its IPX6-rated optical bonded front panel.

For the audiophiles, SPXM1 is small but mighty with its built-in high-power 45 x 4 amplifier, ensuring your favorite tunes are heard in outdoor settings. Tweak the sound to your liking using the onboard EQ (with eight presets) and subwoofer-level control. SPXM1 can be expanded and controlled with the onboard front and selectable rear/subwoofer RCA outputs. Listen to your media your way, via the many available sources including Bluetooth, global AM/FM weather-tuner, USB input for MP3/WMA/WAV files or a wired AUX RCA input.

Add the EchoMaster PCAM-150 camera using the onboard video input, to keep tabs on what’s going on around you. Keep an eye on that wakeboarder, boat or ATV behind you and add a layer of safety when docking or reversing.

Bonus: When paired with SwitchHUB, Stinger’s 4-channel 100 amp solid-state relay, SPXM1 becomes your all-in-one digital media control center. Power up to four accessories with SwitchHUB’s four independent outputs; one 40A and three 20A outputs, for a combined total of 100A continuous. Easily turn your devices on and off using the dedicated SPXM1 screen that shows the status of all four devices at once. SwitchHUB also allows for a much easier and cleaner install of your accessories.

SPXM1 key features include:

2.7-inch color display with LED-backlit buttons for easy viewing in any lighting setting
Selectable day or night modes
Built-in Bluetooth for music streaming
Other media sources such as global AM/FM weather-tuner, USB input for MP3/WMA/WAV files or a wired AUX RCA input
Camera input with external trigger
Water-resistant front panel (IPX-6 rating) for withstanding harsh outdoor elements
Two-piece mounting system to secure the panel to the mounting surface
Built-in 25 watts x 4 power amplifier (45W peak x 4)
Rear AUX input
4-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front and selectable rear/sub)
Easy subwoofer control
7-band graphic equalizer with (8) music genre presets
Memory saver – EEPROM non-volatile memory for retaining your presets and settings in case of a power outage, zero current draw in off-mode
Selectable high-pass and low-pass crossovers
Adjustable input gain for each source
Voltage gauge with low voltage alert
SwitchHUB-ready (sold separately)

Visit www.stingerelectronics.com for more.

Mobile Solutions Introduces Smart Router Table System

Posted on March 7, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Mobile Solutions.

TEMPE, AZ (03.08.2021) – Mobile Solutions announces the new Smart Router Table (SRT) system. It’s an industrial-grade router table with custom manufactured, welded and powder coated steel and has configurations that will suit any automotive audio or interior fabrication shop, from hardcore hobbyist to high-volume production operations. “It’s such an efficient way to add the production efficiency of a multi-bank router table without having to build it from the raw materials yourself. It’s a complete solution” says Mobile Solutions founder and president, Bryan Schmitt.

Schmitt and his team at Mobile Solutions designed and engineered the Smart Router Table (SRT) system to ensure that fabrication work has no barriers to efficiency, safety or quality. It is available in two or three bank configurations. The 1.25” high pressure laminated table top is balanced to ensure a level, safe surface on which to router even the most complex parts. Balancing a top involves lamination on both sides so the work surface doesn’t lose its true flat geometry. The top also has threaded inserts for machine hardware to bolt to the frame, as well as the optional particle management system.

For the optional router lifts, the work surface has CNC-machined openings for a precision fit. 1/16” steel router inserts are also included, which ensure the leveling screws on the router lift remain accurate over time, a very import feature so the work surface and router plate surface are always flush and safe.

The thick-wall, welded steel frame construction with adjustable 2” leveling feet means a sturdy footing while routers are spinning and parts cut or contoured on the router. The gloss clear powder coat finish of the frame is as good looking as it is functional and protective. Machine safety switches with a selectable left or right orientation and all necessary stainless steel mounting hardware are all included in the base system.

Smart Router Table (SRT) System Base Features
• Choose two or three bank configurations
• 1.25” high pressure, balanced and laminated work top surface
• White edge banding and light gray surface (laminated both sides)
• Precision CNC router lift openings with threaded inserts
• 1/16” steel router inserts
• Welded steel frame construction (1/8” wall thick) 3”x 3”and 3”x 6”
• Corrosion-resistant gloss clear powder coated finish
• 3/8”–16 stainless socket hardware
• 2” leveling feet
• Machine safety switches (left or right switch orientation)

Smart Router Table (SRT) System Add-Ons
• Patent-pending MS Dust Bucket particle management system
• MS precision CNC-machined router lifts
• A significant savings of both items is included when purchased with the SRT system versus purchased separately.

Prices start at $1829.99. A fully loaded three bank system with MS Dust Buckets and MS router lifts (as pictured top, center and lower right) is $2899.99. All tables are flat packed on a 60”x30” pallet and shipping costs are included in the contiguous 48 US States.

Visit mobilesolutions-usa.com for more.

Car Stereo Max Wins Sketch My Ride Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 117

Posted on March 6, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (02.26.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Car Stereo Max won the Sketch My Ride prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, March 5th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Two months ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 117th time on Friday morning March 5th. The Wheel landed on the Sketch My Ride space. The Car Stereo Max slip was drawn from the jar and an Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted. We reached out to Tony at the store in Houston and he was pleased to hear the news.\

Spinning out a winner each Friday, the lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Accele, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, JBL, Design Engineering, Power Acoustik, JVC, ZZ-2 and Sketch My Ride. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD and Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, March 12th.

CMA LIVE Webcast Expands to 20 Episodes in 2021

Posted on March 4, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

TORONTO, CANADA (03.05.2021) – CMA LIVE presented by SiriusXM, entered its second season with a commitment of 20 episodes scheduled for 2021. Premiering on Wednesday, March 3rd at 8pm ET, Ben Woo returned to host Episode 1 of the informative, bi-weekly series that covers all the hottest topics across the mobile electronics industry.

“CMA has established the platforms to connect industry professionals together and our innovative CMA LIVE webcast has gained considerable momentum. We look forward to collaborating with our network of key partners and influential guests to produce an impactful second season,” stated Frank Spezzano, President, CMA.

During CMA Live Episode 1, titled Essential Gear Part 1, Ben Woo conducted informative individual sessions with Rico Felice-MTX, Tommy Spears-Ground Zero, Ken Ward-Hertz and Ernie Welch-Euphoria. Car audio was built on brands and products that deliver hard hitting bass, dynamic output and great value to the enthusiasts. Each of these four brands exemplify the foundation on which car audio built its following.

With each session CMA audiences will be treated to an enhanced production package, along with a slick new look to the broadcast that is sure to engage viewers throughout the year. From covering the latest technology and timely topics to delving deep into specific themes, CMA LIVE is 60 minutes of mobile electronics required viewing.

“What a great opportunity to bring the car audio community together with the best dealers, installers, brands and distributors Canada has to offer. I could not think of a better venue for SiriusXM to be than within this community of passionate professionals,”related Ricky Lima, Senior Manager, Retail & Special Markets, SiriusXM Canada.

CMA LIVE presented by SiriusXM, has expanded its broadcast footprint by extending both live streaming and on-demand viewing to include Facebook, YouTube and now on the official CMA website www.CanadianMobileAudio.com

For more information on Canadian Mobile Audio, contact:info@canadianmobileaudio.com | Toll Free: 1.833.326.2482

Metra Electronics Ships New Dash Kits and a Speaker Adapter for Nissan Titan and Land Rover

Posted on March 4, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

HOLLY HILL, FL (3.05.2021) – Metra Electronics, the leading manufacturer of aftermarket automotive solutions, is now shipping new dash kits for 2020-up* Nissan Titan models, along with a speaker adapter plate for 2016-up* models, and a dash kit for select 2005-2012 Land Rover LR2, LR3 and Range Rover Sport models.

The 95-7639HG is a Double-DIN dash kit and the 99-7639HG is a Single-DIN dash kit with a pocket, designed for 2020-up* Nissan Titan models. These kits are painted high gloss black to match the factory finish.

A video showcasing these new kits from Metra’s YouTube channel can be viewed below:

To replace the front factory speakers in 2016-up* Nissan Titan models, Metra’s 82-7402 speaker adapter plate allows 6-inch by 9-inch aftermarket speakers to fit without noticeable gaps. These front speaker adapter mounting plates are sold as a pair.

For LandRover, Metra’s new 95-9406B Double-DIN dash kit fits 2008-2012 LR2 models, 2005-2009 LR3 models, and 2006-2009 Range Rover Sport models. It is painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish and designed for a seamless fit. All of these new products are in stock and shipping now.

Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

Celsus UK Launches Redesigned Website

Posted on March 4, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Celsus UK.

POOLE, UK (03.05.2021) – Poole, UK based distribution company CELSUS UK have announced a major overhaul of their website which aims to become an industry reference point for product information and user-friendly navigation.

The new look encompasses the four major aftermarket channels that Celsus UK have been focussed on since the 2003; Automotive, Marine, Home & Personal and Leisure.

The company’s aim with this new e-commerce platform is to give both their trade customers and consumers an easy to use platform that educates and guides decision making instead of being solely transactional. As the world continues to shift towards the online environment, customer expectations change and Celsus UK recognised the need to improve how their products can be viewed and purchased.

Paul Baker, Celsus Managing Director said “We have created a website with a simple objective; help our customers find the best product for their vehicle, boat or home. The journey should be swift and provide the right level of information to make a confident selection.”

The centre point in the automotive section of the website is the re-built “vehicle product finder” tool which, alongside a vast increase in assigned products, now has an upgrade selector and visual clarification at make, model and head unit level.

In the marine section the company has displayed their portfolio of marine specific equipment to help trade and consumer find exactly what they are looking for much quicker. The mega-menu and side bar filtering make product selection easy.

Baker added “By creating specific sections for automotive and marine, for example, we can cater for the specific requirements of those customers. The brands and products we offer, although similar, have appeal across different market segments where customer needs are different”

Functionality improvements such as dynamic search, product attribute and budget filters, account management, product data sheets, returns module and kit bundles will be well-received by both the trade and consumers alike. A vastly improved shopping experience and great support tool for the company’s current distributor and installing retailer network both in the UK and across Europe.

Visit www.celsusice.co.uk for more.

The TSW Spring Break Jam South Padre Is Set For April 24th & 25th

Posted on March 3, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX (03.04.2021) – On March 2nd Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced it was time to open Texas 100% and end the statewide mask mandate. Starting next Wednesday, March 10th, the mask mandate will be lifted and all businesses will be allowed to open at 100% capacity for the first time in nearly a year. While Abbott noted that businesses can still choose to limit occupancy or require masks, the change opens the door to potentially massive social gatherings, including sports stadiums, concert halls, and other large venues like the TSW Spring Break Jam.

On March 3rd David MacDonald President of Heat Wave Inc., and the Operations Director Chris Schneider, had a zoom meeting with the City Manager and the CVB of South Padre Island. During the call they were given the green light to have the TSW Spring Break Jam on April 24th and 25th on South Padre Island.

“We are so excited that we can finally put on a show after taking a back seat for one year!” MacDonald exclaimed.

Continuing MacDonald stated “We want to do the right thing and still promote public safety for all attendees, participants, convention center workers, and our Staff. At the event we would like to see people observing social distancing and wearing masks inside the convention center although, which at this time it is not required. We have to do our part as Texans and visitors to stay safe as COVID-19 is still here and will be with us for a some time. Our thoughts and prayer are with the many people who lost those new and dear due to COVID-19.”

Schneider related “We have a pretty short time to get everything set up and ready. So we ask everyone to please get their registrations in. If you want an inside spot you will need to act fast. If you are interested in sponsoring or being a vendor, we have spots available. We will make every effort to get you in so please give us a call or message us as soon as possible. This is going to be a great show as always!”

The 2021 TSW Spring Break Jam will be a 4X Regional point event. Jenissa Lillard and her USACi team will be there, in the front of the Convention Center as always, to put on a fun and competitive SPL and SQ contest.

David and Chris will be attending the World Finals at the end of March if you want to register or have any questions.

Looks like this year’s TSW Spring Break Jam is going to be another big success. The Heat Wave Inc. team hopes to see everyone there April 24th and 25th on Beautiful South Padre Island, Texas.

Visit heatwaveshow.com for more.

Aunex Inc. Announces John Franks Has Joined the Company as Sales Director

Posted on March 3, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Aunex.

CHINO, CA (03.04.2021) – Aunex, Inc. is pleased to announce that with the increasing growth and market penetration in both Aunex and Musway brands that industry veteran John Franks has recently joined the company.

“John brings to the table a great depth of knowledge in our industry and has a keen eye on sales and relationship building which made John a great fit for what our company needs,” stated Steven Bach President of Aunex. “With now over 160 direct dealers it is the perfect time to expand our US sales team.”

Having been a factory representative for a few brands to co-owning / operating a successful Rep Firm, Franks will be responsible for all accounts east of Texas.

John Franks offered, “I am extremely proud to be to part of the growing Aunex team, where my main focus is assisting our incredible Aunex Rep Firms and taking great care our independent specialist dealers across the USA”. Franks will be responsible for handling 10 of the company’s 13 rep firms.

2021 will be a very exciting year for Aunex and all of its customers both in the US and abroad as the company is expanding its product offerings by introducing some new key amplifiers, processors, accessories and the highly anticipated A1 Series of Subwoofers, Speakers, Midranges and Tweeters.

Franks can be reached at jfranks@aunexusa.com

For more information on Aunex and Musway, contact Aunex, Inc. at (909) 589-5010 or visit www.aunexusa.com and www.imusway.com.

DS18 Releases the Powerful 6×9 PRO-FR69NEO

Posted on March 3, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Uncategorized and tagged DS18.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (03.04.2021) Versatility is paramount in large and small audio systems alike. Many DS18 fans have been asking for a more powerful 6×9 so they can get clear and loud sound from their 6×9 speaker placement.

Rob Ferro, MR DS18 stated “We heard them and we have answered the overwhelming requests by releasing our new DS18 PRO-FR69NEO. This Neodymium driven midrange speaker will be the loudest 6×9 we have while also handling the most power. The great thing about NEO motor structure is that you get better performance, higher wattage handing, better efficiency and a much lighter weight than with a traditional speaker with a ferrite motor structure.”

The PRO-FR69NEO is a 4 ohm speaker that handles 250 watts RMS and 500 MAX power with a DB sensitivity rating of 98db. This NEO also has a built in bullet resonator to help the screaming midrange all the way from 100hz to 9000hz with extreme clarity and loudness.