DANIA BEACH, FL (01.25.2021) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, and Four Connect Wiring Products, is proud to announce another member to its family.
“Our company has been growing tremendously in the United States, and we are very happy to offer our dealers and partners even more support with the addition of Robert Reilly to the team,” explained Diogo Iannaccone, CEO of HKI USA. Robert will be taking over as the Territory Manager for the Northern California and Pacific Northwest Territories.
Territory Manager for the Northern California and Pacific Northwest Territories
In addition to handling sales and development within those territories, Robert is also brining his retail ownership, install, fabrication, SPL, and SQ+ knowledge to the table to help all of HKI’s dealers capitalize on the amazing lineup of products offered to them.
“I am excited to be a part of the HKI USA team. The wide range of skills and experience that our team now brings to the table has me inspired and looking to our future,” stated Robert Reilly. “The range and quality of products that Ground Zero and SounDigital offer is truly unique in the industry. I am looking forward to meeting with my dealers and doing my part to support them achieve their goals.”
For more information about our brand(s) and our growing family, visit hki-usa.com or e-mail info@hki-usa.com
SHREVEPORT LA (01.23.21) WTF…Win This Friday. Poptronics won a Power Acoustik prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday morning, January 22nd.
The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six weeks ago we celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 112th time on Friday, January 22nd. The Wheel landed on the Power Acoustik space. The Poptronics 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 Poptronics in Baltimore MD with the news. David Reamer was very happy to hear the news. They are a Power Acoustik dealer and are moving a lot of the company’s latest products.
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, Power Acoustik, JVC and ZZ-2. 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 and Oscar’s Audio Designs in Corpus Christi TX.Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel will be on Friday, January 29th.
NASHVILLE, TN (01.22.2021) – The MECP program, previously owned and operated by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), has been purchased by the Certification Systems Technology Company (CTSC). This new company was founded and is operated by industry veteran Kris Bulla who has more than 25 years’ experience with the MECP program and its operations.
In February 2021, the program will leap forward into an all-digital format. “The new all-digital format will make it far easier to get access to the educational material and take the logistical nightmare out of locating a testing center or trying to create a testing environment at your home or office. You can now learn from anywhere you have Internet access, at any time,” stated Kris Bulla, Certification Systems Technology Company founder, and president.
Learning content from the existing study guides has been transitioned to a new online learning platform that provides access to both the study material and testing from any computer, phone, or tablet with an Internet connection. This digital format removes the need to carry or use a physical study guide and eliminates the need to schedule and travel to a testing center. A new learning progress tracker allows learning at the user’s pace and promotes higher-level certification achievement. Future improvements like a Technician Finder tool, account management, and expanded certification levels and content will provide far more value to those who have become certified.
The new program is subscription-based. If you are currently certified, your current certification is valid through the end of that particular certification, as indicated by the expiration date on your certificate. Your MECP account will reflect your current certification level through its expiration date as well for verification purposes. Once any current certification ends, or if you decide to upgrade to another certification level, you will be required to subscribe to that level within the new platform.
The changes and account access are expected to be available in early February. To learn more about these changes or to access your account, visit www.mecp.com.
For assistance with your certification status or any questions you might have about these changes, email mecp@mecp.com.
SEATTLE, WA (01.22.2021) – AudioControl has introduced the ACX-BT1, an ultra-simple, high-performance Bluetooth adapter, providing Bluetooth connectivity to any sound system with RCA or AUX audio inputs. The ACX-BT1 is also ideal for all-weather applications, making it perfect for marine and motorsports entertainment systems.
The AudioControl ACX-BT1 is the ultimate solution for giving customers what they want—Bluetooth connectivity. Like all solutions from AudioControl, performance was paramount to the design of this product. The ACX-BT1 features the latest Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX HD support, delivering 24-bit clarity, lower noise, faster initial connection and more reliable streaming from a greater distance. The ACX-BT1 is IPX5 rated for marine and motorsports applications, so it will withstand the rigors of all-weather conditions, including as a standalone (no head unit) solution common to side-by-sides, jet skis and more. Installers will appreciate the unique remote turn-on output circuit that triggers downstream amplifier(s) only when audio is being played over the Bluetooth connection.
“The challenges with all-weather product designs include quality, durability and ease of use,” explained Chris Bennett, AudioControl’s Director of Mobile Audio. “Mobile audio dealers can pair the ACX-BT1 with AudioControl’s new ACX Amplifiers, creating a simple system design that can stand up to the rigors and demands of any off-road or all-weather installation. The ACX-BT1 features traditional RCA outputs, functioning as the ultimate universal Bluetooth solution for interfacing with all mobile audio amplifiers.”
AudioControl ACX Series Amplifiers are loaded with features and deliver superb sound quality for any system design, while featuring an amazingly compact overall footprint to ensure the easiest possible integration into confined spaces. Thanks to state of the art conformal coatings, insulated gaskets and loose-mating waterproof connectors, the AudioControl ACX lineup delivers breathtaking audio performance and superior build quality for marine and motorsports applications. ACX amps are available in 4-channel and 1-channel (mono) configurations.
The AudioControl ACX-BT1 is available now with a MAP price of $69.99.
AUBURN HILLS, MI (01.22.2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the Turn1 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. The Turn1 is tuned for open-air adventures outside the vehicle.
Tuned for Adventure Adventure doesn’t stop at the drive, and that’s why Alpine introduces a new portable music experience with the Turn1.
With two midrange speakers, two tweeters, and two external passive radiators, the Turn1 provides a stereo sound performance that can produce up to 40-watts of powerful sound. The speaker is waterproof and tuned to be played outside, so even in open-air, with wind or other noise, the music still comes through clear.
Music on Demand The Turn1 has a 33-foot working distance and over 12 hours of playtime to keep up with any adventure. The multi-unit pairing function connects up to two Turn1 speakers when more sound is desired. A built-in mic offers hand-free calling functionality.
When it comes time to charge the Turn1, a micro-USB to USB charge is available for convenient and quick charging (between 4 – 6 hours) from a vehicle or home. The auto power-off feature ensures efficient use of the battery.
On-the-Go Transporting the Turn1 speaker is easy with the included 3-foot carry strap. A separate package is available that includes a Turn1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker and a universal mounting bracket designed to attach to the inside bars of select Jeep Wranglers and Side x Side Solutions.
The cast metal bracket is designed with a foam backing to ensure protection from scratches on the vehicle when in use. Easily remove the speaker from the quick-release straps on the brackets and throw the carry strap over your shoulder for on-the-go listening.
The Turn1 and the Turn1 mounting bracket package are now shipping at a MAP of $199.95 and $249.95, respectively, and will be available to purchase directly on http://www.alpine-usa.com or at Alpine Authorized retailers.
SHREVEPORT, LA (01.21.2021) – Saying Goodbye to 2020 was easy… very easy.
As the sun rose on Friday, January 1st 2021, we all began a New Year. Even though that marked a New Year the world, and the 12volt industry, continued to face major COVID-19 challenges and more carried over from 2020. Each individual and company must move forward in light of their respective resources at hand. The 12volt News has charted a course of continuing to deliver positive news to the 12volt industry. With no in-person CES, and the traditional spring distributor show circuit in limbo, we are moving forward with The 12volt News Show. A presence in The 12volt News Show will provide a venue for vendors to showcase their products to members of the 12volt industry. The 12volt News Show will also be a vehicle for distributors put their products and activities in front of dealers in their respective territories.
The 12volt News Show is an extension of the 12volt Central Studios activities in Shreveport, LA.
The recent All-Digital CES2021 certainly provided an enormous amount of Consumer Electronics content to virtual attendees reached around the world. Participation from 12volt ‘exhibitors’ was minimal at best. Members of the 12volt industry for the most part did not pony up the $150. to register for the All Digital CES 2021.
The 12volt News Show, like 12volt Central Studios, will utilize image-based presentations to showcase new products. Products and activities will be posted on 12voltnews.com and @12voltnews on Instagram and Facebook. Company supplied press releases will be posted on 12voltnews.com which has been the norm for now 27 years.
With a personal 12volt history, dating back to the early 1970’s, I know how important it is to be informed about what’s happening across the 12volt industry. That history includes the retail sales floor, VP of Marketing for a multiple outlet retailer, distributor principal, rep, manufacturer and publishing. That history is also marked by attending nearly 50 CES shows beginning in the 70’s with summer and winter events at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The in-personal CES, along with in-person SEMA, are historically terrific industry events. Not only to see, touch and experience new products but to connect with fellow 12volt and automotive enthusiasts. We all long for the days when safe and productive in-person events will return.
The 12voltSTP Tool was utilized to make this post.
12volt Vendors can put their product(s) in The 12volt News Show with an email or by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. With a smartphone Snap and Txt of an image to 318-465-0844. Presto, your company’s products and activities could be in The 12volt News Show.
The 12voltBeat Newsletter, celebrating 9 years, is emailed twice weekly to over 5000 industry members with fresh industry news… including news from The 12Volt News Show.
Much more to come as business moves forward in 2021.
Clearwater, FL (January 20, 2021) – Phoenix Gold has launched its new line of GX amplifiers and subwoofers, equipped with the advanced features and power you can expect from the PG brand.
GX subwoofers feature MLB collar technology enabling micro-level bonding for increased strength between the cone and spider. They also possess CFL3 technologies making them three times more structurally rigid, thus prolonging the voice coil’s life. GX subwoofers are available in 10-inch (GX10D4, GX10D2), and 12-inch (GX12D4, GX12D2) sizes with 8-inch coming soon.
GX amplifiers are designed to cover a multitude of installation needs. Included in the line, are our proprietary PG quick connects for high current capability and reliability while enabling clean and quick installations. The chassis has been optimized by utilizing BFD (Balanced Flow Dissipation) to keep the amplifier running cool when the music is hot. GX amplifiers are available in 1200-watt, 6-channel (GX1200.6), 1200-watt, 1-channel (GX1200.1) and 800-watt, 4-channel (GX800.4).
GX subwoofer key features include:
Dual Cone Design – to strengthen the rigidity of the woofer’s cone body to minimize the distortion while increasing the handling of high pressure produced in the subwoofer enclosure
Magnetic FEA High-Efficiency Motor – provides the highest possible, efficient motor design
Thermal Efficient Design via Vented Motor provides better thermal efficiency, reduces motor compression, and extends low-frequency response
Double Looped and Sleeved Lead Wires for High Excursion – reduces wire roping and allows high excursion, increased flexibility, and long life
Special Push Type Terminals with Short Prevention
Bent Edge Enhanced Frame (BEEF’ed Up) – minimizes overall resonance and provides accurate sound with less distortion
Linear Surround Technology – for high excursion
Black Anodized Voice Coil Former – heat dissipation
Linear Long Throw Spider Suspension – for increased output and power handling
Large 2.5” Voice Coil for GX12D4, GX12D2, GX10D4, GX10D2
AVON LAKE, OH (01.21.2021) – Increase driver and passenger comfort while protecting vital components from heat damage with new Stainless Steel Pipe Heat Shields from Design Engineering, Inc.
Designed to prevent burns while protecting drivers and passengers from uncomfortable heat, the lightweight shields can be utilized in a wide variety of applications, including turbo down pipes, headers or any component of the exhaust system.
“Stainless Steel Pipe Heat Shields feature two layers of 304 stainless that encapsulate a high-temperature insulation material for the ultimate in heat control,” stated Mike Buca of DEI. “Pre-formed with a curved shape to fit most any size pipe, they block heat and protect components better than factory shields.”
Offering up to a 2000°F direct-temperature rating, the shields include 1/2″ standoffs with clamps that provide an air gap to the pipe and two stainless steel mounting clamps. Available in two sizes, 4.5″ x 8″ (#10254) and 6″ x 12″ (#10255), each features a stainless steel heat barrier material on the outside surfaces and an insulating inner layer, plus welded seams for strength and durability.
NEW YORK, NY (01.20.2021) – The 2021 SiriusXM Promo Kit has started to ship to dealers and distributors across the US.
The in-store marketing kit includes several items that 12volt retailers can utilize in their stores. The high quality face mask, with SiriusXM Logo, will certainly put the brand in front of consumers while floor staff members made sales presentations throughout the store. The bottle of hand sanitizer on the counter will be another indication this 12volt retailer is serious about keeping all safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Elements of the SiriusXM 2021 in-store Promo Kit including face mask, hand sanitizer, counter card, window cling, product display dangles and fliers.
A window cling and counter card, along with SiriusXM danglers for the head unit display, will also highlight the brand on the sales floor.
A Thank You card from Hasib Mohammed greets those opening the 2021 SiriusXM Promo Kit.
Fliers highlighting ways to save on SiriusXM subscriptions and information about the SiriusXM E Learning program offers, that include opportunities to win monthly and quarterly prizes, are also part of the 2021 Promo Kit.
A Thank You card from Hasib Mohammed, SiriusXM Vice President Dealer and Retail Sales, is on top of the items in the Promo Kit box.
Paul Trueman, SiriusXM Sr. Director Retail Sales, related, “Dealers that receive SiriusXM POP items will automatically receive the 2021 Promo Kit. Dealers buying through distributors are encouraged to request a 2021 Promo Kit when they place their orders with the authorized SiriusXM distributor in their area. The 2021 SiriusXM Promo Kit is filled with items SiriusXM retailers can use to drive sales day in and day out in their stores.”
Monthly and quarterly prizes are offered for dealers attending E Learning sessions.
Continuing Trueman offered, “I would also recommend that everyone visit our training site to get the latest updates by SiriusXM by visiting learnsiriusxm.com. Everyone that takes the course will get 90 days of free steaming service and the chance to win some brilliant SiriusXM stuff. There will be 20 monthly winners for SiriusXM gear. There will also be quarterly winners. Four lucky quarter winning dealers will win Amazon Echos and 2 lucky quarter winners will enjoy Sonos One Smart Speakers. So there is still time to win prizes in January plus Q1.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (01.20.2021) – DS18 has introduced an amazing line of component sets that are sure to leave all with goosebumps when they hear the full and rich sound from the DX3N.
The DX3N Gold line has been developed with the greatest care and over engineered to deliver the highest quality sound along with strength that will last ages.
This set comes with the DX3NW which is the 6.5 inch woofer, the DX3NT 1.18″ tweeter, 3.5 inch DX3NM midrange along with a passive three way crossover.
The woofer features a sturdy carbon fiber cone and beautiful machined basket with neo motor that will play clear, low end music 50hz and up to 12khz with a 4 ohm impedance.
To accompany that, the tweeter will fill the gap with crisp and clear highs so listeners have a complete range of frequencies and boost overall sound quality… also at 4 ohms.
To fill in the midrange the 3.5″ DX3NM brings out all the vocals with crystal clarity and force.
The final piece of this HQ SQ component set is the included 3 way passive crossover. This crossover accurately separates wattage and frequencies for the component set and will ensure long lasting and great sounding experiences. The TW ATT options give listeners a selection of 0DB, 2DB, and 4DB loudness options at 12db/oct.
To be sure, for those looking for a high sound quality experience the DS18 DX3N is in their best interest!
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