The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Soundz Plus Wins Spin 74

Posted on May 2, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

SHREVEPORT LA (05.02.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Five months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 74, is Soundz Plus in Naperville IL. The Wheel landed on the Wilson space and a WeBoost Drive X Vehicle Cell Signal Booster is headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus. Marty was happy to hear the news when the 12volt News called.

Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 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, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit, Wilson Electronics/WeBoost and Image Dynamics. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

This WeBoost Vehicle Cell Signal Booster will be headed to Marty Dean at Soundz Plus as the winner of 12volt Spin-To-Win Number 74.

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 and Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, May 8th.

Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy – when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.

With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.

Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!

Tri State Enterprises Announces New Acquisition

Posted on April 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

FT. SMITH, AR (05.01.2020) – Tri State Enterprises, a large wholesale distributer of aftermarket automotive parts and truck accessories, is proud to announce the acquisition of O.W. Donald.

L to R: Devon Taylor (VP); Tristan Taylor (Owner); Kim Taylor (Owner); Roger Donald (12V Mgr.); Robert Donald (12V Mgr.)

O.W. Donald, a third generation family owned business, started in 1968, specialized in products for the RV industry. In 2005 OWD expanded to become a distributor for the 12V aftermarket, with a focus on higher quality brands and product offerings from audio and remote starts to tint and speakers. Such brands consist of JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer.

Roger Donald President of O. W. Donald commented:

“By acquiring O. W. Donald and its crew, Tri State gains 30 years of 12V Electronic experience that they will use to immediately expand their 12V product offerings. Tri State is growing at an impressive rate and the entire crew at OWD is proud to be the newest part of the Tri State team.”

Tristan Taylor, the owner of Tri State Enterprises commented, “Tri State is very excited to add O.W. Donald’s line of accessories and its team. OWD products and services allow the TSE organization to expand into new markets and at the same time continue to grow our current customer base with the addition of the 12V line.”

Visit www.etristate.com and www.owdonald.com for more.

The AudioControl Weekly Webinar Focused on Using the DM-RTA

Posted on April 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

SEATTLE, WA (05.01.2020) – The 7th AudioControl Weekly Web Training Episode was live from the Company’s HQ at 11AM Pacific Time on Thursday, April 30th.

Matt Palumbo shows a basic checklist during the presentation from AudioControl’s HQ.

Matt Palumbo and Chris Bennett presented an engaging hour long session focused on ‘How and Why’ to test using the DM-RTA with the aid of a checklist for efficient integration. Palumbo and Bennett work well together during the presentations. The importance of following a checklist was illustrated by several less than efficient installation examples and pitfalls. The importance of an efficient shop cart housing the DM-RTA, monitor and associated items was discussed.

Following the session Palumbo related to 12volt News “Week 7 of our Weekly Web Training series, Live from AC HQ went great. We had an awesome attendance on both ZOOM and FaceBook Live. We had a lot of international attendees this week too. Both Chris and I always love to hear how valuable these trainings are from participants during and after the sessions.”

Matt Palumbo making a point with the DM-RTA in the studio during the webinar session.

The AudioControl production facility is now back to full capacity with staff members following social distancing and other mandated safety procedures.

It was noted that the Weekly Web Training Series has surpassed 22K views. Previous sessions may be viewed on Facebook. Prior sessions may be available via ZOOM by request.

Plans for featuring guests during future presentations was also discussed.

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

dB Drag Racing’s Wayne Harris Discusses 2020 Season

Posted on April 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged dBDRA.

AUSTIN, TX (05.02.2020) – Check out this video message and transcript Wayne Harris and the team at dB Drag Racing:

Hello Competitors! And thanks for tuning in.
I hope everyone is doing well.

Today, I am going to give you a brief update on the status of the 2020 dB Drag Racing competition season.

As you know, public gatherings have been prohibited because of the Coronavirus pandemic. These restrictions, while necessary, have essentially shut down the car stereo competition scene.

The good news is that we are starting to see the potential for the easing of these restrictions in certain geographic areas. Soon, it may be possible to re-launch dBDRA events in these areas provided adequate precautions are taken.

Beginning today, the dBDRA will allow our representatives to start scheduling shows again on a voluntary basis, provided these events meet the following criteria…

First and foremost, the safety of our competitors, judges, spectators, and the community at large are of paramount importance.
All events must adhere to local, state, and federal requirements for public gatherings.
All attendees, including competitors, spectators, and judges are required to wear a mask throughout the event. This is true even if governmental requirements do not mandate the use of a mask.
All contestants must provide their own hearing protection and competition CD.
Finally, all attendees must maintain social distancing throughout the event.

Remember this, the virus threat is still lurking out there. We need to do our part to stop this virus from spreading further.

Now, I want to briefly discuss the dBDRA Finals…

We continue to receive a lot of calls and messages related to the Finals this year. Everyone wants to know when and where these events will take place.

Unfortunately, I cannot give you a definitive answer at this time because our ability to conduct a Finals event is dependent on safety, ethics, governmental restrictions, economics, and facility availability.
In fact, we are in a situation similar to that of professional and college sports.

At this time, no one really knows what is going to happen. There is a possibility that we may be able to host Finals events as we always have. But, there is also a slight possibility that events such as these will not be permitted or even possible. For now, we are hoping for the best and so should you.

So, what does this mean for the Points Requirements for Finals?

Obviously, changes will be necessary. This is one of the reasons the points requirements have not been posted on the website yet. As restrictions are lifted and events start taking place again, we will have a better idea as to how these changes need to happen.

That’s all I have for now.

Thanks again for tuning in.
Until next time…
Keep it Loud!
Make me Proud!

-Wayne Harris

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

LESCO Distributing Caps Annual Spring Break Sale

Posted on April 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged LESCO.

Carlos Gonzales is pictured during the event at LESCO’s Orange City location. The Polk Car Audio and Marine specials contributed to the successful Spring Break Event.

ORANGE CITY, FL (04.30.2020) – For over 30 years, LESCO DISTRIBUTING has been running Annual Spring Break events to introduce new products and offer some of the best prices of the year.

“Considering the COVID-19 Pandemic we had a strong event this year. We were fortunate enough to have all of our 4 locations staffed and shipping while following social distancing and other protocols. Most of our suppliers were able to fill our demand and our customers have been able to adjust to the tariffs” Neil Brookmyer, Merchandise Manager, stated.

The Annual Spring Break themed event featured 25 business days of savings from March 16th until April 17th. Brands featured included VOXX, JVC Mobile, Rostra, Dual, PRV, Jensen, Polk Audio, Cobra, AudioPipe, Uniden, Whistler, Massive Audio, Omega, Aquatic AV, Directed, Aries Technology, Metra, AAMP and more. All four of the LESCO branches-Orlando, Miami, Dallas and South Bend-were shipping orders to dealers.

“We’re looking forward to a strong rest of the spring and summer as America gets back to work and the consumer demand for new technology, replacement purchases, safety and convenience products remains strong” Brookmyer concluded.

Visit lescodistributing.com for more.

MECA Is Moving Forward

Posted on April 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged MECA.

NASHVILLE, TN (04.30.2020) – MECA is moving forward and featuring a Manufacturer Member every weekday at facebook.com/steve.stern07.

“Keeping our members and fans engaged, plus highlighting our sponsors’ brands, keeps all fresh in enthusiast’s minds. Even with the suspension of events, participants are working on the vehicles and installs. They are also preparing for reinstatement of the Event Schedule at mecaevents.com, so they can earn their credentials as State and World Champs for the 2020 season” MECA Commish Steve Stern related.

MECA plans to move forward with events as soon as government entities allow gatherings of automotive show events. There will be CDC protocols to follow, including masks for all, and gloves for the judges who will consent to work the show. Competitors will be asked to sanitize their vehicles as much as possible, especially for SQL judges who must sit in each vehicle to listen to music and judge it. Vehicles and people must maintain 6′ social distance at all times, except for testing, which will be done as quickly as possible. Local sponsors, hosts, judges, and Event Directors will all be involved in setting up shows properly for the safety of all present. A state, city, local or county government agency may approve of events, but all involved will have to be totally comfortable with judging and administering the event.

“We will be vigilant in our pursuit of safe events and protocols may change in response to any number of variables” Stern added.

Continuing, Stern offered “MECA will be announcing the Car Audio Championship – United Finals – dates and location soon. There have been issues around setting this Finals event, but the car audio sports organizations – dB Drag Racing, IASCA, EMMA, and MECA – want to present this event, in mid-October, if possible. More to come on the 2020 Car Audio Championship.The Event Schedule will become very active once we get back to show business, so please watch as we remove shows that we can’t do, and add shows that we can do.”

Visit mecaevents.com for more.

DS18 Unveils Newest TWEETER in Its Inventory – The TWN2

Posted on April 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged DS18.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL (04.30.2020) – DS18’s new PRO-TWN2 has all the looks of a driver but has been compactly sized to fit into super tweeter dimensions. This new super tweeter’s 1-inch voice coil can handle 100 watts RMS and 200 watts peak and comes with a neodymium magnet which increases the tweeters efficiency and lowers the weight dramatically.

Each tweeter comes with a bass blocker that is included for extra protection against frequencies that would otherwise damage the tweeter. Listeners can feel safe their equipment can play loud and long. These tweeters have a very high sensitivity of 107DB, so they do not require full power to get extremely loud. This opens all up to multiple amp choices for the TWN2 tweeters and provides the versatility listeners look for in powering and using these new tweeters.

The TWN2 has a MSRP – $67.95 each. The specs on the new TWN2 Super Bullet Tweeter are Voice Coil – 1 inch, power handling, RMS watts – 100, Max watts – 200, Sensitivity – 107db, Diaphragm – Composite, Polyimide, Resistance – 4 ohms and Magnet – Neodymium.

Visit ds18.com for more.

PowerBass Steps Up to Help 12V Retailers and Installers Make a Difference

Posted on April 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged PowerBass.

ONTARIO, CA (04.29.2020) – PowerBass recently entered the safer at home order as put in place by the California State and local government in an effort to keep our employees safe during this trying time in our world. During this time we began reaching out to our customers and checking in on thing across the country and we began to see many retailers and installers banding together to make shields for the essential healthcare workers to protect themselves on the front line when dealing with sick patients and the general public. This great initiative was started from the lack of supplies seen by this great group of people and began with nothing but an idea, the money in their own pockets, and the strong desire to help our nation.

PowerBass wanted to do its part to help these great men and women on their journey as we learned of their plans to ramp up to large scale production the need for more materials was very apparent so we decided as a company that is was our duty to in turn step up to help our friends and partners in business achieve their goals. Early on in the progress we reached out to our friend Gary Bell and offered our assistance by means of a donation to help him and others that have joined in the group for producing these much needed face shields, a bit of help to gather the needed materials for production.

Gary Bell of Define Concepts stated “Erik reached out to see how PowerBass could be most effective in helping the 12v community. The timing was perfect as we were sourcing more material to help shops across the country. Many were having trouble sourcing the PETG material need for the face shield lenses. PowerBass’s donation was able to provide the material for over 650 lenses. These lenses covered important front-line faces across the country.”

We are extremely proud of the efforts of all evolved in this valiant project to help those healthcare workers remain safe while protecting our families and friends across the country and we know they have made a positive impact on the world from their efforts.

Erik Harbour of PowerBass stated “PowerBass wanted to show its support by helping this great group of not only 12V retailers and installers but also people we are happy to call friends. We feel this program is a great thing and has already helped so many medical and other professionals in need during this strange time in our world and we are looking forward to seeing how many more they can help along this journey. The efforts of these great men and women truly show how we can all come together to overcome obstacles that we are all facing together and by supporting and lifting each other up, this is how we as a nation will endure. We wish them and the world all the best and hope everyone around the globe remains safe and healthy during this tough time.”

For more information on how you or your company can contribute please contact Gary Bell at FreeFaceShieldsSoCal@gmail.com

KICKER Now Shipping Auto-Tuning KEY Smart Amplifiers to Dealers

Posted on April 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Kicker.

STILLWATER, OK (04.29.2020) – One year ago KICKER engineers set the audio world on alert with its first auto-tuning, smart amp that literally repairs inferior factory or aftermarket audio. This year KICKER introduced compact KEY amplifiers that improve both full-range and bass sound. The KEY200.4 Smart 4-Channel Amp/Processor and the KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amp/Bass Revealer use AI-driven DSP (digital signal processing) to dramatically improve audio, and they are now shipping to Authorized KICKER Dealers nationwide, available for purchase online and in-store.

Built to improve the performance of door speakers and tweeters, the start/stop-compatible KEY200.4 four-channel amplifier comes with a microphone and integrated push-button remote. The remote is designed to start the automatic tuning and calibration process once amplifier installation is complete.

A simple press of the selector (attached to the microphone) sets the KEY’s test tones and proprietary algorithms in motion. The system detects each speakers’ size, applies a 24dB crossover and 40 channels of equalization, applies time alignment, and customizes the gain levels of each channel independently. The true potential of the vehicle’s full-range system is revealed in a matter of seconds, delivering dramatic improvements in realism and soundstage without the need for expensive external processors or professional tuning.

The KEY500.1 is a 500-watt subwoofer amplifier, built in the same compact footprint as its four-channel cousin but focusing on a single bass channel. Using KICKER’s supplied test tones downloadable from the company website, the KEY sub amp automatically analyzes the audio being fed directly into the amplifier. Once analyzed, the KEY500.1 automatically repairs peaks in that signal while revealing the low bass that is typically missing in mediocre systems. In a matter of moments, it reveals a clean, even bass response at all volume levels. The KEY500.1 comes with 24dB sub-sonic and low-pass crossovers, bass boost and gain controls, and matches perfectly with any KICKER subwoofer or loaded sub enclosure that’s 12 inches or smaller.

Both the KEY200.4 and KEY500.1 represent a completely revolutionary approach to achieving greatly improved sound quality in an affordable package that installs nearly anywhere, and works with even the most modern factory or aftermarket audio systems. KICKER’s exclusive FIT2 (Fail-safe Integration Technology) allows KEY amps to work with nearly any radio.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Accent Mobile Highlights Specialty Vehicles

Posted on April 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry.

SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (04.29.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers is pleased to introduce their latest products for Van Converters, Coach Builders, Upfitters and Fleet Managers. The lineup includes LED and Incandescent lighting solutions, HVAC system Air Vents and Control Panels to add functionality and complement the interiors of their customers vehicles and projects.

“Upfitters, Expeditors and Restylers now have a stylish option to add efficacy and supplemental functionality to their project vehicles including Limousines, Commercial Vans and RV’s”, stated Bob Goodman, Director of Channel Sales. Accent Mobile. Accent Mobile has solutions for any project requiring additional lighting, HVAC, or Control Panel implementation. LED, Incandescent lighting is available as single or dual Map Lights in various shapes and finishes and provides complete design flexibility.

Accent Mobile’s Custom Universal Air Vents are available in black or chrome and meet industry standard 2” or 2.5” configurations.

Finally, a stylish solution for controlling various functions in Limos, RV’s, Buses and Custom Vans. Our DLS6K is a 6 Button Relay Control Panel with OEM fit & finish. Each Button is backlit with indication of off and on by backlight color. Each Momentary touch button can easily be custom labeled with 20 provided square stickers. Installation is simplified with 3M adhesive and just a 2” hole necessary for passing the control cable.