Author: 12VoltNews

IASCA INAC 2019 and Unified Car Audio Championship, including IASCA, MECA and dB Drag, a Huge Success in Louisville

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL (10.23.2019) – The 2019 IASCA North American Championship (INAC), concluded on Sunday, October 13th, 2019 with over 100 competitors from the U.S., Canada and Mexico vying for championship titles in sound quality, installation quality, IdBL and Bass Boxing SPL competitions.

“It was a proud moment to see all of our competitors ready to battle for another championship.” said Moe Sabourin, Director of Operations for IASCA Worldwide, “There were also a lot of new faces in both the SPL and SQ lanes, which was exciting. It’s also great to see old friends that I only get to see once a year here in Louisville. It reminds me of all the awesome times we’ve had together at this event over the years.”

The inaugural IASCA Motosounds Competitors at INAC. This was the first to have a Finals Competition for Motorcycle and PowerSports formats. Terry Floyd (C)made it happen and is pictured with Competition in the formats.

Awards this year featured a custom cnc machined base with dye sublimated plaques for INAC and the 3X event, sponsored by Arc Audio, along with the traditional 3 foot cup for Triple Crown and the much desired boxing belts in IASCA Bass Boxing.

Notable Champions include Brian Mitchell, successfully defending his Triple Crown 2 seat Championship for 2 years in a row now, winning his third this past weekend. Brian was also the weekend’s entertainment with crazy costumes each day, keeping everyone smiling.

Robert Corwin successfully defended his Triple Crown 1 seat Championship, and newcomer Anthony Rodriguez was awarded the Champion spot in the Novice SQ Class. And, this year’s INAC saw the return of Scott Buwalda’s infamous “Black Betty”, which took top honors in all formats of the Extreme Open SQ class.

The awards table held all of the IASCA Awards for INAC and the 3X event, including the Triple Crown Trophies and Bass Boxing Belts.

The Unified Car Audio Championship and IASCA were also supported by many industry members as well, such as Arc Audio (SQ Hall sponsor and Trophy Sponsor), JL Audio, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Kicker, US Acoustics, Focal, Pioneer and many more.

“Special thanks go out to our entire Judging Team, support staff and supporters” Sabourin continued to say; “These great people worked their butts off and delivered a first class event. Without their hard work and dedication to IASCA competition, we would not be here today.”

The Sound Quality (SQC) Judging Team consisted of Travis Chin (Head Judge), Keith Turner, Tim Goudy, John Sketoe, Steve Head, IASCA Caribbean Director Shazad Rahaman, Jeff Smith and after a brief absence from the judging lanes, Gord Stansell returned to judge install (IQC).

Top Competitor Brian Mitchell lit up the Competition lanes. The white jacket, with LED’s, drew attention to the “bling” around his neck and on his fingers. An ARC Audio amplifier medallion, with the brand CNC’ed, hangs from a necklace.

The SPL Judging team consisted of Head Judge Aaron Dunkle, Scott Sinde, Brandon Rosser, Matt Miller from the West Coast, and Joey and Chrystle Perry.

INAC also saw its first ever “Motosounds” motorcycle Championship with LA Audio shop owner Larry Adams taking the top spot in his class. Head Judge Terry Floyd worked hard all season long to build the motorcycle competition format and had a great time with the Motosounds competitors.

Amazing custom installations were featured in Competitors vehicles in Louisville.

Support Staff include Kim Sabourin, Terry Floyd and Kim Cook.

The Rules and Ethics Committees have already begun drafting the new rules for 2020, which are set to be released in January.

Winners of the IASCA INAC and the 3X competitions will be posted on the IASCA website in the coming days. You can view the results at www.iasca.com/events.

For more information, contact IASCA at (386) 322-1551 or email memberservices@iasca.com.

Daimler Chairman Ola Källenius to Keynote at CES 2020

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PARIS, FRANCE (10.23.2019) – During CES Unveiled in Paris, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz, will deliver a keynote address at CES 2020. Källenius will take the stage for a preshow keynote on Monday, Jan. 6 at 8:30 PM at the Park Theater at the Park MGM Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

Källenius will present a groundbreaking concept car inspired by one of the most innovative entertainment brands, envisioning a completely new form of interaction between humans, technology and nature. CES has been named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Auto Shows, with top auto manufacturers choosing CES 2020 to unveil their latest innovations. Vehicle technology at CES is larger than many stand-alone car shows, with more than 140 exhibitors representing the entire vehicle tech ecosystem including, 10 major auto manufacturers, top automotive suppliers, self-driving companies and automotive software companies. CES 2020 will showcase the latest in self-driving vehicles, concept cars and connected vehicles.

“CES is the epicenter for the latest advancements in vehicle tech, with technology innovation making our roads safer and our cars more connected,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “We look forward to hearing Ola Källenius’s vision for the future of Daimler and his thoughts on driving the industry forward with innovation.”

Ola Källenius has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since Jan. 1, 2015 and was named Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG on May 22, 2019. He is also Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division.

Källenius joins other confirmed CES keynote speakers, including Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian; Quibi CEO Meg Whitman and Founder Jeffrey Katzenberg. The CES Keynote Schedule will update regularly with the full keynote lineup as additional speakers are announced. More than 1,100 visionaries and thought leaders are expected to speak and share insights on premiere technologies at CES 2020. Visit the CES Featured Speakers page to see the latest.

Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2020, the world’s largest and most influential technology event, will run Jan. 7-10, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES will provide access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more. Industry leaders and rising stars will come together to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry.

Visit CES.tech for all CES updates and register for CES 2020.

Stinger Announces Patent Issued for X-Link

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CLEARWATER, FL (10.23.2019) – Stinger Electronics has announced the grant of US Patent No. 10,381,184 B1 for the X-LINK Distribution Block

The patent protected X-LINK, revolutionizes circuit protection in high performance audio installations, providing an all-in-one system that allows for easier, cleaner than ever fused power, and/or ground distribution on any install.

Click here to enlarge the image above.

Patent No. 10,381,184 B1 describes that the X-LINK apparatus for enabling distribution of electric power, fusing, and/or ground connection in electrical systems is provided. The apparatus may include an extensible, interlocking, modular block of multiple-use modules. Each module may be configured to include a fuse or a link bar mounted within it.

The grant of this patent further recognizes the quality and innovation being generated by Stinger. “Being granted the patent only solidifies what we already knew, X-LINK’s innovative design allows retailers to stock a single part that covers dozens of fusing and distribution items they would have had to cover with a larger mix in the past, and the sales have proven that our customers agree.” Said Kevin Kuenzie, Director of Audio Product Strategy & Development.

Stinger X Ultimate Wiring Kits Featuring X-LINK

Stinger X Ultimate Wiring Kits are designed to provide the highest power transfer and system flexibility for no compromise installations. The best components were created to achieve the maximum performance from your system including X-LINK. With its ability to transform from an inline fuse holder to an expandable power, ground, or power and ground distribution block, while able to accept 0,4, or 8Ga input/outputs and either ANL or MIDI/AFS fuses. The X-LINK block is accompanied by Hyper-Twist Tru-Spec wire, Expert Ground Terminals, Power Terminals, Wire Ferrules and an accessories pack to complete the installation.

Power delivery, and just as important, but often overlooked, ground integrity are the main goals of these kits. So, to make sure the ground potential is as equally robust as the power delivery, we have included a ground reinforcement cable to be used from the battery to the chassis and on the amplifier side the Expert Ground Terminal for a large footprint, low resistance, non-rotating grounding terminal.

To complement the power and ground delivery performance we would recommend utilizing other leading products from Stinger X including interconnects, optical cables and sound damping products for the best power and sound.

Available now from Authorized Stinger X dealers:

XFDB108 Universal 0-8GA Power or Ground linkable fused distribution block

X2K01 0GA Ultra-Premium power delivery and ground upgrade kit
Designed specifically for car audio systems up to 3000 watts or 300 amps

X2K41 4GA Ultra-Premium power delivery and ground upgrade kit
Designed specifically for car audio systems up to 1750 watts or 175 amps

X2K8 8GA Ultra-Premium power delivery and ground upgrade kit
Designed specifically for car audio systems up to 800 watts or 70 amps
For more information regarding the MAP protected X-LINK and Ultimate Wiring Kits, contact your Stinger sales representative.

Visit stingerelectronics.com and aampglobal.com for more.

The MECA Finals Really is the BIG SHOW

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LOUISVILLE, KY (10.22.2019) – MECA’s 21st season ended in high style at the Car Audio Championship event at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville on October 13th. 40 World Champions were determined in SQL, SPL, Show & Shine, and Ride The Light contests. 186 vehicles participated in the event, which included lots of new people in the 2020 Kick-off Party.

The MECA Finals Trophies set to be awarded to winners.
Ken Reed, Best of Best of Show Winner, pictured with the trophies he won in Louisville. The tallest trophy is 7’ tall. Reed is a Team Audio X member from Florence, AL.

Sponsors TRU Technology as SQL Title Sponsor, and SPL Co-Sponsors Ohio Generator, Sundown Audio, and XS Power helped to present the largest number of MECA Finals awards in the history of the club.

Alek Wiser’s MECA Kids, 10 Years, Show-Stopper. Alek’s father Derex Wiser is a Team Imperial member.

For a complete list of MECA Finals results, see:
mecaevents.com/results/2574

Chris Gregory (R), a Charter MECA Member and Modified 2 World Champion, is pictured in Louisville with MECA Commish Steve Stern.

Notable Mobile Electronics Industry awards were presented at the show: XS Power – Manufacturer of the Year, Arc Audio – 12-Volt Industry Award, SoundCheck – Retail Member from Lafayette, IN repeats, O.S.C. from Cleveland, TN – Team of The Year, Alma Gates Lifetime Achievement Award – Steve Cook from Audio X in Florence, AL, Venue of the Year – Slamology, Best Press Coverage – 12voltnews.com.

Dave Clews, 12volt Dave’s in Pottsville PA, displayed his stunning “Because the Music Matters” entry.
MECA Show and Shine Winners with their trophies on Sunday afternoon, October 13th.

MECA provided 176 shows internationally, with 150+ in the USA in 2019. New Event Directors are being trained, along with new judges, for the 2020 season. Demand for sound-off events is growing, especially in when partnering with car/truck/motorcycle shows, cruise-ins, and charity events.

State Champion Certificates are being prepared and mailed. Over 280 certificates… with a few show here on Commish Stern’s desk.

280 State Champion certificates were issued by the club for 2019.

“Thanks to our dedicated R&E Committee, the Event Directors, Judges, and Competitors who make our club fair and fun, all based on music and community.”

-MECA

For a complete list of MECA Finals results, see:
mecaevents.com/results/2574

All awards may be viewed in the Archives at www.mecacaraudio.com, including World Champions, Club Awards, and individual State Champions. Congratulations to all the winners!

Nakamichi Car Audio Adds to Rep Force

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ORANGE COUNTY, CA (10.22.2019) – On a recent trip to Southern California, Robin McNeal, Nakamichi Car Audio National Sales Manager, met with newly appointed local rep Jerry Zemming of Sound Sales & Marketing. The two strategized during a breakfast meeting which included talk about the current product and availability, limited distribution philosophy, target accounts and new 2020 models including a foray into Hi Res Audio. Sound Sales & Marketing will service all of Southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego and the border.

Robin McNeal (R) and Jerry Zemming strategized during a breakfast meeting which included talk about the current product and availability, limited distribution philosophy, target accounts and new 2020 models including a foray into Hi-Res Audio.

Both McNeal and Zemming are looking forward to the upcoming SEMA Show next month in Las Vegas where the iconic Japanese brand will be on display in the North Hall of the LVCC in booth #11632.

McNeal was also gratified to announce additional representative appointments in these Western territories:

Advanced Marketing—Pacific Northwest (WA, OR and Western ID)
Arrowhead Sales-MINK (MO, IA, NE and KS)
Discovery On Mark Group-Rocky Mountains (AZ, NM, So NV, CO, UT, MT, WY and Eastern ID)

“Nakamichi Car Audio is pleased to welcome Sound Sales & Marketing along with all the other fine representative organizations from coast to coast to our family. It is with great satisfaction that I welcome our freshman rep class as we head into SEMA and CES.”

For additional information about Nakamichi Car Audio you can reach out Robin McNeal directly at (702) 558-4447 or via email at robin@usa-nakamichi.com

Visit www.nakamichicaraudio.com for more.

SSV Works Goes Big with New 8-Inch Powersports Cage Mount Speaker Pods at 2019 SEMA Show

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OXNARD, CA (10.22.2019) – SSV Works will feature a new universal cage pod speaker enclosure for 8-inch midrange powersports speakers during SEMA Show 2019, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth S38011. The US2-C8U is now available with an MSRP of $349.99.

“Get bigger sound in a smaller space by adding 8-inch speakers to your UTV’s cage,” explained Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “These enclosures were specifically designed to match the design of your UTV, and compact to not block the driver’s visibility. ”

Kaplan continued, “Most competitor cage pods offered in the market today are repurposed boat enclosures finished in high gloss white or black to resemble other parts of a boat’s aesthetics. That approach does not translate well for UTV customers as most parts in the UTV are in a matte black or textured black plastic finish. The US2-C8U are finished in a proprietary blend of black ASA plastic and stylized to match UTV interior shapes and textures. Our new 8-inch pods are available unloaded or loaded with a Kicker 8-inch marine speaker to complement our powersports audio kits.”

The dual clamping system allows for 360-degree rotation while on the cage. Unlike other cage pods where you need to find its position before being mounted, the US2-C8U can be installed and adjusted while on the vehicle, thus reducing frustration and installation time. Kit includes stainless mounting hardware and weatherproof harnessing.

For more information, visit www.SSVWorks.com, call 818-991-1SSV (1778), or email sales@SSVworks.com

Woofer Electronics Joins EDA

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SEATTLE, WA (10.21.2019) – Elite Distributor Alliance has announced the addition of Woofer Electronics to the premier 12 Volt focused member owned buying group. Chicago based Woofer Electronics services the upper Midwest states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Founded in 1980, Sam Yoo had this to say about joining EDA: “The EDA has brought together an amazing group of distributors who share an immense passion for this industry. The EDA’s strategy and vision are incredibly exciting and we could not be happier to be a part of it. We look forward to working closely with the member and vendor partners to help continue the group’s growth and success.”

Woofer provides same day or next day service to nearly all the dealers served. Jim Warren, EDA’s Executive Director said, “Sam and his team have built a very exciting company in America’s heartland – the alignment of brands and vision is powerful, and we look forward to working closely with Sam and his leadership team.”

EDA, which consists of a dozen members servicing almost all corners of the lower 48 states is experiencing double digit growth. Josh Eatherly, EDA’s president added, “2020 will be a pivotal year for our buying group with several significant initiatives that will be announced in coming months. We are committed to adding value in very significant ways and Woofer Electronics is positioned well to partner with our members. We are really pleased to have Sam join the group as we continue our path to $200,000,000 in wholesale buying power.”

Visit elitedistributoralliance.com and wooferelectronics.com for more.

Tint World Opens New Olathe Location

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OLATHE, KS (10.21.2019) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has announced Tint World of Lenexa, under the ownership of local entrepreneur Austin Gurba and co-owners Evan Gurba and Bob Peel, has moved to a larger location in Olathe following years of business success.

“I have a passion for all types of cars and spent many years going to car shows with my own vehicles,” Gurba said. “I wanted to turn my passion into a career, and Tint World provides a great path for success in this industry. They have streamlined the process to give you all the support you need to reach your business goals.”

Tint World Olathe, Kansas will provide a full range of automotive styling and safety services including automotive tint, automotive paint protection film, mobile electronics, advanced driver-assistance systems, car stereo upgrades, and residential and commercial window film.

“Austin is a young entrepreneur who has invested in his passion and seen it pay off,” said Charles Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “He leaned into his sales background and put a lot of love into the Lenexa store. Now, six years later, the trio has purchased a larger building and completed a full renovation to accommodate the demand in the area.”

The all-new Tint World Olathe, Kansas store is located at 1301 E Santa St, Olathe, KS 66061. For more information, call 913-815-8468.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

New Lightbars from Heise by Metra Electronics

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HOLLY HILL, FL (10.21.2019) – Heise LED Lighting by Metra Electronics will introduce four new styles of automotive LED lightbars at the 2019 SEMA Show. To fit more bumpers, tight spaces and hidden applications in vehicles, Heise is unveiling a new 20-inch single-row Edgeless Slimline Lightbar with a clean, modern look, free of screws in the front view. A 22-inch Dual-Row Heated Lightbar with 40 high-output LEDs will also join the brand’s lightbar lineup, designed with a heating element to automatically melt the frost on snowy days. Additionally, Heise will have a new High Output Dual-Row Side Light Series and a High Output Dual-Row Lightbar Series in multiple lengths that offer even brighter off-road lighting solutions with more illumination.

20-Inch Edgeless Slimline Lightbar
Heise offers a clean, seamless look that blends with any vehicle with their new Edgeless Slimline Lightbar, available in a 20-inch size to fit many aftermarket bumper installations. The Edgeless Slimline lightbar offers an 8-degree spot beam pattern that is more focused than previous models with a higher 5,309 lumen output. A modern streamlined appearance is void of the traditional look of screws on the front of the lightbar. This style doesn’t sacrifice its durability or IP rating, as it features Heise’s proprietary torture-tested heavy-duty construction with a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens and integrated-epoxy encapsulated electronics. It is rated IP67 with a military breather port that allows moisture to escape.

HE-TSL20 Product Specifications:
• Length: 20”
• Wattage: 64W
• Raw Lumens: 5309 lm
• Current Consumption @ 13.8V: 5.33A

22-Inch High Output Dual-Row Heated Lightbar
Fight the frost with Heise’s new 22-inch high-output heated lightbar. The heating element will activate below 41°F to assist with defrosting and de-icing of the lightbar and will automatically shut off when the temperature reaches 41°F or higher. This lightbar is torture-tested and IP67 rated to withstand the worst environments and has 120 watts with 10,800 lumens of light. It is designed with integrated advanced thermal management and a military breather port that allows moisture to escape and prevents fogging while defrosting the surface of the light for added visibility during snow season. This powerful lightbar is constructed with integrated-epoxy encapsulated electronics, a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens and die-cast aluminum housing. The hybrid 90-degree flood beam pattern offers a wide angle of illumination while the 8-degree spot beam provides intense light in the center flanked by the wide beam for extra coverage.

HE-HDRH22 Product Specifications:
• Length: 22”
• Wattage: 120W
• Raw Lumens: 10,800 lm
• Current Consumption @ 13.8V: 8.27A

High Output Dual-Row with Side Light Series
New Dual-Row Lightbars with Side Lights are designed to provide even more coverage to illuminate the road ahead and all around the vehicle. This new series is available in three different lengths and features a set of diffused LED end caps on both sides of the bar that produce a 240-degree field of light. A high output of illumination ensures that one lightbar will provide more than enough coverage for dark nights. This series is constructed with Heise’s signature torture-tested design, a military breather port and is rated IP67 to withstand the worst environments.

HE-HDRS Series Products Specifications:
• Lengths: 9.2”, 15.2” and 23.2” (HE-HDRS8, HE-HDRS14, HE-HDRS22)
• Wattage: 48W, 84W and 132W
• Raw Lumens: 4,760 lm, 8,000 lm and 12,300 lm
• Current Consumption @ 13.8V: 3.58A, 5.58A and 9.58A

High Output Dual-Row Lightbar Series
 Heise is going brighter than ever with an even higher output lightbar series that produces more lumens than their existing dual-row series. These powerful lightbars are engineered with integrated-epoxy encapsulated electronics, a virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lens, a military breather port and die-cast aluminum housing. They have been torture-tested and are IP67 rated to withstand the worst environments and are available in lengths from 8 to 50 inches. The hybrid 90-degree flood beam pattern offers a wide angle of illumination while the 8-degree spot beam provides intense light in the center flanked by the wide beam for extra coverage.

HE-HDR Series Products Specifications:
• Length: 8”, 14”, 22”, 32”, 42” and 50” (HE-HDR8, HE-HDR14, HE-HDR22, HE-HDR32, HE-HDR42, HE-HDR50)
• Wattage: 36W, 72W, 120W, 180W, 240W and 288W
• Raw Lumens: 3,240 lm, 6,480 lm, 10,800 lm, 16,200 lm, 21,600 lm and 25,920 lm
• Current Consumption @ 13.8V: 2.26A, 4.5A, 4.52A, 4.52A, 16.5A, 8.8A and 18.1A

Metra Electronics will showcase these new products at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas from November 5th – 8th at booth 37017 in the South Hall Upper Level with their off-road, truck and powersports products. They will also be at Metra’s main booth 11639 in the North Hall. Visit HeiseLED.com for additional product information and to see the new full-line catalog, available on opening day of the SEMA Show.

Visit metraonline.com for more.

JL Audio Signs 2019 Supra PWT Champion Nic Rapa as Brand Ambassador

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MIRAMAR FL (10.18.2019) – JL Audio has signed a sponsorship deal with professional wakeboarder and 2019 Supra Boats PWT champion, Nic Rapa. Headed into the 2020 season, Rapa will be representing the JL Audio brand as he strives for more pro championship wins.

“Participating in the PWT for the last several years has given us the opportunity to develop relationships with all the amazing athletes that compete – specifically Nic Rapa,” said Bryatt Fischer, Marketing Director, JL Audio. “His professional approach to his craft and loyal fan base speaks volumes for who Nic is, and we are excited to align the JL Audio brand with him going into the 2020 season.”

Nic Rapa is all smiles to be aboard as a JL Audio Brand Ambassador.

Since turning pro and joining the Supra Boats Team in 2016, native Australian Nic Rapa has quickly made a name for himself in wakeboarding. After winning the Supra Boats PWT Rookie of The Year title and placing in the top three rankings at the WWA Wakeboard World Championships his first year competing as a professional, Nic won second place at the 2017 and 2018 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tours. This year, Nic earned the Champion title at the 2019 Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour, as well as at the 2019 Nautique WWA National Champion, solidifying his status as a marquee rider in watersports.

“I have been immersed in watersports since I was three years old and couldn’t imagine being on the water without music,” said Nic Rapa. “JL Audio is an incredibly influential audio brand and I look forward to working with them to grow as a professional athlete and further expand their impressive influence in the watersports space and marine industry.”

JL Audio has been working indirectly with Rapa since 2016 when he first joined the Supra Boats Team. As the exclusive audio supplier for Supra Boats, Rapa has first-hand experience with JL Audio products. JL Audio has been entrenched in the professional wakeboarding circuit with their sponsorship of the Supra Boats Pro Wakeboard Tour since 2014. The PWT has served as the stage for JL Audio to connect directly with watersports and boating enthusiasts alike to demonstrating the latest and greatest in marine audio technology. The partnership with Nic allows JL Audio to continue to support and inspire the next generation of watersport athletes.

Visit www.jlaudio.com for more.