STILLWATER, OK (10.24.2019) – Fresh off attending and supporting the Unified Car Audio Championships (Louisville, Ky.) and USACi World Finals (Lawton, Okla.), KICKER continues its support of car-stereo competition by sponsoring the MWSPL Finals for the third consecutive year. The finals will be The The held at the Missouri State Fairgrounds October 26-27.
More than 120 competitors have committed to
attend, according to the MWSPL Finals Facebook Event page.
After the competition has ended Saturday, a
competitor’s party with costume contest will add more fun to the festivities, with
prizes donated by KICKER awarded to the best costume. KICKER is providing
prizes for many of the functions that night.
MWSPL will also run a silent charity auction
during the Finals, with items donated by KICKER and other manufacturers. This
year’s goal is to raise at least $4,500, with proceeds earmarked to help an
ailing child in Arkansas. Details are available on the MWSPL Facebook page.
This year’s MWSPL Finals will feature a
separate “progressive outdoor competition” that builds a competitor’s potential
points for the 2020 season. The point value of the competition increases as the
attendance of the outdoor event rises.
“It’s a way to build some excitement,” said
MWSPL founder Steve Benton. “The more of (competitor’s) friends they can get to
compete, the larger the potential reward.”
PHOENIX, AZ (10.24.2019) – MTX Audio invites you to visit them this year at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show November 5th – November 8th in Las Vegas, NV.
MTX Audio is making its return to the North hall this year and can be found in Booth #11823 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The company will have a second booth located outside of the Performance Pavilion in booth #62150. MTX will be showcasing new model specific audio components, current best sellers, and a variety of products that they manufacture for several OEM partners.
In their North hall booth, MTX will be displaying their custom “Junkyard Cat” Wildcat UTV loaded with an audio system featuring the MTX AWMC3 media controller, compression tower speakers, MUD amplifiers, and custom Subwoofer enclosure as well as an assortment of performance upgrades that make this Arctic Cat something you don’t want to miss. Additionally, they will feature a Polaris RZR S model UTV outfitted with their new vehicle specific, plug and play audio kit that also is compatible with the newer “Velocity” models as well as backwards compatible with older generations of RZR vehicles.
Their outside booth will have two Polaris RZR vehicles in it. One featuring their new Turbo S system powered up and ready for demo as well as theircustom XP model featuring multiple MUD65PL cage speakers, four square S65 model woofers in a custom under-seat enclosure and their all new front pod speakers ready to belt out the tunes.
As an additional treat, they’ll also have not one, but two custom drag cars from the Street Outlaws, No Prep Kings TV series on display. Shawn Wilhoit and his car “The Mistress” along with Brad “B-Rad” Eglian and “Luminasty” will be available to take photos and get autographs from the guys throughout the event. They’ll also be hosting a poster signing on Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.”
HOLLY HILL, FL (10.24.2019) – Metra Electronics is excited to showcase 13 new vehicle-specific dash kits at the 2019 SEMA Show. These new kits are engineered to fit either standard ISO Single-DIN or Double-DIN radios in addition to several custom engineered kits for specific “L” shaped Double-DIN radio chassis designs. These new plastic TurboKits will be on display with an additional 20 new kits designed specifically for the Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX 8-inch radio that will be announced next week.
Metra’s plastic dash kits are proudly made in the USA with the highest quality ABS plastic using injection molding technology to ensure a superior design and fit. Dash kits will fit select models for Jeep Cherokee, Kia Forte, Mazda 5, Mercedes Sprinter, Nissan Altima and Kicks, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Corolla and Hatchback and the Volkswagen Jetta. Installers can see Metra’s dash kits on display in Metra’s main booth 11639 in the North Hall of the SEMA Show from November 5th – 8th and featured in the 2019 New Product Guide, available for download at MetraOnline.com on the opening day of the show.
Dash Kit Part Numbers, Vehicle Models and Specifications:
95-6554B
Jeep Cherokee 1997-2001
● Permanent dash modifications required
● A new Double-DIN version for an old application
● A complete replacement panel for a factory look
99-7394B
Kia Forte 2019-Up*
● Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black
99-7527S
Mazda 5 2006-2007 (with factory NAV)
● Storage pocket included to replace the factory NAV screen
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket or Double-DIN radio provision
● Painted silver
95-8731
Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)
● Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations
● Polished gloss black to match the factory finish
99-8731
Mercedes Sprinter 2019-Up* (excluding models with the factory touchscreen radio)
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Polished gloss black to match the factory finish
95-7637
Nissan Altima 2019-Up*
● Designed specifically for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish
99-7637
Nissan Altima 2019-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted gloss black with bright silver trim and a textured back plate to match the factory finish
95-7636B Nissan Kicks 2018-Up* ● Designed specifically for Double-DIN installations ● Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish
99-7636B
Nissan Kicks 2018-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted scratch-resistant matte black to match the factory finish
95-8911HG
Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*
● Designed for Double-DIN radio provision
● Painted gloss black
99-8911HG
Subaru Ascent 2019-Up*
● Designed for Single-DIN radio provision with pocket
● Painted gloss black
99-8270HG
Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2019-Up* and Toyota Corolla 2020-Up*
● Designed for most Single-DIN radios and a special design for ISO Double-DIN radios with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen. Specifically Alpine INE-W967HD, INE-W977HD, iLX-107, and iLX-207 (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Special brackets included for Pioneer modular radios DMH-C2550NEX and DMH-C2500NEX (refer to radio manufacturer for current models)
● Painted high gloss black to match the factory finish
99-9014HG
Volkswagen Jetta
● Specifically designed for an ISO Double-DIN radio with an “L” shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the top of the screen (or the current Pioneer 6.8″ screen and separate chassis)
● Blank plate included for Single-DIN installations
● Painted a color-matched gloss black to match the factory finish
Visit MetraOnline.com for up-to-date vehicle-specific applications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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
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.
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.”
12VoltNews.com 
