KICKER Returns to the Sand Sports Super Show

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STILLWATER, OK (09.14.22) – KICKER will bring a truckload of fun to the world’s biggest sand-sports event – the West Coast’s annual Sand Sports Super Show. The Orange County (Calif.) Fair and Event Center plays host to the event Sept. 16-18.

KICKER is bringing its 83-foot rolling showroom – the XRV (Xtreme Recreational Vehicle) tractor-trailer, along with four custom side-by-sides equipped with KICKER powersports gear and parked under the awning.  The XRV trailer itself displays the complete line of KICKER audio gear and will make space for several show-quality vehicles under its awning, including vehicles by Uncensored Motorsports and a Murfco-owned UTV, built by Morgan Motorsports. Showgoers can find the XRV at booth 9008-LI, by the East entrance.

KICKER will have a strong presence outside of the booth as well. KICKER partner SSV Works (booth 2035-GG) will have KICKER-equipped side-by-sides on hand, as well as Gatorwraps, which is located next to the XRV. Several KICKER dealers will also have UTVs on-site, including UTV Stereo (9101-UI), Temecula Motorsports (1811), California Sound (4054-FZ) and Bert’s Mega Mall (inside their pavilion).

There will be multiple ways to win KICKER prizes during the Super Show. KICKER will offer a chance to win a 150-watt PowerBar™ amplified system, which event-goers can enter to win by finding the scannable QR code at the XRV. The Super Show will also give away a trio of Bullfrog BF100 Outdoor Speakers during the show.  Contestants can register by scanning the QR code located on the Super Show map.

For more information, consumers can go online to www.sandsportssupershow.com.

Alpine Becomes the First Aftermarket Car Audio Company with TIDAL Integration

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (09.14.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) has launched its TIDAL integration available via a free software update. The compatible head units include the new Alpine Halo11 iLX-F511, the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509, the iLX-507, and Jeep-specific radios i509-WRA-JK and i509-WRA-JL. Alpine is the first aftermarket car audio company with full TIDAL integration.

Music the Way the Artist Intended
High-Resolution Audio is quickly becoming the new benchmark for music reproduction, and as the desire for high-fidelity playback becomes mainstream, many music artists are starting to release the “master” (uncompressed) studio recordings of their songs or albums.

Hi-Res Audio playback captures and reproduces the details that are lost in lower-quality, compressed file formats. These details, like the breath of the artist or subtle interactions with the instruments, contribute to a listening experience that was once previously exclusive to the “master” studio recordings, and in turn, allow the listener to experience music as the artist originally intended.

However, playback of Hi-Res music files or streaming is only made possible through audio sources that support the intended Hi-Res specification. Using trickle-down technology from Alpine’s new High-Res line; Ultra AlpineF#1Status (384kHz/64Bit) and Alpine Status System (192kHz/24Bit), Alpine’s new line of head units are able to reproduce music at the High-Res spec of 96kHz/24Bit.

Making Hi-Res Sound More Accessible
From today, compatible Alpine head unit customers can access the high-res streaming experience with TIDAL, accessing its catalog of over 90 million songs. For TIDAL HiFi and HiFi Plus Members, they’ll get lossless audio and high-fidelity music options for superior sound quality that elevates the music experience. TIDAL Masters, delivered in partnership with Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), allows HiFi Plus Members to listen to music exactly as the artist intended the track to sound. With thousands of expertly curated playlists, customers will be able to listen to all genres and discover new artists via TIDAL Rising.

Customers can access select TIDAL features directly on the head unit, including My Mix, a personalized curation of sound based on listening history, expertly curated playlists and individualized daily listening insights. The TIDAL feature also has convenient access to music controls like Play/Pause, Repeat, Shuffle, Playing List, and Search, where listeners can browse through featured artists, genres, “moods,” and more.

To get started, the software update is free to download and can be found on the Alpine Knowledge Center (https://kb.alpine-usa.com). The TIDAL app is available on the App Store or Google Play. A TIDAL subscription is required and sold separately. To access TIDAL on the Alpine Head Unit, the head unit must be tethered to a mobile or smartphone hotspot. Data rates may apply.

Kingpin University Uses KnowledgeFest to Kick Off 4th-Quarter Training

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LAS VEGAS, NV (09.14.22) – Kingpin University celebrated a high-value show presence at the latest KnowledgeFest exhibition and conference for the mobile electronics industry, held August 26-28, 2022 in Dallas. In addition to showcasing new product and hosting a series of training sessions on technical expertise and business growth, the company announced its fourth-quarter schedule for in-person, hands-on training at its Las Vegas campus.

Students attending the upcoming Next-Level Fabrication course on September 21 will have the unique experience of building a car destined for the show floor. Kingpin University’s award-winning Rat Rod, a 1928 Hudson Essex Super 6, will be featured in the Diamond Audio booth at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, November 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. Students will assist with system design, panel architecture, enclosure fabrication and wiring. In addition, participating attendees will receive credit with their names on the builder board during the show.

Sales professionals and store personnel who want to better understand the sales process will benefit from the DNA of a Sales Pro class session, October 15-16. The class studies the traits and habits of successful sellers in different industries and applies them to the customer-focused duties of the mobile electronics professional. Instruction includes customer outreach through phone, email and social media, proven listening and qualifying tactics, selling high-margin accessories, online-to-in-store transition and more.

The Mastering the Motorcycle Market course is designed for stores that see the viability of specialty transportation as a profit center. The two-day session, October 29-30, spans the gamut of the category, from understanding the culture of the rider, specifics and limitations of motorcycle integration and popular enhancements, all the way to system design and fabrication.

Automated fabrication is becoming a larger component of the car audio facility workday, and the Master Laser Class – Hands-On with Robots, November 11-13, is intended to teach shops to use laser-cutting technology to its fullest effect. The session covers the components of a laser cutter, use of drawing software to create the cutting patterns, materials selection, safety measures, system maintenance and upgrades, and most important, the timesaving and style-enhancing benefits of laser precision.

“From talking with retailers and installers at KnowledgeFest, we’re seeing shops transition from the COVID / post-COVID boom to the normal market forces that impact retail seasonally,” said Jason Kranitz, principal instructor at Kingpin University. “Stores can maximize their time during the pre-holiday period with professional training specifically designed to add revenue-generating capability to every in-store professional. The four classes we’ve selected provide instruction on category opportunities, skills enhancement and improved efficiency. Like our KnowledgeFest experience, we are excited to share our insights with our peers and look forward to each teaching opportunity.”

For more information on class schedules, accommodations and pricing, please visit kingpinuniversity.com

Real Audio Celebrated Expanding to a Larger Location with a Grand Opening

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ERIE, PA (09.13.22) – On Sunday, September 4th, Real Audio held the Grand Opening of the company’s new location on Edinboro Road in Erie, PA.

Kyle Kaulis related “Our Grand Opening at the new location was tremendous. Even though there was a mist in the air throughout the day we had a large turnout. Those who came had a chance to check out our new facility and spend time in the showroom seeing new products on display. In addition, we had a food truck for all to enjoy plus my Mother made desserts. People also checked out some crazy stereo builds. Davis Distribution had their Sony Jeep demo outside for all to check out along with some give aways.”

Kyle Kaulis cut the Grand Opening ribbon on Sunday surrounded by family and friends.
Attendees gathered around the sales counter in the showroom.

The new facility is 7400 sq ft and the large installation bay area has room for 9 vehicles plus 3 bikes. The large parking lot will be ideal for car shows and future events that Real Audio will host.

Real Audio opened in 2015 and today has a tight knit group of 6 employees including Rich Gruver, Chuck Snider, Jeremy Gross, DJ Rammelt Wes Barret, Reid Kaulis and Pedro along with Kyle Kaulis.

Kyle’s friend Jordan polishes the Davis Distribution Sony Jeep for demos.

Kaulis added “All of this came about fairly quickly. We had been working out of 2 locations…one being mostly for sales with same day installs and the other for longer-term custom installations. The building owner of the installation location wanted his building back. So we completed all of this in 2 weeks that would have normally taken probably 2 months. We still have fine tuning and showroom touches to complete. But we open and excited to be in our new location.”

Kyle is flanked by sons Ayden and Reid on the right.
Eye-catching signage and lighting gathers attention at night.

“We certainly thank our friends who traveled from out of town to attend our Grand Opening plus our staff, friends and family who contributed to the success of our Grand Opening” Kaulis concluded.

For more see @realaudio_erie on Instagram.

DOW Technologies Announces 12Volt Business Expansion

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TAMPA, FL (09.13.22) – DOW Technologies, the leading independently owned technology distributor, announced the expansion of their 12Volt business today. DOW has brought on two new vendor partners, Kicker and JVC, and expanded the territory serviced for two existing vendor partners, Sony and Alpine.

As of September 1st, DOW has signed agreements with Kicker and JVC to begin distributing products to independent dealers. DOW will be distributing JVC products in eleven states across the South, including Florida, the Southeast and TOLA territories. The agreement covers all of JVC’s products including exclusive distribution of the KW-M778BH model within the territory. DOW’s agreement with Kicker covers distribution of the full line of products in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

DOW expanded its partnership with Alpine beginning August 1st. DOW is now the fulfillment partner for Alpine in the seven states of the Southeast, in addition to their prior service of Arizona, southern California and Florida. Authorized dealers can order from DOW’s local warehouses to get product quickly and efficiently.

Also beginning September 1st, DOW deepened their ties with Sony’s mobile audio segment, expanding coverage to include Arizona. DOW will stock and distribute the full Sony and Sony Mobile ES lines across the full territory. DOW has been a partner with Sony’s 12Volt business since the early 1980s.

“We’ve had a great opportunity to expand our 12Volt offerings and create new partnerships in the industry over the past month” stated DOW’s senior vice president, sales and product management, Dave Elkin. “We continue to look at ways DOW can provide more value to dealers and vendors in the industry, and having industry leading partners like these makes it easier for dealers to find what they need from a source that offers great support.”

“This expansion is a result of our team’s dedication to provide the best value and support to our customers, recognizing how SMBs want partners that understand their needs,” added DOW’s director of sales, Drew Fischer. “We believe that vendors are seeing the value of the investments we’ve made in our staff, along with the unique programs we offer that benefit SMBs.”

To learn more about DOW Technologies, visit www.dowtechnologies.com or call 1.800.627.2900.

All-New HiFonics Zeus Delta Digital Class Amplifiers Have Arrived

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LIBERTYVILLE, IL (09.13.22) – ALL-NEW for 2022, Hifonics ZEUS DELTA amplifiers create compact space with higher quality sound fused into innovative components. An evolution from the ZEUS amplifier line, ALL-NEW ZEUS DELTA amplifiers create immersive playback that feeds audio with clean and undistorted levels of listening in every beat and note. Get ready for more layers of audio discovery, rich details, and cleaner playback within every genre of music.

Transforming audio into a vibrant soundscape of more layers of listening and playback, Hifonics ZEUS DELTA amplifiers make the most out of tighter areas when installation space is critical in vehicles with a smaller footprint.

ZEUS DELTA ZD-3350.1D mono amplifier

Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, said, “We have created this amplifier line as the next evolution of ZEUS sound. Bringing out more from your audio in every aspect while adding the flexibility of more install space into your vehicle or machine, ZEUS DELTA amplifiers signify a needed upgrade to every Hifonics car audio system. I am very excited to see the potential of car audio installations that the ALL-NEW ZEUS DELTA amplifier line will showcase.”

ABOUT THE ZEUS DELTA AMPLIFIER LINE
Bringing clean levels of undistorted clarity in every genre of music, ALL-NEW for 2022 ZEUS DELTA (ZD) amplifiers signify the ultimate audio system companion that adds more details to songs while delivering a fresh listening experience during any jam session that demands more POWER FROM THE GODS.

The entire Hifonics ZEUS DELTA amplifier line consists of one 5-channel, two 4-channels, one 2-channel, and four monoblocks. With a MASSIVE line to choose from, ZEUS DELTA promises to elevate your POWER FROM THE GODS listening experience with more immersion, deeper listening, and adding incredible details into every song.

ZEUS DELTA ZD-3350.1D mono amplifier input and output end panels

Featuring a murdered look that keeps installations and vehicle setups clean and sleek, every ZEUS DELTA amplifier is showcased within an all-black finish that blends in with any car audio system. With logo illumination featured on the top of the heat sink, ZEUS DELTA amplifiers continue the legendary look and performance of Hifonics amplifiers within a smaller footprint that add flexibility to installation space.

FEATURES INCLUDE:
• ULTRA COMPACT DIGITAL CLASS DESIGN
A full Digital Class amplifier line allows for a 30% smaller footprint compared to previous ZEUS amplifier lines – but still retains classic ZEUS power output
• AMPLIFIER CROSSOVER
Variable Electronic 12dB per octave
• LOW NOISE PRE-AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT
Maximum low voltage signal from the source unit comes into the amplifier circuit with minimal distortion
• RCA INPUTS
Nickel-plated, high-temperature, impact-resistant RCA inputs feature hex screw terminals that allow for secure connections
• ELECTRONIC EQUALIZER
Control of amplifier output with on-board electronic crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers
• OUTPUT DEVICE TECHNOLOGY
PWM MOSFET power supply creates stable power through the PC board with minimal heat generation
• HEAT SINK
Aluminum Hifonics heat sink creates superior heat dissipation for better sound

“While remaining cool and creating stable power through the PC board, every ZEUS DELTA amplifier has a compact and sleek design that assures fitment into any vehicle installation. These amplifiers are extremely compact and provide ample space where you will need it most. The incredible result from our Hifonics engineering team is the next evolution of ZEUS amplifiers that brings out the best performance from your audio while delivering sound in a much smaller space,” concluded Dattalo.

Take your amplifier installation to smaller spaces with the ALL-NEW 2022 Hifonics ZEUS DELTA (ZD) amplifier line. It’s time to transform your inner ZEUS with powerful performance that meets innovative design.

ZEUS DELTA has arrived. Full line details are available on the Hifonics website at hifonics.com.

Jeepers Back The Blue Jamboree at the Dover International Speedway

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DOVER, DE (09.12.22) – The Dover International Speedway was the site of the 6th Annual Jeepers Back The Blue event. KICKER and Opus Marketing, along with 717 Car Audio, were on site supporting the event and connecting with Jeep enthusiasts from across the region. Hundreds of Jeeps were on site for the event on Saturday, September 10th. Friday was setup.

The Jeepers Back The Blue Foundation event was organized by Jeff Lehnert to honor and raise money for the Families of fallen or injured Police Officers. Lehnert is a State Probation Officer with 25 years of service.

The Dover International Speedway entry set for the Jeepers Back The Blue Jamboree.

“Jeep owners overwhelmingly support the efforts of law enforcement. Jeepers come together at community events across the U.S. The Dover International Speedway is well known in the area and offered a unique venue and experience for Jeepers to show support law enforcement and connect with members of their community. With hundreds Jeeps on site this event was certainly very successful” Lehnert stated.

Opus Marketing had the KICKER booth set for the event.

Jamie White and Todd Ess, Opus Marketing, worked the event under the KICKER tent with 717 Car Audio’s Jeremy Lease and Stephanie Stryjwski. 717 Car Audio is located in Mountville PA and trailered the @kickinjeeprod on the 100 mile trip to be at the event. Bright and early Saturday morning the tables were stocked with KICKER products. The 717 @kickinjeeprod was Livin’Loud for Jeepers demos through the day. At the end of the day all worked as the products were packed, the tent came down and all was loaded to wrap the event.

Jeepers check out KICKER deals under the tent with 717 Car Audio.

“KICKER makes a wide selection of products that really connect with Jeepers. The recent OC Jeep Week and Jeepers Back The Blue, both with KICKER sponsorship, drew large numbers of Jeepers. Jeepers in the area are definitely Livin’Loud with Kicker in their rides. Having the 717 @kickinjeeprod at both events really created a buzz across those venues,” White related.

Jeremy Lease under the tent with the kickinjeeprod at setup on Friday.

Great to see KICKER, 717 Car Audio, Opus Marketing and friends working together to create consumer awareness and support a very worthy cause.

For more, follow @12voltnews and #12voltstp on Instagram

Oracle Lighting Launches Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco at 2022 SEMA Show

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METAIRIE, LA (09.12.22) – Oracle Lighting has announced the launch of the new Oculus Bi-LED Projector Headlights for 2021+ Ford Bronco during the 2022 SEMA Show, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from Nov. 1-4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth # 20137. The new headlight system is scheduled to ship Nov. 2022 with a projected MSRP of $689.95.

“Featuring a unique modular design, easy plug-and-play installation, and advanced LED projection with 5,200 Lumens of high-quality illumination for enhanced driver visibility in all weather conditions, the Oculus headlight is compatible with both the standard and signature Bronco lighting models,” explained Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “Oculus utilizes precision LED lighting projector for optimum light distribution and beam angle, installs using original mounting hardware, and headlight wiring is plug & play into the factory connector without additional relays or harnesses. Halo is available in white or amber LED and features more than 200 bright LEDs for a vivid lighting impact.”

These all-new headlamps provide enhanced driver visibility with increased and focused LED light output, featuring a high-precision sharp cut-off line which reduces glare and prevents blinding oncoming traffic even when installed on lifted Broncos. Package includes a tool for easy beam angle adjustability. 

“The new modular design allows separate components (turn signal, marker lights, and mounting tabs) to be installed independently,” Hartenstein continued. “This modular design provides smaller packaging size for lower shipping costs for the end user and prevents possible damage from shipping on these components. The modular design also allows for these individual components to be replaced or upgraded down the road when future options are available.”

It is undeniably important to implement proper thermal management tools for high-performance LEDs to operate with reliability in various environments. Oculus utilizes both active and passive cooling methods to sustain low LED temperatures. Remote mounted heat sinks and an internal cooling fan work in conjunction to insure proper temperature control and longevity of the LEDs.

“Light focus is very important for not only driver safety but others on the road who can potentially have their vision obstructed by glare,” Hartenstein concluded. “This is especially significant on lifted vehicles where the light source is raised and, in a position, to interfere with the field of vision of other drivers. These new Oculus headlights feature a very sharp cut-off line and focus light with precision specifically to avoid such issues. “

Oculus product specifications include:

  • Headlight wattage: 36W each
  • Total lumens: 5200LM
  • Headlight color temp: 5500K (pure white)
  • Halo color: optional white or amber LED
  • Certification: DOT SAE 5839-504 HL VOR 19
  • Patented design: USPTO Patent D 877,404
  • Designed and developed in the USA
  • Warranty: 2 years

Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

For more information on Oracle Lighting and its full product line, please visit www.oraclelights.com, call (800) 407-5776, or email info@oraclelights.com. 

MTX Audio Welcomes Synergy Marketing Agency

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PHOENIX, AZ (09.12.22) – MTX Audio is proud to announce the addition of Synergy Marketing Agency to its 12-volt sales rep force. Started in 2018, Synergy’s mission is to provide profitable, best in class products for the highly skilled independent specialists.

David Toliver in his Synergy Marketing Agency Houston office holding a new MTX catalog.

Principal David Toliver is a 20-year industry veteran who brings a background of hands-on knowledge in both sales and installation as well as being recognized as a motivated leader who is known throughout the Consumer Electronics industry for delivering and sustaining sales within the highly competitive U.S. retail markets.

“We are very selective in what product lines we carry as we are advocates for our dealers and retailer network.”, says David. “We are constantly looking for best in class solutions for our dealer base and we provide results plain and simple.” Synergy will be representing the MTX Audio brand in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

For more see synergyagency.net

SSV Works to Launch UTV Market’s Most Innovative Product to Date During 2022 Sand Sports Super Show

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OXNARD, Calif., Sept. 9, 2022 – SSV Works (www.ssvworks.com), the market leader in powersports and off-road audio systems, is proud to announce it will feature a number of its new market leading audio solutions, including debuting UTV’s most innovative product yet, during the 2022 Sand Sports Super Show, held in Costa Mesa, Calif. Sept. 16-18 at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, booth 2035-GG.

“We have a lot to show the industry, including announcing our most innovative product to date that will take the market by storm, and so we could not be more excited to exhibit at the 2022 Sand Sports Super Show,” said Trevor Kaplan, SSV Works CEO. “Besides our market leading products, we will be featuring our top rides with our latest product installs. We can’t wait to get in front of the thousands of off-road enthusiasts the Sand Sports Super Show once again and blow them away with the best audio in the market.”

During the 2022 Sand Sports Super Show, SSV Works will be featuring a brand-new plug-&-play kit line-up for today’s top models, including:

  • Polaris Pro R
  • Polaris Pro XP
  • CanAm X3
  • Kawasaki KRX1000
  • Honda Talon

“Since the pandemic began more than two years ago and as we have slowly but surely come out of it as strong as ever since then, 2021 and 2022 have seen SSV Works announce a number of new, market leading audio systems for today’s leading side-by-sides,” Kaplan continued. “The 2022 Sand Sports Super Show is no different and is the ideal occasion to showcase our new and exciting audio kits to thousands of side-by-side enthusiasts who are hungry to get back on the trails.”

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