KICKER Marine Audio Renews Sponsorship with Pro Angler Scott Martin

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STILLWATER, OK (02.22.22) – KICKER Marine Audio has announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with Professional Angler Scott Martin. Martin earned his spot to fish the Bassmaster Elite tournament circuit beginning in 2021. He also qualified to fish the 2022 Bassmaster Classic in March, based on his success in his first year fishing the Elites. The 2022 season launches in February with an aggressive schedule through August, including stops in Florida, Tennessee, New York, South Carolina, Texas, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

“Scott is on the water over 300 days, competing in tournaments, filming, editing and delivering high-quality freshwater and saltwater TV shows and videos year-round, differentiating him from other fishing pros and TV hosts,” said KICKER’s Brand Manager, Jeremy Bale. “We are very pleased to partner with the #1 influencer in fishing and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy great messaging and product integration through this powerful association.”

Scott Martin’s 42 Freeman, Vice Versa is always ready to fish!

“This is my life,” added Martin, “I’ve been on the water as a young angler on Lake Okeechobee in the 1970s when my dad began his TV show, ‘Fishing with Roland Martin’. This is what I know best, and I’m so pleased to have the caliber of partner in KICKER Marine Audio along for the ride.”

When Roland Martin and his wife Mary Ann bought a small fishing shack marina on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida, it was the beginning of Scott’s journey. The Roland Martin Resort, Tiki Bar and guided fishing services grew as did the younger Martin’s career. He followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a professional angler, respected TV personality and a social media influencer in his own right.

The Scott Martin Challenge, began airing in 2005, featuring Martin in challenging adventures with top anglers as well as his family in a multi-faceted, reality-style TV show that brings his 15 million viewers into the experience. The show airs for 52-weeks on a variety of networks and cable channels including Discovery Channel, ESPN2, Sportsman Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and ATT&T Sports Net SW. Martin’s winning personality is matched only by his fishing prowess, and tremendous success on both the FLW Tour and now, the Bassmaster Elite Tournament trail.

As a hard-core music fan, Martin was introduced to KICKER Marine Audio going back to his high school days, and since then, he cranks up the tunes to fill the time when the fish aren’t biting–or when he out on the boat with friends and family. His KICKER recessed speakers, subwoofers, amps and head unit provide all the entertainment he needs on the water or at the dock

“There is no shortage of KICKER speakers on this boat,” chuckled Martin, who enjoys his 42’ Freeman catamaran for offshore fishing, island hopping and for fishing charters. Named “Vice Versa,’ the boat reflects his love of both fresh and saltwater fishing; his Skeeter Bass Boat is top pick for tournament competition.

The Scott Martin Challenge TV schedule is available at www.ScottMartinChallenge.com, while the Bassmaster Elite Tour Schedule is available at www.Bassmaster.com.

Ground Zero and HKI USA Add to Hydrogen Subwoofer Line

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DANIA BEACH, FL & EGMATING, GERMANY (02.22.22) – Ground Zero Car Audio and HKI USA are proud to announce the newest item in the Hydrogen line of subwoofers, that will surely bring some excitement to the truck, powersports, and stealth installs we all love to see.

The new GZHW 10SPL-D2 Flat is going to have a huge effect on the industry when it comes to obtaining amazing output, musicality, and install versatility. With its shallow mounting depth of just over 4”, its power handling of 600 WRMS, and its love of smaller enclosures, this subwoofer is going to allow for installs to be a little more fun to listen to. From vented or sealed truck boxes, spare tire enclosures, and even some OEM sized saddle bags and side by side enclosures, these woofers bring something else to the table that we have truly been waiting for. 

“With the Pre-Orders opening today, I am looking forward to be able to offer our dealers and their clients an item to maximize their bass output without having to sacrifice tons of space.  I have been having to bottle up my excitement for months keeping this a secret and can not wait to see our dealers go to town with these in all types of builds!” States Tommy Spears of HKI USA. 

For more information or to become an authorized HKI USA retailer, contact your local sales representative or email HKI USA at info@hki-usa.com

Alpine Electronics Unveils Third Generation AlpineF#1Status System in a 2018 Tesla Model S

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (02.21.22) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. unveiled the third generation AlpineF#1Status System in a Tesla Model S during an exclusive event with AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers and Alpine Executive Management at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. 

The AlpineF#1Status system is the first complete premium car audio system to achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system. This is Alpine Electronics of America’s first complete vehicle install of the third-generation sound system. 

Audience members listened intently to the Alpine F#1 Status presentation before the unveil at the MGM Grand.

Complete, High-Resolution Sound System 

AlpineF#1Status was designed with one goal in mind: to bring recording studio-level sound performance into the challenging vehicle interior environment and reproduce the ultimate, high-resolution sound. 

Comprised of six components – the HDS-7909 Head Unit Commander, DAP-7909 Digital Audio Player, HDP-H900 Digital Signal Processor, two HDA-F900 4-Channel Amplifiers, and HDZ-9000 4-Way Speakers including an HDZ-9000SW 11-inch Subwoofer – the entire system was designed in perfect synchronization to handle the ultra-Hi-Res audio files. 

To maintain the High-Resolution Audio Playback spec, the system’s signal path uses custom connectivity, including XLR cables and A2B, making AlpineF#1Status a fully integrated, complete system, and includes RCA connections with up to six channels of high-level input to integrate the factory head unit or aftermarket head unit into the system. 

As soon at the car cover came off the Tesla many rushed to check out the installation.

Custom Build for Premium Performance 

To demonstrate a premium listening and driving experience, Alpine chose a 2018 Tesla Model S P100D to showcase this ultra-high-resolution sound system. A near-silent Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrain, coupled with the large EV battery bank, made the Tesla Model S an optimal acoustical choice to house and power the AlpineF#1Status system. Additionally, the interior design of the Tesla enabled a custom, recording studio-like interior build. 

Built in-house by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team, the Tesla Model S boasts a complete custom dashboard, center console, and trunk fabrication built from scratch. The top plane of the dash was lowered over three inches to install custom, on-axis speaker housings that host the 3-inch midrange speakers and 2.5-inch tweeters. This location was not only ideal to showcase the premium speaker design, but also serves as an optimal listening position for a true front passenger center stage sound experience. 

To showcase the system’s ability to retain a factory radio, the build retains the original Tesla 17-inch touchscreen, which controls most of the car’s functions including media, backup camera, interior vehicle controls, and more. Housed underneath the massive screen is the AlpineF#1Status Head Unit Commander, which dons the iconic Alpine green chiclets and controls the media on the Digital Audio Player. A custom, motorized mechanism located at the top center of the dash reveals the factory instrument cluster panel for monitoring speed. 

The front door panels house the 7-inch mid-bass speakers that replaced the Tesla factory speakers, with the lower portion fabricated from scratch. From the tweeters to the woofers, all AlpineF#1Status speakers are made from the same high-performance cone material, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and feature Alpine proprietary technology including DDDrive, DDLinear, and Dual Emission for a completely unified, 4-way system that produces a true stereo image. 

The true showstopper of the build is in the rear trunk, which was designed in perfect symmetry to represent the balance of the sound system. The factory panels were removed to utilize the entire cabin space for this premium system. A combination of wood and fiberglass custom panels were added to the sides of the trunk, where the dual 11-inch subwoofers are housed in 1.5 cu ft sealed enclosures for optimal performance. 

Multiple levels were added to the bottom of the trunk to showcase the workhorse of the sound system: the Digital Signal Processor and dual, 4-channel amplifiers. A replication Alpine amplifier is featured at the crown of the install as a homage to the Alpine power indicator’s unique design. 

Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the third-generation system, aesthetic touches to the front cabin include custom wood paneling and LED lights fixed around the inside of the vehicle, for an “old-school” meets “new-school” design. The wood is authentic Makore veneer (African species of wood) with a clear coat and polish. Premium black leather surrounds the trunk for a modern, clean finish. 

The system was meticulously tuned by Alpine’s Detroit Fabrication Team using a specialized, High-Resolution Tuning Kit. The result is a perfectly balanced system that reproduces hair-raising details only found in this ultra-high-resolution system. 

Following the unveiling ceremony, the AlpineF#1Status demo vehicle will begin a country-wide tour of the U.S. starting on the West Coast in Spring 2022, where it will be featured at local AlpineF#1Status Authorized Dealers. Details of the vehicle’s journey can be found on www.alpine-usa.com. 

Visit alpine-usa.com/alpineflagship for more.

MasterTech Expo Sold Out for 2022, Announces 2023 Show Dates

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TEMPE, AZ (02.21.22) – Mobile Solutions announced that its first annual MasterTech Expo has reached capacity for both exhibitors and attendees. The four-day exhibit and education conference scheduled March 6-9 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., sold out with just under two weeks remaining until its opening day. The Tempe, Ariz.-based fabrication tools and training provider also announced that the second MasterTech Expo event will take place March 5-8, 2023 at the Mesa Convention Center.

MasterTech Expo was originally limited to the interior exhibit hall and adjacent breakout rooms but expanded to include the outdoor pavilion due to additional exhibitor interest. The final exhibit space tops 50,000 square feet and will include more than 30 show vehicles and over 25 exhibitor booths. Attendees will also complete 10 to 12 hours of quality education workshops and have access to additional training from exhibiting partners.

The event kicks off with a welcome party featuring singer and musician Justin Hopkins, fan favorite from The Voice television show and music competition. Attendees will then be prepped for training with a “swag bag” containing gifts, tools and training materials, and a daily complimentary buffet lunch.

Education for MasterTech Expo features highly qualified trainers teaching relevant courses that address the changing needs of today’s professional fabricators. Courses are grouped into tracks to provide a logical and progressive learning arc. Attendees select two tracks and must complete all courses within each track to earn an achievement award. Attendance for each course is limited to the number of seats in the room to ensure everyone has complete access to all educational content. Exhibiting partners will also hold exclusive training workshops to present new product and feature training to attendees.

Special events for MasterTech Expo start with a behind-the-scenes design session with TV personality and renowned vehicle designer Dave Kindig. Throughout the show, two teams will compete on fabrication craftsmanship in the MasterTech Expo Build-Off sponsored by Rockford Fosgate. The final day culminates with a special keynote presentation by fabrication legend Mark Fukuda, and state-of-the-industry presentation by Rockford Corporation CEO Bill Jackson.

“I’m thrilled that, through the support of the automotive aftermarket industry and the belief and trust placed in us by our exhibiting partners, we have exceeded our targets on both fronts,” said Bryan Schmitt, founder and president of Mobile Solutions. “We anticipate a high-impact, high-value show that will elevate our retail professionals.”

Registration for the 2023 MasterTech Expo will open in April.

Visit mastertechexpo.com for more.

Ground Zero Car Audio Adds to Popular Coaxial Competition Line

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DANIA BEACH, FL & EGMATING, GERMANY (02.21.22) – HKI USA and Ground Zero Car Audio are proud to announce a new item to the popular coaxial competition audio line of products.

The long awaited GZCF 165NEO-PRO (Red Basket Coax) is now available for pre-order and the excitement is already in place. These are not just two pre-existing drivers attached to each other. Ground Zero developed an entirely new 6.5” midrange driver, and incorporated the new fan favorite GZCT 20N-Pro compression driver. Adding in weather resilient materials and engineering tricks, this driver is suited for all applications where high end sound and high quality pro audio output is needed.

“The best part about working with Ground Zero is that when it comes to a product such as this, we get to cover all of the bases. From a true audio perspective, with Car AND Pro Audio DNA combined, the effort to make an amazing item reflects in all applications that these products get utilized in” says Jacob Brown, the Director of Operation, HKI-USA.

For more information or to become an authorized HKI USA retailer, contact your local sales representative or email HKI USA at info@hki-usa.com.

Audio King and Tinting Wins Alphasonik Prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Spin 166

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SHREVEPORT LA (02.19.22) WTF…Win This Friday. Audio King and Tinting won the Alphasonik prize on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel 166 on Friday morning, February 18th.

The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. The weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel has now rolled into Year 4.

Click to view.

The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for 166th time on Friday morning February 18th. The Wheel landed on the Alphasonik space and the Audio King and Tinting slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning slip was posted. A video of the wheel spin was also posted.

We reached out to Audio King and Tinting in Yakima WA. Erick Jimenez came to the phone and was very happy to hear the news in person. The store had already seen and liked their post on Instagram a couple hours earlier. Erick said a pair of Alphasonik subs would be great. We will let Edgar Cedeno know and the subs will be sent from the Alphasonik warehouse in Los Angeles.

Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.

12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, AIS, PowerBass, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, JBL, Kenwood, Power Acoustik, JVC and USASpec. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a winning 12volt retailer.

Past winners of the 12volt Spin-To-Win include…Stereo & Video Center-Tyler TX, The Outlaw Garage-Franklin TN, Exotic Sounds-West Palm Beach FL, Endless Possibilities-Aurora IL., Go Auto Sound in Union City NJ, Al&Ed’s South Bay CA, No Limitz Car Audio in Upland CA, Neil’s Specialty-Eureka CA, Sturgess Customs-Lexington SC, Audio By Art-San Antonio TX, SMS Car Audio in Marreo LA and Sweet Wheelz in Mississauga Ontario Canada, Cartronics in Biscayne FL, The CarAudio Shop in St Louis MO, Exotic Sounds in West Palm Beach FL, High North Customs in Grand Prairie Alberta Canada and AMS Audio in Bakersfield CA, Team QRT in Abbeyville LA and California Sound in Fontana CA and Jackie Cooper Electronics, Oklahoma City OK, MARS Audio-Orlando FL, All American Audio in Nutley NJ, Proline Car Stereo in Brooklyn NY, Custom Shop Miami, Tunes and Tint in Lakeland FL, Mobile Concepts Inc in Mokena IL, Seismic Auto Sound in Concord CA, Brooklyn Car Audio in Brooklyn NY, Audio Solutions in Florence MS, Enhanced Customs in Largo FL, Rayco Auto Clinic, Audio Design in San Jose CA, Go Bass Mode in Florida, Avenue Sound in Freeport NY, Audio Plus in Riverview FL, Stereo Zone in Whittier CA, In-Phase Car Audio in Omaha NE, AutoLife Group, N&H Electronics, SK Customs, Land & Sea, The Audio One, NC Custom Shop,Tint World Orlando, Ricky Smith’s Audio, VIP Custom Woks, Mobile Audio Concepts, Audio Lad, Sound Sensations, Dave’s Stereo, Stereo Design, Badlands Customs, Custom Audio-Erie PA, Voltz Autosports-Bridgeport CT, Infinity Sound and Security-Kissimmee, Autosport Plus-Canton OH, Stereo City Pros in Carmichael CA, Devine Concepts in Naples FL, The Sound Shop in Indian Trail NC, Extreme Performance Audio in Fresno CA, Audio Depot in Arlington TX, Audio Security in Houston TX, Earmark Car Audio and Marine in Lewisville TX, Audio Jam in Bear DE, Stereo City Ontario, Ontario CA, Audio By Art, San Antonio TX, Code Zero Customs in Tulsa OK, Ken’s Car Tunes in Mobile AL, Soundz Plus in Naperville IL, Markland Designs in Lithonia GA, Electronics Plus in Salinas CA, Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK, Underground Auto in Sarasota FL, Car Toys Tulsa in Tulsa OK, Real Audio in Erie PA, Go Autosound in Union NJ, DFM Stereo in Ukiah CA, Impact Tint and Audio in Tyler TX, Mobile Sound Systems in Arlington TX, Redline Audio and Performance In Spindale NC, Car Audio Land in San Diego CA, Audio X Custom Car Audio in Florence AL, River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston TX, American Radio Orlando in Sanford FL, Illustrious Customs in Woodbridge VA, Remote Start Pros in Lawrence MA, HiPro Audio in Victoria TX, AudioPlanetNY in Huntington Station NY, Endless Possibilities in Aurora IL, Audio Finesse in Santa Monica, Drive Customs in San Luis Obispo CA, Custom Works, Noblesville IN, AtoZ Detail in West Haven CT, Cars 843 in Charleston SC, CarTunes Atlanta in Atlanta GA, Mobile Concepts in Garwood NJ, Duke’s Car Stereo in Flint MI, Infinity Auto Sound, King Car Audio in Norwalk CT, PopTronics in Baltimore MD, Sanford Sound in Sanford ME, Angelvip2474 in Draper UT, Dynamic Car Audio in Baltimore MD, Hi-Pro Audio in Victoria TX, Car Stereo Max in Houston, Pro Audio Center in Richland MS, Rhodes Off-Roads in Farmington MO, Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Class A Sounds in Athens OH. Just Audio Video in North Providence RI, CT_Custom in Philadelphia, Audio Solutions in Florence MS and The Audio Shop RC in Rapid City SD, DG Motorsportz in High Point NC, ST Mobile in Texarkana TX, AR Custom OC in Orange CA, Temecula Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Unique Auto Sound in Lindenhurst NY, D’s Garage in Corona CA and DS2 Mobile Solutionz in Tomball TX, C G Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, California Audio in West Valley City UT and The Action Audio Store in Wethersfield CT, Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, Electronics Depot Car Audio in Altamonte Springs FL. Car Audio Garage in Pearland TX, Pinnacle Autosound in Lake City FL, J H Audio in Bowling Green VA, The Car Audio Shop StL in High Ridge MO, Anthonys Car Stereo in North Highlands CA, Flynn Audio in Middleton WI, Living Loud Car Audio in Pelham AL, Trail Star Audio in Minnesota, On The Spot Audio in Pennsauken NJ, Animated Car Audio in Essex MD, West Coast Car Audio in Citrus Heights CA, Modified Auto Sound in East Alton IL, Star Car Audio in Hermiston OR, VapeNAudio in Clovis CA, SoundWorks in Millersville MD Eclipse Car Audio in Vancouver WA, J A Custom Audio in Houston TX Jose Electronics in North Hills CA, Sound Proof Car Stereo in Douglasville GA, Auto Additions in Springfield IL, Elite Car Audio in Hollywood CA, Masters Car Stereo in Greenville SC, Audio Plus in Eden NC, Seismic AutoSound in Novato CA and Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel… on Friday, February 25th.

KENWOOD Debuts 12 New Products at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas

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LONG BEACH, CALIF., Feb. 18th, 2022 – KENWOOD USA will be debuting 12 new products to expo and training attendees at the KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas, Feb. 18th-20th. 3 multimedia receivers with 2 supporting accessories along with 7 marine/motorsports products will be unveiled at the event.

After a short hiatus of new multimedia receiver product releases, KENWOOD will be shipping 3 new multimedia receivers in the upcoming months at pricing to be announced at that time. The KENWOOD DMX9708S and eXcelon DMX908S both feature a 6.95” capacitive touch panel display with wireless and wired support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless Android screen mirroring, HD Radio, Advanced iDatalink Maestro RR support (with newly designed GUI’s), SiriusXM ready compatibility, 4 camera inputs including the ability to connect the DRV-N520 integrated dashboard camera, and support for Hi-Res Audio.

The eXcelon DMX908S steps up from the DMX9708S’ 3 sets of 4-volt RCA pre-outs to 5-volt, includes tuned audiophile-grade components, and a 2-year warranty. The eXcelon Reference DMX958XR adds in a 6.8” 1280×720 HD capacitive touch panel display, rear HD camera input, and wireless Hi-Res Audio support. Marking a first for this wireless-enabled digital platform, each receiver will also have a 3-3/8” short chassis mounting depth for ease of installation, a USB Type-C input for up to 3 amps of charging, and an HDMI Type-D (mini) input for added video input flexibility. New accessories available for these receivers include the KCA-HD200 HDMI Type-A to Type-D cable and the KCA-RCDV340 wireless remote control.

KENWOOD is also introducing the first of its entirely new line of products branded as “eXcelon Motorsports” at the event. “With a further emphasis on providing solutions for more types of on and off-road vehicle applications, expanding our marine and motorsports lineup to also include a top-tier of products branded as eXcelon Motorsports was necessary to meet this demand from the market,” said Mike Roberts, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for KENWOOD USA’s car electronics sector. “As our focus on eXcelon has always been sound quality with peak performance, we recognized the need for this level of performance in the outdoor environment and are excited to soon be expanding this line to provide even more premium solutions.”

Kicking off the list of new eXcelon motorsports products are 3 amplifiers to include the XM502-1 Class D mono (500W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms), XM302-4 Class D 4-channel (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms), and XM802-5 Class D 5-channel (500W RMS x 1 + 75W RMS x 4 @ 2 Ohm). The inclusion of conformal coated circuit boards, protective terminal covers, and stainless-steel mounting screws ensures these amplifiers are ready for the elements. Pricing will be announced at launch.

For the “ULTIMATE” in outdoor protection, 3 IPX-Rated waterproof amplifiers will also be displayed, to include the KAC-M5014 compact 4-channel amplifier (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms, now shipping), the KAC-M5024BT compact 4-channel Bluetooth amplifier with included wired multi-function remote to control music from a smartphone or other Bluetooth-equipped source (75W RMS x 4 @ 2 ohms, shipping soon), and the KAC-M5001 compact mono amplifier with an included remote level control knob (300W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms, shipping soon).

These new “EXTREME” durability amplifiers boast not only IP-certified protection from water and dust, but also ASTM B117 salt corrosion resistance and shock protection, making them the perfect companion for your boat, side-by-side, motorcycle, and more. There “ULTIMATE Performance” is delivered through a combination of strategic sound quality components, including high-quality polymer multi-layer capacitors, magnetic shields for the output coils, metal stud power connections, all resulting in enhanced overall sound quality. This trio of waterproof compact amplifiers enables both ala-carte and full off-road system building solutions, making for the perfect accompaniment to its new KMR-D382BT marine/motorsports single-DIN CD player, which will also be shipping soon.

Training to cover these new products will be conducted by the KENWOOD training team on both Friday and Saturday. Additional KENWOOD team members will be on-site at the KENWOOD booth.
For detailed information on specific features for each product, please view their respective product pages as they become available at http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car.

New product web pages currently available include:
KAC-M5014: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kac-m5014/
KAC-M5024BT: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kac-m5024bt/
KAC-M5014 & KAC-M5024BT Amp Dyno Video: https://youtu.be/2aHVBliKevo
KMR-D382BT: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/marine/kmr-d382bt/
KDC-BT282U: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/receiver/kdc-bt282u/

Firstech Expands to Texas with New Facility

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SEATTLE, WA (02.18.22) – Firstech, maker of Compustar, Momento, and DroneMobile products, has announced the scheduled opening of its new distribution and training facility in Flower Mound, Texas. The company plans to commence operations at its new Texas facility in April 2022.

At launch, Firstech’s move to Texas will establish another distribution center in the South-Central U.S.
where the company can improve its shipping turnaround times for dealer and distribution partners.
Approximately half of Firstech’s logistics team will permanently relocate to Texas to make the expansion
as seamless as possible.

In the near future, the Texas facility will also provide an additional meeting hub for installers, salespeople,
and partners to receive hands-on training from Firstech’s award-winning technical support team. The new location is conveniently located within six miles of Dallas Fort-Worth Airport (DFW).

Firstech’s primary headquarters will remain near Seattle, Washington where it has been since the
company relocated from Anchorage, Alaska in 2003.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open a new branch to better serve Firstech’s growing customer base,”
shares managing director, Jason Kaminski. “In addition to expanding our warehouse space and improving
our just-in-time inventory, the Texas location will also open up additional port options for ocean-going
cargo to combat congestion.”

If you would like to learn more about Firstech, visit the company’s website at www.firstechllc.com.

Metra PowerSports Ships New Cup Holder Lights and Rear Deck and Door Speaker Pods to Fit Polaris Razor

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HOLLY HILL, FL (02.18.22) – Metra PowerSports by Metra Electronics is now shipping new aftermarket speaker enclosures designed to fit Polaris RZR side-by-sides. These unloaded solutions allow installers to customize and upgrade the sound system with aftermarket speakers and subwoofers using a durable enclosure constructed with high-quality, UV-protected ABS plastic. Also available now are new universal RGB LED cup holder light rings, designed for powersports, marine, or general automotive use.

Rear Deck Speaker Pods
The MPS-RZPRO-RP is a pair of speaker pods for the rear deck, custom-molded and designed specifically to fit 2020-up* Polaris RZR Pro XP side-by-side models. It uses the OE mounting bolts and fits 6.5” aftermarket speakers.

Rear Door Speaker Pods
The MPS-RZRDP2 uses the available space in the rear doors to add 6.5” aftermarket speakers and includes an optional tweeter mounting location. It is custom-molded and designed specifically to fit 2014-2021 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000 and Turbo side-by-side models.

RGB Cup Holder Lights
Metra PowerSport’s new cup holder light rings, the RGB2-C70M, feature RGB LEDs that add a unique glow and fit most factory cup holders with a 2.75” (or larger) diameter. These lights are sold in pairs, rated IP66, and come with 3M double-sided tape for easy yet secure mounting. These RGB lights require the RGB-CB2 controller for operation, sold separately, and are compatible with Metra PowerSports RGB rock lights and RGB dome lights. All of these new solutions are available now.

*Visit MetraPowerSports.com for up-to-date, vehicle specific information.

Wet Sounds Announces 2021 Sales Winners

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ROSENBERG, TX (02.17.22) – Wet Sounds, Inc. has announced the recipients of their 2021 Independent Rep of the Year and 2021 Direct Rep of the Year awards.

Opus Marketing Group has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2021 Independent Rep of the Year. Jamie White, Principal, accepted the award alongside his crew of dedicated Wet Sounds reps Todd Ess, Bruno Berg, and Chuck Ottati. 

Jeff Pederson (L) and Richard Prieto

“We are fortunate to have the Opus Marketing Group representing Wet Sounds in the Mid-Atlantic territory,” stated Ray Woodall, Wet Sounds East Regional Sales Manager. “Jamie White and his team bring a high level of professionalism and integrity to each of our dealers. They are accomplished at identifying opportunities and developing a business plan to capitalize on each of these possibilities.”

Ess, Berg, and Ottati worked to deliver Wet Sounds high performance audio to customers in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Eastern Pennsylvania, South New Jersey, and Delaware, boosting sales while growing a dedicated partnership base in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The Opus Marketing Team

Jeff Pedersen has been selected as the Wet Sounds 2021 Direct Rep of the Year. Pedersen joined Wet Sounds as a Territory Sales Manager in December 2020 and has made an instant and indelible imprint on the business.

“We are honored to have Jeff as a Territory Manger in the Pacific Northwest. His performance day in and out has led him to this recognition,” proclaimed Richard Prieto, Wet Sounds West Regional Sales Manager. “Wet Sounds is excited to see what Jeff will do in 2022 and beyond.”

L to R: Todd Ess, Jamie White, Ray Woodall, Bruno Berg, and Chuck Ottati

Pedersen has parlayed his 25 years of experience into immediate success in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, and Western Montana, securing this honor in his first full year with the company. 

2021 was not without challenge. Inventory shortages and supply chain woes have had an impact on every form of consumer goods. Wet Sounds remained focused and made the most out of a very challenging year.

“Pre-pandemic Wet Sounds prided itself on providing just in time inventory to our customers, whom we consider valuable partners,” related J.R. Stocks, Wet Sounds CEO. “Our back orders are almost non-existent, and our warehouse is stocked. We have fewer than 10 models of product out of stock and that is improving daily. 2022 is going to be a great year for Team Wet Sounds. Congratulations to the Opus Marketing Team and Jeff Pedersen. Thank you for your commitment to the Wet Sounds brand.”

Visit www.wetsounds.com for more.