JL Audio Unveils M6-Luxe Premium Performance Marine Speakers

MIAMI, FL (02.17.22) – JL Audio, manufacturer of high -performance marine audio systems, today unveils its M6 Luxe line of ultra-high -performance marine speakers and subwoofers. M6 Luxe loudspeakers are specifically designed to match the clean aesthetic of modern yachts and other luxury craft.“

Our M6 line of premium marine speakers has become a favorite of boat builders seeking to offer their customers the best listening experience on the water,” said Andy Oxenhorn, president of JL Audio, Inc. “The new M6 Luxe takes the world-class audio performance of M6 undercover, with a refined look that integrates seamlessly into luxury yacht designs.”

As with all JL Audio M6 marine speakers and subwoofers, the new Luxe grille versions are manufactured using JL Audio’s advanced design and manufacturing processes in their Miramar, Florida factory. Additionally, M6 Luxe loudspeakers are engineered using stringently tested, marine-grade materials that have a proven ability to withstand UV and saltwater exposure, exceeding ASTM International test standards.

Complete line of M6 Luxe Speakers and Subwoofers

M6 Luxe loudspeakers will be available for 6.5-, 7.7 – and 8.8-inch coaxial M6 speakers, as well as for 8- and 10-inch M6 subwoofers. All models deliver a sleek, flush-mount appearance that disappears into the elegant design of today’s modern yachts.

M6 Luxe speakers and subwoofers will be available at authorized JL Audio retailers starting Q2 2022.

Visit jlaudio.com for more.

AudioControl Introduces The ACR-U Universal Volume Control

SEATTLE, WA (02.17.22) – AudioControl (audiocontrol.com) has introduced the ACR-U universal volume control, the ultimate premium performance, highly-durable level control that will improve the performance and user experience for OEM audio upgrades, classic car entertainment systems, marine audio installations and more.

Introducing The ACR-U Universal Volume Control
The innovative ACR-U universal volume control offers the superb performance and ease of installation that installers have come to expect from AudioControl. The ACR-U is a passive control (requires no power) and takes RCA audio inputs into a compact receiver that connects to the volume control via standard Ethernet cable for wire runs up to four hundred feet with zero loss—ideal for luxury yachts and other large-scale projects.

An ideal solution for a great many applications, the ACR-U delivers flat response even in the bass region, not suffering from extraneous noise, voltage drop or premature roll-off that plague lower quality solutions. Users will appreciate that the ACR-U is a linear control, offering a smooth, even increase/decrease in output with the rotation of the knob. The ACR-U has been conformal coated for durability against the elements and comes complete with a standard-length Ethernet cable. An optional extended-length Ethernet cable is available. The AudioControl ACR-U is available now and shipping to dealers.

Key Solutions for 12V Dealer and Installers
AudioControl offers class-leading audio products engineered for car, marine and mobile sports applications, plus ultimate-performance OEM interface solutions that enable 12-volt dealers to upgrade sound systems while keeping the factory in-dash systems in place. These products are vital for automobiles featuring integrated multi-media systems that cannot easily be replaced. For 45 years, AudioControl has established the benchmark for performance and reliability, delivering the 12-volt audio products and support services dealers and installers must have to be successful.

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

Powerful Growth Strategy Drives Tint World to Franchise Success for 2022

BOCA RATON, FL (02.16.22) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers, a leading window tinting and automotive accessory franchise, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022 by building on its remarkable success in 2021, highlighted by 16 new store openings and a $15 million increase in annual revenue.

“With a total of 94 Tint World locations in operation, we’re closing in on our 40th anniversary target of 100 open stores, with 68 new franchise licenses under development for 2022,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “We’re also proud to have significantly increased revenue in 2021 to over $62 million, thanks to average store sales growth and in large part to the growing number of Tint World locations that recorded more than a million dollars in annual revenue.”

Tint World’s extraordinary annual performance in 2021 demonstrates the franchise brand’s powerful value and the strength of its unique growth strategy and franchise success model.

“The innovative transparency of our franchise disclosure document has helped increase the number of area developers in the Tint World family,” Bonfiglio said. “More than 30% of the new franchises we awarded in 2021 will develop multiple locations in their territories, which is critical to our growth and also reflects the confidence that our franchisees have in the Tint World brand model.”

In addition to franchise growth, Tint World has invested in constructing a new 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to house the company’s corporate office, training center, and new Tint World demonstration center serving to represent the evolving Tint World brand. 

“Our focus on supporting the success of Tint World franchisees positioned us to continue growing and expanding into new markets even during an unpredictable economic climate,”. Bonfiglio said. “We are committed to equipping our franchisees with all the tools they need to succeed, including essential technology, operations and marketing solutions, so they can deliver the premier automotive services Tint World is known for.”

Tint World was recognized as a Fast & Serious Smart Franchise Brand by FranchiseTimes for 2022, and for its continuing achievements in 2021 by multiple prominent industry and business publications and organizations, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Top Global Franchises, the Inc. 5000, Inc. 5000 Regionals: Florida, Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises, the Franchise Gator Top 100, and the Franchise Times Top 400.

Visit tintworld.com for more.

AudioControl Unveiling New Products Plus Key 12-Volt Training Sessions in English and Spanish at KnowledgeFest

SEATTLE, WA (02.16.22) – AudioControl will be hosting training seminars in both English and Spanish for attendees at KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, being held at the South Point Convention Center February 18-20, 2022. The prominent AudioControl booth will also feature new products displays as well as two demo vehicles.

Much to See and Hear in Booth 801
Featuring AudioControl’s largest exhibition booth ever at KnowledgeFest, there will be two cars onsite with demo systems: A BMW 6-Series featuring AudioControl amplifiers, DSP, and the new Epicenter Micro. A Dodge Charger Hellcat will also be on display, showcasing AudioControl signal processing and amplification.

Training Seminars
The AudioControl team will be hosting one training seminar per day for English-speaking attendees, covering how to maximize system performance with AudioControl’s all-in-one amplifier solutions (Friday), how to achieve success with any vehicle using OEM interface solutions and how to deliver best sound quality using DSP (Saturday), and the many benefits of utilizing the AudioControl DM-RTA—the ultimate test tool (Sunday).

On Saturday evening, AudioControl has assembled stars of the Spanish-speaking car audio community to offer “After Hours with AudioControl en Español,” a hands-on training event done exclusively in Spanish. Numerous subjects will be covered; however, the primary focus will be on DSP training, demystifying this powerful technology to bring best performance to each system.

“With everything we have planned for this KnowledgeFest, it is certainly an event you won’t want to miss,” stated Matthew Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager at AudioControl. “The educational tracks, newly unveiled products, and demo vehicles create a valuable experience for our dealer partners, enabling both sales and installation teams to design and deliver best-performing systems to their customers. We are very grateful to draw from our talented and diverse community to offer critical programs in both English and Spanish.”

KNOWLEDGEFEST LAS VEGAS TRAINING SCHEDULE (see full event schedule HERE)

Friday, February 18th – 1:45-2:45pm Room Sonoma C
AudioControl Amplifiers: The all-in-one Solution

Saturday, February 19th – 5:30-6:30pm Room Sonoma C
LOCs, LGDs, & DSPs Oh My! (with special guest trainer Dean Beyett of 5 Star Car Stereo)

Sunday, February 20th – 10:45-11:45am Room Sonoma C
DM-RTA: The Ultimate Audio Test Tool

Saturday, February 19th 6:45pm Room Sonoma C
After Hours with AudioControl en Español DSP training in Spanish with three honored guests:
Ricardo Rangel – Monster by Rangel, Mexico City, Mexico
Fernando Lopez – 5 Star Car Stereo, Clearwater, Florida
Roberto Estrada – AudioControl rep for Mexico

Visit AudioControl at the 2022 KnowledgeFest Las Vegas, February 18-20 in Booth 801

Click here to Reserve Your Seat

Visit audiocontrol.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

KICKER Marine Audio Supports New Partnership of CPS Sales & Manufacturing & United Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Inc.

STILLWATER, OK (02.16.22) – KICKER Marine Audio, a leading designer and producer of top-quality marine audio, is pleased to support the new partnership recently announced between the United Marine Manufacturer’s Association, Inc. and KICKER’s long-time electronics representative, CPS Distributors. CPS has sold KICKER Marine Audio to OEM boat builders since KICKER started its marine division nearly 20 years ago.

Brandon Lang, VP of CPS Distributors, Phil White, KICKER Director of Marine Audio Systems and Sandy Moore, KICKER Events and Promotions Coordinator at a previous Miami International Boat Show.

“We look forward to working closely with CPS as they help serve UMMA’s membership of independent boat builders with their marine electronic needs,” said Phil White, KICKER’s Director of Marine Audio Systems. “We are confident KICKER Marine Audio can offer these boat manufacturers the quality and durability they require and hope to expand our OEM profile within the organization,” he adds.

“UMMA is pleased to partner with CPS Sales & Manufacturing (dba CPS Distributing) to provide audio options for our members,” says Jodi Sanders, UMMA Director of Operations. “We feel the KICKER and CPS brands are the perfect addition to our supplier base. We are excited to see what the future holds for audio and are excited to develop our new relationship,” she added.

The UMMA is an organization of independent boat-builders, which, while operating autonomously, have joined together to enhance their collective competitiveness and to address important industry issues which affect their survival and continued prosperity.

Visit kicker.com/marine-audio and cpsdistributorsinc.com and ummaonline.com for more.

The Spring Break Jam Turns 25

AUSTIN, TX (02.15.22) – “We are excited to still have the opportunity to do these shows. Last year’s Spring Break Jam Padre Show was one of the biggest to date and this year is looking even better” Heat Wave’s David MacDonald related.

Fair Interamerican with brands RAD Audio Pounder, Corzus and JBL Pro along with Wet Sounds are set to be on the event floor. Area retailer Oscar Sound Waves will be back this year to connect with enthusiasts.

This drone shot shows the scope of the 2021 South Padre Show.

Continuing, MacDonald stated, “We have a growing list of companies in the automotive aftermarket industry that will be on site that are seeing new and great returns from attending The Heat Wave events.’

Specialty retailers have been very busy during the COVID 19 Pandemic and many are excited to get out and support consumer events that drive sales and profits for their companies.

“We look forward to seeing many friends, new and old, at the Spring Break Jam on South Padre Island,” Heat Wave’s David MacDonald stated.

MacDonald concluded, “I challenge all across the 12volt industry to get out and support consumer events. Let consumers know local retailers offer the complete solutions to take their special rides to the MAX!

Make your plans to attend. The Spring Break Jam takes place March 5th and 6th on beautiful South Padre Island, TX.

For info contact heatwaveshow.com or call 512-252-0283.

Mille PRO Shallow Sub to Debut at KnowledgeFest

IRVINE, CA (02.15.22) – Mille PRO shallow subwoofers have been designed to achieve exceptional performance even when there is very little space available to install the subwoofer box. MPS 250 S4 is optimized to work in ultra-compact sealed boxes starting from only 14 Lt (0.49 Cf). A typical example is a subwoofer enclosure under the rear bench of pickup trucks, where the space – and the height – are limited.

Mille PRO subwoofer have a depth/performance ratio never achieved before thanks to the impressive cone excursion capacity which is 20% higher than a traditional design. This exceptional target has been achieved thanks to the ingenious suspension group design featuring a dedicated support structure for spider and coil. This solution has allowed to move the magnetic group inwards, reducing the depth and at the same time maximizing cone linear excursion.

The MPS 250 S4 also comes with a protective grille.

Visit hertz-audio.com for more.

HKI USA Expands Its Vehicle Enhancement Division

DANIA BEACH, FL (02.15.22) – HKI USA INC the exclusive U.S. distributor of Ground Zero, SounDigital Four Connect audio products is proud to add another industry veteran to its growing team. 

Doug Dobson will be leading the technical support team at TURY USA. A new technology division of HKI USA.

“Dobson brings with him an extensive technical background having been part of several major manufacturers over his 40 years of mobile electronics experience.  His installation knowledge will be a huge advantage as we continue to add products to our growing line up,” stated Marty Deane, Sales Manager of TURY USA.

Doug Dobson can be contacted at doug@hki-usa.com.

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

The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 2022 Series Was Livin’ Loud in Denver

DENVER, CO (02.14.22) – The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross 6-City Series, with 10 races, raced into the National Western Complex in Denver for Rounds 9 and 10, February 11th and 12th. The Complex seats 4700 in fixed seats and both Friday and Saturday nights the riders raced to an enthusiastic crowd.

Mike Brown-MB Customs, Lorin Morrell-Maddog_Media and the family (LtoR) who won the KICKER BullFrog T-Shirt toss prize under the tent.

“The KICKER display setup in the lobby area attracted enthusiasts throughout both evenings. The KICKER tent display actually overlooked the aren. Matt Macias, from KICKER area Distributor Santa Fe Distributing, was in the booth. Also, Mike Brown and a fellow MB Customs employee, were in the booth. Brown is a bike enthusiast and had so many questions from Harley owners about adding KICKER to their bikes. Bet he will be busy next week. We were also surprised to see a couple KICKER athletes surprise us in the booth. “Lorin Morrell, Maddog_Media who orchestrates KICKER’s presents at the events, stated.

Mike Brown answered many questions for Harley owners about adding KICKER Gear to their bikes.

Off-roading and outdoor activities are very big in this part of the US. The KICKER PowerBar really grabbed the attention of Powersports members of the crowd… Also the marine towers as the boating season is around the corner. The BullFrog was a product most had not seen and they were amazed at the sound. The KICKER brand is well known throughout the Rockies and some who stopped by the KICKER booth mentioned they were Livin’ Loud with KICKER in their rides and were very impressed with the new under rear seat pickup L7T loaded enclosures.

The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross Series 2022 wrapped in Denver.

“Friday night was a good night and Saturday night was packed. Attendees were very engaged with action on the track. Amateur riders took to the track during the day and pro riders took the track through the evening from 6 until well after 10PM. In addition to the action on the track KICKER T-shirts were fired into the crowd during Pro Race breaks and track maintenance periods. A special T had a certificate wrapped inside for a KICKER BullFrog to be picked up at the KICKER display in the lobby. The PA system announced the T-Shirt contest and there were people who came to the booth to ask ‘what is a KICKER BullFrog’?” Morrell added.

Trophies were awarded at the end of the Denver event. Kyle Peters (C) finished in the Top position with Kyle Bitterment (R) P2 and Wristen Grigg P3 in this AMA ArenaCross image.

A young man captured the KICKER T with the FREE KICKER BULLFROG certificate and was accompanied by his parents to the booth to pick up his prize. Mike Brown, with area KICKER dealer MB Customs, was in the booth working the event and had a chance to meet the future young KICKER enthusiast.

Concluding, Morrell offered, “The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross got off to a great start in Loveland CO. Successful events in Amarillo, Oklahoma City/Guthrie OK Greensboro NC and Reno preceded Denver. Each event added excitement to the 2022 Series.”

The KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross was definitely Livin’ Loud in 2022. As the KICKER AMA Pro ArenaCross Series drew to a close the next up for KICKER will be the American Flat Track Tour.

Visit kicker.com for more.

JVC Mobile Entertainment to Exhibit at KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas

LONG BEACH, CA (02.14.22) – JVC Mobile Entertainment will be exhibiting at the upcoming KnolwedgeFest in Las Vegas, February 18th-20th, at which time it will be conducting trainings and providing demonstrations on 6 new products; the KW-M875BT digital multimedia receiver, KS-U70 Type-A to Type-D HDMI cable, KD-TD72BT single-DIN CD receiver, KD-T92MBS single-DIN marine/motorsports CD receiver, KS-DR2104DBT waterproof 4-channel compact digital Bluetooth amplifier, and the KS-DR2001D waterproof mono amplifier.

Picking up on the craze for short-body mounting depth receivers, the KW-M875BW is JVC’s first reduced mounting depth wireless-enabled multimedia receiver, coming in at 3-3/8” deep. It sports a 6.8” clear resistive touch panel display with wireless and wired support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless screen mirroring for Android, HD Radio, Advanced iDatalink Maestro RR support (with newly designed GUI’s), SiriusXM ready compatibility, 4 camera inputs, 3 sets of 5-volt RCA pre-outs, support for Hi-Res Audio via a wireless or wired connection, K2 sound technology, and gesture touch control.  Another first for JVC is its USB Type-C and HDMI Type-D rear inputs for faster charging and easier smartphone integration. The KS-U70 Type-A to Type-D HDMI cable is automotive-grade and designed to fit perfectly in the KW-M875BW’s recessed input and provide superior video playback from a compatible 3rd-party device.  Also equipped with JVC’s K2 sound technology, the recently released KD-T92MBS single-DIN marine/motorsports CD receiver and the KD-TD72BT single-DIN CD receiver will be on display in its booth as well.

To further complement its recent introduction of the waterproof/dustproof KS-DR2004D compact 4-channel amplifier, 2 additional amplifiers will be on display, including the KS-DR2104DBT waterproof/dustproof 4-channel Bluetooth amplifier and KS-DR2001D waterproof mono amplifier, providing the power and flexibility necessary for complete on and off-road system building. The KS-DR2104DBT produces a conservatively-rated 50 Watts x 4 RMS at 4-ohms or 75 Watts x 4 RMS at 2-ohms and includes a “glove-worthy” wired remote controller with rugged well-spaced buttons and a large volume knob/controller. This unique apt-X -equipped Bluetooth amplifier can be your audio source solution for anything from a classic car where altering the factory receiver isn’t an option, to a UTV without a receiver provision. To complete the system, simply add in the KS-DR2001D with its included remote level controller and 300 Watts of RMS power to drive a subwoofer.

 “As we head full force into 2022, we are excited to bring exciting new product technologies and solutions to our customers,” said Ron Trout, Director of JVC Mobile Entertainment Sales. “KnowledgeFest provides us with the much-needed platform to ensure that our dealers are fully-equipped with the JVC product knowledge necessary to offer customers the best sales and vehicle installation experience.”

Pricing and availability will be announced soon.

New product web pages currently available include:

KS-DR2104DBT web page:  http://www.us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/ks_dr2104dbt/

KS-DR2004D/KS-DR2104DBT amp dyno video: https://youtu.be/cOoAWFX49YU

KS-U70 web page: http://www.us.jvc.com/car/multimedia/ks_u70/

KD-TD72BT web page: http://www.us.jvc.com/car/indashreceivers/kd_td72bt/

KD-T92MBS web page: http://www.us.jvc.com/car/marinemotorsports/kd_t92mbs/

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit us.jvc.com/car.