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/

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.

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.

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.

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.