WEST PALM BEACH, FL (12.16.2019) – The lead graphic on the Exotic Sounds’ 3-panel Friday the 13th Instagram post was an attention grabber. The shiny Porsche 911 front quarter panel, highlighting the extra clean wheel, invited a look from the company’s followers. In the background was the company’s signage on the building reading “Car Stereo & Custom Automotive by Exotic Sounds & Wheel Company. A follower would certainly associate Exotic Sounds as a top quality shop for Car Stereo and Custom Automotive products along with Wheels.
Panel 2 of the 3-panel Instagram post spotlighted a Pioneer In-Dash receiver the company installed in the extra clean Porsche ’06 convertible. On the screen of the Pioneer AVN-2500NEX was the image from the backup camera. German Mastrodomenico, Exotic Sounds owner, stated “Our customer knew what we wanted to upgrade his prize ride…top quality sound with a backup camera. The Pioneer AVN-2500NEX fit the bill perfectly with the large screen, impressive audio specs, Bluetooth connectivity and input for a backup camera. We added a Rydeen backup camera system”.
Panel 3 of the 3-panel Instagram post showed the small Rydeen camera mounted just above the rear license plate. The camera delivered a high quality image, with trajectory lines, to the Pioneer receiver screen.
Exotic Sounds Instagram followers could easily see the company is a quality automotive shop. The Pioneer in-dash receiver highlighted car stereo for followers. The backup camera panel let followers know about the option to add a backup camera for safety.
This Exotic Sounds post is really a very understated ad for the company’s products. No PRICE, PRICE, PRICE… but a strong visibility statement.
Great job German…Keep up the great work you started at Exotic Sounds in 2006.
Exotic Sounds was the winner of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Number 3 almost a year ago. German is enjoying his Kicker CushBT Headphones he won when the wheel landed on the Kicker space. “I listen to cool tunes on the Kicker CushBT headphones around the shop and office all the time. They rock” German told 12volt News.
Multiple posts can be made on Instagram. Followers will see a graphic in the upper right corner and blue dots below the post image.
HOLLY HILL, FL (12.16.2019) – Metra Electronics has announced an improved and expanded T-SPEC car audio accessory line with new products launching at CES 2020. T-SPEC, which offers competition-rated audio cables, amp kits, power wire, capacitors and more, is introducing new premium brass core accessories for distribution blocks, a battery terminal and fuse holders. Fourteen new brass core components will be added to the product line, designed to simplify and streamline any installation. Maximizing functionality while maintaining the smallest profile was the focus of these new and improved designs. T-SPEC’s existing v12 Series of RCA cables has also been improved with a new braided outer jacket to provide strength and stability. T-SPEC’s products will be on display at CES with Metra Electronics and available soon.
Distribution Blocks Seven new distribution blocks have been designed with Gate-Lock technology, which allows for a secure connection without the need for reducer rings. The new black nickel finish protects the brass core and is highly conductive for maximum current transfer. The new blocks use T20 Torx for all screws, making them an easy one-tool installation, and feature TPE wrapped soft-touch material. The VANL, VMANL and VAGU have a 360-degree rotatable base mount for an even easier installation. These products will be available soon in different sizes.
Battery Terminal T-SPEC is also introducing the VBTPN, an eight-position battery terminal that can accept up to (4) 4/8/10 AWG output set screws and (4) 1/0/10 AWG output ring terminals while still maintaining a small footprint. This new battery terminal can be used on the positive post or the negative post and the sleeve adaptor is included. The terminal also has the add-a-post feature, which allows you to retain your OE battery terminal by attaching it directly to the VBTPN. This product also features T20 Torx screws, Gate-Lock technology and solid brass construction with a black nickel finish.
Fuse Holders Completing the brass accessories are six new fuse holders. Each new fuse holder is designed with Gate-Lock technology and available in options for ANL, MANL, or AGU fuses. All new fuses have dual size gaskets and use T20 Torx screws. All of these components are constructed of 100% brass for optimal conductivity and have the new black nickel finish for durability and longevity.
Improved T-Spec v12 Series RCA Cables T-Spec’s v12 Series RCA cables feature high levels of noise rejection resulting from meticulous build quality and have full oxygen-free copper construction. For years, these cables have been the go-to standard for competition-rated car audio performance. Now, the improved v12 Series is upgrading the clear jacket to a braided jacket that enhances its durability as well as its aesthetics. The braided jacket adds an extra layer of protection against physical damage to the conductors.
These new and improved products will be shipping soon and can be seen on display at CES. Additional specifications and part numbers are available in the new 2020 T-SPEC catalog and T-SPEC-Online.com, which will be released on January 7, 2020. Metra Electronics will be at CES from January 7-10, 2020, at booth 5211 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, showcasing their new products from their 12volt brands and at booth 11435 in the Central Hall with Metra Home Theater Group.
LAS VEGAS, NV (12.16.2019) – MB Quart’s new Reference Series speakers just had the most successful new speaker launch in 10 years at SEMA. This new MB Quart series offering limited distribution with a full MAP policy across both Reference and Premium lines of speakers assure successful profitability.
*Showing at the Westgate, Suite 360, during CES
Included in the new line is a 200 Watt, 2-Way component system, the RS1-216. This system includes 6.5” Reference, 2-Way component speakers, with .75” Titanium Widesphere technology tweeters, with lightweight craft pulp paper with bamboo fiber cones, and high-end external crossover. The Reference speakers are engineered across all models with the same shared technology as the RS1-216.
Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing for Maxxsonics USA said, “The Reference Series represents a huge evolution for MB Quart. By using world class materials, we hope to bridge the gap between ultra-high-end and entry-level products with an extremely high value speaker line with outstanding sound quality characteristics.”
FEATURES ACROSS THE LINE INCLUDE:
Titanium Dome Tweeters: 0.75” Titanium dome tweeters for musical reproduction of high frequencies
Curvilinear Cone: Lightweight craft pulp with bamboo fiber cone for strength and superior bass frequency reproduction
Low Resonant Frame: Aerospace grade PA66 composite with 30% glass fiber speaker frame to assure that no harmonic distortions affect the tone of the speaker
Audiophile Crossover The crossover network, which guides the frequencies to each driver, is designed with tight tolerance components for superb sound quality “The goal is to provide our loyal customers with outstanding performance and increased applications without breaking the bank,” concluded Sherman.
PRICING AND MODELS AVAILABLE:
*Pricing, specifications and performance subject to improvement without notice
For additional photography, check out “The Quarter Note Blog” by clicking here.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (12.13.19) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. attended the 2019 Jeepers Holiday Bazaar at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. This new, Holiday-themed Jeep event featured a large selection of vendors, kid-friendly activities and a Holiday-themed Jeep decorating contest that got all attendees into the Holiday spirit.
Alpine sponsored the 2019 “Photos with Santa” station. Event attendees could snap a free kid’s photo with Santa that was located next to Alpine’s Booth on the Showboat Hotel event floor. Alpine offered free giveaways in their booth after a photo with Santa.
The Alpine Jeep was an attention grabber for all who attended the Holiday Bazaar.
The Alpine booth was stocked with the latest vehicle-specific Audio and Video technology, as well as premium sound system upgrades with easy Plug-and-Play installations built to directly fit select Jeep models.
Alpine dealers Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio, from the Metro New York City market, were on site with members of their sales teams. The stock in the booth area was inventory from the dealer’s stock. Will Sullivan, for Proline Car Stereo and Brooklyn Car Audio, stated “This was a terrific event for us. We were able to show the latest Alpine products to a large number of Jeep owners and enthusiasts. The Jeep is such a hot vehicle and Alpine has done such a great job of developing the latest in-vehicle technology designed to be Jeep specific. Jeepers travel and we saw quite a number from the New York City area.”
This Alpine area was set up with a display to demo products.
Making its first Jeep event debut was Alpine’s solution for the new 2018 – Up Jeep Wrangler and 2019 – Up Jeep Gladiator: The 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JL Navigation System with Off-Road Mode. This solution, built for easy, Plug-and-Play installation, enhances the lifestyle of any Jeep driver, from the adventurous Off-Roader to the day-to-day commuter.
The new 9-inch Weather-Resistant X409-WRA-JK Navigation System with Off-Road Mode for the 2011 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler was also on display, where visitors could witness faster screen performance and a new interface that’s designed to deliver an entertaining in-vehicle experience in any driving condition.
Members of the Alpine Team in the Alpine store with Santa. (R to L) Colette Beaudoin, Roy Meyer, Santa, Allie Argenio, & Colin Vargo. Beaudoin is a Sales Rep in the NE. Meyer is the NE Regional Sales Manager. Allie is a Brand Ambassador for Alpine in the Jeep world. Vargo is an Alpine Brand Specialist for New York and New Jersey. Santa is visiting from the North Pole.
All Alpine booth products were showcased in a store-front display that allowed visitors to demo products with an on-site Alpine staff member and find the perfect solution for their Jeep. All products were available for purchase with special, event-only pricing available throughout the duration of the event – perfect for fulfilling a Holiday wish list.
Alpine’s Jeep Wrangler was on-site, loaded with the new X409-WRA-JL, a PSS-22WRA Weather-Resistant Sound System Upgrade, an HCE-TCAM1-WRA Spare Tire Mount Rear-View Camera, and an HCE-C2600FD4 Front View Camera.
Roy Meyer, Alpine Northeast Regional Sales Manager, stated “We interacted with customers and showcased the new Jeep JL platform radio. It was two days of Christmas music and Santa.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (12.13.2019) – Coming off the most successful new speaker launch in 10 years at SEMA, MB Quart is showcasing the new, top of the line, Premium Series speakers at CES. This new MB Quart series offering limited distribution with a full MAP policy across both Premium and Reference lines of speakers assure successful profitability.
MB Quart is showing at the Westgate, Suite 360, during CES.
Included in the new line is a reintroduction of a classic MB Quart configuration that we have not offered for several years, the PS1-316 400 Watt, 3-Way component system. This Premium audiophile system is a 3-Way component package complete with a pair of newly designed 1” Magnesium dome Widesphere technology tweeters that deliver exceptional musical reproduction of high frequencies (with a large sweet spot or off-axis listening area) plus two pairs of mid-range and mid-bass drivers.
The larger drivers start with a pair of 4” mid-range speakers (to handle higher midrange tones) and a pair of 6.5” mid-bass drivers for drums and high sub frequencies. These drivers utilize the curvilinear cone shape that MB Quart made famous and are constructed from a lightweight aerated pop paper with Mica blend. The mids and mid-bass speakers are housed in an innovative frame which is engineered with PA66 composite with 30% glass fiber added. This material renders the frame inert, eliminating harmonic distortion from vibration.
The entire package is controlled by an external three-way crossover network that will be appreciated by any audiophile for its ability to guide the proper frequencies from the amplifier into the appropriate drivers without coloring the sound. This is accomplished through the use of high tolerance, private label parts. Every model in the Premium line is engineered with the same meticulous care that we put into the PS1-316. Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product & Marketing for Maxxsonics USA said, “At MB Quart, we put sound quality above everything else and our new Premium Series speakers are just the latest example of this approach. The use of exotic materials, like lightweight aerated pop paper cones with Mica blend and real magnesium tweeter domes, is yet another big step in performance for the MB Quart brand.”
FEATURES ACROSS THE LINE INCLUDE:
Magnesium Dome Tweeters: 1” Magnesium dome tweeter for musical reproduction of high frequencies
WideSphere Technology: Tunable waveguide tweeter housing with removable phase lens to create a larger-than-life soundstage
Curvilinear Cone: Lightweight aerated pop paper cone with Mica blend for strength and superior bass frequency reproduction
Low Resonant Frame Aerospace grade PA66 composite with 30% glass fiber speaker frame to assure that no harmonic distortions affect the tone of the speaker
Audiophile Crossover The crossover network, which guides the frequencies to each driver, is designed with tight tolerance components for superb sound quality
“These are some of the best sounding speakers MB Quart has ever offered. We’re excited to offer these speakers in new sizes and configurations in an effort to make life easier for installers,” concluded Sherman.
PRICING AND MODELS AVAILABLE:
*Pricing, specifications and performance subject to improvement without notice
For additional photography, check out “The Quarter Note Blog” by clicking here.
TAMPA, FL (12.13.2019) – DOW Electronics has announced that Matt Miller has joined the company to support and grow the Custom Integration channel. Miller brings 20 years of experience in custom integration, system design, networking support and an extensive product knowledge.
Miller brings valuable experience from his time working with Sonos, supporting the custom integration channel. Providing consultative design assistance and technical support, Miller helped his customers grow their business by designing the right system for their clients. Miller, holds numerous CEDIA and IT certifications, and has extensive experience designing and installing network solutions, experience that will help DOW’s customers build robust high performance networks for projects of any size.
“I’m thrilled to have joined DOW’s team and feel honored to be part of its growth. I’m very happy to stay in the custom integration industry where my background will be very valuable to DOW’s customers.” -Matt Miller
“Matt’s past experience and extensive knowledge are valuable to our customers, I’m very excited to add him to the team,” added strategic sales manager Eric Friedman.
“Matt is a great addition to help us grow in the metro NY market, we are very happy to have him on the team,” stated Drew Fischer, director of sales.
To learn more about DOW Electronics, visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1.800.627.2900.
TAMPA, FL (12.12.2019) – Kicker Marine Audio had a major presence at the Marine Retailers Association of America Dealer Week at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa FL December 8th-11th. The MRAA Dealer week is 4 days of education, networking, business solutions and celebration for marine industry professionals. The MRAA is in its 43rd year of producing dealer-focused educational programming.
The Kicker Marine Audio Team set for the day early Wednesday morning, December 11. Jeremy Bale, Colin Wilson and Lori Boyer (L to R).
Jeremy Bale-Marine Audio Brand Manager, Lori Boyer and Colin Wilson traveled from Kicker World HQ in Stillwater OK to work with marine dealers from across the US. Kicker Marine Audio displayed the latest products in the lineup on the show floor and sponsored the evening industry celebration on Tuesday evening along with the band. Over 600 dealers and staff members benefitted from checking out the latest products, taking advantage of the educational platform and enjoyed an entertainment event on Tuesday evening.
At the Tuesday evening festivities, Kicker held a Text Promo. Attendees sent a text to win a set of Kicker earbuds. There were over 200 texts sent.
The Tuesday evening festivities included a band on stage that sponsored by Kicker Marine Audio.
During the Kicker sponsored Tuesday evening activities Kicker offered a free text-based earbud promotion. Over 200 members of the audience participated and will soon be “Livin Loud” with Kicker earbuds.
Marilyn DeMartini and Wanda Kenton Smith, with PR Power, were also on site working to showcase Kicker Marine Audio to the MRAA attendees.
OXNARD, CA (12.12.2019) – SCOSCHE has announced that two new Scosche products are now available exclusively at Apple.com and in select Apple stores worldwide.
BaseLynx White – The Patent Pending BaseLynx system is for anyone who needs to charge and organize their mobile devices, including: iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, cameras, portable gaming systems, headphones and more.
This modular system gives you the freedom to use each module on its own, or to connect multiple charging modules and use just one AC power cable and outlet. You can add new modules whenever you add new devices to your household or business.
Having a BaseLynx means you’ll always be able to locate your devices charged and ready to go. It’s a little island of order in what can sometimes be a messy world. It’s invaluable at home, but also shines in the office, in a conference room, a classroom, a dorm room, a gym, an Airbnb, an RV, or really anywhere you have electronic devices, a power supply and people. It’s sleek white and gray minimalistic appearance blends into any environment.
There are currently four BaseLynx modules (shown below). Additional types of charging and storage modules are in development now, and will seamlessly integrate into the system when they become available.
The genuine MFi-Certified Magnetic Charger For Apple Watch charges all Apple Watch models. You can charge your Watch flat with the band open or, flip up the charging element and charge and display your Watch in Nightstand Mode.
The Qi-Certified Wireless Charging Pad quickly and safely charges Qi-enabled phones:(iPhones 8 and later) and will also charge your Wireless Charging Case for AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Use the Vert Charging Station to organize and charge up to three devices at once, including smartphones, tablets and portable gaming systems. It has three three charging ports: one 18W USB-C with Power Delivery, and two 12W USB-A. Power Delivery charges your devices up to 3X faster.
Add two more charging ports to your BaseLynx system with the Dual-Port Charging EndCap with Power Delivery. The Charging EndCap has one 18W USB-C Power Delivery port, and one 12W USB-A port.
Customers may purchase the modules individually, adding more modules as needed, or choose the available kits. Kits and modules can be combined. The BaseLynx White Kits, that include the modules and accessories listed below, are available now at Apple.com:
This modular system gives you the freedom to use each module on its own, or to connect multiple charging modules and use just one AC power cable and outlet. You can add new modules whenever you add new devices to your household or business.
Having a BaseLynx means you’ll always be able to locate your devices charged and ready to go. It’s a little island of order in what can sometimes be a messy world. It’s invaluable at home, but also shines in the office, in a conference room, a classroom, a dorm room, a gym, an Airbnb, an RV, or really anywhere you have electronic devices, a power supply and people. It’s sleek white and gray minimalistic appearance blends into any environment.
There are currently four BaseLynx modules (shown below). Additional types of charging and storage modules are in development now, and will seamlessly integrate into the system when they become available.
The genuine MFi-Certified Magnetic Charger For Apple Watch charges all Apple Watch models. You can charge your Watch flat with the band open or, flip up the charging element and charge and display your Watch in Nightstand Mode.
The Qi-Certified Wireless Charging Pad quickly and safely charges Qi-enabled phones:(iPhones 8 and later) and will also charge your Wireless Charging Case for AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Use the Vert Charging Station to organize and charge up to three devices at once, including smartphones, tablets and portable gaming systems. It has three three charging ports: one 18W USB-C with Power Delivery, and two 12W USB-A. Power Delivery charges your devices up to 3X faster.
Add two more charging ports to your BaseLynx system with the Dual-Port Charging EndCap with Power Delivery. The Charging EndCap has one 18W USB-C Power Delivery port, and one 12W USB-A port.
Customers may purchase the modules individually, adding more modules as needed, or choose the available kits. Kits and modules can be combined. The BaseLynx White Kits, that include the modules and accessories listed below, are available now at Apple.com:
MagicGrip Auto-Grip Wireless Charging Vent Mount
The patent pending MagicGrip is an award-winning* Wireless Charging Vent Mount
When the MagicGrip senses that a Qi-enabled phone is perfectly aligned over its charging coil, its arms automatically close to securely hold and charge the phone as you drive. This auto-grip closure ensures perfect placement of the phone for optimum charging as well as full device visibility. The charging head easily rotates to portrait or landscape orientations.
Wireless charging is now fast as well as convenient and the MagicGrip delivers 7.5W of charging power to support Apple Fast Charging. Certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), It provides the extra safety protection of Foreign Object Detection. An ambient light sensing LED ring indicates charging.
The patent pending FreeFlow open design allows airflow from the vehicle’s vent to pass through to cool or warm you. With its articulating swing-arm you can move the charging head and your phone away from the vent, while the base remains anchored there.
With the phone held in place by the MagicGrip’s arms, a thermal management channel is created between the phone and the Qi-charging head, allowing heated air to escape and be replaced by cooler air. Cooler charging is safer for your device. The MagicGrip comes with a 12V vehicle power adapter, and charging cable.
*The MagicGrip Vent Mount received a “Best of CES 2019” award from iPhone Life magazine.
The MagicGrip Vent mount is available exclusively at Apple.com.
CERRITOS, CA (12.12.2019) – Soundskins Global launches there first precut sound deadening kit from the triple layer model SSPRO including butyl rubber and acoustic for Jeep Wrangler Jk & JL which includes doors and floor coverage.
The SoundSkins Pro Jeep Wrangler JK Template Kit is a pre-cut sound dampening kit designed to reduce road noise and improve your stereo sound performance.
The machine cut design makes installation quick and easy. Taking all the hard work out of sound proofing your vehicle.
The kit will reduce tyre road noise and insulate the cabin to improve your driving experience.
Covers all 4x doors inner layer and complete floor pan, including front and rear foot wells & rear trunk section.
Suitable for all model Jeep Wranglers JK from 2006 – 2017
Kit includes 9x pieces and is suited for 4x door models.
Available now for pre-order with a ship date Jan 1, 2020.
LONG BEACH, CA (12.11.2019) – KENWOOD USA is shipping a refreshed line of 3 double-DIN (2 DIN) and 2 single-DIN (1 DIN) sized audio receivers. The receivers include the KENWOOD eXcelon DPX594BT (MSRP $219.95) 2 DIN CD Receiver and the KENWOOD eXcelon KDC-X704 (MSRP $209.95) 1 DIN CD Receiver, both with a 2 Year Warranty. Also included with this release is the KENWOOD DPX504BT (MSRP $219.95) 2 DIN CD Receiver, the KENWOOD KDC-BT778HD (MSRP $199.95) 1 DIN CD Receiver, and the KENWOOD DPX304MBT (MSRP $189.95) 2 DIN non-CD Digital Media Receiver, of which feature value priced KENWOOD quality with a 1 year warranty.
All 5 receivers get a major tech upgrade with the addition of Alexa Built-in! With a connected smartphone and a simple push of the Alexa button on the receiver, drivers can easily access and interact with Alexa – all while keeping their eyes on the road ahead. This completely changes the game for smartphone users, now able to speak to Alexa using simple voice commands to enjoy their favorite music and content from streaming services like the SiriusXM and Pandora mobile apps, get directions to destinations like the nearest gas station, control smart home devices, and access tens of thousands of Alexa skills.
The KENWOOD eXcelon KDC-X704 and KENWOOD KDC-BT778HD both feature built-in HD Radio tuners, offering users the convenience of up to three extra HD stations from each frequency that’s being broadcast in digital sound, all with no monthly fees. All 5 receivers are also SiriusXM-Ready (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), enabling access to hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more.
As always, KENWOOD includes an extensive amount of sound quality features and controls on all receivers, touting a 13 Band EQ, Digital Time Alignment, and dedicated Front/Rear/Sub RCA pre-outs, with enhanced 5-volt pre-outs on eXcelon models. Technicians will also enjoy the ease of installation when it comes to the new KENWOOD DPX304MBT, offering a Shallow Chassis mounting depth of under 4”, which allows plenty of clearance for some of the more challenging vehicles when mounting depth is a limiting factor. All 2 DIN models also include a 3-line text display for enhanced visibility and user customization. Other noteworthy improvements include the latest in Bluetooth sound quality, screen visibility and brightness.
“In a time where multimedia receivers are seeing the biggest growth in the receiver category, we feel that it’s still important to focus on performance and technology upgrades for our non-multimedia receivers, as there is still a huge opportunity for these products,” said Mike Roberts, VP of Sales and Marketing. “With enhancements such as Alexa, we can reach a new group of users who may have had no other reason to replace their factory stereo, until now.”
For detailed information on specific features for each receiver, please view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car
12VoltNews.com 