ANGELS CAMP, CA (01.12.26) – Driven Marketing, LLC has been appointed by Vault Power as the independent sales representative firm covering the Northern California, Central California, and Northern Nevada markets, effective January 1, 2026. Driven Marketing was chosen for their expertise in supporting brand growth, dealer relationships, and strategic marketing initiatives across the industry.
Vault Power, renowned for its cutting-edge Sodium Ion and Lithium Iron Phosphate battery lineup, also offers pure virgin copper power cable and speaker wire, along with installation accessories. This comprehensive range ensures customers can build complete and reliable power systems from a single trusted source.
“Vault Power continues to push forward with solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s electrical and highly demanding audio systems,” said Greg Douglas, Co-Owner of Driven Marketing. “The addition of sodium-ion technology gives customers increased flexibility and superior performance options, at a competitive value.”
“We are excited to add another premium brand like Vault Power to our line card,” added Pete Bobsin, Co-Owner of Driven Marketing. “Their innovative approach and commitment to quality align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier solutions to our customers.”
MECHANICSVILLE, VA (01.12.26) – Specialty Marketing, a Custom Home, and Mobile Electronics Distributor, with over six decades of distribution experience, formally announces the hiring of Scott Campbell.
Scott Campbell
Scott, a 12-volt Industry veteran with decades of experience, will help to better support dealers throughout the West Florida and South Georgia markets. “I have previously worked with Scott Campbell for many years and have always respected the way he interacts and supports his customers, building exceptional relationships for both the Dealer and Vendor. We are excited to have him to join our sales team!”
Specialty Marketing, with distribution centers in Virginia, New Jesey, and Florida currently provide next-day delivery to 95% of their East Coast retailers. They can be reached at 800-446-9820 and offer a best-in-class website www.specialtymarketing.com, with real-time inventory, pricing, invoices and more. Contact them to become a dealer at Specialty: Become a Dealer (specialtymarketing.com)
SHREVEPORT LA (1.11.26) 2026 is off to a very fast start in the 12volt Central Studios and The 12volt News. In this Special Sunday Edition we will spotlight activities from CES 2026 in Las Vegas along with the AIM EXPO in Anaheim CA, The 50th Annual North American Motorcycle Super Show in Toronto, PowerBass at the AMA ArenaCross in Anaheim CA along The Offroad Products Expo in Hot Springs AR plus the GS Distributing dealer show in Livermore, CA.
CES 2026 had over 4000 exhibitors across the 2,000,000 ft.² of the LVCC exhibit hall space. Over the years the 12volt community has continued to shrink in size. This year‘s event showed that that trend is still in place. VOXX Electronics and Pioneer Audio had very large presentations. VOXX was spotlighting products supporting OEM’s in the high-end golf cart segment in the traditional Central Hall Booth. Pioneer Audio was focused with the introduction of the new SPHERA product launch with a large presence in the West Hall.
The AIM Expo took place in the Anaheim Convention Center running January 7-9. JBL Audio had a large presence spotlighting their power sports category. Shawn Spedding and Fred Isensee showcased the new products along with live demos in the booth with a Polaris 2-door Ranger and the hot loaded bike. The company’s Polaris Expedition was spotlighted in the 4 Wheel Hall. Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing rep Principal, traveled from the Southeast to support JBL in the booth.
The JBL booth with Scott Hochmuth, Shawn Spedding and Fred Isensee (LtoR).
The 50th Annual North American Motorcycle Super Show took place at the in the Toronto Centre located in the Toronto suburb of Mississauga. Distributors GemSen and Importel were on site working with a number of their brands that had exhibits on the Show floor. In addition in a large adjacent Hall the Kicker AMA ArenaCross was also underway.
PowerBass was on site at an AMA SuperCross event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim CA. Erik Harbour, along with Juan Quintana and PowerBass models Serra, Amanda and Morgan were set up in a large booth that attracted a lot traffic at the family friendly event. PowerBass sponsored the Privateer Paddock and had a display set up under the large tent.
Hot Springs AR was home to the Offroad Products Expo. The large arena was filled with dozens of exhibitor tents and Powersports demo vehicles. Chuck Holey, Trail Star Audio, traveled down from up North and was on site with demos and worked a booth spotlighting JBL Powersports products including RallyBars.
Chuck Holey and Trail Star Audio spotlighted JBL RallyBars at the Off-road Products Expo in Hot Springs AR.
Lastly, GS Distributing had a very well attended dealer show at their facility in Livermore CA on Tuesday, January 6th. KICKER dealers from across Northern California and Nevada. This was the first KICKER training in the area for 10 years. “The strong turnout highlighted the demand for in-depth product knowledge and the commitment dealers have to continue growing their businesses with industry-leading brands” Shams Nabi, President Nabi Industries Inc, related.
GS Distributing hosted a very successful KICKER training at their facility Livermore CA.
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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (1.10..26) 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 is now spinning in Year 7.
The 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel rolled for the 352nd time on Friday morning on January 9th. The Wheel landed on the King Boxes space and the Island Audio slip was drawn from the jar. An Instagram post of the winning spin slip was posted. A video of the Wheel spin was also posted.
We reached out to the winning retailer in southern Louisiana. Left a message with the great news. We will contact Jaysam at King Boxes to get the King Boxes prize ball rolling. Looking forward to Nick Compton receiving the prize!
Spinning out a winner each Friday, a lucky 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the 12volt industry.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include KICKER, RDV, PowerBass, CRUX, JBL, Kenwood, JVC, EBS Audio, King Boxes, Massive Audio, Q Power and VIPER. 12volt News and 12voltBeat $100. cash awards also have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for the 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, Car Audio Addicts in Pittsburgh PA and AudioKing Tinting in Yakima WA, Arias Tint and Alarms in Duncanville TX, Odeh Car Audio in Gadsden AL, 12volt Specialist in Newark DE, Cutting Edge Audio in San Diego CA, Southern Auto Fab in Lafayette LA, California Sound in Fontana CA, Big Boyz Toyz in Florence SC, 740 Audio in Athens OH and 12volt Outfitters in Hollywood FL., High Quality Auto Sound, Lawrence MA, Custom Car Stereo SC in Spartanburg SC, Zier Box in Dallas TX, Maximum in Manville NJ, Audio Car Stereo in Miami FL, Mach 1 Audio in Washington MO, Doren Car Stereo in Queens Village NY, Side-x-Side Audio in South Charleston WV, Sound Concept in Nanuet NY, Pda Road Gear in Littleton CO and A-Plus Audio and Tinting Newington CT, Audio Electronics in Indianapolis IN, Tint and Sound in Frederick MD, Tint World Wilmington DE, VIP Autoworks in Mentor OH, All Out Audio in Killeen TX, Yong’s Audio in Indianapolis IN, Custom Audio Concepts in Lima OH, Clear Vibrations in Quakertown PA, The Outlaw Garage in Columbia TN, Xpert Car Audio in Layton UT, No Doubt Window Tint in Ardmore OK, San Diego Car Stereo in San Diego CA, Smart Audio in Lawrence MA, Car Audio One in Chula Vista CA, Audio Excellence in Orlando FL, Ultimate Sounds 1 in Wilmington NC, King Kong Custom Audio in Albuquerque NM. Manny’s Customs in Stockton CA, OD Car Audio in Pasco WA, Car Tunes on Line in Largo FL, INOV8 Audio in Houston TX, Kartel Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, Pro Auto Sound in Hialeah FL Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Fabulous Auto Alarms in Passaic NJ, Jimmy_Sound_System in Lawrence MA, American Audio Concepts in Houston TX, Arias Tint and Alarm in Duncanville TX, Big Papas Car Audio in Cincinnati OH, Houston Audio Lab in Houston TX, 901 Sound in Memphis TN, Kurtz Car Stereo in Traverse City MI, Sound By Stephen, Music In Motion in Alsip IL, Current Automotive Design in Sparta NJ, Prestige Sounds in Pompano Beach FL, Mobile AVC in Brunswick ME, Telza Audio in Columbia SC, Limelight Automotive in Webster NY, Victory Lap Auto Restyling East Moline IL, Unique Audio VA in Lorton VA, Builds by Paul in Litchfield AZ, Voodoo Customs in Haltom City TX, Elevated Design in Phoenix AZ, Mobilework/Tintworks in Santa Maria CA, Nappo Car Audio in Houston, Platinum Car Audio in Washington, Ballistic Audiowerks in Smithsburg MD, Xteme-Car Audio in Bremerton WA, Beltline Motors in Decatur AL, Ultimate Sounds in Chattanooga TN, Santa Fe Auto Sound in Overland Park KS, Soundelux Car Audio in Chula Vista CA, Kartele Mobile Electronics in Waterbury CT, BK Audio in Pasco WA, CenCal Audio in Madura CA, Xtreme Auto Sound in Louisville KY, Victorylap Auto Styling in East Moline IL, Car Trendz in Alexandria VA, BLVD Customs in Lakeland FL, Audio Systems in Montclair CA, Fitment_nyc_shop in Jamaica NY, King Audio in Norwalk CT. Foss Audio in Tukwila WA, OG Car Audio in Kissimmee FL, Tint and Tunes in Sacramento CA, Dr Dashboard in Evansville IN, The Sound Shop in Chino CA, Extreme Concepts in Albertville AL,The-King of Custom in Longwood FL, Car Audio Depot in Modesto CA and Audio Dreams in Acworth GA, PCH Custom Audio in Long Beach CA, Crazy Ralph’s Car Stereo in Gonzales LA, Joe’s Cycle Therapy in Somerset MA, Cal Custom Audio in Tracy CA, NWA Audio in Bentonville AR, XT Audio in Miami, Tim’s Audio in Newport OR, Build’s By Paul in Litchfield AZ, DAW Discount Audio in Paramount CA and M12 Audio in Bluefield WVA, Jam City Pros in Caddo Mills TX, Finishline Shop in Lumberton NJ, Genuine Custom Audio in Riverside CA,Ballistic Autowerks in Hagerstown MD, Jeff’s Custom Car Audio in Royce TX, Pitbull’s in Houston, Aspen Sound in North Spokane WA, CP Designs in Jarrell TX and D&B Sales in Ft Wayne IN, Precision Custom Audio in Riverview FL, The King of Custom, Active Sound in NC, Car Stereo Plus in Sumter SC, Audioworks DE in Newark DE, Active Sounds in NC Speed Car Audio in Dallas, Voodoo Customs in Luling LA, BK Customs 616 in Grand Rapids MI, TPD HiFI in Broken Bow OK, HiFi Crusin’ in Hattiesburg MS, Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwod NY, California Audio in West Valley UT, H A Ross Entertainment, Voodoo Customs in Haltom TX, Absolutely Creative Customs in Boulder CO, Mobile Sound in Temecula CA, Redline Auto Sports in Hicksville NY, Sparked Innovations in Knoxville TN, Boosted Build in Warrenton OR, Prodigy Car Audio iManteca CA, Snow’s Auto in Spokane WA and PMC Customs, White Oak PA, InTune in Redmond OR, Tint Wrap Audio Guys in Fresno CA, Ultimate Sounds and Tinting in Chattanooga TN, MetJoe Auto Electronics in Kenilworth NJ, Pyramid Customs in Fort Worth TX, California Audio in Salt Lake Valley City UT, Sinewave in Grayslake IL, Team Nutz in Pittsburg PA and 3P Off Road in Tomball TX, Next Level Audio in Cadallic MI and Sound Master in Roswell GA and JA Electronics in Florida City FL.
Congratulations to all.
WTF……Win This Friday……See the next 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel on Friday, January 16th!
SHREVEPORT, LA (01.09.2026) – In today’s AI driven and social media world it is more important than ever for members of the 12volt industry to connect with industry members and consumers. These activities are more important than ever to drive in-vehicle automotive upgrades awareness and business into brick and mortar retailers. Consumers can’t feel the bass in their chest or appreciate the separation of mids and highs on a smartphone or laptop.
Many 12volt industry members only use a QR Code to scan a restaurant menu. QR Codes have so many positive ways for 12volt industry members to utilize this positive technology.
This custom Nevada Auto Sound custom QR Code was utilized by Thomas Wing at an AMA Arena Cross event in Reno Nevada.
The 12volt Central Studios staff has created a new tool that works across the board. A high-quality glasses and screen cleaning microfiber cloth, with a custom QR Code, is the answer. Screens on mobile devices tend to collect smudges of all kinds. With this cleaning cloth a custom QR Code linking to a company’s website can be created and printed on the cloth to be seen by users several times a day as they clean their screens. The 6” by 6” cloth fits in a pocket or rests on an office desk. Even used by an installer in the install bay during a head unit installation.
300 custom QR Code glasses/screen cleaners don’t take much space when you’re headed to a show!
Trade shows and consumer events are terrific venues to hand out the cleaning cloth to attendees. Driving pre-event attention to an exhibitor’s booth is also an option. The cloth is also much less expensive, and easier to ship, than T-Shirts. Reps on the road could give a dealer his cleaning cloth to continue visibility for his company’s website.
ANAHEIM, CA (1.09.26) – AIM EXPO is North America’s largest Powersports Trade Show showcasing the latest Motorcycle, ATV, UTV, SxS and E Powersports plus parts, accessories and related business services. January 7-9 are the dates in the Anaheim Convention Center.
Scott Hochmuth-RPM, Shawn Spedding and Fred Isensee (LtoR) ready to kick off Day 2.
JBL Audio has a large presence on the AIM EXPO event floor in Booth 679. Shawn Spedding and Fred Isensee are working in the booth providing live demos and daring attendees to listen to JBL Audio. Scott Hochmuth, Real Performance Marketing Rep Principal traveled from the Southeast to engage with the Powersports community.
Shawn Spedding related “The Polaris 2-Door Ranger is loaded with factory JBL Audio and spotlights 8 RallytBars. The new GEN2 RallyBar is now available in White and features Auracast. Demos really bring smiles and WOW! We have a loaded Benda bobber motorcycle outfitted with Cruise speakers too. It’s been super to spend time with Powersport’s community members.”
The AIM EXPO puts attendees in front of the right people at the right time of the year. Dealers that attend the AIM EXPO know it is best to get in front of aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, service providers and OEMs to learn about new products plus capitalize on show specials. The AIM EXPO puts attendees in front of the right people at the right time of the year. The face-to-face meetings are still the most meaningful and valuable way to do business. THE AIM Expo gathers the North American motorcycling and Powersports industry so that attendees can connect.
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (01.09.26) – Get ready to bring out the best in power with ALL-NEW CRA!
Whether you’re building your first car audio system or upgrading to pro-level performance, the CRA amplifier series delivers the power and precision your music demands. Designed with modern Class D technology and engineered for efficient, distortion-free performance, CRA amps are ready to drive your speakers and subs with confidence.
CRA amplifiers bring clean, efficient power to every installation — from 2-channel amp setups to monster monoblocks. Fully adjustable crossovers, MOSFET efficiency, and an electronic equalizer help tune your sound to deliver crisp highs, rich mids, and thumping bass. Every CRA amplifier features high sound quality connection with strong RCA materials. Feel the difference in sound and upgrade to Crunch CRA!
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.07.26) – Building on decades of audio innovation, Pioneer introduces SPHERA, the world’s first aftermarket spatial audio in-dash receiver to feature Dolby Atmos® playback in Apple CarPlay. To date, in-vehicle Dolby Atmos has been available only in models equipped with Dolby Atmos-enabled sound systems. With SPHERA, Pioneer expands access to Dolby Atmos through an aftermarket solution that can be installed in millions of existing vehicles, delivering an immersive sound experience leveraging speakers already in the vehicle.
The Pioneer Booth 3527 in the LVCC West Hall rolled early on Day 1 of CES 2026.
Following last year’s CES prototype demonstration of in-vehicle spatial audio, Pioneer now brings that vision to life with SPHERA, an Apple CarPlay in-dash receiver featuring Dolby Atmos playback capability. With SPHERA, drivers can stream their favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts in Dolby Atmos from many popular streaming services1 for a richer in-car entertainment experience with added depth, clarity, and detail.
Live SPHERA demos showed that drivers can stream their favorite music, audiobooks and podcasts in Dolby Atmos from many popular streaming services for a richer in-car entertainment experience with added depth, clarity and detail.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has achieved many technological ‘firsts’—from the world’s first car CD player to the first aftermarket CarPlay integration,” said Chris Ono, CEO & Chairman of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “SPHERA is the next bold chapter in that legacy. Guided by our corporate mission, ‘Move the Heart and Touch the Soul’, we developed a product that brings the rich, detailed sound of Dolby Atmos that moves the soul, to a solution that can be installed in many vehicles on the road today. With SPHERA, we are expanding access to immersive sound, allowing more drivers than ever to enjoy music with the clarity and emotion its creators intended.”
OPTIMIZED 4-CHANNEL SOLUTION
Pioneer’s SPHERA features technology from Dolby that enables a rich Dolby Atmos experience delivered over 4-channels. SPHERA leverages a vehicle’s existing front and rear speaker locations to create a rich, immersive listening experience powered by Dolby Atmos. The combination of Dolby Atmos playback technology and Pioneer processing precisely manages sound reproduction to provide a practical, installation-ready upgrade path and the ability to add a spatial audio experience in many consumers’ existing vehicles.
POWERED BY PURE AUTOTUNING TECHNOLOGY
SPHERA integrates Pioneer’s PURE Autotuning technology, a proprietary in-vehicle calibration system engineered specifically for the acoustic challenges of the automobile interior. Vehicle cabins vary widely in size, shape, and materials, and aftermarket upgrades can further influence acoustical variables. To account for and adapt to these differences, PURE Autotuning technology precisely adjusts time alignment, frequency response, and channel levels to optimize performance and place the listener at the acoustical center position. This level of accuracy is essential for delivering a Dolby Atmos experience that is true to the creative intent of musicians and content creators.
MODERN INTERFACE AND INSTALLATION-READY DESIGN
SPHERA pairs its audio innovations with a refined hardware and interface platform engineered for real-world automotive use. A vibrant 10.1” HD capacitive display delivers crisp visibility and responsive control, supported by Pioneer’s Quick Swipe interface for fast, intuitive adjustments on the road. Leveraging the large screen size, a split-screen mode reserves a portion of the screen for easy access to key features and controls. The integrated Pioneer Luminous Bar adds a subtle visual signature to the dash, featuring an Enhanced Visual Mode for navigation support and Music Synchronization Mode to sync lighting with your audio. Wireless connectivity keeps the experience streamlined through wireless CarPlay, wireless Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. Designed for universal aftermarket installation, SPHERA fits a wide variety of vehicles with minimal modification, ensuring that immersive audio reaches drivers without an overly complicated upgrade process.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Launching at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, SPHERA will be showcased at Pepcom at Paris Las Vegas as well as Pioneer’s booth located in LVCC, West Hall — 3527, where on-site demos will be available.
Pioneer SPHERA will be available in Spring 2026 through Pioneer’s network of authorized retailers, both in-store and online, including Best Buy, Crutchfield, and others. Pricing will begin at$1,300.
For more information about Pioneer SPHERA, as well as other products launched at CES 2026, go to usa.pioneer.
LONG BEACH, CA (01.08.26) — JVCKENWOOD announced expanded compatibility for its innovative Direct Replacement receivers, which now support select 2009–2017 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with the shipment of ADS Maestro’s new APX-S8-IN1 installation kit.
Introduced in spring of last year, JVCKENWOOD’s Direct Replacement receivers offer a new approach to radio replacement. Unlike conventional installations that often require extensive dash kits—sometimes replacing entire dash panels or climate controls—Direct Replacement receivers are designed to replace the factory display directly.
These receivers feature high-resolution touchscreen displays that match the original 8-inch factory screen size, or in some applications offer a 10-inch floating display solution. Installation is simplified using basic mounting brackets, the Maestro RR1 or RR2 interface, and vehicle-specific wiring harnesses. Factory dash functions such as volume, climate controls, and other integrated features are retained capabilities that are often lost with traditional aftermarket installations.
The APX-S8-IN1 kit is particularly significant, as it provides a radio replacement solution for vehicles that previously had limited or no aftermarket upgrade options.
The launch of the APX-S8-IN1 marks the latest expansion of the Direct Replacement ecosystem, with additional vehicle-specific kits planned for release in the near future.
“We feel that Direct Replacement receivers are the future of car audio,” said Rick Noetzli, Product Manager at KENWOOD. “As we move forward, this approach allows us to support vehicles that previously could not accommodate a receiver replacement.”
The APX-S8-IN1 installation kit is available now from iDatalink.
TEMPE, AZ (01.08.26) – Automotive audio pioneer Wayne Harris will feature his world-famous Terminator vehicle during a special live interview during MasterTech Expo 2026, held March 12-15, 2026 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz., offering attendees a rare look into one of the most iconic builds in car audio history.
Open to all MasterTech attendees and exhibitors, the Terminator will be on hand and the featured session will take place March 12 from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Delta AZ Ballroom.
Harris has been a driving force in the 12-volt automotive audio industry since the early 1980s. A designer, engineer, entrepreneur, and innovator, he has earned multiple Design & Engineering awards, he holds several patents for audio technology innovations, and was named one of the Top Ten Most Influential People in Car Audio from 1987–1992.
Originally built in the mid-1980s – well ahead of its time – the Terminator featured groundbreaking concepts including one of the first true symmetry-based system layouts, including six Power 1000 amplifiers and a rotating amplifier rack that redefined what was possible in mobile audio design. The vehicle pushed extreme power levels for its era and became a benchmark for competitive audio builds.
The Terminator Vehicle The Terminator began life as a 1960 Cadillac hearse before Harris transformed it into one of the most legendary show vehicles in automotive audio history. Packed with massive subwoofers, multiple drivers, and staggering power output for the time, it helped shape early competition culture and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it in person.
Today, Harris has been carefully modernizing, refurbishing, and rewiring the Terminator, preserving its original spirit while ensuring it remains period-correct. Decades later, the vehicle remains a cultural icon, still talked about by competitors and enthusiasts who remember seeing – and hearing – it dominate early car audio events.
Live Interview & Walk-Through Attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from Harris as he walks through the history, design philosophy, and technical innovation behind the Terminator.
The session will be hosted by Matt Schaefer and Gary Bell of the Old Fashion Podcast.
For anyone passionate about car audio history, innovation, and legendary builds, this is a moment not to be missed.
12VoltNews.com 