The Great Alpine Wall of Bass Creates Excitement at Car Stereo One

Posted on July 8, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Alpine, Car Stereo One.

TOLEDO, OH (07.09.2021) – The Great Alpine Wall Of Bass in the Car Stereo One showroom, in place now for 6 months, is creating excitement and driving business.

Steve Braun, President of Car Stereo One, stated “I believe that it is up to our industry, retailers and vendors alike, to bring excitement back to car audio. With the Great Alpine Wall of Bass we created an exciting in-store experience for consumers in Toledo and the surrounding area. On Wednesday, July 7th an Alpine team checked out the Great Alpine Wall of Bass and were very impressed.”

Pictured (L to R) Steve Braun – Car Stereo One owner, Cody, Hunter, JT, Brian, Steve Brown – Alpine, Chris Reavis – Alpine, Steve McGaffee – Online Marketing, and Dan Sparks – Alpine.

Steve McGaffee with Online Marketing joined Steve Brown-Alpine Director of Brand Marketing, Dan Sparks and Chris Reavis to check out the Great Wall of Bass at Car Stereo One.

The Great Alpine Wall of Bass features 30 woofers and 30 amps. It was the first of its kind in the whole country and definitely brought excitement back to car audio in the Toledo area. The 30 Alpine S-SB12V Halo woofer system links to create a wall across one side of the showroom. The 30 KTA-200M PowerPack mono amplifiers are mounted in a corner by the Great Alpine Wall of Bass.

The Great Alpine Wall of Bass is flanked by Alpine product displays.

Continuing, Braun offered, “The Great Alpine Wall of Bass came about following staff conversations with our area Alpine brand representative Dan Sparks. We were talking about car audio in the old days. One thing led to another. We took our ideas, with Steve McGaffee-Online Marketing, to Alpine and they gave the green light to go ahead with the project. The product was ordered and when it arrived Chris Reavis came up from Chicago and we knocked out the installation which took 3 days to get all in place.”

“The Great Alpine Wall of Bass has already been heard and felt. Our staff on the floor is getting a lot of attention when they crank the volume. We just began running some contests on social media. Our customers will be able to snap images and make videos in front of the Great Alpine Wall of Bass which they can post on Tik Tok and other platforms for prizes. We plan a grand prize for the most views. A big thank you for the support from Alpine, Online Marketing and the work of our team,” Braun concluded.

Visit carstereo1.com and alpine-usa.com for more.

Steel Valley Regional IX Set for July 24th & 25th

Posted on July 7, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2021) – The HARV Arena at the Mountaineer Casino and Resort, in New Cumberland WV, will be the site of the 2021 Steel Valley Regional IX July 24th and 25th presented by ARC Audio.

“The excitement is really growing as we get closer to the event featuring a MECA 4X, IASCA 3X and EMMA competitions. We are looking for a great event and will be excited to see competitors in the lanes and vendors set up to showcase their latest products in the HARV Arena for our SQL event,“ Larry Chijner related.

Continuing, Chijner stated, “The SVR features the Top 40 SQ Showdown where 6 judges will evaluate all the cars and rank them from 40th to 1st place. Prizes and Trophies will be presented to all who compete. Judges for this event are Harry Kimura, Brian Huston, Tony Pasquale, Scott Welch, Ron Buffington and Keith Turner. Klifton Keplinger and I will be the Head Judges for the event.”

12volt companies planning to participate on site at the event include ARC Audio, ORCA Design, Focal, Mosconi, Gladden, Black Hole, TRU Technology, JL Audio, Dynaudio, Teamaudionutz.com, Zapco, Accuton Automotive, ESB Audio, Stinger, Hybrid Technologies, Xcelsus, Mercury, Audio Visions, Quartorgio, Audio Wave Ltd, Italia HiFi, ResoNix, German Maestro, Kharma Audio, Vibe Audio and Davis Distribution.

Competitors in place inside The HARV during a previous Steel Valley Regional

IASCA’s Travis Chin commented, “I’m looking forward to attending SVR. This premier SQ event is the beginning of a string of triple point events that will help members acquire enough points to earn an invite to our North American Championship in October. There will be plenty of top sound quality vehicles to check out as they prepare for their run for the championship.”

The HARV Arena is an excellent facility for SQ competitions.

MECA Commish stated, “Larry Chijner’s SVR is a premier event on the MECA SQL schedule. This year we are bringing our enhanced 4X SQL program to the SVR, as part of SQOLOGY, sponsored by ARC Audio. Three of our top SQL judges will rate each system’s Sound Quality, individually, and scores are averaged for the most fair outcomes. Judges will give detailed notes for improvement leading to better scores for all MECA competitors. The MECA 4X events are designed to help prepare MECA competitors for our Finals event October 23/24 in Bentonville AR. Contests include 7 Sound Quality classes, 4 install classes, RTA Freq Out and two 2 seat (old School) SQ classes.”

Continuing, Stern offered, “Judges scheduled for SVR are Mike Flanagan (MS), Joseph Hedden (IL) and Mic Wallace (NC). A big thanks to Larry and Klifton from SQOLOGY for working to make this a highlight of the MECA season.”

Concluding, Chijner relayed, “We look forward to seeing everyone at the SVR IX event.”

Visit steelvalleyregional.com for more.

Audio Solutions 49 Opens a New Store in Florence, MS

Posted on July 6, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Audio Solutions.

FLORENCE, MS (07.07.2021) – The Grand Opening of the new Audio Solutions 49 location took place on Saturday June 26th from 10AM until 2PM. Wayne Holton and family members, along with City of Florence leaders and Chamber of Commerce members, attended the ribbon cutting. Food and refreshments were enjoyed by attendees with a jump house for children. Friends, customers and enthusiasts were invited to cruise in for the Grand Opening.

Wayne Holton and wife, Florence City leaders with Chamber of Commerce members, at the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting. Holton’s 92 year old Grandfather seated.

“The Grand Opening went very well and it was certainly a very special day. We opened at our previous location in 2016. We outgrew that facility as we made plans to grow. Our new facility was a ground up build with a 10.000 square foot layout focused on mobile electronics and accessories sales. The previous location remains open and will focus on the Powersports market,” Holton related.

This overhead drone shot shows the scope of the new location.

A wide variety of vehicles look to Audio Solutions 49 for upgrades.

During the Grand Opening attendees enjoyed several hundred hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill. The 2 acre parking lot was packed with cars and the showroom was filled with people celebrating the Grand Opening.

Ricky Gibson, N&H Electronics owner, made the 180 mile roundtrip drive from Hattiesburg MS to attend the Grand Opening. “The new Audio Solutions 49 location is really first rate. When I arrived the parking lot was jammed, showroom was packed and the phones were ringing off the hook in the showroom. Wayne is a very good N&H customer and seeing his new location was terrific. When I drove by the old location there was action too with golf carts outside.”

Audio Solutions 49 utilized social media to wish followers and customers a Happy 4th July. This post also planted seeds for some of the mobile electronics products that the company offers.

Wayne Holton, with his Shelby GT in the showroom at the new Audio Solutions 49 location. He holds a Nakamichi product which is a brand added recently to the company’s inventory.

“The first 10 days open at the new location we have been so busy. We truly appreciate the support from our customers, friends and the City of Florence,” Holton concluded.

Florence is in the immediate Jackson, MS area and Highway 49 a major north/south highway.

July Begins The 2nd Half Of The Game 2021

Posted on July 5, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.06.21) Sunday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 245 across the U.S. Many businesses enjoyed a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Monday, July 5th.

July 4th 2021 saw a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic in retreat along plus travel and events returning to everyday life. Cities across the U.S. hosted spectacular fireworks shows that drew big crowds although the lack of rain forced cancelations some areas. Reports are that Fireworks sales topped over $1 billion for July 4th activities.

On July 4th KICKER hosted a celebration at the company’s Stillwater OK World HQ for the employee family. The KICKER XRV formed the backdrop for tents. There were multiple tables set up under the tents with a buffet of traditional 4th of July food, refreshments and desserts. The KICKER employee family numbers 200 and many enjoyed the 4th of July together.

Kevin Campbell, KICKER Marketing Director related “This was not a big production but families having a good dinner to celebrate July 4th on a nice night. Kids played in bounce houses and on slides plus there was music…Gotta have the music. The KICKER XRV was recently revamped and was open for all to experience. The KICKER family definitely enjoyed the music and was Livin’Loud.”

Members of the KICKER Family getting set to enjoy the buffet and then checkout the XRV at the July 4th company celebration.

The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship took place on Coney Island and once again Joey Chestnut was the winner…this for the 14th time. He downed 76 hot dogs and buns, that amounted to 22,800 calories, in 10 minutes!

It was very nice to see so many posts on social media as 12volt companies reached out to followers and friends to wish them a Happy 4th of July.

The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2021 was strong as another round of stimulus checks arrived. Many billions more arrived in the second quarter with more stimulus checks arriving for many and sales remained strong in the first couple of months in the second quarter. As the second quarter came to a close the shortage of inventory, caused for the most part by the chip shortage, came to the forefront.

Great to see 12volt companies utilizing social media to wish their friends and followers a Happy July 4th.

Now, as the second half of 2021 gets underway, all businesses must have a game plan in place. Importantly, businesses must then keep their eye on the ball and work their game plan.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to “Get Our Shine On” as an industry.

Let’s all set a plan for the 2nd half of 2021.

The 12voltSTP Tool can be utilized by members of the 12volt industry to showcase positives for their brand and activities. Snap..Txt..PRESTO. Snap an Image and Txt the image to 318 465 0844. PRESTO..your company could be in the news.

As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be….. ‘Jammin’ N July’.

July 4th Celebration Marked the 244th Anniversary of Independence Day

Posted on July 5, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

12VOLT CENRAL STUDIOS (07.05.21) Sunday, July 4th, marked the celebration of Independence Day 244 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off today, July 5th.

July 4th 2021 is seeing a return to somewhat normal with the COVID 19 Pandemic in retreat with travel and events returning to everyday life. On the 12volt industry side business remains strong but inventory issues persist.

Now, as the second half of 2021 gets underway, all businesses must put a game plan in place. Importantly, businesses must then keep their eye on the ball and work their game plan.

From the 12volt Central Studios we will continue to focus on the positives and encourage all to work to “Get Our Shine On”.

As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be….. ‘Jammin’ N July’.

Scrapin’ the Coast 2021 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Posted on July 1, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

BILOXI, MS (07.02.2021) – The 2021 Scrapin’ the Coast event filled the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and surrounding grounds the weekend June 26th and 27th in Biloxi MS. A large enthusiastic crowd checked out hundreds of rides, exhibits and vendors inside the coliseum. Members of the crowd were drawn outside to see more vendors and demos with the Gulf Coast waves in the background. The Limitless Lithium demo, loaded with DS18 gear, was certainly one of the loudest on the grounds. All experienced the DS18 slogan “We Like It Loud.”

The Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi was the place to check out Scrapin’ the Coast 2021.

The show floor was filled with great demo vehicles showcasing exceptional design and craftsmanship.

James Halter, Stereo & Video Center in Tyler TX, included time at Scrapin’ the Coast in the family’s vacation. Halter, and daughter Katelyn who takes great pictures, spent a lot of time inside and outside at the event.
Halter relayed “The Scrapin’ the Coast was great and one of my favorites to go to every year. I always like to see if there are new enthusiasts and consumers trends we might be able to incorporate back at the store in Tyler. I also like to take the opportunity to catch up with any industry friends or other friends I have made going to shows that might be there.”

James Halter and daughter Kaitlyn, with her camera in hand, who took great images for this article.

This demo vehicle, with DS18 subwoofers, was amazing.

Ray Mckenzie, and the BATCAP brand, was in the House. “This is the 19th year we have displayed at Scrapin’ the Coast. Attendance was up from last year. There was so much congestion on the highway out front the show actually got going a couple hours late. Our new BATCAP 7600 Farad Advanced Carbon Capacitor grabbed a lot of attention from folks with big systems.” Ray’s son Tanner and staff Daniel and Zak were also in the booth.

The BATCAP booth with Ray McKenzie (L) and crew Daniel, Zak and Tanner.

Across the 12volt industry retailers are continuing to have record sales months. Distributors are slammed with business and there are increasing product shortages from vendors. Manufacturer rep firms are beginning to travel their territories in certain areas of the U.S.

BATCAP showed their product lineup including the new BATCAP 7600 Farad Advanced Carbon Capacitor.

Scrapin’ the Coast is an example that the overall marketplace is returning to normal. Sound-Off events are seeing large turnouts of Competitors. The KICKER Country Stampede in Topeka KS June 24-26 drew a large crowd but was dampened by numerous thunder storms. June 23-27 the UTV Takeover in Coos Bay OR also drew large crowd. These are more signs that the COVID-19 Pandemic is fading in the rear view mirror.

Katelyn’ cousin Phil getting ready to experience some heavy bass.

WTF… What’s The Future? Day by Day, from the 12volt Central Studios, we will strive to highlight positives across the 12volt industry. We trust others will do they same in all business segments, organizations and personally. Please be safe, courteous of others and practice social distancing.

Spectacular wraps on show vehicles are becoming more popular.

We encourage your input.

717 Car Audio Celebrated 4 Year Anniversary With Open House

Posted on June 30, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

MOUNTVILLE, PA (07.01.2021) – 717 Car Audio invited friends, customers and enthusiasts to celebrate the company’s 4-Year Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 26th. The event, from 10 AM until 2PM, was held at the company’s Mountville store with a full slate of activities for all to enjoy.

Under a cloudy sky some of the attendee’s rides.

Scott Wagner related “It was a super day. We had between 40 and 50 people through the day and all very excited to be out at an event and showing their rides. In the lot during the day we had over 2 dozen cars, Jeeps and trucks including some really nice show cars with cool graphics. Stephanie’s Pink ‘Fight Like a Girl’ Jeep, pounding with the new Massive Audio system, got a lot of attention. The system features 4 SUMO 15” subs powered by a 24,000 watt Massive Audio amp. Even though the wrap on the enclosure it not finished the Jeep definitely got a lot of attention.”

Wagner continued “We offered a free custom 717 Car Audio T-shirt plus hotdogs on the grill with chips and bottles of water. We also had some cool POP items from KICKER. A KICKER Bullfrog was a raffle prize.Recently 717 Car Audio had a strong presence at the Bantam Jeep Festival in Butler PA. The Jeep vehicle, and Jeepers, are driving a lot of 12volt automotive aftermarket business and there were a number of Jeeps at the Open House. Several of those Jeeps featured custom graphic wraps from the sister company 717 Wraps & Graphics.

The TieDye Jeep shined even under heavy cloud cover.

Jamie White, Opus Marketing principal, related “Chuck Ottati handles the 717 account for our firm. 717 Car Audio is a key KICKER dealer and he works closely with their team.”

Bobby is a very good customer and his ride was first in line at the meter…where he was up 3 dB from last year’s event.

12volt retailers that are visible and connect with consumers in their respective marketplace are so important. We congratulate 717 Car Audio for all they do to move the 12volt industry forward. A big 12volt News hats off to owners Stephanie Stryjwski and Jeremy Lease along with Scott and the Team at 717 Car Audio.

Attendee’s rides spilled over into the Turkey Hill convenience store next-door.

Visit 717caraudio.com for more.

Stereo King on the Dunes at the UTV Takeover

Posted on June 29, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

COOS BAY, OR (06.23-27.2021) – Stereo King was on site at the UTV Takeover on the Dunes for the fifth time. The 2021 UTV Takeover was in Coos Bay OR from June 23-27. Reports noted over 3000 UTV’s were on site with the crowd of powersports enthusiasts topping 10,000.

Kevin Cornutt, Stereo King GM, related “The PowerSports category is very strong for our company. This year was our fifth year to exhibit at the UTV Takeover. We were very busy and had strong sales as we did installs on right at 100 UTVs.

Stereo King rolled into the Dunes with a big U-Haul a new 30’ trailer with custom Stereo King graphics….Both packed with inventory, tents and show supplies.

Stereo King rolled into the event with a big U-Haul truck and 30’ trailer with Stereo King custom graphics. The booth was set up in vendor row with multiple tents and demo vehicles. “During the 5-day event run we spent time with well over 1000 people in our booth. We offered onsite installation and worked under the lights into the night to complete jobs. Many Can Am’s and RZR’s were decked with Rockford Fosgate Stage 5 and 6 gear. Several customers got upgrades to their systems from previous years. BOSS whip lights got a lot of attention too” Scotty Miles stated.

Stereo King was set up along vendor row.

During the event 13 Stereo King staff members were on site. Sales staff Kevin, Bethany, Scotty, Anthony, Randy and Jacob with techs Jon, Matt, Tristan, Corey, Jeff, Alec and Ethan knocked it out at the UTV Takeover 2021.

Stereo King tech worked all day and into the night to complete installs on nearly 100 UTVs at the 5-Day event.

Stereo King crew members spent the nights at local motels in North Bend and wrapped their long days at an in town bowling alley that stayed open late to serve the hungry Stereo King crew.

UTVs were jammed underneath the tents for installs.

Late in July Stereo King will head to the DuneFest for another major UTV related event. Stereo King operates 4 stores in the Portland area and one in Boise ID.

Kevin Cornutt’s daily driver 2015 Jeep, with 220,000 miles, is loaded with audio gear and lights up!

Visit stereoking.com for more.

Remembering Kevan Morris Executive Vice President Pioneer Electronics USA

Posted on June 29, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

TORRENCE CA (June, 29 2021) – Kevan Morris, Executive Vice President, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and consumer electronics industry veteran passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

A well-respected and cherished member of the Pioneer family, Kevan’s affiliation with Pioneer began in 1984. While working at Pacific Stereo selling car stereo components directly to consumers, he was recruited into the role of Product Specialist at NLS Marketing, a rep firm in Bellevue, Washington selling Pioneer car electronics to retailers throughout Washington state. In August 1986, Kevan officially joined Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. as a District Sales Manager covering car electronics in the Pacific Northwest territory. In the thirty-five years since, Kevan quickly ascended the ranks of Pioneer and held numerous sales and management positions related to Pioneer’s car electronics, home electronics, and television businesses, culminating as Executive Vice President, a position in which he served with distinction since May 2011.

Kevan’s expansive sales knowledge, strong leadership and tireless work ethic have been the backbone of Pioneer’s growth and success throughout North America. Kevan could always be counted on to meet any challenge with a calm demeanor and comforting smile. Kevan conducted himself with the utmost integrity and he earned the admiration and respect of all with whom he has worked. Kevan was proud of his life-long career at Pioneer, and he valued every friendship that developed during the past thirty-five years. Kevan’s legacy continues in the strong bonds he developed with his customers as well as the Pioneer staff that he mentored and guided throughout his Pioneer career.

The entire Pioneer global family mourns the loss of such an outstanding leader, teammate, and friend. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary, his sons, Devon and Ryan, and the rest of his extended family and friends.

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the SPV-65-SXS 6.5” Weather-Resistant Coaxial Speaker Pods

Posted on June 28, 2021 by 12VoltNews in Featured.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Jun. 29, 2021) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the SPV-65-SXS 6.5” Weather-Resistant Coaxial Speaker Pods. Now customers can get Alpine sound on a variety of powersport and all terrain vehicles.

Alpine Sound for Every Adventure

By popular demand, the speaker pods previously included in the PSS-SX01 sound system are now available on their own. Customers who have enjoyed Alpine sound in their vehicles can now get the same premium music experience in a variety of powersport and all-terrain vehicles (ATV/UTV) with the SPV-65-SXS. The SPV-65-SXS includes two premium, weather-resistant enclosures with 6.5” coaxial 2-way speakers and grill-mounted, 1” teteron dome tweeters. The built-in universal folding-style clamps are optimized to fit 1.5”– 2” rails on a variety of ATV/UTV applications.

Premium Sound on the Open Road

Without doors, windows, or a roof, music details are often lost to wind and engine noise that occur while driving. With 90W of power (225W peak power), the SPV-65-SXS is designed to deliver a premium sound experience on the road. The tweeters capture the high frequencies of your music, for crisp, clean sound.

Music that Moves with You

The weather-resistant speakers are built to withstand all the elements. The speaker enclosures are made from rugged, durable fiberglass, finished in a matt black coating. The included clamps are attached to a rotating aluminum base coated for protection against the elements and adjustable up to 90-degrees for an optimal listening position. The speakers come with a weather-resistant plug for wiring. Additional wires may be necessary for installation.

The SPV-65-SXS is now shipping for $499.95 and will be available at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.