STAMFORD, CT (07.17.2020) – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated has launched its newest lineup of Infinity® Reference Amplifiers. The four new models – the Infinity Reference 3004A, Infinity Reference 6001A, Infinity Reference 7005A and Infinity Reference 10001A – feature Infinity’s signature sound combined with superior technology and an even more compact design, making them the premier choice for any vehicle.
The new Infinity Reference Amplifier Series expands on the three original models, now with the addition of a 1000w mono-block. The four high-performance mono, 4- and 5-channel car amplifiers each delivers variable electronic crossovers and bass boost control for precision system tuning. High- and low-level inputs also allow the amplifiers to integrate into almost any system, even one using a car’s factory radio.
Both the Infinity Reference 10001A and 6001A mono subwoofer amplifiers offer low-pass filters and variable bass boost to maximize the performance of the subwoofer and enclosure, while a phase switch ensures that the bass will blend well with full-range speakers. With the Infinity Reference 3004A 4-channel and 7005A 5- channel amplifiers, separate high- and low-pass crossovers on the front and rear channels help to maximize the performance of speakers or subs.
“Infinity Reference has seen tremendous success for over a decade, and we are dedicated to improving performance with the latest technology and design advancements for even more vehicles,” said Shawn Spedding, Director of Sales, Mobile Aftermarket at HARMAN. “With this new lineup of amplifiers, Infinity continues to meet the needs of audio lovers who care about quality and value.”
POOLE DORSET, UK (07.16.2020) – As the COVID-19 eases across the UK and Europe the car audio season is on the rebound. Mark Baker, CelsusUK Director stated “June was a good month and we feel all is headed in the right direction”
On Tuesday, July 14th, this container from Dynamat is being delivered to the CelsusUK warehouse in Poole Dorset UK.
A container of Dynamat just arrived at the CelsusUK warehouse. Once the pallets hit the warehouse floor orders were being filled and headed out the door. “We immediately started shipping Dynamat orders to dealers in the UK plus across Europe including orders to Norway, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands and more” Baker continued.
Josh Baker readies products to fill orders from Dynamat container that just arrived.
CelsusUK had been distributing Dynamat for 10 years and is now recognized as Dynamat Europe. Beth Miranda, Dynamat Managing Director, related to 12volt News “The Baker family with Paul, Mark, Josh and their Team have been terrific partners. They represent the Dynamat brand extremely well and work to grow the mobile electronics industry across Europe. In addition they present Dynamat in the home, marine and OE markets extremely well”
Concluding, Baker stated “On average we receive a container from Dynamat each month. As a company they are great partners. When we exhibit at shows, like the Marine Show in Amsterdam, dealers from across Europe know the brand and appreciate the solid sonic and thermal products they bring to the market”
CelsusUK also Kicker, JL Audio, MTX Audio, Calearo and Caliber across the UK and Europe.
STILLWATER, OK (07.15.2020) – KICKER has announced an exclusive partnership with American Flat Track Racing for the 2020 season as its initial event begins July 17-18 following a lengthy delay in scheduling. KICKER is the official audio partner of AFT as it kicks off the racing season with an inaugural Volusia (Fla.) Speedway Park doubleheader, the Volusia Half-Mile I and II.
“At KICKER, we deliver the kind of products that excites – that makes your heart race when you hear your favorite song through our equipment,” said Kevin Campbell, KICKER Director of Marketing. “Now in our 47th year of developing high-performance audio, our ‘Livin’ Loud’ trademark is a perfect fit for the passion of athletes and teams of American Flat Track racing.”
KICKER is providing a high-power public address system to AFT, so the entire crowd will hear which racers earn a place on the podium. The winners of each event will also be awarded a KICKER Bullfrog BF400 wireless outdoor speaker.
The racers can exceed 140 mph in the straightaways, and 90 mph in the corners. “The sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine,” according to the americanflattrack.com website. In normal years, with more than 75 competitors running in three separate classes, this thrilling format brings tens of thousands of spectators to each of the year’s 20 races. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AFT’s first race won’t begin until this weekend.
NBCSN will also broadcast each race, with live streaming available through NBC Sports Gold. For more information, visit www.americanflattrack.com.
SEATTLE, WA (07.14.2020) – Firstech, makers of Compustar and DroneMobile, has launched an App Store update for the DroneMobile iPhone App that unlocks full compatibility with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. This announcement makes DroneMobile the first and only aftermarket connected car solution to support the “big 3” of voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri.
DroneMobile users can access Siri functionality via the iPhone “Shortcuts” App, where they can program custom voice prompts to trigger DroneMobile commands like remote start, keyless entry, and GPS car finder. As long as the custom voice prompt doesn’t conflict with Siri’s core library of functions, users can program any phrase to control their car. Furthermore, users can layer additional actions for other apps to initiate with a single voice prompt. For example, “Siri, start morning routine” could remotely start your vehicle’s engine, turn down your smart thermostat, and play your favorite song on Apple Music.
Integration with “Shortcuts” also presents limitless possibilities for DroneMobile users to automate their vehicle control experience. For example, a shortcut can be set up to automatically arm your vehicle’s security system at 9 PM and disarm it in the morning. To ensure driver and vehicle safety, most commands do require user confirmation and verification via Face or Touch ID.
“This latest update to the DroneMobile App establishes a very real connection between the smart car and the smart home,” shares software director Carmine Maraglio. “Even during these uncertain times, we at Firstech are committed to offering new ways for drivers to stay connected to their vehicles and families – on or off the road.”
DroneMobile connected car solutions are available exclusively at authorized retail locations across North America. To request more information, or to find an authorized dealer near you, visit www.dronemobile.com.
CHINO, CA (07.13.2020) – Aunex, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has secured the exclusive distribution rights of Musway Technology Limited. A quick online and/or Facebook search of Musway and you will find that they offer a complete high end, premium solution to the growing demands from Audiophiles looking to add Digital Sound Processing (DSP) into their system. “Having the ability to incorporate advance DSP processing into your system can easily elevate your listening experience” said Steven Bach, President of Aunex, Inc.
Pictured: (Left to Right) Gary and Sylvie of Musway and Steven Bach of Aunex.
Continuing “There are DSP solutions currently available in our marketplace, but having one that provides high sampling, high bit rate and is backed by a very intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows incorporating a high-end DSP that much easier. Most shop owners are open to adding new technology into their stores, but some are reluctant to do so as they do not want to spend considerable amounts of time tuning their customers audio system.”
With Musway the ability to tune, store presets and add aptX HD Bluetooth streaming has just gotten easier. Combine this with Musway plug and play harnesses for most Domestic and Imported vehicles, and you are looking at a significant cut to installation time. Additional features such as EPS (Error Protection System), Dual 32bit, 330 MIPS TI processors, along with their Start-Stop Technology Control Circuit, help distinguish these DSP’s from what can already be found in the market.
Musway’s User Interface (GUI) was designed with the end user in mind. Musway believes that every aspect of a consumer’s sound application process should be controllable, elegant and simple.
“The Musway product mix works for Aunex and we are very proud to be selected as their exclusive distributor for the US, Canada and Mexico. From amplified DSP solutions to stand alone DSP’s, the application range from Musway represents a good SKU mix for our dealers. Backing from the Aunex select Dealer Direct business model further guarantees the profit margins our dealers are definitely looking for. Just like with Aunex, Musway’s products will not be allowed sales on Amazon, eBay, Shopify, Facebook or any other online platforms that tend to erode our dealers margins” Bach concluded.
Musway has established a brand name throughout Asia and Europe over the last 5 years. The MSRP for Musway products range from $429.99 to $799.99 with key dealer programs in place. Aunex is the new gateway for the Musway brand exclusively for the USA, Canada and Mexico.
For more information on Aunex and Musway, contact Aunex, Inc. at (909) 589-5010 or visit us at www.aunexusa.com and www.imusway.com. Product will be available for release from the Aunex warehouse in Chino, California at the beginning of August.
SHREVEPORT LA (07.11.20) WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Seven months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.
The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 84, is Franken Audio. The Wheel landed on Sony space Friday morning July 10th. We will reach out to the winning store to let them know the good news. Spinning out a new winner each Friday, a 12volt retailer can win a cool prize and top brands receive visibility across the marketplace.
12volt brands with a space on the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel include Kicker, NavAtlas, SiriusXM, Cadence, PowerBass, Sony, CRUX, DS18, SoundStream, AIS, Precision Power, JBL, Power Acoustik, Farenheit and SpellBrite. 12volt News $100. cash awards have spaces on the 12volt Spin-To-Wheel for a 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 and Model Electronics in Ramsey NJ, Texas Dreamz Customs in Spring TX, Wired Electronics in Linden NJ and Intense Car Audio in OKC, OK and Underground Auto in Sarasota FL. Congratulations to all.
WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, July 17th.
Want to enter for future spins? It’s easy-when making an Instagram post for your store include the hashtag #12voltspin to make sure your company has a slip in the jar. There are over 1100 #12voltspin posts on Instagram.
With 18 chances to WIN, the 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel is ready to shower a lucky weekly winner with one of the cool prizes.
Stay tuned to 12voltnews.com on the web and @12voltnews on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for 12volt Spin-To-Win winner announcements every Friday!
STILLWATER, OK (07.10.2020) – Since its inception in 1973, KICKERâ has been a conservative, growing company with a consistent passion for music, incorporating pure sound and bass you don’t just hear, but feel. KICKER, along with its KICKER Marine Audio division, continues its four-decades practice of “Livin’ Loud,” despite the challenges of a global pandemic. In fact, based on the company’s recent performance, its Livin’ Loud tagline has the company “Feelin’ Strong”—and stable.
According to Director of Marine Audio Systems Phil White, while many manufacturers, and distributors have scrambled for orders to stay afloat or were pressed to secure supply chain components, KICKER beat the trend and is well poised to execute timely deliveries.
“Our top requested marine inventory items have been head units, RGB coaxials, subwoofers, and amplifiers” said White. “Entering this season with heavy inventory levels and a strong supply chain, we have been able to service our dealers, OEMs, and consumers with product delivery during these trying times.”
In addition, KICKER Marine Audio Brand Manager Jeremy Bale said the company continued to focus on its R&D efforts, with plans to release some exciting new marine exclusive products as scheduled later this year.
In explaining the rationale behind KICKER’s inventory success, Bale points to founder Steve Irby’s decision to bolster inventories based on projections for a robust season of growth in 2020. Irby and his management team evaluated sales trends, developed new product timelines, and strategically focused tactics to grow the marine segment. That decision has paid dividends.
“Music is always a great release,” says Irby, “We are pleased that boaters continue to find solace in upgrading their music systems and enjoying relaxation or recreational activities which are fueled by great music—and KICKER systems.”
“We are communicating with many of our dealers throughout the world and are pleasantly surprised by the boating consumer psyche,” adds White. “Boaters are taking time during COVID-19 to escape with their families and spend time on their boats out on the water. Many choose to either invest in new boat products or to enjoy DYI projects to upgrade their existing boats, which positively impacts the purchase of our sound systems. We are fortunate that boat dealers are essential services in many parts of the world and that our strong positioning allows us to respond to the resulting demand. As boat ramps and marinas have continued to reopen, we are continuing to experience a very high level of demand and a strong push for product.”
Besides the sales initiatives, KICKER also participates in COVID-19 support services, donating PPE products to New York City and several Oklahoma healthcare facilities. KICKER team members even recently used the company’s 3-D printers to create face shields for donation.
CAMARILLO, CA (07.09.2020) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced it has agreed to become the exclusive U.S. provider of the iConnects line, and that products are available for shipment to Orca dealers. iConnects is a comprehensive selection of cables, power distribution systems and accessories that enable aftermarket car audio components to operate with maximum efficiently. The addition of iConnects positions Orca as a single-solution provider of premium audio products for OEM Integration and custom modification, along with the materials and components to optimize their performance.
The iConnects line comprises amplifier kits, audio interconnects, distribution blocks, fuse kits and bulk cable spools. All power wiring features the brand’s Pure Flow technology: 100-percent oxygen-free copper coated in tin for maximum conductivity and protection against corrosion. Interconnect offerings include flexible TosLink cable and nickel-plated RCAs with balanced, twisted-pair conductors. Amplifier kits come in hangable blister packaging, and other wiring kits are available on spools or in resealable bags that are ideal for storing remnants for later use.
“We’re incredibly pleased to bring yet another line of quality product to Orca dealers,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “The iConnects line is an established premium upgrade from standard shop wiring and provides retailers with ‘show-and-sell’ packaging as well as bulk options for the bay. Plus, orders count toward our incentive programs which help our dealers stretch their purchasing dollars significantly.”
Orca dealers can contact their authorized Orca representatives for pricing and additional feature information. For information on Orca products and represented brands, visit orcadesign.com.
THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.08.2020) – The Sling Experience was originally scheduled for April. Due to COVID-19 the event was rescheduled to June 25th through the 28th. Over the weekend the event lit up Houston. The huge grounds surrounding the Marriott Westchase Hotel for the national event was filled with over 30 exhibitor setups and over 300 Slingshots. Live DJ, kids activities, food trucks, audio competition, lighting competition, People’s Choice Awards, donut competitions, after party and more were on the schedule.
This The Sling Experience Instagram image shows the action at the event.
Event organizer Mark Mallet offered on Instagram, “Although the odds were stacked highly against us with the pandemic and sketchy weather reports the event was truly a memorable experience for all who attended. We had well over 300 Slingshots on site and had many more who wanted to attend but could not attend”
This The Sling Experiences Instagram image shows the extensive list of activities scheduled for the 4-Day event.
House of Sound Car Audio is a huge player on the Slingshot scene in Houston and sponsored the audio competition at the Sling Experience. Owner Alex Restrepo related “This year’s Sling Experience, the second annual was truly amazing. We had our work on 33 of the Slingshots showing at the event. Audio, lighting, wheels, graphics and air ride systems are big product categories for aftermarket add-ons for Slingshots. DS18, Beyma, db Drive and PRV are audio brands we installed on Slingshots at the event.
This House of Sound Car Audio Instagram image post shows one of the retailer’s 33 Slingshots on site at the Sling Experience.
Houston retailer Dabass is also big on the Slingshot scene. Mike Truong commented “We look forward to the Sling Experience as a place to show our work. We custom fabricate several items that go into our Slingshot projects and utilize DD Audio gear for the audio many times. Our friend and customer @rokstar100 won the lighting competition this year and finished second n the sound competition. The turnout at the Sling Experience this year was really amazing. Events like this really raise the awareness and drive business.”
Mike Troung (L), DaBass Houston retailer, is shown with rokstar100 who won the lighting contest. DaBass put created the winning Slingshot for their friend and customer.
Jack Polubinski, Underground Auto Styling, made the trip from Sarasota FL to The Sling Experience with his Slingshot in the trailer. “At our retail store we have been working with Slingshot projects for several years and actually produce quite a few items that are used to customize Slingshots. This category is red hot for us and we see it continuing to grow. Events like The Sling Experience accelerate that growth. Right now we are working on our 4th custom Slingshot for the one and only Shaq. One of our projects with him was on display at CES and SEMA”
The Underground Auto Slingshot was put in the trailer for the trip from Sarasota FL to Houston for the Sling Experience in this Instagram post.
Amir Dhanani, SSR Distributing in Houston, is seeing much growth from area 12volt retailers for PowerSports and Slingshot products.
Great to see events like The Sling Experience draw large turnouts and create excitement in the marketplace.
MIAMI, FL (07.07.2020) – Last month marked the one-year anniversary of Nakamichi Car Audio’s return to the U.S. It was June 2019 that Diplomat Trading, the exclusive agent for Nakamichi, reintroduced the car audio brand domestically.
NQ721BE: New mechless single DIN with 10-band EQ carries a MAP of $69.95.
The first half of the year finished strong for Nakamichi having processed more dealer applications in June then the prior 5 months of 2020.
Currently all head units are available. The brand’s much anticipated two new audiophile vacuum tube amplifiers are in stock and shipping. Nakamichi continues to process orders at a 90% fill rate.
NA3605: 2DIN DVD CarPlay / Android Auto with a MAP of $299.95.
“We have been working closely forecasting with Asia to keep the shelves full”, commented Nakamichi National Sales Manager Robin McNeal. “Like many brands we are experiencing delays in new products, so the challenge is to have enough of the current product to bridge the gap.” McNeal joined the relaunch last September.
Nakamichi Car Audio is represented nationwide through an independent rep network.
Click chart to enlarge
“We had a great SEMA and fantastic CES that allowed us to connect with many dealers and reps who were longtime Nak fans”, stated McNeal, ”Since then it has been off to the races!”
Established in 1948 the Japanese brand is known worldwide for its innovations in car and home audio equipment.
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