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Jammin’ N June… It’s Summertime

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12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (06.01.2020) – “It’s Summertime and time to ‘Crank It Up’! Get Jammin’ N June with great gear for your ride. HiTech in-dash media, powerful amps and speakers that will get your ride Jammin’ N June.” Those words, and that message, can grab the attention of consumers and create store traffic for 12volt retailers.

Competitors gathered for a group shot with their dB Drag Racing Trophies in front of FX Audio in Saturday, May 30, in Spruce Grove Alberta.

Online sales have been on a steady rise for the past several years. The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has led to a dramatic spike in online sales. Jammin’ N June themed activities by proactive 12volt retailers can drive consumer traffic into stores and very importantly drive sales.

Competitor’s vehicles lined up at the FX Audio dB Drag Racing event in Spruce Grove Alberta Canada.

It’s imperative that 12volt retailers create a powerful in-store experience for consumers in the showroom. An impressive demonstration will bring a smile to the consumer’s face and raise the hair on their arms.

In many sections of the U.S. 12volt store traffic, and sales, have been strong for 12volt retailers. dB Drag Racing competitions in Canada, Indiana and Utah just this past weekend were very well attended. These facts indicate 12volt enthusiasts are ready to Crank It Up.

The dB Drag Racing event had over 100 enthusiasts in the Sound Check Mobile parking lot in Lafayette IN at 10AM Sunday morning, May 31st, for the competition.

On Saturday, May 30th, the dB Drag Racing competition at FX Audio took place under a warm sunny Canadian sky. Ray Choy, dB Drag Racing International Judge, related “Everything went very well. Overall we had 15 competitors and it was a great event plus we had a lot of spectators at the store. Several competitors came just to visit and one competitor broke down on the way into Spruce Grove. Everyone was excited to get the 2020 competition season rolling”

RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile in Lafayette IN, commented to 12volt News during a phone call Sunday morning “We have over 100 people here in store’s parking lot for the dB Drag Racing competition before noon. Looks like we will have a busy day in the lanes. It’s a great way to start the sound-off season for sure”

dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors pictured with their trophies under the Boomin’ Audio event tower at the Spring Super Slam in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st.

The Boomin’ Audio Spring Super Slam filled the V Auto Care parking area in Tooele UT on Sunday, May 31st. Andy Teuscher relayed “This is a great way to start the competition season. There was a lot of excitement from dB Drag Racing and USACi competitors. Jeffrey Fernandez traveled in from SoCal and we both stayed super busy judging in the lanes and meeting with competitors. The Jones Subwoofer Solutions and V Auto Care teams really worked to make all come together for a super event”

After a busy day in the Boomin’ Audio lanes, Andy Teuscher (L) and Jeffrey Fernandez already for a cool one. Or two!

As an industry ‘Let’s Get Our Shine On.’ Much more to come from the 12volt Central Studios.

Let’s get Jammin’ N June!!

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Superior Audio Sounds Wins Spin 78

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SHREVEPORT LA (05.30.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Six months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 78, is Superior Audio Sounds in San Angelo TX. The Wheel landed on the CRUX space Friday morning May 29th.  Chris Savala answered the phone and was very happy to hear the news. A CRUX interface product will be headed their way.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, Image Dynamics 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 and Xtreme Autosports. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, June 5th.

Real Performance Marketing Seeing Very Positive Results from Recent Staff Expansion Across the Southeast

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ATLANTA, GA (05.29.2020) – RPM was a one-man show just four years ago when Scott Hochmuth took his three decades of Car Audio experience and two decades of Powersports experience and started his own rep company in the Southeast. Early on the opportunities were mainly coming from the Powersports side of the business, but with the rapid expansion of Powersports audio, RPM was in a perfect position to attract lines like MTX Powersports and Wetsounds.

The new lines allowed RPM to add a 30-year Car Audio veteran, SPL competitor, and former shop owner, Mike Hall to the team covering the Carolinas. In the middle of last year RPM added Jay McLaurin to bolster the Powersports side. bringing with him 10 plus years of dealership parts manager experience. Jay works in the Gulf Coast area for RPM.

Russ Harper

January of this year saw RPM doubling with the addition of three more reps. Russ Harper with 30 years of Powersports Rep experience has taken over the western part of their area. Jason Upchurch who was a dealership owner and GM for 25 plus years is specializing in Powersports and Marine in the Eastern Carolinas, and Chris Corry who owned businesses in both the Powersports and Marine industries is working in the South Florida area.

Jason Upchurch

Unlike many rep companies that have an experienced owner and a younger and less experienced sales team, RPM has over 130 years of combined experience in the Car Audio, Powersports, Powersports Audio, and Marine industries that they serve. According to owner Scott Hochmuth “We have an amazing team culture and we keep a group text open all day sharing our challenges and successes, plus we have such an experienced group someone on the team knows the answer to just about any question that comes up.”

Chris Corry

With smaller territories, and being able to focus more time and attention on their dealers, RPM has experienced explosive growth and is on pace for a 50% increase for 2020.

Real Performance Marketing represents Wet Sounds, MTX, ARC Audio, Audiofrog, Audio Legion, Aunex and MMats on the audio side and premium lines like Klim, 509, Shark, Quin, Race Sport and more on the Powersports side.

Visit the RPM website for more.

dB Drag Racing to Cap the Month of May on a High Note

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AUSTIN, TX (05.28.2020) – dB Drag Racing is set to cap the month of May with 3 events. dB Drag is set to be Rockin’ in Alberta Canada plus the states of Utah and Indiana.

Wayne Harris, dB Drag Racing, related “Due to the COVID-19 crisis these will be our first events this May. We are cautiously optimistic that each of the events will be successful. We have communicated with all of our judges and they will be following all social distancing and any local governing directives. I feel wearing a mask is the best approach at all public events. We can’t wait to get the dB Drag Racing season underway.”

Ray Choy, noted dB Drag Racing International Judge, is pictured at FX Audio in Spruce Grove Alberta Canada where the dB Drag Racing competition will take place on Saturday, May 30th at 5 PM.

The weekend kicks off with a Car Audio Competition at FX Audio in Spruce Grove Alberta on Saturday, May 30th, that gets underway at 5 PM. FX Audio has a history of hosting successful dB Drag Racing events and they are set to get the competition season off and running. Ray Choi offered “We host 5 or 6 events at FX Audio each season and hope to have 25-30 competitors at this event. Business is getting much better as people are getting out again and the weather could be in the 80’s this Saturday. Look forward to seeing everyone in the lanes.”

Sound Check Mobile will host an event on Sunday, May 31st in Lafayette IN. RP Patel, Sound Check Mobile, owner relayed “We have probably 15 dB Drag events each year and are looking to seeing 50 competitors on Sunday. We had an event scheduled but had to cancel due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are looking to see our friends and competitors at our store at 480 Farabee Drive, Lafayette In 47905 this Sunday.”

Boomin’ Audio Competitions is set to host Spring Super Slam on Sunday, May 31st, in Toole UT. Jones Subwoofer Solutions, and V Auto Care are event Sponsors. The event will be held at the V Auto Care location.

Andy Teuscher offered for Boomin’ Audio “We are excited to finally get the competition season underway. Competitors from as far away as Boise ID and New Mexico are rumored to be attending. Jeffrey Fernandez is coming in from SoCal to officiate the dB Drag competition and I will be officiating the USACi competition.”

Continuing Teuscher related “We are taking competitor safety very seriously. Pre-registration is open and we will be encouraging the use of face coverings plus social distancing. We will sanitize cables, sensors, jigs and globes plus computers. We will no longer be providing hearing protection and competitors will need to use their own. We will limit contact with a wireless card reader or the option of digital transfer. We look forward to hosting a great event and getting the competition season off to a strong start.”

Great to see dB Drag Racing set to kickoff the competition season.

Visit dbdragracing.com for more.

PAC Offers First Double DIN Dash Kit for Older Dodge Ram Trucks

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CLEARWATER, FL (05.27.2020) – PAC has announced a new AI by PAC dash kit, CDK665: for 1998-2001 Dodge RAM 1500, 1998-2002 Dodge RAM 2500 and Dodge RAM 3500 Trucks. 

The first-to-market CDK665 dash kit is the only double-DIN panel replacement available and is a complete dash bezel for a seamless OEM fit and finish. The high-quality plastic material of the dash kit is painted black with satin finish to keep the interior looking factory when adding an aftermarket radio. This complete kit includes hardware and instructions.

Visit pac-audio.com and aampglobal.com for more.

There Are 220 Days Left in 2020… “Let’s Get Our Shine On”

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SHREVEPORT, LA (05.25.2020) – The World, and the 12volt World are 146 days into 2020, with 220 days to go. That’s right, 2020 is a leap year, and has 366 days. It certainly goes without saying the last couple of months have been unprecedented.

Richardson Electronics’ packing lot is packed with customer’s vehicles. Boxes from shipments are stacked outside the Jasper AL retailer’s store in this image from Blake Potts at AED.

In the remaining 220 days of 2020 let’s redouble our efforts across the 12volt industry to “Get Our Shine On”

Many retailers are reporting record sales days. Distributors are reporting strong sales to support retailers in their areas. All of this happening after stay at home orders ended in many states. Blake Potts, AED in Birmingham stated “I am busy talking orders in the morning and helping out the warehouse crew in the afternoon ‘picking and packing’”

Sondralee Orengia, Custom Audio-Erie PA, placed this 2’x8’ banner on the busy road facing the front of her store.

Chad Seekers at Angel Distributing offered “Dealers are coming in and asking what we have in inventory. They are not as brand or model conscious as usual. Their customers are looking to upgrade the sound in their rides”

David Holland, Shiflet & Dickson GM in Gastonia NC related “Mike, we are doing business like we did in the late “80’s and ’90’s. Key brands Kicker, PowerBass, JVC, DB Drive, Planet Audio, Metra and AudioControl are all shipping. We are lovin’ every minute of it!”

John Kelly, JCK Sales, in his office wearing an Ultra Safety mask.

John Kelly, JCK Sales in the Mid-Atlantic relayed “We are seeing strong sales to distributors. In addition Ultra Safety, from Ultra Start, is offering a new line of PPE products for dealers to help keep their customers and staff members safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic”

SonicSound in Arlington, VA completely remodeled their install bay… looks brand new. Their customer’s cars and installations shine too!

Ronnie Brashear, Epsilon VP stated “Business has been excellent in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic…but it really has been strong”

Jeff Shultz, Pioneer District Sales Manager, related “Just yesterday for me was outstanding and chaotic. Business was like what spring should be. It was non-stop and just felt great”

PHC Custom Audio in Wilmington CA is always working to get their ‘Shine On’ as they make attention grabbing posts of hot vehicle jobs!

The quotes above are especially positive for brick and mortar retailer in light of the ongoing growth of online sales. During the COVID-19 there as been a tremendous spike in online sales.

Paul Anja was thrilled to receive this order of new Kenwood products in his 5 Star Car Audio store in Clearwater FL in this image from Mike Sajecki-M.A.G. Sales.

Kicker recently reported there had been a surge in calls to the Kicker Tech Support line. More consumers seeking tech support for online purchases means there has been less face-to-face interaction with knowledgable staff members at local brick and mortar retailers.

Custom Sounds and Tint completely remodeled the store in El Paso during the COVID-19 downtime.

During the COVID-19 downtime, many 12volt retailer have spent time, energy and money to remodel their stores, showrooms and installation bays. We commend their investments to get their company’s ‘Shine On’”

A group on site at the 14th Annual Vinny in Tennessee as MECA works to restart the competition season.
Alan Wojtas, Wojtas Associates, will definitely have his ‘Shine On’ as he hits the road in TX, OK, AR and LA in this shiny new Camaro.

In the coming 220 days, weeks and months to finish 2020 the 12volt News will also redouble our efforts to showcase positives across the 12volt industry as we encourage all ‘To Get Our Shine On’”

The 12Volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Is Rolling In 2020 – Xtreme Autosports Wins Spin 77

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SHREVEPORT LA (05.23.20)  WTF…Win This Friday. The 12volt Spin-to-Win Wheel was created to bring an element of fun to the 12volt industry. Five months ago we celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel.

Click to view.

The latest 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Winner, Number 77, is Xtreme Autosports in Santa Clarita CA. The Wheel landed on the N&H space Friday morning May 22nd. A $100. check will be headed to Mike Hatter at Xtreme Autosports. Mike was thrilled to hear the news and his phone was ringing off the hook in the background.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 Image Dynamics. 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 and Electronics Plus in Salinas CA. Congratulations to all.

WTF… Where’s the Fun. On the next spin of the 12volt Spin-To-Win Wheel Friday, May 29th.

KICKER Hosts Zoom Training for South Africa Distributor and Dealers

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STILLWATER, OK (05.22.2020) – On Thursday morning, May 21st, KICKER hosted a Zoom training session designed to inform the 12volt community across South Africa about the company’s latest products. KICKER’S John Myers, a 41-year industry veteran, conducted the very informative session. KICKER’S distributor in South Africa, PlanetWorld, notified their dealer network about the training session that was well attended.

John Myers kicked off the session with F.I.T. to the rescue.

David Glasgow, KICKER International Sales Manager, organized the Zoom meeting that was the second in the Zoom series scheduled for PlanetWorld. “Overall the meeting was fantastic. It is so important to get important information out to our international distributors and dealers. John Myers does a great job and all now understand KICKER’S Failsafe Integration Technology. F.I.T. sets the standard in amplifier performance.”

Quewen Webb pictured in his PlanetWorld office in Johannesburg during the KICKER Zoom call training session.

PlanetWorld has 3 locations in South Africa… Johannesburg, Durbin and CapeTown. Quewen Webb, PlanetWorld National Sale Manager, participated in the session and reported that dealers attending the meeting had very positive feedback.

KICKER’S Kip Litsey, Brand Marketing, making a point during the presentation.

“During the COVID-19 down time we have redoubled our efforts to engage and deliver vital information to our distributors around the world. Preparing our distributors and their dealers will turnout to be a terrific investment for all in the long run. We have 3 more sessions scheduled with PlanetWorld. We have also completed sessions with Celsus_Uk and other international distributors. We want all to know the latest so they will all be Livin’Loud with KICKER” Glasgow concluded.

Glasgow and Myers traveled to South Africa earlier this year to work with PlanetWorld and their dealers.

Visit kicker.com for more.

KICKER’s Evolution of the Smart Line-Output Converter Featuring KEY Technology Ships Worldwide

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STILLWATER, OK (05.21.2020) – KICKER has solved a common amplifier integration challenge with a single, elegant solution. Now shipping worldwide, KICKER introduces the KEYLOC – the first frequency, speaker-lead identification system and fully functional line-output converter in one.  The KEYLOC Smart LOC is available at Authorized KICKER Dealers in-store and online, and retails for $129.95.

Emerging from KICKER’s cutting-edge line of KEY Technology, KEYLOC is a revolutionary, DSP (digital signal processor)-controlled line-output converter that automatically detects the frequency range of speaker leads and phase of a factory audio system to assist in hooking up any aftermarket amplifier for a more modern entertainment setup.

KEYLOC’s patent-pending KEY algorithm automatically detects and analyzes crossovers, EQ, time delay, and all-pass filters present, and then level-matches the left and right audio channels.  Once analyzed, it corrects these various filters for the smoothest frequency response possible and a clean, uncolored audio signal for all aftermarket gear.

Using KICKER’s FIT 2+ advanced input design, KEYLOC has the most versatile input sensitivity in the car-audio aftermarket. Ranging from 125mV to 10V (low) or 1V to 40V (high), KEYLOC is prepared to work with nearly every vehicle on the road today.

Visit kicker.com for more.

The SounDigital EVOX Displays Are Arriving in Stores

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DANIA, FL (05.20.2020) – The custom SounDigital EVOX in-store displays are beginning to arrive in stores across the U.S.

Tommy Spears, SounDigital and Ground Zero Director of Sales and Marketing related “Our goal with the in-store product display is to create a strong visual on the 12volt retailer’s showroom floor…along with an even more exciting and dynamic sound experience. The initial reactions from dealers indicated we are meeting our goals.”

Tim Taber and Todd Felder are with CE GUYS Michael Foundation (LtoR) checking out the just completed setup of the SounDigital EVOX display at Elite Custom Cycle in Moline, IL.

Elite Custom Cycle in Moline IL finished setting up their SounDigital EVOX display on Friday, May 15th. Todd Felder, store owner, stated “Our new display looks and sounds spectacular. Customers who have already heard it in the store have been amazed by the sound. The SounDigital EVOX 800 4-channel amplifier, driving the GroundZero 6.5’s and 8” speakers, produces an awesome sound. Our representative Michael Foundation, from CE GUYS, drove up from Chicago to help us put everything together. We thank him so much.”

A group of SounDigital EVOX displays ready for shipment from the 5 Axis plant in Milwaukee WI to dealers across the U.S.

The SounDigital EVOX displays are created by Jody Culbertson at 5Axis Innovations in Milwaukee WI. Culbertson offered “It was so great to hear how happy they are at Elite Custom Cycle. With the SounDigital and Ground Zero team we put together a great design and so glad to get the positive feedback. The have shipped over a dozen displays across the U.S. and are working on more.”

“Riding ’Shotgun’ in the 12volt Chevy Studio let’s me cover a lot miles very quickly“ Michael Foundation CE GUYS.

Red Race Sport Lighting is incorporated into the EVOX displays creating more visibility on the retailer’s floor.

CE GUYS also represents Concept USA. The Concept DL62 Double DIN receiver is the sound source on the display.

SounDigital has a dealer program in place. Dealer interested in learning more are encouraged to contact their area representative.

Visit soundigitalusa.com for more.