CHICAGO, IL (01.14.2020) – Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, announced the promotion of Sam Dattalo to Vice President of Sales. In his new role, Dattalo will be managing the sales strategy of the organization’s distributor and aftermarket audio businesses.
Alden Stiefel, President and CEO of Maxxsonics said, “Sammy and I have worked together for decades. His extensive knowledge of consumer electronics, specifically the mobile audio business, is an essential part of Maxxsonics future. In 2020, I look for Sam to kick our efforts into high gear and continue the buildout of a top-notch sales organization.”
Alden Stiefel (L), President and CEO of Maxxsonics USA, pictured with new VP of Sales Sam Dattalo in front of the company’s HQ in Chicago.
Sam joined Maxxsonics in 2013 after a career path through consumer electronics as a Retail Salesperson and Manager at Music Car (located in Elmwood Park, IL) before joining Alden at Clifford Electronics, where he was a Central Regional Manager in the auto alarm business.
Dattalo stated, “I pride myself as a great communicator and I’m looking forward to continuing the synergies that have started with our ISO processes in our manufacturing and engineering teams. My goal is to have everyone, from finance to the warehouse, focused on a single path with the tools they need to win.”
Sam Dattalo, VP of Sales Maxxsonics USA, pictured with the RPM sales team in the WestGate Hotel Suite during CES. Dattalo, Eddie Ramirez, David Lopez and Maria Perez (L to R).
In 2000, Sam left Clifford to start his manufactures representative firm, Spectrum Sales, where he covered Central US and Chicagoland areas. Over the last 6 years, Dattalo has served as Maxxsonics’ National Sales Manager.
Dattalo continued, “I feel that Maxxsonics had a hugely successful CES in our Suite at the Westgate. We had solid appoints with key partners. We showed new products from each brand. The new Crunch Ground Pounder Series really grabbed the eyeballs of all in the Maxxsonics Suite.”
The appointment of Dattalo to Maxxsonics senior management follows other recent announcements of Luis Larralde as Latin America Sales Director, Brian Sherman to Vice President of Product & Marketing, as well as Sherri Sawyer to Vice President: Finance & CFO.
Stiefel concludes, “With more demands on his time, Sam has agreed to give up his adult baseball career. Good news for my team.”
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.13.2020) – In the shadows of the new Las Vegas Raiders football stadium, Nakamichi held a National Sales Meeting on Monday afternoon, January 6 at the Marriott Courtyard Las Vegas South.
The meeting was opened with introductions provided by Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio. A keynote speech was given by current Nakamichi Japan President and former Pioneer USA President Kiyokazu Igarashi. Igarashi-san joined the company in May of last year and said he was humbled to head such a storied brand. He urged the reps to give their input and let him know what type of products were needed to ensure the brand’s success.
David Bradman (in the foreground) Diplomat Trading President, addressing the reps during the national sales meeting.
David Bradman, President of Diplomat Trading—the exclusive agent for Nakamichi Car Audio in the U.S. welcomed all the reps and thanked them for making the trip to Las Vegas. David shared some of his company’s past 40+ year history and his enthusiasm for the Nakamichi brand. From there a new product presentation was hosted by Sheamson Yeo, World Wide Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio.
Sheamson Yeo, World Wide Nakamichi Car Audio Sales Manager, during his presentation to the representatives at the national sales meeting.
Other topics discussed were commission structures, MAP enforcement and product show specials.
McNeal and Bradman would like to recognize the rep groups that were able to make the trip to CES along with the huge investment of time and money required attend the show. Rep firms attending the meeting included
Gemini Advantage Marketing (NY/NJ) M.C. Marketing (Southeast) Encore (Mid Atlantic) Cardoza and Company (No Calif and No NV) Sound Sales and Marketing (So Calif) Arrowhead Marketing (Dakotas and MN) Advanced Marketing (Pac NW) Discovery On-Mark (Rocky Mtn and AZ/NM) Mielenz Sales (Illinois) Foresight Marketing (Hawaii)
During Day 1 of the show Nakamichi had its 2021 CES booth selection and is pleased to announce that the company will return to Vegas next January to exhibit in the new West Hall which is currently under construction.
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.10.2020) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. has added a third model to its popular Halo category. The new iLX-F411 mech-less (no CD/DVD) Audio/Video receiver features the same “hovering” screen platform as its predecessors while boasting a larger, 11-inch touchscreen – 49 percent more surface area than the 9-inch.
“The impact that Alpine’s Halo9 has had in the industry cannot be understated,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Brand Business Unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “The introduction of the new 11-inch display solidifies Alpine as an industry leader with the biggest display on the market.”
The iLX-F411 debuted today during the 2020 International CES, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 7-10.
Customizable User Interface The iLX-F411 has the same features as its predecessor, the iLX-F259, including a customizable user interface, with three home screens and 22 available widgets that can be customized through swipe and drag-and-drop motions. Users can personalize the backgrounds using their own photos or several pre-loaded patterns.
Through extensive industry research, the iLX-F411 includes all the features needed to command an exciting drive and is an ideal upgrade for the active weekender or everyday commuter. The increased screen size allows for safe navigation and easy control of music, text messages and phone calls through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Features and System Expansion The large, 11-inch screen has a WVGA display, Capacitive Touch, and Swipe Graphical User Interface (GUI) that’s optimized for in-vehicle smartphone use so drivers can access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with the Google Assistant for music, messages, or maps while keeping their eyes on the road. It features built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming and is SiriusXM-Ready (requires a SiriusXM tuner and subscription, sold separately).
External sources can be connected via the USB port, AUX input or HDMI input. One universal rear camera input or additional cameras can be added when used with the KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Selector (cameras and selector sold separately). Drivers can retain select factory features like vehicle information and parking assist display on compatible vehicles with the iDatalink Maestro module (sold separately).*
iDatalink connectivity available via software update Fall 2020
Installation Fitment The iLX-F411 follows the same flexible installation fitment as its 9-inch predecessor with an adjustable mount and four screen angle adjustments, five screen height adjustments and two screen depth adjustments for optimized viewing.
The 1-DIN chassis and adjustable installation options make it easy to add the iLX-F411 to a variety of applications without blocking factory buttons or features on the dash and avoiding the need for custom installation.
The iLX-F411 will ship in March for $1,200 SRI and will be for sale at Alpine Authorized retailers or online at http://www.alpine-usa.com through Crutchfield. Installation options can be found on the Alpine-USA website through the store locator.
The Halo Display Category includes:
NEW iLX-F411 11-INCH MECH-LESS AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER • 11-inch WVGA display with capacitive touchscreen • Floating style display with adjustable height, depth and angle mounting bracket • Customizable user interface (three pages with 22 available widgets) • Customizable wallpaper (user photos) • Works with Apple CarPlay • The Google Assistant is available on Android Auto • SiriusXM-Ready • Bluetooth built-in for hands-free calling and audio streaming • 1 HDMI input and 1 HDMI output • iDatalink connectivity for vehicle information and parking assist display on compatible vehicles* • FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV music playback • AVI/MP4/MPG/MOV/WMV video playback via USB • JPG/PNG/BMP USB photo viewer • 5-band graphic EQ • 45W x 4 Amp • 3 Preouts (4V) • 6-channel time correction • 1 Rearview camera input with distance guide display • Available in March SRI: $1,200
iDatalink connectivity for vehicle information and parking assist display on compatible vehicles *Available via software update Fall 2020
iLX-F309 HALO 9-INCH MECH-LESS AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER • 9-inch WVGA display with capacitive touchscreen and swipe graphical user interface • Floating style display with adjustable height, depth and angle mounting bracket • Works with Pandora Music for iPhone and Android • Built-in HD Radio • My Favorites Function • MediaXpander HD • Works with Apple CarPlay • The Google Assistant is available on Android Auto • SiriusXM-Ready • Bluetooth built-in for hands-free calling and audio streaming • iDatalink connectivity for vehicle information and parking assist display on compatible vehicles • FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/HE-AAC music playback • AVI/MPEG4 video playback via USB • Alpine TuneIt App for iPhone and Android • Bass Engine SQ • 9-band graphic EQ • 50W x 4 High Power Amp • KAC-001 Accessory Controller Ready • KXC250MC Multi-Camera Switcher Ready • 1 HDMI input • 3 Preouts (4V) • 6-channel time correction • 1 Rearview camera input with distance guide display • Available now SRI: $1,200
iLX-F259 HALO 9-INCH MECH-LESS AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER • 9-inchWVGA display with capacitive touchscreen • Floating style display with adjustable height, depth and angle mounting bracket • Customizable User Interface (three pages with 22 available widgets) • Customizable wallpaper (user photos) • Works with Apple CarPlay • The Google Assistant is available on Android Auto • SiriusXM-Ready • Bluetooth built-in for hands-free calling and audio streaming • FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV music playback • AVI/MP4/MPG/MOV/WMV video playback via USB • JPG/PNG/BMP USB photo viewer • 5-band graphic EQ • 45W x 4 Amp • 3 Preouts (4V) • 6-channel time correction • 1 Rearview camera input with distance guide display • Available now SRI: $800
VISTA, CA (01.09.2019) – Directed has announced a new connected dash camera, Viper SmartView, capable of pairing with Directed’s line of DS4 systems. SmartView builds on Directed’s long history of innovation in the aftermarket automotive industry and offers consumers a new level of vehicle security.
Viper SmartView provides monitoring solutions for consumers. It integrates several advanced technologies into a single product, including a 4G LTE-based, always-connected system; dual video cameras; telematics-capturing OBDII; WiFi and Bluetooth; GPS; displays; security system and motion sensors; and shareable video and media.
The revolutionary Viper SmartView is showcased in the Directed meeting space at the Hard Rock Hotel during CES 2020.
“SmartView sets the bar for in-vehicle dash cameras by adding smart features and DS4 connectivity to a fully-featured HD camera,” according to James Turner, SVP & GM, Remote Start and Security at Directed. “It’s another great addition to our growing DS4 infrastructure, but can also be used as standalone. However, the real power of SmartView is unleashed when connected to a DS4 security system. Consumers can immediately check out the interior and surroundings of their vehicle when they receive a security notification. It’s vehicle security for 2020 and beyond. Viper SmartView is perfect for both individuals and families.”
The Directed space at the Hard Rock Hotel showcases the Company’s complete product offerings including Alcohol Detection Systems.
Viper SmartView not only records while the vehicle is in motion, but when paired with a DS4 system, will record when activated by a warn-away or full-trigger security event. This allows consumers to have peace of mind even when they aren’t near their vehicles. With Live Look, vehicle owners can take a look inside their vehicle at any time.
With built-in cellular connectivity, SmartView is capable of controlling DS4 systems as well as provides a built-in WiFi hotspot. SmartView also provides OBDII diagnosis and fault code reporting.
“The Viper SmartView provides next-generation features and connectivity, and we expect it to be a big hit with both our dealers as well as consumers,” said Bob Struble, CEO of Directed. “This solution builds on Directed’s legacy of innovation in the aftermarket.”
LONG BEACH, CA & LAS VEGAS, NV (01.08.2020) – At this year’s CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center, KENWOOD USA announced the addition of three new Hi-Res Audio speakers that will begin shipping this month. From the eXcelon Reference line, these speakers are designed to deliver accurately detailed, powerful sound, desired by the most critical of listeners. The XR-1801P 7”(18cm) component set (MSRP $449.95), XR-1701P 6-1/2”(17cm) component set (MSRP $399.95) and XR-1701 6.5”(17cm) coax set (MSRP $249.95) all offer higher power handling and more versatile installation options than their predecessors.
With a focus on factory integration and sound quality reproduction, these speakers offer versatile mounting options for most current vehicle demands where space is a premium and complex adapters are required for proper fitment.
Marcus Vasconcellos, JVCKENWOOD Product Specialist, pictured with the new hi-res speakers in the Kenwood booth in the North Hall at CES 2020.
The oversized 7” glass fiber cone mid-bass drivers from the XR-1801P components fit nicely into many Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, and Nissan factory speaker locations. With the included direct-fit multi-bracket, this increases the woofer surface area over factory speakers, providing louder and more responsive mid-bass performance, simply utilizing existing hardware and the correct adaptor without the need to modify factory mounts. An all-new 1-3/16”(30mm) Titanium hard dome wide-range super tweeter offers flexible mounting options, including a flush mount for that custom or “factory-like” fitment. Power handling is hard to beat, with an amazing 120 Watts RMS at 3 ohms, while still being able to reproduce frequencies from 35 Hz to 40 kHz(-10dB).
The XR-1701P component set utilizes 6-1/2” glass giber cone mid bass drivers that fit directly into many standard 6-1/2” speaker openings. They also benefit from an improved surround roll shape and new woofer center cap with tuning rib, of which the XR-1801P shares as well. This component set can reproduce clean detail at a constant 100 Watts RMS at 3 ohms, with a 43 Hz to 40 kHz(-10dB) frequency response. Both sets include a bi-amp crossover network, along with a -3dB tweeter attenuation option, for even more control over this already extremely capable component set.
To complete this trio, the XR-1701 6-1/2” coax speaker set will give you similar performance as the component sets, but with the simplicity of an all-in-one speaker with a center mounted 1-3/16” (30mm) Titanium hard dome wide-range super tweeter and built-in High-quality capacitor. This set can handle a continuous 100 Watts of RMS power at 3 ohms, with a 45 Hz-to 40 kHz(-10dB) response, and will be a great option when a separate tweeter is not required.
“With the importance of bringing high quality, Hi-Res sound to the car, these speakers perfectly balance fitment options and performance,” said Mike Roberts, VP of Sales and Marketing. “The extremely high power handling and installation versatility will make these some of the most popular eXcelon Reference speakers yet!”
All models will be shipping this month. For detailed information on specific features, please view their respective product pages at http://www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
LONG BEACH, CA (01.07.2020) – Debuting at this year’s CES in Las Vegas, JVC Mobile Entertainment is thrilled to announce a brand new partnership with SSV Works, the market leader in powersports. Named as JVC’s premiere powersports distributor for the KD-MR1BTS digital media receiver, SSV Works will provide vehicle specific plug & play dash kits and harnessing for some of the most popular side-by-sides to date.
“In an ongoing effort to create excitement and offer product solutions to meet our customer’s demands, a partnership with SSV Works made perfect sense,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of sales. “By leveraging SSV Works’ extensive off-road vehicle experience, we are certain the JVC KD-MR1BTS is in excellent hands.”
The JVC KD-MR1BTS provides outdoor enthusiasts with a super rugged, IPX6 rated receiver with the best in functionality, performance, and design. Along with its 2.7” color display, it has built in Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, a built-in global tuner with weather band, a 7 Band EQ + 2 sets of RCA Pre-outs for system expansion, a USB and camera input, and is also SiriusXM-Ready. With its simple, clean, and aggressive design concept, large buttons make common tasks like adjusting the volume or pressing a control button while wearing gloves easy.
With the convenience of SSV Works plug & play solutions for select Polaris and CanAm side-by-sides shipping this Spring, customers will be able achieve high-end sound that’s built to last, now easier than ever before.
Come by and see it in action at the SSV Works booth N4900 and the JVCKENWOOD booth N4602 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 7 – 10.
For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment and SSV Works, please visit us.jvc.com/car and SSVWorks.com.
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.06.2020) – The Consumer Electronics Show 2020 is set to fill venues across Las Vegas from Tuesday through Friday, January 7th -10th respectively. Expect to see much more at CES 2020 that Consumer Electronics. Signage in the LVCC Central Hall notes Audio Video, Enterprise Solutions plus Travel and Tourism. A headline on the CNN website was titled ‘Sex Toys, Giant TVs and Alexa in Everything: The biggest trends to watch for at CES 2020.” Also, CTA is ‘Trailing’ facial recognition for CES badge pickup.
Click above to view on instagram.com/12voltnews
The massive North Hall, at one time all 12volt, is now occupied by maybe 10% 12volt exhibitors. The Westgate Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and other venues across Vegas will highlight many 12volt companies in ballrooms and sky suites featuring product displays plus food and refreshments. In some cases Uber and Lyft vouches are offered to help CES attendees navigate the arduous trips between venues.
Click above to browse hashtag #12vnn_ces2020
CES is a tremendous investment for all who attend…exhibitors, companies holding meetings and attendees who travel to Vegas from around the globe to see the latest products. During CES, plus days following, the 12volt Central Studios will feature news from CES 2020 in Vegas. Embargoed press releases from companies-including Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, SSV Works, Dual, Jensen, Maxxsonics, Scosche and Stinger will be posted. In addition daily action from the venue floors will be posted on 12voltnews.com plus Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews.
Keep up to date on action from CES 2020 across Vegas on Instagram and Facebook #12vnn_ces2020. We will make multiple posts daily from the 12volt Central Studios.
SEATTLE, WA (01.05.2020) – AudioControl has announced that Rick Harrison from the World-Famous Gold and Silver Pawn and reality TV fame will be showing off his 1947 Dodge Power Wagon, with a new sound system featuring AudioControl amplifiers, at AudioControl’s CES Booth, 3921. Harrison will be in the booth to meet with show attendees and sign autographs on Wednesday, January 8th at 1PM. The Power Wagon audio system features the 6-channel AudioControl D-6.1200 DSP-enabled amplifier powering an active 3-way front speaker system. AudioControl’s DM Smart DSP was utilized to fine-tune the full stage and attain the highest levels of clarity and detail. The subwoofer is driven by AudioControl’s mighty 1500 Watt LC-1.1500 mono amplifier.
Rick Harrison from the World-Famous Gold and Silver Pawn
Many New AudioControl Products at CES The AudioControl CES booth will feature many new products that deliver performance for car audio enthusiasts and create unique opportunities for 12-volt specialists. Show attendees will see two new 5-channel amplifiers from AudioControl that both offer 200 Watts RMS X4 @ 2-Ohm (125 Watts X4-channels RMS @ 4-Ohm) and 500 Watts X1-channel @ 2-Ohm along with eight speaker level inputs with selectable summing capability. The D-5.1300 delivers onboard DSP control of all amplified outputs and a pair of low-level outputs as well. The DSP interface is managed by the highly intuitive DM Smart App designed for all of AudioControl’s DSP amplifiers. The LC-5.1300 offers the same outstanding specs and performance without the DSP features. Additionally, AudioControl will proudly unveil the company’s first ever marine/motorsports amplifiers, designed to deliver outstanding audio performance with the rugged durability required for high-humidity applications. AudioControl will also be showing many new OEM interface solutions to enhance their LC and LGD series solutions that offer unparalleled performance, are more flexible and easier to use. All new products on display at CES Booth 3921.
DM-RTA Also on display in booth 3921 will be the groundbreaking DM-RTA, a one-of-a-kind sophisticated yet compact audio analyzer containing powerful analysis software designed to provide installers with the features of a fully functioning Oscilloscope, Voltage Meter, Real Time Audio Analyzer (RTA), SPL Meter and Polarity Checker. Because installers are often on-the-go and in cramped spaces when building a car audio system, the AudioControl DM-RTA was designed to be light weight, compact and durable. Input/output options are staggering, including balanced XLR inputs, phono and RCA style unbalanced inputs as well as speaker level inputs designed to make OEM audio system interface a snap. Digital audio output options include Optical, COAX and USB. The DM-RTA is powered by a 5-hour rechargeable battery so that it can be effortlessly deployed anywhere.
VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO SOLUTIONS AT CES 2020, BOOTH 3921 NORTH HALL
LAS VEGAS, NV (01.02.2019) – Nakamichi Car Audio is in full show mode as it readies for CES 2020 in Las Vegas next week. The numerous CES booth crates have arrived and booth construction is already under way!
Robin McNeal, National Sales Manager, pictured with crates in the North Hall booth as setup is under way.
Kiyokazu Igarashi, President of Nakamichi Japan and Sheamson Yeo, World Wide Sales Manager for Nakamichi Car Audio, are flying in to attend the show and the Nakamichi National Sales meeting taking place on Monday, January 6. The meeting will focus on the new products that Nakamichi will bring to market in 2020.
Nakamichi will be unveiling a host of new products January 7-10 in the North Hall during CES. Among them is a single DIN DSP USB receiver with built-in 25-band EQ that features Nakamichi’s wireless APP Control that allows the radio to be controlled by your smartphone via Bluetooth. APP Control is compatible with Apple and Android phones. Some of the other new products include single DIN 9-inch and 10.1-inch floating screen media receivers. Both models work with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For CES Nakamichi has partnered with Moke America to provide a couple of unique demo vehicles. The Moke’s are a 21st century green-friendly electric vehicle based on the British classic originally manufactured in the 1960’s.
Be sure to visit the Nakamichi booth #3621 LVCC North Hall for full details and to see all the exciting new products.
ATLANTA, GA (12.31.2019) – Effective December 31, Aurigin Inc., the master distributor for Hybrid Audio Technologies in the USA, will step down as the domestic distributor of the Zapco brand of car audio products. ARPA (formerly ARPA of America), established in California in 1993, has previously held responsibility for the distribution of Zapco products and will bear that torch once again.
As the two companies go their separate ways, ARPA will be focusing on the Zapco brand and its dealers, and Aurigin will, according to Scott Buwalda, Founder and CEO, “focus on its core competency building exceptional speaker systems from entry-level to reference-level, while expanding its dealer sales network.”
Any currently authorized Zapco reseller will continue as a Zapco dealer with ARPA, and ARPA will immediately assume all responsibilities of sales, warranty, technical support, and other services. Enzo Biasella of ARPA stated “first we would like to thank the Aurigin team for supporting the US market while carrying the Zapco brand, and at the same time we would like to announce our distribution of Zapco and ESB brands in the domestic market by ARPA starting January 1, 2020. ARPA will intend to sell only high-end products to highly qualified retailers tailored for a demanding public.” Biasella continues “please join us and be a part of a new era; our most exciting days are ahead of us.”
Likewise, in the coming weeks, all former and current Hybrid Audio dealers will be contacted personally to discuss exciting new products for 2020, and aggressive sales programs.
ARPA will be hosting a meet-and-greet and product demonstration at Kingpin University on January 8-9, 2020, coinciding with the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the same week. For more information about the ARPA event to be held at Kingpin University, contact John Borges (john@zapco.com), or Elad Ben Shlush (elad@zapco.com).
Scott Buwalda of Aurigin / Hybrid Audio Technologies will be present at Kingpin University as well, and will be greeting Hybrid Audio Technologies dealers, domestic sales representatives, and international distributors, and those interested in becoming the same. To RSVP a spot to speak one-on-one with Scott Buwalda, RSVP to sbuwalda@hybrid-audio.com. To learn more about Hybrid Audio Technologies, now celebrating its fifteenth full year of operation, contact 1.833.AURIGIN or info@aurigin.us.
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