(07.19.2026) Over the weekend, the 12volt Central Studios Staff learned that George Wu passed away Friday night July 17th following a lengthy illness. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to George, the heart and soul behind Atomic Loudspeakers.
A man of vision, passion, and integrity who dedicated his life to perfecting sound and building a brand respected worldwide.
He was an amazing engineer. A brilliant mind with an unmatched dedication to innovation, quality, and precision. He turned ideas into performance- a true pioneer. He built Atomic Loudspeakers from the ground up with hard work, determination, and a love for music and performance. He was an innovator in the early years of the Car Audio research and development era. His legacy will live on in every speaker, in every note, and in every heart he touched.
George was a loving husband and father. He cherished his family above all else. His love, strength, and values will forever live in their hearts. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and unforgettable spirit
WHEELING, WV (07.10.26 ) – The Steel Valley Regional XV will be held July 17,18,19 2026 returning to the Wesbanco Arena. Save the date!! As before, this show will feature the Top 48 SQ Showdown along with lASCA 3X, EMMA 3X, MASQ 3X and MECA 4X.
EVENT HOURS Friday, July 17th: Setup 12PM – 9PM, Saturday, July 18th: Competition begins at 8AM, Sunday July 19th: Competition begins at 8AM and Sunday, July 19th: Awards at 6PM.
“This is a Car Audio Sound Quality Show that will have approximately 75 of the best sounding vehicles in the Country competing with experienced sound quality judges. This is one of the ultimate sound quality contests in the USA!” Larry Chijner related.
Here is a List of Current SPONSORS for SVR XV. This show could not happen if it. wasn’t for the Continued Support of the Manufacturers and Individuals
An image of the event floor last year as set up was complete.
ARC AUDIO Presents SVR XV-Title Brian Mitchell, Brad Ott, Fred Lynch ZAPCO /ESB -Gold Sponsor Chris Bennett, Enzo MSC AMERICA-BRAX/HELIX/MATCH/ BLAM- Gold Sponsor Jeff Smith, Larry Penn KARMA MOBILE AUDIO-Silver TrophySponsor Adam Schlepphorst, Harry Kimura- Gold Sponsor Creative Products Design-BronzeSponsor Mike Buononato JL AUDIO/GARMIN-Gold Sponsor Manville Smith lan Gash HAROLD JONES Brothers Boxing Club-Silver Sponsor Audio Intensity -PRIZE Sponsor Scott Welch US ACOUSTICS-Silver Sponsor Mike Nicholls Stereo Installs- Trophy Sponsor Bryan Huston David Wright DAVIS DISTRIBUTION -Prize Sponsor Nate Taliani Chuck Fauser Liquid HiFi-Prize Sponsor Ron Ronald K. Buffington
ECA4X (East Coast Audiophiles) Richard Papasin
“If I missed anyone it was by accident so please notify me so I can correct this post. PLEASE… Thank these people and manufacturers for continuing to Support Car Audio Competition by using their products. A Simple THANK YOU goes a long way” Chijner added.
Concluding “Anyone else interested in Helping by Sponsoring the show please contact me directly. Ichijner@gmail.com. Thanks for everyones continued support!!
MEMPHIS, TN (07.08.26) – Memphis dropped the bass this Fourth of July when it unveiled the limited-edition United States 250th Anniversary Collection—a patriotic lineup of commemorative Power Reference amplifiers and subwoofers built for enthusiasts who believe freedom should always come with a volume knob.
America’s 250th birthday deserves more than fireworks.
It deserves bass.
The United States 250th Anniversary Collection features the 76PRX500.4V2 four-channel amplifier, 76PRX1000.1V2 monoblock amplifier, and 76PRXL12FTV 12-inch Power Reference subwoofer with Memphis Audio’s patented FLEX™ selectable 1Ω, 2Ω, or 4Ω impedance technology. Every product in the collection features an aggressive stealth black-on-black American flag design, delivering a clean, custom appearance while proudly honoring America’s 250th anniversary.
The anniversary amplifiers come alive with red, white, and blue LED accent lighting that illuminates both the acrylic logo panel and the ground beneath the amplifier, while the subwoofer features a custom American flag “M” center logo and an integrated RGB LED illuminated cone accent ring that can be set to patriotic red, white, and blue or virtually any color to match your build. The anniversary subwoofer doesn’t just look different, it hits harder too. Memphis engineers increased its power handling to 500 watts RMS, a 25% increase over the previous Power Reference model, giving enthusiasts even more bass to back up its bold new look. Together, the collection delivers a one-of-a-kind custom appearance that stands out whether you’re showing off your build at a car show or simply turning up the volume.
For more than 60 years, Memphis Audio has proudly designed and developed products in the United States by passionate car audio enthusiasts. The United States 250th Anniversary Collection is our tribute to the country that gave us the freedom to express ourselves, build incredible systems, and enjoy the music we love.
“We’re Americans. We love loud music. We love bass. We love building cool stuff,” said Nick LoMonaco, President of Memphis Audio. “When we started this project, we knew one thing—we weren’t making another cheesy patriotic product. We wanted something aggressive, custom, and unmistakably Memphis. The result is one of the coolest limited-edition collections we’ve ever released.”
The response has been overwhelming. Dealers and enthusiasts have been grabbing these limited-edition products since they were announced, and demand continues to build every day. With only a limited production run planned, once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. If you’ve been looking for a unique way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary while owning a true piece of Memphis Audio history, this is it.
MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA (07.07.26) — IASCA enjoyed a successful and productive week at the ASOPARTES ExpoPartes and ExtremeFest, held July 2–4 at Plaza Mayor. The event brought together automotive enthusiasts, manufacturers, and competitors from across the region, with multiple exhibition halls showcasing the latest products and innovations. The dedicated car audio hall featured numerous high-level sound quality competition vehicles, highlighting the continued growth of the hobby throughout Latin America.
Throughout the event, IASCA conducted several educational seminars, including an introductory presentation on car audio for students interested in learning about the industry and competitive sound quality. On Saturday, competitors participated in a Sound Quality Clinic where they received detailed evaluations and feedback from multiple experienced judges, including IASCA President Travis Chin. The clinic provided valuable insight to help competitors refine their systems and prepare for future events.
The event also marked an important milestone for IASCA Latinamérica. A new series of regional competitions will begin later this year, culminating in a championship finale scheduled for January 2027. The partnership between ASOPARTES and IASCA Latinamérica is expected to further expand organized sound quality competition throughout the region.
“It was an honor to be a guest at the ExpoPartes event and to help build the partnership between ASOPARTES and IASCA Latinamérica,” said . “It was a great time reuniting with past competitors I had met over a decade ago. Thanks to the ASOPARTES staff and IASCA Latinamérica staff for the hospitality.”
Pictured: Eduardo Tascon, Calros Andrés Pineda, Travis Chin, Luis Orlando Tores Clavijo, Manuel Fandiño, Carlos Romero, Javier Pardo.
IASCA extends its appreciation to ASOPARTES, IASCA Latinamérica, event organizers, volunteers, competitors, and attendees for making the event a tremendous success. The enthusiasm displayed throughout the weekend demonstrated the bright future of organized car audio competition in Colombia and across Latin America.
DUQUOIN IL (07.06.26) The Progressive American Flat Track Series was set for Saturday night July 4th at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds with the Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile. KICKER was set up outside the main entrance to the DuQuoin State Fair Arena under large tents and loaded KICKER Subaru.. Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, and the crew had all set. Unfortunately weather rolled in and action on the track was postponed until Sunday morning.
I’ll set up out front of the DiQuoin State Fair Arena.
On July 4th the American flag was flying high outside on the track
“American Flat Tack and bike enthusiasts all recognize the KICKER brand as KICKER has participated with American Flat Track events across the US for several years. At these events many attendees mention they enjoy KICKER products in their vehicles along with bikes, UTVs and boats.” Morrell related.
On Saturday afternoon, there was a one lap, one family, one unforgettable reminder for Dan Bromley‘s tragic death at the LIMA Half Mile one week ago.
Late Saturday afternoon, the rain began.
Morrell’s travel schedule required for departure Saturday night. Sunday’s race results will be updated @12voltnews.com.
The next event on the 2026 American Flat Tack Series is March 5th & 6th at the Royal Enfield Short Track Daytona Beach FL.
12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.04.26) – Friday, July 4th 2026, marks the Celebration of Independence Day 250 across the U.S. Many businesses are enjoying a 3-Day 4th of July weekend by taking off Friday the 3rd along with Friday July 4th and Sunday for a 3-Day weekend.
July 4th 2026 is seeing the landscape across the US and around the world far from normal as turmoil fills the news. Inflation continues running high and air travel is a nightmare in many cases. Online sales continue to take away from the brick and mortar sales across the marketplace. In-person events have returned but everyday life is far from normal.
On the 12volt industry side store traffic remains lighter as consumers make decisions with allocating their disposable income. Uneasiness with regard to tariffs and inventory issues persist. With so many options visibility for 12volt products is not getting through to consumers. We must continue to work to connect with consumers and make music fun again!
The business year is divided into 4 quarters….much like a football game. The first quarter of 2026 was OK for many 12volt companies. As the second quarter wrapped the impact of mounting social issues cloud the future. Reports are 12volt industry business has definitely slowed. Worldwide unrest adds to the cloudy future.
Now, as the second half of 2026 gets underway, all businesses must evaluate their game plans and make appropriate adjustments. Importantly, businesses must adjust their shoulder pads and tighten the chin straps on their helmets. Now, as the clock for the second half of 2025 has started, all businesses must keep their eye on the ball, work their game plans and be prepared to quickly make necessary adjustments. Importantly, brick and mortar retailers must work to create excitement in their marketplace to drive in-store traffic and business.
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 with a few words to 318 469 2526. PRESTO! Your company could be in the news. As an industry let’s utilize the 12voltSTP Tool and be… ’Jammin’ N July’.
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 and let’s ‘Make Music Fun Again!’
DUQUION, IL (07.03.26) – Following the very successful LIMA Half Mile June 26 and 27th Lorin Morrell, KICKER Events, put the KICKER Subaru on the road for the #LivinLoudTour26 the next stop on the American FlatTrack Series at the Magic Mile in DuQuion, IL.
Thursday meeting at the Magic Mile before set on Friday.
The weekdays between the events were filled with stops at KICKER dealers along the way.
The 12volt Central Studios staff followed up with Lorin Morrell’s stop at Yong‘s Audio in Indianapolis. Adam Kim related “It was terrific to meet Lorin and check out the system in the Subaru. I was amazed at the overall sound quality while taking a seat in the Subaru. It was special to spend time with Lorin talking about the overall activity across the 12 V industry. KICKER is a strong line for our company and certainly appreciated Lorin’s stop at our store.”
The Kicker Subaru at Audio Visionz in Mount Vernon, IL with Kyla.
A photo with on Historic Route 66 in Litchfield, IL.
Another follow up contact was Audio Visionz with Kyla in Mount Vernon, IL. Recently Audio Visionz came back on board with
KICKER and Kyla related ” It was great to spend time with Lorin, getting a feel of the overall KICKER line, plus spending time with consumers that came to check out the action in the Subaru.” There are also many opportunities at their sister company Midwest Truck Accessories.
“As I was behind the wheel of the Subaru one of the highways was Route 66 that is now celebrating the 100th Anniversary. After a busy week on the road, today Thursday, It’s meetings at the track and we will be setting up at the Magic Mile at the DuQuion Fairgrounds outside of Chicago for the American Flat Track series this weekend.”
EAGAN, MI (7.2.26) – On June 12th, Chuck Holey went to D-Source in Bloomington MN to pick up some products. D-Source team members loaded Chuck’s truck and there was a little rain on that day. When Chuck opened the door to his truck there was an umbrella inside. When Chuck got back to his store he called Jeff Causton at D-Source and learned that Jeff had put the umbrella in his truck.
A very happy Chuck Holey having fun in his warehouse with his new umbrella and PowerBass product.
Chuck arrives at D Source to show all his cardboard cutout.
Jeff Causton, D Source Principal, is all smiles pictured with Chuck and his cardboard cutout.
When the STANDEE, 7 feet tall, cutout arrived Chuck checked it out and immediately went to D-Source to have fun having images snapped with Jeff and D-Source team members. The two companies are continuing to work together and having fun. Great news for all across the 12volt industry.
That made Chuck very happy and as he was unloading a PowerBass XLSS model he was dancing around in the warehouse with a PowerBass under the umbrella. He had an image snapped as he was having fun with the umbrella and the XLSS product and sent it to Jeff.
Jeff really got a kick out of seeing Chuck having so much fun. He decided to have some more fun and touched base with the STANDEE company and ordered a custom cardboard cutout of Chuck having so much fun dancing around his warehouse with the umbrella.
Josh Burris is also happy to see Chuck!
Maybe 10 years ago, I ran into this cardboard cut out of LSU Coach O by the counter at a Canes Chicken in Shreveport. Handed my phone to another customer who snapped this image. There are so many possibilities to a great fun across the 12volt industry.
Chuck’s STANDEE cutout will be so much fun under the tent at shows this summer.
LOS ANGELES, CA (06.30.26) – Pioneer, a global leader in in-vehicle sound and aftermarket car electronics, introduces its first collection of automotive accessories that marks the brand’s expansion beyond car audio. By introducing a high-performance lineup of USB cables, car chargers, and magnetic smartphone cradles, Pioneer is evolving beyond traditional audio to serve drivers at every touchpoint in the vehicle. Each product is strictly “Built for the Drive,” engineered to withstand the unique rigors of the automotive environment including intense temperature fluctuations, constant road vibrations, and the daily demands that generic accessories simply weren’t designed to handle.
“For over 80 years, Pioneer has been at the forefront of in-vehicle technology, from the world’s first car CD player to today’s most advanced in-dash receivers,” said Larry Rougas, EVP & Chief Revenue Officer at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “This collection is the next step in that journey. As we expand our presence across the full vehicle experience, we are bringing the same precision and engineering discipline that defines our audio products to a category that drivers rely on every day.”
MAGNETIC SMARTPHONE CRADLES BUILT FOR THE DRIVE Pioneer’s new smartphone cradle lineup offers three models to match every driver’s needs, from a clean mount-only solution to a premium wireless charging cradle with active thermal management. All three feature a strong magnetic grip with an included metal ring for smartphones, a 360-degree swivel mount, and a compact air vent design that keeps the driver’s sightline clear.
The Magnetic Cradle is a straightforward solution for drivers who want a secure, easy-to-use phone mount without charging. Its effortless magnetic attachment and release make grabbing and stowing a phone completely one-handed, even while on the move.
Moving up to the Premium Qi2 Wireless Charging Magnetic Cradle adds Qi2-compliant wireless charging to the same magnetic mount platform. It includes a USB-C to USB-C cable and features a blue LED indicator, delivering fast, reliable wireless charging through a clean, minimal design.
The range-topping Premium Qi2 Wireless Charging Magnetic Cradle with Cooling builds on the standard model with two key upgrades: an integrated cooling fan that maintains optimal charging speeds during heavy use, and an RGB LED ring that can be customized to match any interior. It is Pioneer’s most capable cradle and the flagship of the new lineup.
DUAL-PORT CHARGING FOR THE MODERN DRIVER The Compact Dual-Port Fast Car Charger brings high-speed, dual-port charging to any vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. Despite its small footprint, it delivers 38W of total output power through dual 20W USB-C Power Delivery and 18W USB-A quick charger ports, allowing for simultaneous rapid charging of two mobile devices. It features an integrated blue LED USB-A port for easy nighttime location. Its compact, flush-fit design sits cleanly in the socket without protruding into the cabin, maintaining the clean look of modern vehicle interiors. Like all products in the lineup, it is tested to operate reliably in extreme vehicle cabin temperatures and is compatible with 12V and 24V vehicles.
The Premium High-Output Dual-Port Car Charger is Pioneer’s premier power hub, delivering a massive 63W total output designed for power-hungry hardware. This model features a dedicated 45W USB-C Power Delivery port capable of fueling laptops and tablets, alongside a secondary 18W USB-A port for simultaneous smartphone charging. Encased in a robust, high-density housing with a signature blue LED illumination ring, it is engineered to maintain peak stability in extreme cabin temperatures.
USB CABLES ENGINEERED FOR THE VEHICLE The new lineup launches with two families of Pioneer-branded USB cables, each built from materials selected specifically for the tight spaces, temperature swings, and daily handling demands of a car cabin.
The USB Cable (USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C) is constructed from soft silicone for a comfortable, tangle-resistant grip that withstands repeated use in confined spaces. It supports wired CarPlay and Android Auto, with the USB-C to USB-C variant adding USB Power Delivery for up to 60W fast charging.
The Premium Illuminated USB Cable (USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C) adds a blue LED indicator at the connector, making the cable easy to locate in a dark interior without distracting the driver. Built with braided nylon mesh, it delivers the same CarPlay and fast-charging performance in a more elevated finish that complements modern car interiors.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY The full car accessories lineup is available to purchase through Pioneer’s website and Amazon, with prices starting from $20.
For more information on Pioneer’s new car accessories lineup, visit usa.pioneer.com.
LIMA, OH (06.29.26) – The Progressive American Flat Track returned to the legendary Lima Half-Mile at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima OH for action on the track Friday afternoon and Saturday night, June 26th and 27th. KICKER was set up under a large tent with Lorin Morrell along with Wade Hensley from local retailer Barry Electronics based in Lima.
Lorin Morrell and Wade Hensley at the track to setup on Friday.
One of the entry ways spotlights KICKER’s partnership.
“Overall the action on the track was good considering the light rain on Friday. The action was strong on Saturday afternoon with a big crowd once riders hit the track on Saturday night. Having Wade Hensley, from local retailer Barry Electronics, had all Livin’Loud in the KICKER Subaru by the tent in the booth. The racing was amazing too” Morrell related.
Wade Hensley set up a wide selection of KICKER products under the tent. Check out the Custom QR code to connect attendees with Barry Electronics.
Saturday action on the track.
Hundreds of bikers in this parking area passed by the KICKER booth to enter the track.
“It was great for Barry Electronics to be on site and see so many attendees under the tent that were interested in KICKER audio products. There were attendees from a large area. In addition, I saw a lot of old customers and friends who stopped by. It was super to hand out a ton of business cards. We created a custom QR Code that links to our website. Attendees scanned it in our booth and I had one on a lanyard badge that people scanned. In the booth the latest KICKER products for cars, trucks, motorcycles, UTVs and marine grabbed a lot of attention. Look forward to seeing several in the store this week for installs and are looking to next year’s event” Hensley commented.
Super info and images from Lorin Morrell-Maddog Media and Wade Hensley with Lima OH-based Barry Electronics.
12VoltNews.com 