AUBURN HILLS, MI (03.21.23) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) is now shipping the Next-Generation R-Series R2-A60F 4-Channel Amplifier. The R2-A60F is the first amplifier to ship from the Next-Generation R-Series Sound System Line, following the speakers which shipped in January.
Using “trickle-down” technology from the Ultra-High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status and Alpine Status systems, the R2-A60F is Hi-Res Audio Certified and able to reproduce up to 40kHz frequency response for music that is closer to the original source. The R2-A60F features Alpine’s Class D Amplifier Circuit and provides 100W x 4 @ 4Ω or 150W x 4 @ 2Ω.
In addition to the High-Resolution capabilities of the Next-Generation amplifier model, design changes were made to improve installation. A 15% reduced footprint increases fitment options in most vehicle applications yet still maintains the “Loud and Fun” performance quality that long-time R-Series fans have come to enjoy. Speaker connections were consolidated to one side of the amplifier for easy access. Amplifier controls, like gain and crossover controls, were relocated to the top of the amplifier under a removable plate for convenient access. Mounting “feet” were also integrated into the chassis of the amplifier to simplify the installation process.
The R2-A60F is Remote Bass Knob Compatible and works with the RUX-KNOB.2 or RUX-H01 (sold separately).
The R2-A60F is available now for $449.95 and can be purchased at Alpine Authorized retailers and Preferred Online Stores. Please check the store locator on www.alpine-usa.com for details.
EAST WENATCHEE, WA (03.20.23) – IASCA Worldwide hosted the first of its kind Advanced Sound Quality Training Seminar for 11 top IASCA SQ Judges on March 11, 2023 at Mobile Soundstage Engineering in Bixby, OK. IASCA’s Advisory Group selected specific experienced judges to attend the seminar by invitation only.
The training was conducted by IASCA President Travis Chin and IASCA World FInals Champion Harry Kimura at the facility for another multiple IASCA World Finals Champion, Mark Eldridge. Travis Chin presented IASCA’s mission and goals for the future, Harry Kimura reviewed recording differences, judges’ conduct and rules changes while Mark Eldridge provided the systems, his NASCAR Cup Car and system, and invaluable experience and knowledge to the participants.
The training focused on many factors in sound quality listening and judging, going far beyond the basics of traditional IASCA Sound Quality Judges’ Training seminars. Multiple reference systems from the MSE facility were utilized in the training to highlight the differences between variable listening experiences. The systems have the ability to “inject” errors into the playback that mimic common issues in the competition lanes, allowing judges to hear the difference. Even the multiple IASCA Championship winning NASCAR Cup Car built by Mark Eldridge was dialed in for in-car demos.
IASCA also approved new sound quality judging material for competition that will replace the current IASCA Sound Quality Reference CD next season.
“Having this level of advanced training has been in the works for the past couple years now,” said IASCA President Travis Chin. “Harry Kimura’s and Mark Eldridge’s knowledge, experience and history with IASCA was extremely beneficial to the group and using Mark’s facility worked perfectly to achieve our goal. IASCA Worldwide endorses these Advanced Sound Quality courses for anyone, individual, competitor or judge, who wants to learn more about true sound quality. These courses are invaluable!”
“After visiting MSE last year, I realized that this would be the ideal place to have na IASCA Judges Training, with the availability of multiple external reference sound systems, Mark’s NASCAR Cup Car system and live instruments,” said IASCA Judge Harry Kimura. “As an IASCA judge since 1994, I can vouch that it’s a complete evaluation environment for judges! Well trained judges are one of the highest valued assets for any sanctioning organization as it maintains the highest levels of integrity within the organization.” Kimura continued to say, “IASCA has made a commitment to ensuring that their training is second to none and with that, integrity is ensured.”
“I was approached by IASCA President and top IASCA Judge Harry Kimura last year regarding the project,” said MSE President Mark Eldridge. “It was an amazing day; we put together a full day of listening, discussion and demonstrations. I know there have been IASCA Judges Trainings in the past, but nothing at this level. I loved every minute of it and look forward to the next seminar!”
Fo more info on IASCA Worldwide and the Advanced Sound Quality Training seminar, visit iasca.com or contact President Travis Chin at travis@iasca.com. For more info on Mobile Soundstage Engineering, contact Mark Eldridge at meldridge@mblsound.com.
CAMARILLO, CA (03.20.23) – Orca Design and Manufacturing announced it is offering a new series of harness packages from the Gladen SoundUp line. Known for its plug-and-play harnesses for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the SoundUp series will now feature solutions for Tesla, including the newer vehicle models equipped with 18-volt power systems. The harnesses are available through authorized Focal and Mosconi retailers as well as Gladen retailers and distributors.
The SoundUp harnesses for Tesla connect directly to Mosconi One Series and Pico series amplifiers, expanding and empowering the system with DSP and either Class D or Class AB power. The five kits cover all Tesla models, whether equipped with Base or Premium audio systems.
In addition, the line includes accessory harnesses that allow replacement of factory speakers while utilizing the existing factory connectors. For the newer Tesla models with 18-volt power systems, Orca has introduced a complete package that includes the harness, an 8-channel amplifier with built-in DSP, and a mono amplifier for the subwoofer.
“Tesla has created a division among installation professionals in the car audio industry,” said Nalaka Adikari, sales director for Orca. “They are either nervous about working on such a unique vehicle line or have become full Tesla integration and fabrication experts, with no one in between. The release of these new harnesses will let retailers enthusiastically say yes to Tesla owners and give installers the confidence to create new audio experiences in these cars for their customers.”
The SoundUp line features complete integration solutions covering 18 vehicle brands worldwide. For more information visit Mosconi-america.com.
CAMARILLO, CA (03.17.23) – ORCA Design and Manufacturing, supplier of premium automotive audio brands and accessories, announced select products from its represented brands will be featured at the12vdashboard.com, a website that matches audio applications with the components designed for the specific vehicle. Products will include Focal’s INSIDE line of car model-optimized kits and audio products for Harley-Davidson, as well as Gladen speaker kits for BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In addition, installation professionals will be able to identify the correct plug-and-play harnesses for Tesla, Mercedes-Benz and BMW from Gladen’s new Sound Up harness line.
The12Vdashboard.com services the car audio industry as a simple lookup tool that matches a desired installation or integration application with the parts and accessories that fit, based on vehicle year, make model and sub-model. The site offers a seven-day trial for qualified users.
“Focal and Gladen produce automotive integration speakers, components and harnesses that combine premium performance with perfect fit,” said Nalaka Adikari, ORCA national sales director. “By partnering with the12vdasboard.com, we ensure industry professionals can find and offer upgrades that deliver the ultimate quality from factory locations.”
For more information on vehicle-specific products from ORCA-represented brands, visit orcadesign.com.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.17.23) – The SEMA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have improved the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond the normal course of business to enhance the stature of the industry and/or the association’s growth.
While many well-known names are often nominated for the program, it’s important that SEMA doesn’t overlook leaders and innovators who may not be as well known. There are many unsung heroes who contribute to and impact the industry greatly—and the association needs input from members to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
Nominate an industry trailblazer who deserves the prestigious honor before March 17 at sema.org/hof
To qualify, the candidate must have been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, be at least 50 years of age prior to the 2023 SEMA Show and their contributions must have extended throughout the national or international level.
Candidates who are deceased qualify for nomination at any age, as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
WENATCHEE, WA (03.16.23) – IASCA Worldwide has chosen a date and West Coast location for SPL competitors unable to attend the main SPL location for the 2023 IASCA World Finals.
The IASCA World Finals West Coast satellite event will take place on October 1st in the Pavilion at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center in Salem, Oregon. The venue offers 50% more space than last year’s event allowing for more vehicles and better traffic flow throughout the event.
Competitors gathered for a photo as the 2022 West Coast Satellite Finals event wrapped in Albany, OR.
“With the increase in West Coast membership and the desire to attend a West Coast Finals event, finding a larger venue to accommodate was very important to meet the needs of our West Coast members,” said IASCA President Travis Chin. “The Pavilion at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center was an ideal choice to meet those needs.”
The IASCA World Finals East Coast date and location will be announced in the very near future.
“We’re working on a combined East Coast Finals event with EMMA, MASQ and ISPLL.” Chin continue, “I believe it’ll be one of the strongest Finals events in recent history!”
West Coast satellite location competitors will be able to pick up their pre-registration packets and set up on September 30th.
DORAL, FL (03.16.23) – Chuck Kenney has joined Blaupunkt Car USA as the company’s National Sales Manager.
With a 30+ year career in the 12volt industry Kenney brings a new dimension to the Blaupunkt sales team.
“Job description Number One at Blaupunkt is to reach out to contacts, dealers and distributors, across the industry to let them know the tremendous product lineup Blaupunkt has in place and the opportunities offered in the marketplace,” Kenney stated.
Chuck Kenney in the well stocked Blaupunkt warehouse in Doral, FL.
Continuing, Kenney offered, “I am a Florida resident and have been spending time at the Blaupunkt facility in Doral and I’m very impressed with the amount of inventory packed into the large warehouse. I am excited and look forward to hitting the road very soon.”
Most recently Kenney was on the sales team at DS18. Previous companies on Kenney’s resume include Massive Audio-National Sales Manager, Epsilon-National Sales Manager, VOXX-Regional Sales Manager, Design Engineering-National Sales Manager and SSR Distributors are included in Kenney’s 30+ 12volt industry career.
DANIA BEACH, FL (03.15.23) – HKI USA, the US importer for SounDigital Amplifiers, Ground Zero Car Audio, Four Connect Wiring Products, and Tury Vehicle Enhancement products, announced new distribution channels for the Mid-Atlantic Territory.
Davis Distribution Systems, and long time member of the HKI USA family, was asked to take on a new roll as the distribution partner for the Mid-Atlantic Territory.
“I look forward to working with all the Davis Distribution Team and above all supporting all our Retail Partners with our HKI USA Brands,” stated Elias Ventura, Territory Manager for the Mid-Atlantic.
This addition expands Davis’ coverage to include MD, VA, DC, DE & East PA, from the existing WV, OH, TN, KY and West PA territory
As part of this expansion, Davis has also started working with Tury Automotive Enhancement Products from HKI USA, giving their dealers access to some cool new security and convenience products.
ENGLEWOOD, CO (03.15.23) – VAIS Technology has released new satellite radio integrated solutions specifically designed for 2022-23 VW Atlas, Atlas Sport, Tiguan, Taos, Jetta, and Golf vehicles. This solution allows owners of these models to add SiriusXM satellite radio to their existing factory stereo, without compromising factory functionality.
“Since 2003, VAIS Technology have been developing satellite radio adapters for vehicles that aren’t equipped from the factory with SiriusXM tuners,” stated Dennis Hopper, EVP. “While satellite radio is more popular than ever, many new OEM vehicles still don’t come equipped from the factory with satellite tuners. For 2023 several more OEM’s have removed satellite tuners from their platforms. Over the last few years Ford, Honda, Kia, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes, and other have removed satellite tuners from their base model vehicles. VAIS Technology develops simple, easy to install integrated solutions that add satellite radio, but preserve factory functions.”
The new kits provide coverage for new VW models. Also, all these models are compatible with the GSR-UV01 (universal unit) which can be flashed using online software. This allows dealers to only stock one unit to do almost all applications. This adapter connects directly to the original factory radio and allows the vehicle owner to listen to satellite radio through the existing factory system. The VAIS integrated solution also allows for full control of satellite radio functions – changing stations, setting presets, steering wheel functions, etc.
GSR-VW02 and GSR-UV01 is available for order now. Retail price is $349.99 with SXV300 tuner included.
DIAMOND BAR, CA (03.14.23) – The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), a subset network of the Specialty Equipment Market Association that supports and raises awareness of women in the automotive industry, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
The network, which encourages and supports women pursuing careers in the automotive field, represents over 700 female and male members spanning across various occupations and markets in the aftermarket industry.
Since 1993, the SBN has developed and managed industry-focused programs for women, including networking and recognition opportunities. Most recently, it completed its second all-female vehicle build, hosted its second annual Women’s Leadership Forum, and continues to spotlight the stories and careers of women in the automotive industry though its #SheIsSEMA campaign.
“SBN’s history is one of ambition and progress, and we couldn’t be more excited for the community that we have created,” said SBN Director Nicole Bradle. “It’s a network where all women are recognized and supported for their contributions to this thriving industry.”
To celebrate the milestone, the SBN launched a campaign to highlight the stories and members of the network throughout SEMA and SBN communication channels. The campaign will run throughout 2023 and culminate at the SBN 30th Anniversary Reception and Party at the SEMA Show in November.
“There is no better time than now to reflect on what the SBN has achieved,” added Bradle. “Looking to the future, we aspire to further foster growth, support, and community for women.”
To learn more about the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, visit www.sema.org/sbn.
