DAS Names 2022 DAS Showcase Scavenger Hunt Winner

PALMYRA PA, (06.15.22) – “We have our winner from the 2022 DAS Showcase Click Photo Scavenger Hunt game within the show app. Scott Fitzpatrick, from Sound Solutions in Parkville MD, went to every booth at the DAS Showcase Event and scanned the “Click”App logo at each booth,” Ken Litton, Sales and Marketing Manager-Consumer Electronics, related.

Scott Fitzpatrick (R), in the Sound Solutions Parkville MD showroom, with Tim Small from DAS. Scavenger Hunt prizes-Yeti Cooler, Daypacks and Water Bottles-are displayed.

For his efforts Fitzpatrick won a Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler, 2 Osprey Daylite Cinch Daypacks and 2 HydroFlask 18oz Water Bottles that were delivered by DAS representative Tim Small.

Fitzpatrick scanned 139 “Click” app logos in booths at the DAS Showcase Marriott Hotel venue in Lancaster PA May 4th and 5th.

“I have attended several DAS shows in Atlantic City. The DAS Showcase 2022 in Lancaster was much closer to home and Travel Center vendors, as well as 12volt companies, showed their products. Seeing the Travel Center brands pointed to other items we could add to our store’s product mix,” Fitzpatrick relayed to the 12volt Central Studios.

Business remains strong at Sound Solutions and Fitzpatrick is looking forward the attending next year’s DAS Showcase event.

Visit dasinc.com for more.

Book in the Block for SEMA Show: Save an Average of $200 Per Night on Your Vegas Trip

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.15.22) – SEMA Show exhibitors and attendees preparing for the 2022 SEMA Show can lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rate now by booking in the SEMA Show block.

Making hotel reservations in the block provides you with the most affordable and convenient options for a wide range of hotels located on and off the Strip.

All of the hotels available through the SEMA Show block come with a low-price guarantee. To help ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set. Whether you’re looking for your favorite place to stay, or for a hotel within close proximity to the Show, you can book with confidence knowing you will get the rooms you need at the the most affordable price available.

Show-goers can save more than $200 per night at several Las Vegas hotels, including Aria, by booking through the SEMA Show block.

The SEMA Show also provides shuttle service to and from the Show for the hotels listed that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

There are more than 45 hotels available in the block. For more information on the hotels listed below, including rating, price per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

SEMA has negotiated exclusive, discounted nightly rates at the best hotels in Las Vegas. However, you can only get the discounted rates when you book through the SEMA Show’s official hotel provider. Save more than $200 a night at the following SEMA Show hotels:

  • ARIA
  • Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
  • Encore
  • Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World
  • SpringHill Suites
  • The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Book your hotel now!

To reserve your booth for the 2022 SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Audison Announces Forza Family of Amplifiers

IRVINE, CA (06.14.22) – Audison announced the Forza family of amplifiers – the culmination of years of research and development into DSP use in vehicles. Using our “All Channels Driven” design approach, and our “Fully Bridgeable” philosophy, these amplifiers give Audison dealers more tools to exceed their customer’s expectations. Forza is a family of 9 amplifiers – 5 “bit” DSP amplifiers with system control capability and four “companion” amplifiers which can be managed by the DSP section of the bit amplifiers.

The first model is the bit 5-channel AF M5.11 bit – the most powerful 5-channel DSP amplifier Audison has ever made. 100 watts to four channels (4Ω) plus 600 watts to the subwoofers (2Ω), over 1200 watts of RMS power available All Channels Driven, and with the most flexible DSP section Audison has offered.

“Dealers use DSPs for three things – OEM integration, system management, and acoustic tuning”, said Ken Ward, International Technical Marketing Manager for Elettromedia Sri, parent company of Audison. “We have made significant improvements to each functional area, so that our dealer technicians can overcome challenges more quickly and efficiently than ever. We kept the same approximate form factor as our previous line of DSP amps, which were very popular sizes our dealers preferred.”

The amplifiers are configured with a new software application, Audison bit Drive. “We’ve done training sessions here at KnowlegeFest, and our new bit Drive software has been a huge hit with dealers!” said Ward.

The Forza bit line will consist of five bit models and four companion models:
AF M5.11 bit will ship initially.
The AF C8.9 bit and the M12.14 bit will ship later this year.
The four companion amps – the M6 D, the M4 D, the C4 D, and the M1 D – will also
ship later this year.
The last two bit models – the C4.10 bit and the M8.14 bit – will round out the product
line.

“The bit Drive software is immediately familiar to Audison dealers, but has a modern design and advanced tools”, said Ward. “This is the software which is going to control our future products – it’s designed to be future-proof.”

Audison Forza amplifiers boast more power than ever, with the audiophile sound of the latest-generation Audison D-Class technology. This is combined with native DSP working at 24 bit/96 kHz, extending the audio band up to 40 kHz and earning the coveted High Resolution certification.

Fully Bridgeable: Bridging amplifier channels to more than double the power is a time-honored technique which Audison includes in every Forza multichannel amplifier. Fully Bridgeable means that every channel pair can be bridged, without exclusion, letting Audison dealers design and build exactly the system you’re looking for!

Dual Power Design is a new design element – Forza amplifiers have two independent power supplies: the audio amplifier power supply is loosely regulated, which allows superior dynamic performance at this price point The DSP power supply is stiffly regulated, which maintains DSP microprocessor operation even during lower-voltage transient states (i.e., start/stop operation).

High Res Certified – SPDIF digital wasn’t designed to control volume levels, and many implementations compromise the potential dynamic range. Absolute Volume maximizes the SPDIF bit depth, delivering uncompromised dynamic range from compatible digital sources like Audison B-CON.

Audison’s completely-new bit Drive PC software can analyze, route, and correct the signal in completely new ways – now you can measure, mix, and finally tune the sound with one powerful tool! The new Graphical User Interface simplifies every control and function, integrating acoustic measurement, and ensuring efficient tuning and great sound!

The Acoustic RTA is integrated into the equalizer graph, and is compatible with your 16-bit USB microphone or sound card. The Final EQ function allows final equalization without damaging the delicate left/right frequency relationships. Forza’s eight analog inputs, plus an optical Toslink digital input, support total connectivity even with the most complex OEM systems. If more analog inputs are required, the optional F4IN expansion card adds four additional analog input channels!

If a Coaxial SPDIF or a second Toslink SPDIF input is needed, the optional F2O expansion card can be used.

Up to 14 DSP outputs allows Forza’s DSP section to manage a larger system easily. Audison’s classic de-EQ process is joined by de-Time and de-Phase capabilities, enabling sound restoration in nearly every OEM system., The electrical signal analysis ensures proper integration and correction for each input and output channel. The built-in universal speaker simulation technology (USS) yields maximum compatibility with any OEM Source, without muting or instability.

Visit audison.eu/product_lines/forza for more information.

Tint World Names Jack Tusa Social Content and E-Commerce Manager

BOCA RATON, FL (06.15.22) — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has hired Jack Tusa to support the fast-growing company’s global marketing and franchise development efforts as its new social content and e-commerce manager.

In his new role, Tusa is responsible for managing content across Tint World’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. He also provides critical support for Tint World’s public relations and e-commerce initiatives.

Jack Tusa

“We’re committed to continuing to grow Tint World, and our online strategy is a key part of that plan,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, CEO and president of Tint World. “With his previous experience in digital marketing and his entrepreneurial spirit, Jack has shown that he has the insight and perspective to drive engagement with our customers and franchisees and build awareness of Tint World as a leader in the automotive aftermarket franchise industry.”

Tusa is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and corporate relations. His responsibilities as Tint World’s social content and e-commerce manager include developing and executing online strategies, coordinating the company’s online brand messaging, and supporting Tint World’s marketing and franchise development through social media and digital engagement.

“Tint World’s success as a premier provider of automotive aftermarket accessories and services speaks for itself,” Tusa said. “This team is focused on continuing to build the brand and supporting the hard-working franchisees driving the company’s unprecedented growth.”

Visit tintworld.com for more.

Last Chance for Automotive Entrepreneurs to Win $92,000 Grand-Prize Package for Budding Business

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.10.22) – Emerging entrepreneurs and inventors have until June 13 to submit their applications for the SEMA Launch Pad. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product or accessory will vie for a chance to win a grand-prize package valued at $92,000 to help launch their product or service into the marketplace.

SEMA Launch Pad is the ultimate product-pitching competition for automotive entrepreneurs, and helps elevate budding businesses though brand exposure, access to business resources, face time with key industry influencers and more. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three finalists, while other semifinalists and their products are promoted on SEMA websites, publications and social-media networks throughout the duration of the competition.

Fifteen semifinalists will be selected in June to participate in the first round of pitching and be invited to exhibit at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. The top five finalists will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges during the SEMA Show, where a final winner will be selected.

Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.

Apply now for SEMA Launch Pad

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner or company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO or vice president), and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype or concept or currently available for sale.

This article was written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org

Kawasaki Unveils New 2023 Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition Fueled with HiFonics Audio

LIBERTYVILLE, IL (06.09.22) – The ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition demands even more out of unlimited adventure with an integrated Hifonics audio solution that brings out LOUD levels of listening, playback, and durability.

Continuing its strong partnership with Kawasaki, Hifonics is proud to fuel audio adrenaline that traverses across unlimited terrains wherever adventure may call. This Kawasaki vehicle package creates incredible volume in undistorted playback that puts every rider of this 4-seat vehicle in the center of their own concert. Get ready to feel every beat and detail in rich clarity while taking on any conditions!

On the ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition and continued partnership with Kawasaki, Brian Sherman, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Maxxsonics, said, “This continued partnership with Kawasaki and their vehicle lineup has placed Hifonics as one of the premier audio solutions in the industry. To be a part of Kawasaki’s high-end model, the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition is a true sentiment and value to the entire product development team and company. I know for a fact that those who demand more power, more detail, and more immersion are going to be blown away by this complete Hifonics audio package.”

ABOUT THE 2023 KAWASAKI TERYX4 S SPECIAL EDITION WITH HIFONICS AUDIO

The 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition comes loaded with a complete Hifonics audio system that is designed specifically for four seats, so every passenger is placed in the center of their own sound stage. The audio starts with a GMR-LEDK, an AM/FM/USB Bluetooth® multi-media controller for Off-road and Marine offering simple control and easy navigation for selecting that perfect on-the-go thrill ride of a song, or that perfect genre of audio that fits the adventure.

There are four speakers included that create crystal clarity, incredible detail, and superb sound while resisting against any elements from the weather or harsh conditions that the journey may bring. 12dB Butterworth internal crossover offers a smooth transition from high to lower frequencies, while a high-temperature composite enclosure secures the speakers to the machine and aids in assuring deeper bass.

A 12-inch integrated subwoofer adds a flare of immersion with deeper bass, reaching lower booms in every note and song as a Hifonics 600-watt Powersports amplifier brings out clean audio and solidifies a complete Hifonics audio package.

On the development of this Hifonics audio package featured in the 2023 Kawasaki Teryx4 S Special Edition, Mark Lieber, Project and Quality Manager at Maxxsonics, said, “The most high-end Kawasaki vehicle demands an audio system that comes complete with defining POWER FROM THE GODS sound. From the speakers to the 12-inch subwoofer, to the 600-watt amplifier, this complete audio package will make it feel like you’re bringing the concert with you around every turn while chasing down adventure. I am thrilled to continue to be a part of the Kawasaki and Hifonics continued partnership.”

Available only through Kawasaki dealers – feel untamed adventure and become immersed with POWER FROM THE GODS audio in every song with the ALL-NEW 2023 Kawasaki Teryx KRX 4 1000 eS Special Edition. Bring undistorted levels of higher quality playback and superior listening into every journey with Kawasaki fueled with Hifonics.

Alden Stiefel, President of Maxxsonics, said, “Hifonics continues to be a beacon for Off-road adventure with Kawasaki. I am extremely proud of the Hifonics team in creating this complete audio package that defines POWER FROM THE GODS in every form.”

Click to see the complete vehicle and audio system details available.

Alpine to Unveil the High-Resolution Alpine Status System at the 2022 KnowledgeFest in Orlando

ORLANDO, FL (06.09.22) – Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”), will attend the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest hosted in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in booth #401 from Friday, June 10 to Sunday, June 12 where they will unveil the highly-anticipated Alpine Status system.

Trickledown Technology – Using the same engineering and design concepts drawn from the Ultra High-Resolution AlpineF#1Status, Alpine Status is a High-Resolution system that achieves 192kHz/24Bit playback for studio-level recording at a more accessible price point.

To demonstrate the live-like performance of Alpine Status, Alpine’s Toyota Tundra will be featured in the booth with the new Alpine Status Head Unit, DSP Amplifier, 3-Way Speaker System, and 2-Way Speaker System. The vehicle will also feature the new Alpine Halo11, an 11-inch Floating Touchscreen Display with high-resolution audio and display with wireless Apple CarPlay© and Android Auto™.Guided demos will be available for all booth visitors.

More information about Alpine Status will be revealed during the show. Alpine Status will be available at U.S. Alpine Authorized retailers and at Preferred Online Stores in fall 2022.

Also featured in the booth will be Alpine’s Tesla Model S with the complete AlpineF#1Status system so visitors can experience the first premium car audio system that can achieve 384kHz/32bit High-Resolution Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system.

Alpine will have select products on display from the 2022 product line, including the new Alpine Halo Dash Solutions and Accessories, Preloaded Alpine Halo R-Series Truck Subwoofer Enclosures, and Preloaded S-Series and R-Series Shallow Subwoofer Enclosures. Alpine will also have a display dedicated to showcasing the Alpine Status components.

Alpine will host 3 training sessions during KnowledgeFest that will focus on the 2022 Product Line:

Friday, June 10 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training

Saturday, June 11 from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Product Line Introduction and Training

Sunday, June 12 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in W202
Alpine 2022 Head Unit Breakout Session

All KnowledgeFest attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit www.knowledgefest.org and use the “Education Workshops & Vendor Training” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Visit kicker.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

AAMP Global Expands Its In-Field Support Team (Team Phantom)

CLAERWATER, FL (06.08.22) – AAMP Global has announced the addition of two car audio veterans to their Team Phantom group. AAMP launched its Phantom program in 2016 to enhance the level of retailer support in the field.

Aaron Davis started in the industry working as an installer with a local high-end stereo shop. During his 5 years there, he was able to solidify his foundation and understanding of car audio and worked his way up to lead technician. This role afforded Aaron his now strong technical background and working knowledge of the ever-changing, multifaceted aspects of car audio. With experience and understanding, Aaron was able to transition to a different role within the industry as a sales representative with Paragon. There he represented brands like AudioControl, Arc Audio, and ORCA Designs to name a few. Aaron’s previous experience with sound quality competitions aided in his ability to train and assist dealers to elevate the car audio experience for his customers. This is where Aaron’s passion for car audio really shined, as he quickly became the “go to guy” for DSP and OEM integration. Aaron has a true passion for the 12-volt industry and enjoys sharing his knowledge to educate and bring awareness to new and more efficient ways of car audio installations and techniques. Aaron is excited for the future of car audio and all the new and exciting things that are yet to come. Aaron will cover the southern California area under his new Phantom role at AAMP. 

Chris Brinkley is a Texas native who currently lives in the San Antonio area. Chris began his career in 2001 as a retail salesperson with a national electronics chain. In 2007, he transitioned to a sales support role for a manufacturer representative firm where he worked his way up to regional sales manager. Chris is known among his retail and distribution customers for providing world-class customer service, all while providing technological knowledge that is invaluable to his customer base. Chris is fluent in DSP tuning, installation diagnostics, and has a proven ability to quickly address and resolve other product challenges. Chris is bilingual and his primary goal is to support his clients and give them effective solutions for challenges that arise, all while providing profitable options that help grow their business. Chris is looking forward to supporting the Southern Texas and Louisiana markets in his new Phantom role. 

“Chris and Aaron’s individual strengths will bring new perspective to the team, as their past efforts and abilities fall in line perfectly with the current Team Phantom program. I am looking forward to their growth and contributions here at AAMP Global,” said Director of Team Phantom, Mike Eckley.

Visit aampglobal.com for more.

AudioControl Demo Vehicle, Products, and Seminars at KnowledgeFest in Orlando

SEATTLE, WA (06.08.22) – AudioControl will be unveiling new products and hosting training seminars for attendees at the 2022 KnowledgeFest in Orlando, FL. June 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center, Booth 1006.

Many New Products in Booth 1006
AudioControl will be showing the recently expanded all-weather ACX line of amplifiers, perfect for automotive as well as a vast array of non-traditional installations that represent new opportunities for dealers. Imagine offering high-performance, invisible audio systems to classic car owners, or exceptionally durable solutions for recreational marine applications and UTVs—a potentially significant market segment for Florida dealers. Attendees will see new, more powerful, compact ACX amplifiers, signal processors and an all-new multi-zone Bluetooth source unit/controller along with the new Epicenter Micro and multi-function ACR-U controller. Learn how these products are ideally suited to both existing and completely new clientele.

“We are excited to bring these new products and training sessions along with an amazing Jeep demo vehicle to Knowledgefest Orlando,” said Matthew Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager at AudioControl. “Our expanded ACX amplifier lineup and other new products have been engineered to solve challenges of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. Our aim is to provide dealers with best solutions that deliver exhilarating performance regardless of the vehicle or existing OEM system, resulting in new opportunities for growth.”

KNOWLEDGEFEST INDY TRAINING SCHEDULE (see full event schedule HERE)

Friday, June 10th – 1:45-2:45pm Meeting Room: W202-AB
New Products & New Opportunities: How to broaden your customer base and maximize system performance with AudioControl’s newest solutions

Saturday, June 11th – 5:30-6:30pm Meeting Room: W202-AB
LOCs, LGDs, & DSPs Oh My! Take an in-depth look at the LOC, LGD, and Epicenter product lines from AudioControl. Not sure when to use an Epicenter in an OEM integration installation? Do you know the difference between The Epicenter and AccuBass? What is the difference between the LC1i, LC2i, and LC2i Pro? Are you an expert at setting up The Epicenter? What about dialing in an LC2i Pro? Do you know what the different colors/models of LGDs mean and when to use each? Join us for a fun session where you will learn all of this and more.

Sunday, June 12th – 10:45-11:45am Meeting Room: W202-AB
Achieve Predictable Results using AudioControl! Testing audio system performance is important in every vehicle receiving an audio upgrade. This course offers a comprehensive guide to utilizing a simple DM-RTA checklist along with documenting results. Learn to better offer the most appropriate equipment for each vehicle and to best accommodate each listener’s expectations, along with best practices for using the powerful DM-RTA to test, troubleshoot and validate performance—these are the keys to making every vehicle sound great!

Click here to reserve your seat

Visit audiocontrol.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AT THE 2022 KNOWLEDGEFEST ORLANDO, JUNE 10-12, BOOTH 1006

Custom Audio Is on the Road Around Erie, PA

ERIE, PA (06.07.22) – Custom Audio is on the road around Erie in a new van with striking custom graphics. Since 1983 the company has offered HomeAV and car audio products with a full show room for demonstrations and custom installation.

Owner Sondralee Orgenia related, “Putting the new van project in place was a lot of work and a lot of vinyl, but boy it mades a beautiful statement for our business. The van was hard to find and we purchased a 2019 Chevy Express. It came with a stock camera system and we added a remote starter system with Drone so we could track the van on jobs. We also added a little lighting inside and Stinger X sound dampening to quiet the ride.”

Custom Audio does a lot of large custom jobs for businesses including restaurants and meeting facilities in addition to home AV installations. The van is utilized to transport equipment for the installations and tools to complete the job. The Custom Audio van is also a billboard outside those businesses and in residential neighborhoods. Back at the store the van grabs attention parked in front of the store on the high traffic street.

Concluding, Orengia offered, “Business has been strong across the board at Custom Audio. We have an amazing team and the new van is an investment into the future.”

Visit customaudioshop.net for more.