Industry

Alpine Electronics Now Shipping the KTA-200M Mono Power Pack Amplifier

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AUBURN HILLS, MI (07.28.2020) - Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is now shipping the KTA-200M Mono Power Pack Amplifier. Utilizing the compact Power Pack design, the KTA-200M mounts behind the iLX-W650 7-inch Mech-Less Audio/Video Receiver to become Alpine’s newest PowerStack product.

A Simple Way to Add Bass

In 2018, Alpine introduced the KTA-450 4-Channel Power Pack Amplifier with PowerStack and it took the industry by storm. Customers loved how easy it was to add four channels of Dynamic Peak Power (D.P.P) to their iLX-W650 without the bulk of a traditional amplifier.

Through extensive research, Alpine found that many of these customers dedicated their budget to upgrade their sound system with a subwoofer – an upgrade that provides the most audible impact – so they required an amplifier solution that provided an easy avenue to add more bass.

With the highest performance value on the market, the KTA-200M is perfect for the customer looking for a quick and easy bass upgrade. The small footprint of the KTA-200M allows the amplifier to be mounted directly to the shallow chassis of the iLX-W650 for an easy, hideaway solution that provides the customer with a clear path to add bass to their sound system.

Reliable Performance

The KTA-200M features Alpine’s exclusive Dynamic Peak Power (D.P.P.) technology that doubles in power during “dynamic” musical passages. D.P.P. adjusts the gain of the amplifier to produce 400-watts of D.P.P. power for clean and impactful bass and then rolls back to 200-watts dynamically to maintain long-term efficiency. The ratio of power to price is unmatched in the industry.

New to the Power Pack platform is the voltage adapting circuit. This circuit maintains maximum source level without clipping for powerful, clean bass even at high volumes and dynamic musical passages.

System Compatibility

The KTA-200M mounts directly behind Alpine’s iLX-W650 to create Alpine’s unique PowerStack application. The compact footprint of the amplifier (7-inch W x 1.5-inch H x 3.5-inch D) and the shallow chassis of the iLX-W650 (1.9-inch D) occupies the same depth as a traditional 2-DIN chassis, resulting in an easy, hideaway bass solution that adds more power to the sound system without taking up space.

The simple attachment to the iLX-W650 allows the mobile electronics specialist to provide a total system package for the customer that simplifies the installation process, making it a cost-effective upgrade for the customer.

The KTA-200M has input capability to add the RUX-KNOB.2 Remote Bass Control Knob (sold separately). The remote bass knob controls the bass in the subwoofer by adjusting the gain on the amplifier for quick bass adjustments when needed. 

The KTA-200M is now shipping for $249.95 and will be available 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.

Tech specs:

7” x 1.5” x 3.5”
Alpine’s Class D Amplifier Circuit w/ Dynamic Peak Power (DPP) 
200W x 1 RMS (4Ω, 14.4V, ≤1% THD+N) 
200W x 1 RMS (2Ω, 14.4V, ≤1% THD+N) 
400W x 1 DPP (4Ω/2Ω, 14.4V, ≤1% THD+N) 
S/N >80dB (ref. 1W into 4Ω) 
THD+N ≤0.1% (ref. 10W into 2Ω) 
Single-side 22-pin connector 
RCA inputs (Low range=0.2-4V) 
Sound controls; Crossovers-Off/60Hz/80Hz/120Hz Linkwitz Riley LP Filter @ -24dB/Oct. (selectable); Input gain setting (variable) 

Visit alpine-usa.com for more.

11,000 Fresh Industry News Posts on Instagram @12voltnews

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THE 12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (07.28.2020) – Post number 11,000 on Instagram @12voltnews is another milestone as the 12volt News and 12volt Central Studios work to deliver fresh, positive news to the 12volt industry across the US and around the world.

Let’s MAX your time on the road or from your home office. Use the 12volt STP Tool. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKd2lOgm_O/

The world today is certainly different that it was in February of 1994 when the first issue of the 12volt Advertiser was mailed to a couple thousand retailers across the southern states.

Josh Bowen snapped and sent this image this afternoon, Monday July 27th, as the Kenwood HEAR ME OUT webinar wrapped from his Panama City FL home office.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKavrdgSAL/

Showcasing fresh, positive industry news is more important today than ever. The tools, like the 12volt STP Tool, that are available today make delivering that fresh, positive news a reality.

Sony’s Mike Rundel made a quick run to see Jim JD Daniels at WOW Electronics in Eastpointe MI on Monday morning, July 27th. Rundel used the 12volt Tool… and Presto! https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJuzIsgdhT/

The STP Tool. Snap/Txt/Presto. An industry member Snaps an image and then Txts the image to 318 465 0844. Presto that image, and a little info, can posted as fresh industry on Instagram and Facebook @12voltnews.

This post, made late this Monday afternoon, is a quick presentation showcasing the 24th Annual Sanford Sound Show ‘N Shine. Jack and the Team certainly got their ‘Shine On’ for over 400 that attended the event on Sunday, July 26 in Sanford ME.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKbAYEAOKN/

The 12volt industry had a good first half of 2020. The 12volt industry has been Jammin’ N July with super strong sales. Let’s keep ‘Our Shine On’ with fresh, positive news posts.

Always more on the web at 12voltnews.com and instagram.com/12voltnews

Sanford Sound Drew Over 400 to the 24th Show ’N Shine

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SANFORD, ME (07.27.2020) – On Sunday, July 26th, Sanford Sound hosted the company’s 24th Annual Show ’N Shine. Owner Jack Bogard related “We had an absolutely terrific event. Best estimate is over 400 people attended the event. Registration for the Show ’N Shine spiked and we had 110 vehicles registered, and on the property around the store, when the event kicked off.”

This image early Sunday morning shows everything getting underway.

Continuing, Bogard related “Everyone who came was so happy to get out and attend an event. The weather was terrific with lots of sun and temperature in the mid 80’s. Some attendees wore masks but everything ran smoothly with social distancing. We actually had a couple officers from the Sanford Police Department and they enjoyed seeing all the cool rides. Everyone also enjoyed the hot dog cart. Miss Sanford Sound Lily Marie was at the event and had big smile for all. Bill, our JL Audio rep, and Chad, our Memphis Audio rep, were onsite and handed out swag to members of the crowd.”

Team members are under the tent working to get people registered early Sunday morning.

There were 4 clubs on site including Dragon, Infamous, Unknown and Revolution. Dragon was represented by 14 members with vehicles and Unknown with 8 members with vehicles. A ’69 Camaro was named Best of Show and its team earned The Best Crew Award. A Lambo, parked in front of the store, certainly grabbed eyeballs.

Well before noon there was a good crowd on hand with lots of cool rides.

The awards and plaques are always unique. This year awards were limited to First Place.The slogan was ‘If you are not 1st… you’re last’. The awards, created by Decade Awards, are standouts with pistons positioned on the top. Over 20 awards were presented including Best Jeep, Best Nissan, Best Mitsubishi, Best Subaru, Best Honda, Best European, Best VW, Best Truck, Best Old School and more. The Show ’N Shine was “show” only with no audio competition. A Sanford Sound event later in the summer will feature audio competitions.

The unique trophies from Decade Awards placed on a table for presentation later in the afternoon.

The Sanford Sound Team on site at the event included Bogard, Lily Marie, Andrew, Kevin, Billy, Donald, Zachery April and Nakia. Dan was on site snapping great images.

The Team just finishing up a great meal at Applebee’s after the event. Jack Bogard is pictured in the back on the right.

After the event concluded, and all locked up, Jack treated the the Team to dinner at the local Applebees.

Bogard has 12volt in his DNA. Over the years he has established Sanford Sound as a cool place for car audio gear in and round Sanford, ME.

This flier, featuring Miss Sanford Sound Lily Marie, was utilized on social media to attract attention for the event. Looks like it worked!

Bogard concluded “We were kind of on the fence about our Show ’N Shine event this year. We decided to scale it back a bit and move forward with the event which is outside the store. Everything worked out super. A big thanks to all who attended and to our dedicated Team.”

Visit sanfordsound.com for more.

MB Quart Releases Nautic Premium Speakers

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CHICAGO, IL (07.27.2020) – MB Quart has just what you’ll need to make the most out on the deck, while you search for that perfect sunset. Gear up with Nautic Premium speakersand hear every treble, low, and bass drop in between. Nautic Premium marine speakers are waterproof and include three different grill inserts as seen below.

With the Nautic Premium Series, you are choosing the best available speaker on the water. An element shield keeps the plastic components of every speaker protected from water and dust.

Every Nautic Premium speaker features titanium tweeters with high-energy neodymium motors and co-molded Santoprene surrounds mounted in composite frames.

Visit mbquart.com for more.

Volkswagen to Offer SiriusXM with 360L in 2021 Model Year Vehicles

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NEW YORK, NY (07.24.2020) – SiriusXM and Volkswagen have announced that Volkswagen will begin introducing SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – in most model year 2021 vehicles.

For model year 2021, the majority of Volkswagen models receive the all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s modular infotainment platform—MIB3. Every model that is equipped with MIB3 will offer SiriusXM with 360L, including the model year 2021 Arteon, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan. The Atlas, introduced as a MY21 vehicle this spring, will incorporate MIB3 and SiriusXM with 360L as a mid-year change for MY21.5.

Volkswagen owners receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top tier All Access package with the purchase or lease of equipped 2021 model year vehicles and drive off the lot immediately enjoying SiriusXM.

SiriusXM with 360L gives the listener access to over 10,000 hours of on-demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice in entertainment than ever before. SiriusXM with 360L gives drivers and their passengers access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances.  It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more.  SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to quickly access related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.

“Volkswagen’s 2021 lineup will be more connected than ever before,” says Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re pleased to offer SiriusXM with 360L to complement our new infotainment system.”

“We are excited to begin the rollout of SiriusXM with 360L in model year 2021 Volkswagens,” said Chris Paganini, VP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM with 360L’s hybrid content delivery system gives drivers access to even more of the SiriusXM content they love, and a new level of personalization, right at their fingertips in Volkswagen’s easy-to-navigate infotainment system.”

The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:

More variety

  • More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
  • Access to over 10,000 hours of on demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
  • Enhanced sports play-by-play offering that makes it easier to find the listener’s favorite team when it is game time, and gives them access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.

A more personalized experience

  • Smart “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen in an easy to use way.
  • Individual SiriusXM listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites.

Ease of use

  • Dynamic user interface allows for easy navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
  • “Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and on demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.

SiriusXM All Access delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied programming, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicle on the SiriusXM app and on compatible connected devices and speakers in their home.  For more on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways you can listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.

Visit vw.com for more.

Remembering Larry ‘Lars of Mars’ Milboer

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DELRAY BEACH, FL (07.23.2020) – Sad news – Industry veteran and proponent, Larry Milboer suddenly died at his home, in Delray Beach, Florida over the July 4th weekend. Everyone who had attended the Spring Break Nationals over its 32 years, will recognize and remember Larry, aka “Lars of Mars,” as the show’s emcee. Milboer took the stage, entertaining attendees, holding contests, creating a fun environment, issuing thousands of dollars of car audio gear and swag every year. He also emceed the Pizza Eating Contests and the infamous SBN Bikini Contest. Repeat SBN revelers came to the event, asking if “Lars” was present, opting for a chance to win prizes.

Recently retired, Larry’s role in Mobile Electronics was that of a Sales Representative. Milboer had worked for two different Florida Distributors, and performed International Sales for Directed Electronics. Milboer’s candor was always frank, to the point, pleasant and cheerful. He would always go “above the call”, serving his clients with thorough and timely product information, sales tips and training doing anything he could do to stimulate his client’s sales.

Longtime friend Paul Papadeas contributed these poignant words and thoughts.

CRUX Interfacing Solutions Intros Side View Cameras System

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CHATSWORTH, CA (07.23.2020) – CRUX is shipping the new CSV-01 universal side view camera system that easily mounts to the door on the side of a vehicle. The 2 camera system is offered in 4 colors… black, silver, white and grey.

Hamza Khalid, CRUX Marketing Director, offered “The cameras mount very easily with no holes to drill. Clean the door surface where the camera will mount, making sure to remove any car wax. Remove the backing from the 3M tape on the camera, position and press. The cameras will fit securely and are safe to run through the car wash.”

All wiring is included in the box. The MSRP for the CSV-01 is $138.00.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

The new CRUX Universal Side Mount Camera System installs with no drilling of holes.

New Ground Zero 25th Year Anniversary Component Set

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DANIA BEACH, FL (07.22.2020) – What better way to celebrate our 25th year in the audio game than to release a Limited Edition kit, available all across the world, but we did it in a different kind of way. With the launch and success of our new Radioactive Components (GZRC 165.2SQ), and the announcement of our new Uranium series of components, we have decided to combine these two lines into one single box, bringing you the best of both. 

While using the aluminum cone midbass driver from the RadioActive series of SQ components, and pairing it with the newly designed 28mm silk dome Uranium tweeter, we needed to build a passive network that was a step above. Either used in a passive install, or active with a DSP, this kit brings an uncompromised level of quality to an often overlooked price point. 

The 25-Year Anniversary GZRC165 comes in this attractive commemorative box.

“We expect to start shipping this amazing limited edition component sets before end of August to the best retailers across USA”, says Diogo Iannaccone.

Visit www.GroundZeroUSA.com for more information. 

Major League Baseball is Back on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (07.22.2020) – When the 2020 Major League Baseball season begins on July 23rd, SiriusXM will be there to deliver subscribers live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason game, plus daily news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

MLB programming on SiriusXM, including game broadcasts and the 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel, is available to subscribers nationwide on their SiriusXM radios, via the SiriusXM app and at home with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream in their house. 

The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game.

The 2020 MLB season begins with an Opening Night doubleheader on Thursday, July 23rd, that will feature the defending World Series Champion Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees at Nationals Park (7:08 pm ET/4:08 pm PT), followed by the San Francisco Giants visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium (10:08 pm ET/7:08 pm PT). 

Opening Day presented by Mastercard, T-Mobile and Geico is the next day, July 24th, and will feature 14 games.  Every team will be in action in a full 15-game slate on Saturday, July 25th. For a schedule of MLB games and their SiriusXM channels visit www.SiriusXM.com/MLBschedule.

Listeners also get the most in-depth coverage of the league 365 days a year with MLB Network Radio. The channel’s roster of expert hosts includes former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players Matt Diaz, Jensen Lewis, Brad Lidge, CJ Nitkowski, Carlos Peña, Eduardo Perez, Rico Petrocelli, Ryan Spilborghs, Steve Sax, Mike Stanton and Kevin Frandsen, former manager Kevin Kennedy, national baseball writers Mel Antonen, Tyler Kepner, Scott Miller and Jon Morosi, as well as Casey Stern, Mike Ferrin, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Scott Braun, Dan Graca, Grant Paulsen and Jody McDonald.

Subscribers can also hear pitcher Trevor Bauer host his exclusive SiriusXM show, Bauer Hour, regularly during the season on the MLB Network Radio channel. The outspoken Reds hurler discusses the headline stories happening around the league, and shares his thoughts on baseball and pitching technique and other off-the-field topics as well. 

Throughout the season, listeners will hear regular one-on-one interviews with 16 managers including: Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Bud Black (Rockies), Kevin Cash (Rays), Craig Counsell (Brewers), Terry Francona (Indians), Ron Gardenhire (Tigers), Joe Girardi (Phillies), Gabe Kapler (Giants), Torey Lovullo (Diamondbacks), Bob Melvin (Athletics), Ron Roenicke (Red Sox), Scott Servais (Mariners), Derek Shelton (Pirates), Mike Shildt (Cardinals), Jayce Tingler (Padres) and Chris Woodward (Rangers).

MLB Network Radio also features a simulcast of Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s MLB Network show, High Heat with Christopher Russo presented by Liberty Mutual, every weekday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET as well as simulcasts of additional MLB Network television programming, including the flagship studio show MLB Tonight on weeknights at 6:00 pm ET.

Visit www.SiriusXM.com/MLBschedule for more.

Mobile Solutions’ Subwoofer Profile Gauges

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TEMPE, AZ (07.21.2020)Mobile Solutions announces the release of a new and innovate product for subwoofer enclosure fabrication; the MS Subwoofer Profile Gauges. The super-light, 1/4 inch expanded PVC plastic fitment gauges are silkscreened with the exact dimensional profile of a specific subwoofer, including its specifications such as power handling, multiple diameter measurements and mounting depth details. These innovative fitment gauges were developed in collaboration with Juan “JT” Torres, former ME-Mag Installer of the Year and Owner of HB Automotive Entertainment.

Available currently as a complete five (5) piece JL Audio set with clear acrylic storage tray or individually, these Subwoofer Profile Gauges help technicians and fabricators speed up the process of trial fitting a subwoofer into a custom enclosure where space of depth or placement near ports and bracing are an additional challenge in tight quarters.

This image shows the Mobile Solutions subwoofer profile gauge in use checking the fit for the mounting flange countersink, plus the depth.

“With the popularity of under-seat truck subwoofer enclosures and other small profile or down-facing applications such as consoles and up under the dash, the necessity to check fit and verify clearance is highly important” comments Mobile Solutions President Bryan Schmitt. He notes that using these lightweight profile gauges avoids the need to bring the subwoofer itself out of its packaging, which exposes an open magnet structure to unnecessary microscopic sawdust and/or fiberglass dust, as well as exposing the cone, surround and dust cap areas of the subwoofer to oils and solvents on the hands of the fabricator. “It’s not only lighter and easier for the fabricator to do trial fitting using the profile gauges, but it means preserving the subwoofer’s integrity until it’s time for final fitting well after the dust and dirt of fabrication has been completed” continued Schmitt.

Mobile Solutions believes this approach to using Subwoofer Profile Gauges as the fitment guide can only help to mitigate premature product failures as a result of subwoofers themselves being over-handled in the enclosure fabrication and vehicle build stages. Plus, subwoofers are heavy and awkward to trial fit in tight spaces or downward-facing applications. Another advantage is that, should subwoofers be backordered and not in stock, a retailer can move ahead with a custom enclosure build with confidence knowing the subwoofer(s) will fit once received and ready to install.

The five (5) piece JL Audio set of Subwoofer Profile Gauges (SI-JLPRO-PKG) includes fitment for:

  • 13TW5v2
  • 12TW3 and 10TW3
  • 12W3v3 and 10W3v3
  • Also includes Clear Acrylic Storage Tray

Mobile Solutions is offering the JL Audio Subwoofer Profile Gauges, as the set or individually, for a limited time through July 31, 2020 at special launch pricing:

Although it was not part of the initial design criteria, Schmitt and Torres both noted that using these gauges to verify fit and keeping the subwoofers packaged until they are to be finally installed increases the safety of the technician and customer from COVID-19 concerns of surface germ transfer. “Cleaning subwoofer cones, surrounds and exposed parts with harsh chemicals to disinfect is harmful to the delicate subwoofer materials. With our Subwoofer Profile Gauges it makes contact with the product much less and safer for everyone in the end” adds Schmitt. The Subwoofer Profile Gauges themselves are easily cleaned and disinfected with an alcohol-based cleaner or simply using soap and water. Neither cleaning process harms the silkscreen nor plastic material on the profile gauges.

To maximize the efficiency of these JL Audio Subwoofer Profile Gauges and the construction of custom subwoofer enclosures, Mobile Solutions also offers durable shatter-resistant plastic specialty-shaped templates that speed the process of creating mounting, countersinking and a pressed grille  cutouts for the shallow-mount JL Audio 10TW3, 12TW3 & 13TW5 subwoofer frames with the difficult to replicate mounting flange offsets. Other completely round-frame subwoofers can simply use the Mobile Solutions Circle Smart Templates as a guide for mounting and countersink cutouts. 

For more information about the Subwoofer Profile Gauges or to place orders on any Mobile Solutions products, check out www.mobilesolutions-USA.com, or call 480-968-2074.