DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.10.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).
Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.
The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.
Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.
DANIA BEACH, FL (08.07.2020) – Ground Zero USA has introduced its two newest Radioactive models. Now shipping is the GZRB 20SPL and the GZRW 8XSPL.
Recently announced, and now available, the GZRW 8XSPL (MAP $229.99) is the little brother to our wildly successful Hydrogen 8-inch subwoofer. This driver is a high-quality SPL subwoofer that utilizes a reinforced paper cone with a long stroke compound surround, dual 2-ohm 50mm/2” copper voice coils, and is designed to run on 500w RMS. This driver is best suited for vented applications, and we have you covered with that also.
The GZRB 20SPL (MAP $379.99) is a custom tailored preloaded vented enclosure with grill specifically for the GZRW 8XSPL (included).
LONG BEACH, CA (08.06.2020) – KENWOOD USA has announced the release of 2 new feature-packed multimedia receivers at value conscience price points.
The DDX5707S ($369.95 MAP) and DDX57S ($369.95 MAP) are CD/DVD playback equipped multimedia receivers that both feature support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a wired configuration. With driver safety and smartphone integration features abound, they allow customers an easy alternative to their CD/DVD-less counterparts (the DMX4707S and DMX47S), which were released back in May.
Notable call-out features include a 6.8” WVGA clear glass capacitive touch panel for better touch control and precision, Android phone screen mirroring via the “Mirroring for KENWOOD OA” application, a rear view camera input to add a back-up camera (such as the KENWOOD CMOS-130, CMOS-230, or CMOS-320, sold separately), front, rear, and subwoofer RCA pre-outs, and built-in Bluetooth for hand-free phone calls and music streaming.
To gain a better in-car entertainment experience, both models also come equipped with the connection for an optional SiriusXM tuner, (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), which enables album artwork and a variety of text information to be displayed from hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more.
“We are delighted to expand our Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready multimedia receiver offerings to include features customers are asking for at such an incredible value,” said Tim Hill, Midwest Regional Sales Manager for KENWOOD. “We know that the purchase of one of our flagship receivers may simply be unobtainable by some, and now with these models, they can still experience the trusted quality and performance that comes with the KENWOOD name.”
For detailed product information, please view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
TEMPE, AZ (08.06.2020) – Mobile Solutions announces the release of a new and exciting audio system test tool: the PT-9A+ Polarity Tester. It’s is an essential measurement tool for building and tuning great car audio systems. Advancing on the previous and highly successful PT-9A model, the new PT-9A+ adds even more capabilities to analyze signals, particularly in OEM audio system integration.
“In any car audio system, it’s critical to identify and verify the correct polarity of speakers, both before and after installation. The polarity of the electrical signals that connect to the speakers in OEM audio integration, as well as correctly identifying which wires correspond to which speaker locations, is also critical to verify” comments Bryan Schmitt, President of Mobile Solutions. The PT-9A+ does all of those tasks in one compact, easy-to-use tool.
The PT-9A+ has a safe, low voltage output pulse on either the preamp level (RCA) plug or speaker jacks. It generates polarity pulses directly into a speaker or AUX input, or the technician can use pulse tracks from the included USB thumb drive and load them on a portable media device. The built-in microphone on the front of the tool then determines if the speaker cone moves outward with the pulse (correct polarity) or inward (reversed polarity). The low voltage of the pulse means no damage to CAN Bus wires, Air Bag wires or other sensitive circuits if the technician mistakes other vehicle wiring for audio signal or speaker wiring. In the past, technicians would sometimes try to ‘pop’ speakers with power tool batteries or tape wires to a 9V or D cell battery for this task. The PT-9A+ is a much safer and professional way to pulse speakers and determine absolute acoustic polarity.
The game-changing new feature of the PT-9A+ is that the speaker jacks not only function as outputs for generating output pulses, but the jacks can be configured to accept speaker-level INPUT up to 4VAC to identify the electrical polarity of an audio signal. This feature essentially tells the technician which wire is positive (+) and negative (-) so that, when doing an OEM audio integration job, the inputs to a DSP or amplifier can be configured correctly with respect to polarity. Cancellation between audio signals (acoustic or electrical) is the number one problem that plagues most car audio systems which exhibit poor sound performance. “When all of the audio system’s signals and speakers are correct in polarity, only then can the technician do effective tuning for optimum sound quality” adds Schmitt.
PT9A+ Features: • Built-In Selectable Pulse Generator – Preamp Level (RCA) and Speaker Level Jacks • Built-In Compact Microphone for Testing/Verifying Acoustic Speaker Polarity • Speaker Level Jacks can be configured as Inputs for Electrical Signal Polarity Testing • Low Volume Threshold for Safe Testing – System volume does need not be loud to test • Easy-to-Understand Polarity LEDs – Green = Correct, Red = Incorrect • Built-In Low Battery Indicator LED • Includes USB Thumb Drive with Polarity Pulses and Pink Noise • Comes with a Protective Storage Case, Quick Start Guide and Insulated Test Leads • Uses a Standard 9V Battery (Not Included)
PT9A+ Applications: • Test polarity of audio system speakers before starting an installation or tuning • Generate pulses into the audio system to verify speaker location and polarity • Test polarity of OEM audio signals at the source unit or amplifier output (up to 4V) • Identify speaker location and polarity in OEM audio systems using internal pulse generator • Verify polarity shift in active or passive crossovers (especially 12dB/octave applications) • Optimize subwoofer polarity to blend with other system speakers for “up front” bass
The PT-9A+ is in stock at Mobile Solutions and shipping now. Special launch pricing of $99.99 is offered for a limited time by using the coupon code “PT9A-2020” upon checkout at http://www.mobilesolutions-USA.com.
For more information about the PT-9A+ Polarity Tester or to place orders on any Mobile Solutions products, visit www.mobilesolutions-USA.com, or call 480-968-2074.
HOLLY HILL, FL (08.05.2020) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a new TurboTouch kit for 1999-2003 Lexus RX300 models. This kit is designed to fit ISO Single-DIN radio provisions with a pocket or Double-DIN radio provisions. It features a 4.3” integrated color LCD touchscreen for retention of the vehicle’s climate control functions, which can be customized with different color options for the backlit hard buttons. This dash kit is painted to match the factory finish and available in two different color options; 99-8164G (gray with black trim) and 99-8164T (tan with black trim).
An Axxess interface that is Micro “B” USB updatable is built into the kit to provide accessory power (12-volt 10 amp) and retain R.A.P. (retained accessory power). The wiring harness is included with the kit, an antenna adapter is not needed, and an LD-8164-NAV harness is included for vehicles with factory navigation. The factory amplifier is not retained with this kit and so an amplifier bypass harness is included. An installation video showing the product features and how to install this kit can be seen below. Thie 99-8164 dash kits are available now with instructions and additional specifications at MetraOnline.com.
99-8164 Product Specifications:
Designed for 1999-2003 Lexus RX300
ISO DDIN radio provision
ISO DIN radio provision with pocket
Custom texture and painted tan or gray to match the factory appearance
4.3” Integrated color LCD touchscreen for retention of climate control functions
Factory amplifier is not retained with this product – an amplifier bypass harness is included
LIBERTYVILLE, IL (08.05.2020) – NEW Hifonics GEMINI Elite (GE) amplifiers make audio feel the way it was meant to be felt — ELITE. GEMINI Elite amplifiers raise the bar of audio expectations to ELITE standards in clarity, quality, and listening. When audio craves to sound the best, it needs clean, undistorted levels of power; that’s what GEMINI Elite amplifiers bring.
Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales, said, “GEMINI Elite is killing it with the new ‘Murdered’ look. Dealers are loving both the hottest style and the ‘NON-INTERNET’ program that guarantees high-profit margins.”
With Hifonics High-Fidelity that features Simpatico coil design (SPC) Ultra-Fi Pulse Width Modulated MOSFET power supply, GEMINI Elite amplifiers will have audio enter new dimensions of sound while delivering huge power. A heavy-duty aluminum alloy heat sink allows the amplifier to dissipate heat and produce maximum clean power. FEATURES & BENEFITS ACROSS THE GE LINEUP INCLUDE:
ELECTRONIC EQUALIZER Control of amplifier output with on-board electronic crossover to tailor specific frequencies to speakers and subwoofers
CLASS/TOPOLOGY Super D-Class: Extremely efficient, low temperature, high amplification system has several options for installation
OUTPUT DEVICE TECHNOLOGY Ultra-Fi MOSFET: Produces high power with minimal distortion
HEAT SINK High-Grade Aluminum: Heavy duty aluminum alloy heat-sink allows the amplifier to quickly dissipate heat
POWER SUPPLY Simpatico Coil Design: Dual coil Pulse Width Modulated power supply keeps voltage constant through the Ultra-Fi output devices
“We have already sold out of our first shipment with more product on the way coming in August. Make sure to get your orders and reorders in quickly to assure that your customers can have a pleasant buying experience with GEMINI Elite!” concluded Dattalo.
Embrace every song in a new light with GEMINI POWER bestowed from the gods above.
LONG BEACH, CA (08.04.2020) –KENWOOD USA is shipping 5 new pre-loaded subwoofer enclosures, focusing on precisely matched power handling to its amplifiers, enhanced durability, sound quality and performance, along with enhanced cosmetic designs.
The P-XW1221DHP ($449.95 MAP) houses two 12” KENWOOD eXcelon High-power class subwoofers, touting a 1000W total RMS power handling at a 2-ohm final impedance, making it precisely power matched to the KENWOOD eXcelon XR1001-1 amplifier. The P-XW1221SHP ($249.95) is the single 12” KENWOOD eXcelon High-power class option, with a respective 500W RMS power handling at a 2-ohm impedance, making it the perfect companion to the KENWOOD eXcelon X502-1 amplifier.
The P-XW1221D ($349.95 MAP) provides a value-based option for those looking for a dual 12” subwoofer configuration. It includes 2 KENWOOD eXcelon subwoofers, which can be precisely powered by the KENWOOD eXcelon XR601-1 amplifier for 600W RMS at 2 ohms. The P-XW1241S ($199.95 MAP) also offers an exceptional value, including a single 12” KENWOOD eXcelon subwoofer with a 4-ohm impedance, for an exact match-up to the KENWOOD eXcelon X502-1, which provides 300W RMS at 4 ohms.
All 4 of these enclosures feature the CA-121G steel mesh grille(s) for added protection and further enhanced cosmetics, which are a $30 value each when sold separately. All 4 enclosures are extremely versatile, being able to be mounted in a down-firing configuration with their extra THICK legs, or forward/rear facing with their slant-back design. They boast a 3/4″ THICK MDF baffle, which provides more strength and durability, ensuring accurate bass even at high volume.
“Why experiment with off-the-shelf boxes not designed for a specific subwoofer?” said Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales and Marketing. “Our engineers designed these enclosures to perform reliably and sound their best with our subwoofers. This not only simplifies the sales and installation process, but it also gives the customer peace of mind in knowing that they are getting the best result.”
Joe Roberts from Roberts Auto Sound in Louisville, KY recently had the opportunity to get a “sneak-peak” and sound demo of these new pre-loaded enclosures. “After a good demo here at my store, I can say that these new KENWOOD eXcelon sub enclosures are some of the best F@#$%^G subwoofer enclosures we have ever heard!” said Roberts. Nathan Dunn from Cartronics in Nashville, TN also had an opportunity to listen to them, and shared that “the new KENWOOD P-XW1221SHP loaded enclosure is a very well designed, well constructed, versatile box that can be used in a down-firing configuration, or simply tuck it away in the trunk up against the back of a seat. This is a good-looking box that hits hard and is a great value for the money.”
To further add to its list of pre-loaded enclosures, the P-XW1002B ($249.95 MAP) is also making its debut this month, sporting a new design along with the continued solid performance of the KFC-XW1000F 10” shallow subwoofer. Its low profile (6” height) sealed down-firing design fits easily where space is at a premium, but still packs a punch with 250W RMS power handling.
INDUSTRY, CA (08.04.2020) – Cadence Sound loves to stay connected with the audio community. The company understands that due to Covid-19, some customers have been affected financially. They decided to do a monthly giveaway all summer so that Cadence aficionados can still enjoy their passions without worry.
The July Giveaway winner is Nathanial, in Bellingham, MN. Nathanial won a pair of Cadence XT60 Tweeters. The Cadence XT 60 is a 1” titanium bullet tweeter. The XT 60 has a titanium dome structure with Ferro-Fluid cooling. The motor is a high density neodymium, motor structure. The Cadence tweeter is said to be heard from blocks away. Sometimes, size doesn’t matter.
Olivia Tedesco, Marketing Specialist, commented, “Whether you’re designing a system for your Open Show set up or perhaps you’re building a DJ system to be used indoors, rest assured that we have options to fill the need for a high performance tweeter with particular design aspects and bullet shaping to provide excellent near field dispersion and accurate tonal reproduction at unprecedented efficiency ratings. We are excited to see what kind of project Nathanial uses his new Cadence Tweeters for.”
To enter the raffle for the next giveaway, make sure to be following Cadence on social media to see the next post.
MONTEBELLO, CA (07.03.2020) – New Reserve Micro Amps is electrifying news for the new exclusive Soundstream dealer only line. These amplifiers are exercising a small footprint platform but also delivering massive power. Two available monoblock and one important 4 – Channel solution can help build these Reserve Micro Amps be a solution to almost any application.
This exclusive line of products is the transition into cleaning up internet sales and having sellers respect MAP pricing. Soundstream dealers are encouraged to contact their rep with any questions about becoming a Reserve dealer. “Soundstream continues to be committed to innovation. We will continue to listen to market and produce exclusive products for the Reserve program dealers” – Ronnie Brashear, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
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