MESA AZ (3.24.25) – Friends teamed up to turn Brett’s hospital room into a sanctuary for his recovery. The goal is to make things better for Brett while he recovers from a horrific accident suffered while working an industry event over a year ago.
The friends who organized the GoFundMe for Brett Phelps are Rob Sutton, Ed Meenan, Ryan Gunter and Mercedes Whiles
The friends kicked off their efforts at the MasterTech Expo 2025 this past weekend featuring a highly collectible jacket. The jacket was on display in the MESA area located at the entrance to the Show Floor.
The jacket was personalized and signed by Chip Foose and crew and then given to Eclipse as a thank you after filming Season 3 Episode 1 of Overhaulin’.
A screenshot of Season 3 Episode I of Overhaulin’ as Chip reaches in.
The group will randomly draw ONE WINNER from every donation over $5 that is received between March 22nd and March 31st.
The funds raised will go toward enhancing Brett‘s room with special touches like soothing lighting, personalized audio and easy communication tools when he moves closer to his Mother soon.
DORAL, FL (03.24.25) – Audiopipe unveils its latest Marine Tower Speakers, the APMP-850BTW. Designed for superior sound in marine and powersport environments. Featuring a rugged ABS weather-proof enclosure and cast aluminum bracket, these speakers deliver durability and high-fidelity audio in extreme conditions.
Mauricio Duran shows one of the new Marine Tower Speakers in the Audiopipe warehouse in Doral FL
Check out a photo of Mauricio Duran holding one of the newly arrived tower speakers in front of a full pallet, ready to ship out.
Key Features:
250W Max | 125W RMS
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 22kHz
90dB Sensitivity
2″ 2-Layer Kapton Voice Coil
40 Oz Magnet | 12dB/Oct Crossover
3″ Horn-Loaded Compression Driver
“These speakers bring the high-performance sound powersport enthusiasts demand,” said Mauricio.
Now available through authorized Audiopipe dealers.
ORLANDO, FL (03.21.25) – We’re excited to introduce the 250-8960 DVR Rearview Mirror, the latest innovation from VOXX Electronics. Designed to enhance driver safety and visibility, this premium replacement mirror features a 9.88” high-brightness display and a 2K front-facing DVR camera, providing exceptional video quality and performance.
Key Features: ✔ 1296P Super Full HD Video – Crystal-clear recording for added security ✔ Built-in GPS with DVR Event Locking – Secure and track important footage ✔ Parking Mode & Battery Save Mode – Continuous protection even when parked ✔ Additional Camera Input – Expandable for enhanced visibility ✔ Full Mirror Stream Mode – Eliminates blind spots when paired with a rear camera ✔ 32GB SD Card Included – Supports up to 256GB for extended recording
Optional Accessories: 📌 250-8962 Exterior Rear Camera – Mounts on the rear of the vehicle for backup and driving visibility. Can be used as a backup camera or for full display mirror mode. 📌 250-8961 Interior Rear-Facing Camera – Rotatable for customizable recording inside or behind the vehicle. Can be used as a backup camera or for full display mirror mode.
The 250-8960 is an essential upgrade for drivers looking to improve safety and recording capabilities, whether for fleet management, rideshare protection, or personal security. Stock is now available! Contact us today to place your order or learn more.
CHICAGO, IL (03.19.25) – AXPONA (Audio Expo North America), the largest high-end audio event in North America, is excited to announce the debut of its Car Audio Showcase at the 2025 edition, which will be held from April 11-13 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. In partnership with the International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA), AXPONA is expanding its footprint to include the growing trend of high-fidelity car audio, offering car enthusiasts and industry professionals a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge car audio systems and innovations.
“The Car Audio Showcase is a groundbreaking addition that taps into the increasing demand for high-fidelity audio systems in vehicles. As in-car audio technology has evolved dramatically over the past decade, car audio enthusiasts are looking for the same clarity and precision they experience in their home systems,” said Liz Smith, AXPONA. “The Car Audio Showcase will bring these high-end systems into the spotlight, offering attendees an immersive experience like never before.”
“We’re thrilled to be part of AXPONA’s inaugural Car Audio Showcase. Our IASCA team can’t wait to demonstrate the incredible potential of car audio and show the world what’s possible when passion, precision, and technology come together. We’re redefining expectations of automotive sounds and encourage seasoned audiophiles and novices to swing by the showcase for a demo session,” said Travis Chin, President of IASCA.
A New Level of Sound at AXPONA
This year’s Car Audio Showcase will feature a thrilling Sound Quality (SQ) competition, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits highlighting some of the best in-car audio technology from top-tier manufacturers and dealers from around the world.
AXPONA’s live Sound Quality (SQ) competition will feature manufacturers and consumers who will compete for top honors in achieving unparalleled sound clarity and precision in custom-built car audio systems. Competition vehicles will be on the expo floor in a designated area and also be available for spectator demos throughout the show.
Attendees will be able to engage directly with leading car audio brands and see their innovations up close. With interactive displays and hands-on demonstrations, visitors will witness the performance and capabilities of cutting-edge products firsthand. Notable exhibitors include:
Apex USA
Audio Wave, USA
Coherence Systems
ESB Audio
Delorean
Harman International
Malbork
Zapco
Zapco America to Debut the new ST-Compact Series Amplifiers. The ST-750D and ST-104D SQIII are new for 2025 and Feature brushed aluminum chassis with standard measurements for both the 4 channel and mono amplifier.
“The new 9000 Series and 4000 series ESB Speaker line ups represent over 40 years of design work by our Italian Design Team”, according to Chris Bennett, Director of Sales. “Our recent work in new speaker designs in ESB is helping us show Dealers and Sound Quality Competitors that Sound Quality Matters.”
For invitation to attend AXPONA reach out to Chris Bennett, Director of Sales for Zapco and ESB Audio at cbennett@apexgroup.itor by phone at 805-291-9997.
Open to the public, AXPONA offers a variety of ticket options for attendees.
TICKETS:
1 Day – $30 online, $35 onsite
Multi-Day – $60 online, $95 onsite
Gen Z Pass – $15 online, $20 onsite
All general admission tickets grant access to the exhibits including Listening Rooms and Exhibit Hall, as well as educational seminars, live music, and special events.
AXPONA opens Friday, April 11 10am-6pm; Saturday, April 12 10am-6pm; and Sunday, April 13 10am-4pm.
CHICAGO, IL (03.19.25) – Mid City Engineering, a leading provider of innovative accessories for the luxury vehicle market since 2008, is proud to announce expanded and updated compatibility with added SKUs for the SmartKey Starter® Remote Start for Mercedes Benz. Now shipping, the plug and play system is available for select models* from 2017-2024.
“Our SmartKey Starter® Remote Start utilizes industry leading automotive hardware and firmware, ensuring a seamless solution that does not disrupt the integrity of the vehicle, keeping warranties intact,” explained Dan Ruby, owner, Mid City Engineering. “It works with the factory key fob out of the box while interfacing with Compustar Drone and Directed Smart Start smart phone control interfaces and RF remotes for extended range (AM remotes not supported). It also automatically turns on heated seats based on programmable outside temperature and automatically turns on the rear defroster at 32 degrees F outside temperature.”
The SmartKey Starter® Remote Start for Mercedes Benz also utilizes user-friendly programmability from steering wheel controls, providing adjustability options such as run time, number of starts, heated seat temperature threshold, and light flashes. An anti-theft / anti-carjacking feature is also included (Compustar Drone required to operate feature), and by pressing the AUX1 button on the phone app, the vehicle will shut down at 0 MPH.
A popular add-on that simply plugs directly into the SmartKey Starter is DAS II Compustar sensor integration that adds shock, tilt, glass break, and tow sensing as a plug & play alarm upgrade.
*Mercedes Benz compatible models (SKU SKSNG167): • A Class 2020-2023 • B Class 2020+ (coming soon) • CLA 2020-2024 • GLE 2020-2024 (NON 48V systems only) • GLA 2020-2024 • GLS, 2020+ (coming soon)
*Mercedes Benz compatible models (SKU SKSNG213): • E Class 2017-2023 (‘22+ requires USB programmer, call for details) • CLS 2020-2023 (‘22+ requires USB programmer, call for details) • G Wagon 2019-2024 • GLC 2020-2022 • C Class 2019-2021 • S Class 2018-2020
Additional information for both SKUs: • Professional installation is recommended • An extra key is required for these SmartKey Starters® • Compatibility not confirmed for hybrid vehicles • Purchase SmartKey Starter® by itself, or with Compustar Drone for smartphone control
MESA, AZ (03.17.25) – The 2024 SkillsUSA-Mobile Electronics Installation champions will be attending MasterTech Expo. The top three finalists in each division received free registration, complimentary from Mobile Solutions, as part of their prize package
Tanner Todd, of Missouri, was the gold medal champion for secondary/college students, and says he is excited to learn new things and meet new people. When asked what he was looking forward to the most he said, “Radar and laser defense class would be cool.”
The champions will be chaperoned by SkillsUSA national technical chair Chris Jack, co-chair Bryan Gary, and tech committee member Scott Dilbeck. They will also be attending MasterTech to promote the 2025 Mobile Electronics Installation Competition, which takes place in Atlanta June 23-27. Expo attendees are encouraged to visit the SkillsUSA booth and learn about how they can support the continued success of this program.
“We are very proud of these young people that earn the privilege to compete at the national level. They truly are the future of our industry,” said Bryan Gary. “The success of this program depends on the support of our mobile electronics community.”
Vendors, retailers, and individuals that would like to donate to the 2025 NLSC are encouraged to reach out to Chris Jack at 310-866-2454, cjackskillsusa@yahoo.com or Bryan Gary at 806-922-1822 bwgary@msn.com.
CARLSBAD, CA (03.13.25) – Bowers & Wilkins, the renowned high-end audio brand, together with luxury supercar maker and Formula 1 team McLaren, today announce an extension to their strategic long-term multi-year partnership which sees Bowers & Wilkins become Official Audio Partner across McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Formula 1 Team.
This new partnership chapter continues the decade-long collaboration between McLaren Automotive and Bowers & Wilkins. Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has been a partner in the development of high-performance audio systems for McLaren supercars, bringing cutting-edge sound performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ relentless pursuit of perfection, inspired by founder John Bowers, mirrors the unyielding precision and performance demanded in Formula 1 racing. McLaren’s own unrelenting approach was born of visionary founder Bruce McLaren’s desire to design and build the world’s most accomplished racing cars. Both brands’ determination to exceed the limits of what is possible is evident in their respective approaches to performance and design excellence.
The McLaren Automotive partnership is built on firm technical foundations. Bowers & Wilkins’ revered engineering team work closely with counterparts at McLaren Automotive to create and optimise the audio system found in the company’s supercars, including the recently announced McLaren W1. The W1’s audio system features premium audio technology designed to integrate into the interior’s InnoKnit fabric and carbon fibre architecture, utilising the very latest advanced speaker technologies developed in Southwater, home to the Bowers & Wilkins research and development team and only 30 miles away from the McLaren Technology Centre.
“Exceptional audio performance is key to further enriching the engagement of a McLaren. Specialist engineers from McLaren Automotive and Bowers & Wilkins have worked in partnership since 2015 to develop and deliver the sound technologies that ensure the levels of audio system excellence our customers demand.” Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive.
By extending the partnership into the McLaren Formula 1 Team, the brands are further highlighting the depth of their relationship. Building on a successful award-winning range of co-designed products, including the Px8 McLaren Edition and Zeppelin McLaren Edition, new projects are in development to further appeal to the Formula 1 team’s substantial global fanbase.
Additionally, Bowers & Wilkins products will play a crucial role in the team’s extensive travel, relaxation and pre-race preparation needs throughout the season.
“We’re delighted to welcome Bowers & Wilkins to McLaren Racing, building on their partnership with McLaren Automotive. Both brands share a commitment to innovation and technical excellence, and we look forward to creating exciting new products for our fans together.” Nick Martin, Co-Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Racing
Speaking on behalf of Bowers & Wilkins, Tom Henderson, Marketing Director for Licensing and Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to continue and build upon our highly successful car audio development programme as well as continuing to explore co-branded product opportunities, building on the success of the Px8 McLaren Edition and Zeppelin McLaren Edition with products and storytelling that connect us to the exciting world of McLaren Racing.”
MIAMI, FL (03.13.25) – Elevate your audio system with the TXX-BDX-15, a high-performance 15-inch competition subwoofer designed for superior sound quality and durability. Featuring three powerful magnets for increased power handling and enhanced voice coil ventilation, this subwoofer ensures optimal performance under extreme conditions.
The Audiopipe TXX-BDX-15 features 3 powerful magnets.
With a peak power of 4,000 watts and 2,000 watts RMS, it delivers deep, distortion-free bass. The aluminum basket, ultra-stiff PP dust cap, and black stitched surround provide exceptional durability, while the multi-connect terminals allow for easy wiring in parallel or series configurations.
Mauricio Duran shows the new Audiopipe TXX-BDX15 high-performance 15” competition subwoofer in the company’s Miami Florida warehouse. “Our amazing new subwoofer is in stock and ready to ship” Mauricio related.
The TXX-BDX-15Features include
Peak Power: 4,000 Watts | RMS Power: 2,000 Watts
Impedance: Dual 4-Ohm and 2-Ohm configurations available
Magnet System: Three-magnet design for increased power handling (375 Oz)
Voice Coil: 3″ 4-layer high-temperature black aluminum (BASV) voice coil with enhanced ventilation
Frequency Response: 28Hz – 1,100Hz
Sensitivity: 87dB
Aluminum Basket: Powder-coated black for durability and optimal sound quality
Cone & Surround: Thick, non-press paper cone with a sand-blasted finish and reinforced black stitching surround
Vented Holes on T-Yoke: Improved heat dissipation for better performance
Patent Pipe Multi-Connect Terminals: Simplifies wiring in parallel or series configurations
Mounting Depth: 9-1/2″ (242mm)
Elevate your customer’s audio systems with the new Audiopipe TXX-BDX-15.
GAHANNA, OH (03.12.25) – As IASCA prepares for the competition season a Sound Quality judges training was held this past weekend at Genesis Audio in Gahanna, OH. “A new group of participants have started their mentorship with IASCA to become sound quality judges” Travis Chin, IASCA President stated.
The 2-Day course covered rules and scoring and ended with over 20 area competitors bringing competition vehicles to the SQ event so that trainees could try out their new skills.
The group at the Judges Training on the front steps of Genesis Audio. John Senters (2nd R).
John Senters, Genesis Audio owner and long-time competitor, orchestrated the event with store staff members. “We had a dozen enthusiasts on site for the training session. On Day-1 in one of our sound rooms we covered the basic IASCA judging rules and fielded questions from audience members about the vehicle judging process. On Day-2 we were outside on our grounds completing IASCA judging steps in the vehicles of area enthusiasts” Senters related.
Judges training taking place in this Genesis Audio showroom.
Continuing “Everyone site was very interested on in-vehicle Sound Quality. Over the two days we were able to spend in-person with everyone during time for food and conversations. The SQ enthusiasts are a community who enjoy the best in-vehicle music and Sound Quality.
Genesis Audio sells both home and car products. Senters himself is is a longtime competitor on the IASCA circuit. Recently he traveled to the Tampa for the Florida International Audio Expo focused on home audiophiles. At the event IASCA once again had a presence outside to showcase in-vehicle Sound Quality.
Concluding Senters related “The Sound Quality community really includes home and car audio enthusiasts. Inviting home enthusiasts out audition car really opened some eyes for sound quality on the road.”
“IASCA would like to thank John, Genesis Audio and for hosting the judges training event” Chin added.
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