SoundGate provides an additional aux-in to a vehicle’s factory radio with new, auto-specific Auxiliary Input Interfaces, allowing entertainment from external aftermarket devices. These versions of SoundGate interfaces are available now. While providing an aux-in, these interfaces, CRAUX4, FDAUX4, HONAUX4 and TOYAUX4, integrate fully with all factory options, including rear entertainment systems and factory satellite radio. They are compatible with the SoundGate Cable Packs featuring CORE (sold separately) to provide continuous iPod or Zune audio through a vehicle’s stereo system and digital player control through a factory or aftermarket radio. If matched with the Cable Packs for iPod or Zune devices, the interfaces allow the MP3 player to communicate with factory radios that do not feature an auxiliary input mini-jack option. MSRP is $99.95. For more information, visit the SoundGate website.

Maxxsonics USA, Inc. is now shipping a line of OEM converters and controllers. The high-to-low line-level controllers convert and filter high-level factory speaker wires into clean, unbalanced (RCA) low-level signals while accepting high-level input signals, according to the company. The company said its converters work with all brands, not only those under the Maxxsonics umbrella. The MX-1 Premium High-to-Low Level Converter has an MSRP of $249; the MX-2 Deluxe High-to-Low Level Converter has an MSRP of $179; the MX-3 Bass Controller and MSRP of $200; and the MX-4 Add-A-Sub High-to-Low Level Converter has an MSRP of $149. Watch a video (courtesy of YouTube) produced by Maxxsonics USA about these converters:

Directed Electronics, has announced the immediate availability of Orion Car Audio XTRPRO-series subwoofers. Directed has marked the 25th anniversary of the Orion brand with a top-to-bottom re-launch of the line, including the return of XTR and XTRPRO – two renowned series of products from Orion’s past, according to the company. Featuring custom cast-aluminum baskets, rugged paper/fiber blend cones with high roll surrounds, custom terminals, and a choice of dual 2-ohm or dual 4-ohm copper-wound voice coils on aluminum formers, Orion XTRPRO subs offer 500 watts RMS continuous power handling. MSRPs for the six XTRPRO subwoofers range from $229 to $299. For more information, visit the Orion Car Audio website.

Stinger announced that its SPC505 5-Farad and SPC5010 10-Farad PRO Hybrid Capacitors are now available. Featuring an “industrial” look, red LED displays and a black powder-coated finish, these new capacitors provide an enhanced appearance, according to the company. These new capacitors also provide louder and clearer bass response, stabilized system voltage and minimized headlight dimming similar in performance to a battery/capacitor combo, according to Stinger. For more info, visit Stinger’s website.

Boston Acoustics has introduced its line of Boston GT reference automotive power amplifiers. The lineup is comprised of seven models consisting of one five-channel amplifier, two four-channel amplifiers and four two-channel amplifiers. All GT models feature Boston’s DualMode technology, which, according to the company, permits safe operation into speaker loads as low as 1-ohm (stereo) or 2-ohm (bridged mono), thus increasing amplifier flexibility. All GT amplifiers incorporate features such as forced-air cooling, recessed RCA jacks, sliding mounting feet and a low-profile design. MSRP for the amplifiers ranges from $299.95 for the 75Wx2 (4 ohms), 300Wx1 (2 ohms) two-channel model to $999.95 for the 70Wx4 (4 ohms), 375Wx1 (2 ohms) five-channel model. For more information, call (978) 538-5000. This line is available now. For more information, visit Boston Acoustics’ GT Web page.

Dual Electronics introduces its new portable navigation device, the XNAV43HD. This model alerts drivers to real-time traffic conditions through HD Radio TMC (Traffic Message Channel) broadcast by Clear Channel’s HD Radio stations. It features a 4.30-inch TFT LCD color touchscreen highlighted by a built-in light sensor that automatically dims the display in daylight conditions. The unit has an external slot for SD/SDHC/MMC cards. Text-to-speech for announcing navigation guidance is included along with complete maps of North America and millions of points of interest. The XNAV43HD can also play music, videos and photos from SD/SDHC and MMC cards. The Dual XNAV43HD has a suggested retail price of $279.99 and will be available this spring, according to the company. For more information, visit the Dual Electronics website.

JVC introduces its KS-AR9501D digital amplifier to its Arsenal Series lineup. This amp features a max power output of 1,800 Watts, PWM regulated MOSFET power supply, gold-plated RCA jacks and block terminals, variable input RCA level control, speaker input control, bass boost control and a control panel on the front cover and LED illumination. The KS-AR9501D’s external bridging allows the use of multiple amplifiers at once. Using one unit as a master, and the other as a secondary, two 1,500 Watt amps can be combined for a total of 3,000 Watt power output at 2 ohms. Additionally, the RM-RK130, a wired bass boost remote control, can be added to control bridged setups. The KS-AR9501D digital amp is now available with an MSRP of $649.95. For more information, read JVC Mobile’s press release.

Pioneer Electronics introduces its new Pioneer and Premier-branded Champion Pro, ib-Flat Slim and Champion series automotive subwoofers. Each subwoofer was reinforced with an application of basalt rock speaker technology in the cone production process to deliver low bass frequencies, Pioneer stated. The subwoofers also adopted a new cone design made to reinforce the structure to handle increased power. The Champion Pro series features the “Air Suspension” system that allows installation in smaller enclosures. Pioneer’s new ib-Flat subwoofers have a mounting depth of less than 3.25-inches, and Pioneer enhanced its core Champion subwoofer series with the same rock technology in the slim subwoofers and increased maximum power-handling capability. The Champion Pro TS-W3002D4/2 (12-inch) and TS-W2502D4/2 (10-inch) come in dual 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm versions. MSRP is $280. MSRP for the ib-Flat Slim Subwoofers is $200. MSRP for the Champion Series Subwoofers is $120. These subwoofers are available now. For more information, visit the Pioneer Electronics Champion Pro Web page.

JL Audio introduces its three-piece Stealthbox audio system for the Polaris Ranger. The system employs a pair of JL Audio’s 7.7-inch marine-grade coaxials plus a 10-inch JL Audio marine subwoofer. The kick-panels and the sealed subwoofer enclosure are constructed of 100-percent fiberglass and are texture-coated for durability and to integrate with the Ranger’s design. The Stealthbox contains one M10W5-SG-TB subwoofer in a sealed enclosure with 250-watt power handling that is wired for 4-ohm mono and one pair of M770-CCX-CG-TB Marine Coaxial speakers, each in a separate kick-panel designed to handle 150 watts per channel with a final impedance of 4 ohms per channel. The company recommends a JL Audio four-channel amplifier, bridged to three-channel mode, to power the system. Available now. The suggested retail pricing is $1299.95. For more information, visit JL Audio’s Polaris web page.

BOSS Audio Systems announced the addition of the patented BOSS 755DBI and 750DI. These units are solid-state MP3-compatible in-dash AM/FM receivers with built-in iPod docking stations. The 755DBI is fully Bluetooth-enabled whereas the 750DI is not. Both come with integrated SD memory card slots and mini USB ports. A mini USB adapter is supplied so vehicle owners can use various media systems with standard USB connectors. Each unit also comes with a front panel auxiliary input. This allows for the interface of audio output of other MP3 players as well as the use of outboard satellite radio functions. These units are available now. For more information, visit Boss Web pages for the 755DBI and 750 DI.