August 8, 2019 -- Since 1998, ARC Audio has been led by founder and current CEO, Demitrios Karabinis. Mr. Karabinis, fondly known as DK among his peers, has been involved in the 12-volt industry since the early 1980s. DK has worn many hats in our business. He has been a competitor, a judge, a rep, an innovator and most importantly, CEO of a company that prides itself as a producer of some of the finest car audio equipment.
DK led ARC Audio to be a pioneer in the motorcycle audio revolution. He was told by many that motorcycle audio would not succeed, yet here we are today with an industry full of thriving motorcycle audio companies. DK has always been a believer in keeping a low personal public profile while putting his people in the spotlight. One of these public faces of ARC Audio has been product development manager and designer, Brad Ott.
Effective January 1, 2020 Mr. Karabinis will be stepping away from the "fast lane" of company leadership and taking an advisory position as a VP, to offer his guidance and advice. Brad Ott will be taking over as EVP of Operations at ARC Audio and assuming the role of day-to-day leadership. Brad has been with ARC Audio since its infancy, joining the company in 2001. He entered the 12-volt industry 25 years ago as a store manager for a car audio retailer. Brad came to ARC Audio with an education in electronics and can be credited for the development of the legendary MOTO 600.4 motorcycle amplifier. He has been, for many years, actively working with all our teams in the US and overseas, further aiding a smooth transition. Brad’s leadership abilities and fair mindedness will be a great asset to the continued growth of ARC Audio.
The transition in leadership will be seamless as Brad has been, and will continue to be, groomed for his new role by DK himself. We will still see DK representing ARC Audio at car shows and trade events after he enters his semi-retirement. His passion for ARC Audio and the 12-volt industry is as strong as ever and he can't see himself just walking away from the fun.
July 24, 2019 -- Last week ARC Audio of Modesto, CA took an alternative and yet creative direction to announce the coming release of their latest amplifier design, the MOTO720.
The effort came in response to the upcoming events at the US governments Area 51 military base in Nevada. Marketed as an effort to protect and secure its assets ARC Audio promoted this effort as a relocation of a secret product to be shipped to select dealers in advance of the September 20th invasion. Each of the selected dealers produced an unboxing video for their social media platforms as they introduced the world to the new ARC Audio Moto 720 powersport amplifier. This effort was completed in just a few short days with the help of members of ARC’s inhouse production staff and has been a phenomenal success resulting in 10 individually produced dealer unboxing videos resulting in tens of thousands of views stemming to countries worldwide!
New for 2019, ARC Audio is proud to introduce the all new MOTO720 compact high-power audio amplifier. The MOTO 720 is an ideal amplifier for vehicles and motorcycles alike with its compact design and wide range of flexibility.
This new amplifier delivers more power and features from the compact HD motorcycle-specific chassis of the legendary MOTO 600.4. While it carries the MOTO category name, many ARC Audio dealers find the compact 8-125 by 5.5-inch footprint ideal for under-seat in exotic cars and behind-seat installations in trucks.
The MOTO 720 delivers an impressive 720 watts of power across its four output channels and up to 360 watts when bridged to a single four-ohm speaker. The Load Select switch adjacent to each speaker connection plug allows installers to optimize the power production capabilities for each installation. This flexibility is ideal for side-by-side and automotive applications that use front speakers that need full power at four ohms and a subwoofer that presents a bridged four-ohm load. New speaker terminal blocks integrated to the amplifier chassis replace the removable connectors on the MOTO 600.4 to deliver solid and reliable power delivery in even the harshest of conditions.
Signal connections are made using the same quick-connect plugs that ARC Audio has used for speaker-level inputs on their amplifiers for decades. These plugs have proven their reliability and durability in thousands of installations and are compatible with the wiring in the MPAK kits and the PSM digital signal processor connections. These same input connectors are plug and play to the provided RCA signal input dingles that come with the amplifier. Input level range switches have been added to the front panel to make it easy for installers to switch between high- and low-level inputs. Each pair of channels features an adjustable sensitivity control that allows the amp to make full power with signals ranging from 200mV to 4V in low-level mode or 600mV to 14.0V in high-level mode.
Defeatable high-pass and low-pass crossovers that are adjustable from 50Hz to 500Hz allow each pair of channels to be configured for full-range operation, or use with a subwoofer and accompanying speakers. The high-pass crossover can also be used to optimize the performance of speakers like the MOTO 602 or the MOTO602-HD high-efficiency coaxial speakers.
The amp can be configured to work with a single pair of inputs and knowing the enthusiasm of some of our clients, the amp has a 2-channel bridged mode that delivers 360 watts into a pair of four-ohm speakers.
All the sensitivity, crossover and bass boost adjustments are made by removing the machined aluminum top-panel of the amplifier, so the system is easy to fine-tune once in place in a motorcycle fairing or under the dash of a side-by-side. This same removable top logo panel also prevents water from entering the switches on the top of the amplifiers.
The remote turn-on detection circuit has been upgraded to include options for DC Offset and Signal detection. These options ensure your installer can integrate the amp efficiently into any vehicle without the need for external processors.
Power and ground connections are made using a set of proprietary terminal blocks that will accept 8-AWG cables to ensure reliable performance. The remote turn-on connection moves to a similar dedicated terminal block beside the speaker terminals in this new design.
The MOTO 720 also incorporates a unique microprocessor design that monitors the operation and health of the amplifier across multiple zones. In the event of an issue, the onboard microprocessor will flash a sequence of lights displaying a unique code to identify faults in the installation or system component failure such as a damaged speaker or short-circuited speaker cable. An internal fan is controlled by the microprocessor to ensure the amplifier stays cool and sounds great in even the hottest of weather conditions and volume levels.
While the amp isn’t considered “waterproof”, the main circuit board of the MOTO 720 has two conformal coating layers to prevent damage in high-humidity installations and possible water from events like riding in the rain. The accent panel on the top of the amp has been enlarged to cover the top cover panel gaps, and all of the panel gaps have been tightened to reduce the chance of water drips from getting into the amp. Finally, the upgraded speaker connections blocks feature a sealed design that routes any moisture that enters from the top away from the circuit board. These key design features help make the MOTO 720 an ideal option for Motorcycle, Marine, Powersports and Automotive installations alike.
What separates the MOTO 720 from the ultra-compact amplifiers that many people use in powersports applications is the sound quality. The engineering masterminds at ARC Audio have improved the already impressive S/N Ratio and THD specifications over the already-fantastic MOTO 600.4. Advances in power supply design and components have improved overall efficiency to an incredible 94% while reducing EMI and RFI noise production to ensure audio systems sound great.
The new MOTO 720 may be the talk of the town, but it won’t be shipping until September 1st, 2019! Until then, check with your local authorized ARC Audio retailer to pre-order one of these amazing new MOTO 720 amplifiers and take your mobile audio system to a new level of performance.
For more information visit www.arcaudio.com or contact ARC Audio directly at 209-543-8706
Modesto, Calif., USA -- February 4, 2019 -- ARC Audio has partnered with Chip Foose and Foose Designs in an exclusive combined company and product marketing program for 2019. “Since our previous partnership with Foose Designs in 2005 we have continued a great relationship with Chip and the rest of the crew at Foose Designs,” said Demitrios Karabinis, CEO of ARC Audio Inc. “Chip’s creativity and attention to detail in the masterpieces that he creates, combined with the diverse marketing ventures in TV, web media and at a grass roots level is an ideal match to our companies business model and marketing needs.”
Chip’s career profile is staggering, his work includes: Staff Designer/Fabricator for the Asha Corporation, where he was responsible for conceptualizing new proprietary ideas and fabrication of prototypes for the OEM’s, Stehrenberger Design as an automotive designer, creating illustrations and conceptual models; Baker Sportronics, as chief designer and fabricator of electric vehicles used in the NFL and MLB; Hot Rods by Boyd, as chief designer and builder; and of course, working with his father, designing and building street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for films such as Blade Runner, RoboCop, and Gone in 60 Seconds. Foose Design has captured an unprecedented 4 Ridler Awards at the Detroit Autorama and has been involved with 8 winners of Americans Most Beautiful Roadster. Most recently, Chip was awarded the first-ever Builder of the Decade award at the 2019 Grand National Roadster Show, in recognition of the milestones and contributions he has made to the automotive and hot rod industries.
Back in 2004 Chip started a television series called “Overhaulin',” which began airing on the TLC network in late April of that year. Owners were tricked while having their prized vehicle restored by Chip and his team in a week’s time. With an original run of 5 seasons, the series made nearly 90 automotive dreams come true. In 2009, Chip made a return to television, serving as a guest judge on the Discovery Channel’s “Ultimate Car Build-Off.” From 2010-2011 he also hosted the documentary series “American Icon: The Hot Rod” on Discovery’s HD Theater. Encouraged by the continued popularity of “Overhaulin’”, Discovery Communication’s Velocity network relaunched the show with all new episodes in October 2012, with ARC Audio taking part in 26 of the episodes.
“ARC Audio is proud to be the exclusive and official brand of car audio products for Foose Designs,” said Fred Lynch ARC Audio marketing manager. “We look forward to being part of some of the most beautiful and unique car builds in the world. This unique opportunity allows us to be included in everything from day-to-day builds to the most extensively detailed showstoppers. Along with direct involvement from Chip and his upcoming build and documentary series, the combined marketing value for both companies is priceless.”
For more information on Chip Foose and Foose Designs visit Chipfoose.com. For more information on ARC Audio consumers may call 209-543-8706 or visit www.arcaudio.com. Consumers may follow ARC Audio at Facebook.com/arcaudio and use hashtags #arcaudio
July 17, 2019 -- As our customers know, the product engineering team at ARC Audio is always working on new proprietary and sophisticated product designs that deliver world-class performance and features. Our efforts to protect these designs is paramount to ensure we offer our partner retailers and their customer's solutions that are unmatched in the mobile electronics industry.
As you may have seen in social media, there has been a sudden interest in Area 51 in Nevada. Known officially as Homey Airport, Area 51 is located 83 miles north-northwest of Las Vegas on the Nevada California border and is considered one of the US Governments most secretive of installations.
As of July 17, more than 1.5 million people have confirmed their intention to storm Area 51 and the surrounding areas with another 1.2 million expressing interest in the event.
With the sudden and significant interest in Area 51 and the surrounding areas, ARC Audio has been forced to implement its most extreme contingency plan to date. ARC Audio will commence the immediate extraction its newest product from its relative facilities in this affected area immediately. In the interest of security of our intellectual properties and new product designs, this new pre-production product of only 10 units in this secretive inventory is to be disassembled and distributed throughout the country to select locations to ensure that no single person, persons or entity will have access to our latest and greatest amplifier technologies.
Caution – if you encounter one of these ten units, exercise extreme caution. Do not under any circumstances open any crates or packaging. If you do so, you do so at your own risk. Please use exercise extreme caution in terms of high amplitude sound level protection at a safe distance. ARC Audio can not be held responsible for unauthorized interaction with the contents of these packages.
We thank all of our retail partners for their support in executing this contingency plan with as much efficiency and diplomacy as possible during these troubled times. We regret that the unwanted attention to the Area 51 region has forced our hand in taking these drastic steps to ensure we can continue to deliver the same quality products and service ARC Audio has been known for without other manufacturers cloning our projects.
Yours in Faith,
The ARC Audio Project Development Team
Continues Award Winning Year Plus Expands Territory to All 11 States
TAMPA, Fla. (March 29, 2019) – DOW Electronics, the leading Consumer Electronics distributor in the South, was awarded 2018 Distributor of the Year by Arc Audio. Chris Ribeiro, of Arc Audio, stopped by the DOW Electronics headquarters in Tampa to present the award. In addition, DOW Electronics is now the premier Arc Audio distributor across 11 southern states.
“This past year exceeded our expectations for the effort and recognition of our 12Volt team,” stated Drew Fischer, director of sales. “We are really proud that Arc Audio sees us as such a valuable partner that we now distribute their products across all of our territory. We look forward to continuing to grow with Arc Audio in 2019.”
Added Mike Hurwitz, 12-volt strategic sales manager, “Our team is excited to be partnered with a brand that has had incredible success across 12Volt competitions and has dedicated professionals producing high quality audio components. To win three industry awards in 2018 is a testament to the hard work put in and great customer support our team is committed to provide. We’re honored to be recognized by such an elite 12Volt partner.”
To learn more about DOW Electronics, please visit www.DOWElectronics.comor call 1.800.627.2900.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., DOW Electronics is one of the largest independently owned and operated electronics distributors servicing independent retailers in the Southern United States for 60 years. With six locations serving Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, DOW Electronics focuses on providing consumer electronics that enhance the customer experience.
DOW Electronics’ six areas of business include:
• Car and Marine Audio/Video • Custom Integration/Consumer Electronics
• Satellite Broadband • Satellite Television
• Surveillance • VoIP
The process starts with the client purchasing an iData Maestro AR module and the appropriate vehicle-specific T-harness that is compatible with Pro-Series DSP devices. The correct harness for compatible applications can be found at maestro.idatalink.com. On the amp and processor side, you will need to choose a PS8-Pro, PS8-50, or IPS 8.8 plus the IDATA-OEM input cable. The IDATA-OEM cable is manufactured and sold by ARC Audio, not by ADS.
After programming and installing the vehicle specific firmware to the Maestro AR module via IDATA Maestro’s Weblink Desktop installer app, vehicle-specific installation guides and wiring diagrams are provided by iData for the specific vehicle installation. It is important to follow these guides as different vehicles use different connection configurations on common vehicle platform harnesses. Details are provided in the Vehicle Wire Reference Chart in each guide. Finally, users can finish defining their system configuration in the ARC Audio Pro-Series DSP utility software. Identifying settings like channel assignments and are required so the Maestro AR module knows where everything is in your vehicle. Proper settings ensure functions like the fader and balance controls work properly.
Taking it one step further the ARC Audio Pro-Series DSP software provides extensive customization of radio-based features as well as the system configuration and tuning tools that have created many of the best-sounding mobile audio systems on the planet. Adjustments for tone control shelf-frequency and midrange EQ are all configurable in the software. Likewise, certain vehicle platforms provide speed-based volume functions that can be assigned to allow different presets/tunes for perfect sound while cruising around town or traveling on the Interstate.
Compatible ARC Audio Pro-Series Devices
PS8-Pro – Eight-Channel Stand-alone Digital Signal Processor
IPS 8.8 – Eight Channel Digital Signal Processor compatible with ARC 1000.2, ARC 1000.4 and ARC 1000.6 amplifiers
PS8-50 – Eight-Channel Amplifier with integrated Eight-Channel Digital Signal Processor. Rated at 8x50 Watts @ 4-Ohms, 8x100 watts @ 2-Ohms.
For more information about ARC Audio products, visit your local authorized ARC Audio distributor, sales representative, or call the head office at 209-543-8706. For information about Automotive Data Solutions, please contact your distributor or https://maestro.idatalink.com/product/product/product_id/412 for details and fitment guide.
September 24th, 2019 – Daytona Beach, Fla. -- As the 6th annual Unified Car Audio Championship nears, competition organizations IASCA, MECA and dB Drag are proud to announce the major event sponsors:
- Orion Car Audio - 2019 Title sponsor
- ARC Audio - SQ Hall sponsor
- DD Audio - SPL Hall sponsor
- Kicker - Hospitality Suite sponsor
- Incriminator Audio - Badge sponsor
With more than 400 vehicles participating in this year’s event and thousands of spectators, exposure for the sponsors this year will be at an all-time high. The competition will take place in two halls of the KY Exposition Center and will occupy more than 110,000 square feet of indoor space. Local audio retailers are promoting the event in their stores in the Louisville and surrounding areas. All 3 organizations will also have 2020 Season Kick Off open entry events where local and national competitors have an opportunity to compete.
Other supporters of the event feature non-endemic companies like Harley Davidson of Dothan and several booth vendors. Show sponsors include: Pioneer Electronics, Sundown Audio, B2 Audio, Ampere Audio, Resilient Sounds, Lord of Bass, SoundQubed, Deaf Bonce, SounDigital and Limitless Lithium.
T-shirt sponsors include: XS Power, JL Audio, Tru Technology, Hybrid Audio Technologies, Crossfire, Avatar, Ohio Generator, Directronix, DC Audio, Slamology, 12 Volt News, Team Flop Box, Team Aint Loud, Team Imperial and TN Bass Racers.
“Many of our sponsors have been staunch supporters of the Unified Car Audio Championship for years now and we are proud to help gain some exposure for them and their products,” said Moe Sabourin, Director of Operations for IASCA Worldwide. “In turn, their support over the years has been a driving force in the growth car audio competition, from competition teams to Industry Membership support of our organization’s missions. We’re extremely proud to have their support and look forward to a very successful 2019 Car Audio Championship season finale.”
MECA Commissioner Steve Stern said, "Our club and competitors appreciate the support and participation of Arc Audio and Team Arc Audio. We have a solid relationship and understanding that Sound Quality sports promotes the 12 volt industry --- everyone involved --- and creates sales and customer loyalty. It is a pleasure to work with Brian Mitchell, in and out of the lanes. He gets what we're about and is involved in all aspects of our SQL program."
Space at the event is still available. You can contact any of the CAC staff below to be a part of the largest Car Audio Championship event in the country!
Spectator passes are available online at https://iasca.com/store/?model_number=spectatorpass for $10/day or $15/ weekend, or through eventbrite.com.
For more information on the Unified Car Audio Championships, contact Celise Harris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Steve Stern at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Moe Sabourin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or Kim Sabourin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To follow us on Facebook, please go to: www.facebook.com/CarAudioChampionship
April 26th, 2018 – DAYTONA BEACH – Soundcrafters of Daytona Beach, Fla., now in its 40th year of business, has teamed up with its core dealer brands Kenwood, JL Audio, Metra and Arc Audio, to exhibit in the Daytona Exhibitor section of the Jeep Beach festivities at the Daytona Speedway April 27th and 28th, from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Soundcrafters 30- by 60-foot booth will feature four specially built vehicles focusing on numerous areas of mobile electronics, from a full custom Kenwood car audio system in a modified 2007 Jeep JK, a full lighting system from Heise on a 2015 JK, a full JL system in a 2016 JK and a full JL Audio powersports system in a 2018 Polaris Slingshot, all built by Soundcrafters.
There will be a number of show specials available for sale in the Soundcrafters booth, including a 300 watt amp, subwoofer and enclosure package for only $199.95. Another show special will be a set of 6.5-inch component speakers for only $99.95/pair.
Soundcrafters and JL Audio have also supported the Jeep Beach organizer’s “Margaritaville” Jeep with a full JL Audio system including the “Stealthbox” for the vehicle. Soundcrafters performed the installation in the system being displayed at every Jeep Beach event throughout the week.
Soundcrafters will also have a fully staffed installation facility on property at the Speedway for those who want to get their equipment installed right away.
“This is our first year with Jeep Beach and we’re very excited to offer local, full service facilities at the event,” said Moe Sabourin, General Manager at Soundcrafters. “Our goal is to give Jeep Beach attendees great value and installation, whatever their mobile electronics needs are. And we’re local, so consumers know we’re here to take care of them during and after the sale, with our 40 year reputation for quality service and installations.”
Kenwood and MAG Sales representative Bill Freeman said, “We’re excited to attend Jeep Beach to support our local Excelon dealer, Soundcrafters, in showcasing our new XR Excelon Reference Hi-Res products in the Soundcrafters Jeep!”
For more information, contact Soundcrafters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (386) 761-8800.
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