Start-Up Bringing Italian Line To U.S.

Staff On Aug 6 2001 - 6:00am

Start-up company Red Mountain has been formed here to market Italian Audison car audio products in the United States, as well as other products.

A group of international partners is backing Red Mountain, led by industry veteran Kevin Campbell. Campbell, formerly head of sales and marketing for Rockford Fosgate and Precision Power, is serving as Red Mountain's general manager.

"My mandate is to establish Audison in the U.S. and bring it to the specialty retailer," Campbell said.

Audison, known in Europe for its high-end amplifiers, offers a high-end line called the VRx at prices from $500 to $1,700 and a midline series called the LRx at prices from $250 to $1,000. These will be supplied in the U.S., as well as a line of loudspeakers and accessories under the Hertz brand and "drop-in speakers" under the name Space.

Campbell claims the VRx line was designed with a "no compromise" approach. "I know our industry is going through quite a transition now, but if we can get support from a limited number of dealers, we are prepared to offer an uncommon level of support in return. If I have 75 to 80 quality specialists by the end of the year I will be thrilled," he said.

The company is in the process of setting up an independent rep network and says that product is available for shipping now.

Audison VRx amplifiers offer open-deck construction. Owners can flip over the amp and remove the bottom to access components and can add accessories to the amplifier. Audison offers, for example, different subsonic filtering options and a card to enable phase shifting for 360 degrees.

Among the new LRx amplifiers is a six-channel surround sound model for Dolby and DTS systems. Called the LRx 6SR, it delivers 55 watts x 5 plus 150 watts x 1 at 4 ohms, or 80 watts x 5 plus 220 watts x 1 at 2 ohms. It has four independently adjustable crossovers with bypass for subsonic filter and accepts an optional remote subwoofer volume control at a suggested retail price of $900.

The Space line includes drivers capable of installation in factory locations or in cramped areas. It uses a pole piece assembly and a basket and magnet structure which allows a narrow mounting depth. It also has double-wide rubber surrounds on the cones for better power handling and delivers high performance at affordable prices, Campbell said.