MMATS Pro Sound, which claims it is the only remaining car audio supplier to produce amps in the U.S., is aiming to expand distribution to more specialists.
The company will exhibit at KnowledgeFest in August, bringing a line of 16 amp models made in the U.S., plus a new line of lower priced amps, sourced overseas as well as new speakers, subwoofers and Pro speakers that launched in Q1.
“We are the last American made amplifier company. Anyone can come in and watch us build an amp from the ground up. We also build 9 different models of subwoofers,” said President David Thompson.
Thompson purchased the company in late 2010, along with a few unnamed investors. MMATs was purchased from Cathy Speranza, widow of one of the late founders of MMATs, which launched in the early 90’s.
Over the past 4 years, the company hit a rough patch and its distribution dropped from 2,500 storefronts to the present 800 dealers. Thompson’s plan has been to strengthen the product line and now he hopes to add more retailers.
“2011 was a building year with products; investing the investors’ money, and this is the year for growth,” he said.
U.S.-built amps fall under the M Series, and range in price from $349 up to $1,399, with power output from 600 watts RMS to 3,000 watts RMS. It’s not cost effective to build amps in the U.S. with lesser power, said Thompson.
In new overseas products there is a P1 line of subwoofers available in 10, 12 and 15 inch sizes and a lower cost amp line, called the MPA Series that includes 6 amplifiers from $199 for a 300 watt model to $549 for a 1,700 watt model.
Until last year, MMATs did not sell speakers but in Q1 it added 3 lines of coaxials from $79 to $199 per pair. It also added Pro speakers.
One key MMATS U.S.-built amplifier is the HiFi 6150 full range, 6 channel model, rated at 6 by 150 watts in a 10-inch chassis. It includes a Burr-Brown pre-amp section at $1,199.
MMATs says the line will remain one of select distribution. The company is also in the process of signing up new distributors.
Source: CEoutlook
