AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems, manufacturer of high quality, easy-to-use portable public address systems, has seen sales grow 45 percent over the past two years. Owner and CEO Don Roth attributes the growth to the company’s new commitment to multimedia, bringing to the exploding computer multimedia presentation market the products’ high quality, innovative design and ease of use.

"Our rigorous dedication to engineering quality and reliability has enabled us to grow by more than 27 percent in 1999 and 18 percent in 2000." Roth said. "Our continued commitment to providing precise yet versatile solutions to customer needs, including several new product launches (with more to come!,) will greatly serve the growing presentation marketplace."

Roth acquired AmpliVox, then known as Perma Power, in 1995, becoming the fifth owner of the sound products line. Founded by Norm Ackerman in 1952, Perma Power introduced The AmpliVox line of portable PA systems in the 1960s. The company also introduced one of the first residential radio-controlled garage door openers, supplying Craftsman garage door openers to Sears. In the late 1970s, the company added power outlet strips, surge suppressers, power conditioners and uninterruptible power systems (UPS) for computers.

During that time, Roth was integral to the growth and success of the business. Before joining Perma Power, he was regional vice-president for Xerox and executive vice-president of Apeco and Numeridex Cad/Cam Systems.

In 1993 Perma Power had reached $7.5 million in annual sales and was sold to the Connecticut-based Wiremold Corporation, which also owned Shape Electronics in Chicago and Brooks Electronics in Philadelphia. Roth bought the AmpliVox Sound line from Wiremold in 1995, keeping the name and committing to rebuild the company under a new generation.

The S805A Amplifier -- The Heart of AmpliVox

The heart of all AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems is the exclusive solid state S-805 amplifier. Newly updated with a rugged, handsome black ABS plastic case, the tested, dependable 50-watt stereo amp features 3 microphone inputs (dynamic, condenser and wireless), all of which can used simultaneously. An auxiliary input with separate volume and tone control allows connection to a computer, projector or other source to provide separate, balanced music or talk-over tracks. A line-out jack provides the ability to record presentations as they happen. Two speaker jacks allow the addition of up to four speakers (with the use of optional Y-connectors).

Truly portable, the system offers power options that ensure operation anywhere. Ten D-cell batteries (not included) provide up to 200 hours of talk time. The unit can use rechargeable NiCad batteries or an optional international AC adapter/NiCad Recharger (110V, 50/60Hz).