SQ Competition

[m48xhp]

I am wanting to turn my car into an SQ competition car. Does anyone have a source for everything I need to know about SQ competition? Boxes, amplification, tuning, etc.

My big concern now is with the subs I am going to get. most likely Eclipse SW8200's. i have a Mustang as seen in the sig. I want to know what the best setup for my box direction is? I want to front fire, but is this the best for competition?

I am also looking to see what all is judged exactly. Is it just sound? Isnt install and apperance in its own quality, right? I mean it will be installed cleanly with custom kicks and imaging and clean hidden wires and what not, but just wondering.

Any help is appreciated. thanks

[m48xhp]

well i did some googling and got the IASCA classifications. I would have to begin in the Pro Street Class cause I work for Circuit City. That kinda *****, but oh well. I may never even get the system built until I no longer work there after a few more months.

[m48xhp]

also found this for IASCA:

* Installation Quality (187 pts possible)

o Wiring (40 pts)
o Source Units (15 pts)
o Amplifiers (25 pts)
o Speakers (25 pts)
o Other Devices (25 pts)
o Overall Creativity (30 pts)
o Attention to Show Details (20 pts)
o Security and Convenience Features (7 pts)

* Sound Quality (248 pts possible)
o Tonal Accuracy and Spectral Balance (100 pts)
o Soundstage and Ambiance (65 pts)
o Imaging (50 pts)
o Sound Linearity (30 pts)
o Ergonomics (+/- 3 pts)
o Noise Adjustment (up to -20 pts)
* Frequency Response - RTA (40 pts maximum)
* Sound Pressure Level - SPL (1 point per dB)

[JimJ]

I wouldn't enter IASCA...especially not in that class. They're **** about looks, to the point where a better-looking but poorer-sounding system has a very good chance at winning.

USAC would be a better choice.

[mikeyboc]

Looking at those classifications, what would be the difference between Rookie and Amateur Street? They look pretty similar to me.

[m48xhp]

they say rookie is just the very first time you ever compete.

[audiolife]

lol you can go pro street too i think. thing that i dont like about usac is they like boomy bass and if you are really an audiophile that just isnt done. read/order a rule book before you build that way u build it and tune it to the rules as you go.

[budahbuddy803]

What does one that competes in SQ use to check:
o Tonal Accuracy and Spectral Balance
o Soundstage and Ambiance
o Imaging
o Sound Linearity
o Ergonomics
o Noise Adjustment
* Frequency Response - RTA

[audiolife]

An RTA, ears and eyes

[Ed Lester]

I believe they still use an official test CD with certain test tracks and music tracks on it. At least they did when I competed in the late 90s.
Try and purchase that disc if you can.

Also look into MECA, I have never competed there but it could be an interesting alternative.

[RXZILLA]

visit jacks stereo. they have an usaci sq world champion that works at the store. Be ready to spend more money in SQ then you ever did in SPL.

[squeak9798]

What does one that competes in SQ use to check:
o Tonal Accuracy and Spectral Balance
o Soundstage and Ambiance
o Imaging
o Sound Linearity
o Ergonomics
o Noise Adjustment
* Frequency Response - RTA

I'd recommend the IASCA disk. The booklet that comes with it has a pretty thorough description of what to listen for or how to properly use each track. And the specific rule book of the organization you plan to compete in will have descriptions of what is looked for on things like ergonomics (controls in easy reach, etc).

[ramos]

Meca disk ( chesky demonstration disc ) is a good one as well. Narrative tracks before each track explains what you should be listening for.

[audiolife]

If you can locate an actual competitor, or judge or former and have them explain things better or show you what to look for you will be better off. If you can close your eyes and point directly at a speaker as aa sound source you will have issues

[DBDRAGGUY]

I am not knocking any SQ guys on here that compete, but just be aware that SQ competitions are very meticulous on the judging criteria. And the winning system may not be the best sounding system. The overall goal of the competitors is to achieve the flattest response possible in an automotive enviorment, while utilizing a top quality install. There are so many things taken into consideration when judging a vehicle that don't pertain to the overall sound quality of the system.

My advice is to attend a couple of shows before you build anything for competition purposes. Look at the sytems and installs that are in the classes your interested in. Talk to some of the competitors, see if they can get you started in the right direction. Sound Quality is so subjective, you may be happier just building a system that you enjoy and forget about competition all together.