[Begin RANT]

So I haven't really been into Sound Off's or Car Audio for awhile, maybe 4-5 years now, but I used to go to IASCA events at least once a month in the NE area. When you went they were simply cars with Very impressive sound systems, something very radical to something that looked like it came stock but sounded no where near stock, the systems were judged on SQ, RTA, SPL install etc. At the time DB Drag and the like had just started to get big (maybe that past 2-3 years) and that was pretty cool too, lots of ingenious ways to get the highest SPL and some cool *** installs.
Fast Fwd to present, I start looking at all the Audio stuff I have sitting around, most of which is barely used if used at all, and start thinking why not build up a system in my S4 since I now have a car that wouldn't lose so much perf wise with a full system in it (Prev car was an ITR). I start looking at which parts I will use and what to pick up and thinking about fabrication of panels in the Trunk/interior etc for the dif components etc. Then I start talking to a few people I know in the area that used to be heavily into competition and they start telling me how IASCA is dead and how there are hardly any sound offs in the NE area anymore and how the ones that are around are basically HIN shows and the like with a small section of Sound Off judging involved I look into sites like IASCA.com and USACi and its confirmed, barely any shows in the area if any and the ones that are anywhere near NE are somehow linked to "Import Shows". To top it off some even have lame judging like SQ then judgment of your cars "look" and then a "perf test" of 0-X-0mph (Stop, go, Stop). Not exactly what I'd want to go to to compete. I'm not a fan of the Import Shows nor am I a fan of the types of Modifications they usually have done (Body Kits, Neon, Decals, 10 LCD Screens, etc.) Some people like that stuff but personally its not my cup of tea.
[End RANT]

So I guess my point of this post is to ask if anyone here competes and/or has any insight into smaller organizations that hold events more like those of 5-7 years ago without all the HIN style crap.

Comments welcome.

 

I think you will find most have similiar thoughts as you.

I don't hear about any audio events in my area anymore either. Times are changing its a sign your getting old.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Times are changing its a sign your getting old.</TD></TR></TABLE>

LOL don't tell me that my Birthday was only a few days ago

 

I'm afraid the "bling" movement has taken over.

 

It has been declining for the last three years here in AZ. There used to be 2-5 soundoffs a month here, now there is only one that I know of scheduled this year.

 

There's lots of things to blame the decline on. A lot of it has to do with management, but a lot of it also has to do with the internet....hear me out.

Rewind to the mid-90's - IASCA was the top dog. At that time it was very competitive (read secretive) and the rules were tougher (no changes b/t SQ, RTA, and SPL). The industry was going well - car audio magazines didn't have the word "Performance" in them, and it was all about 2 channel audio, not this surround sound crap.

These shows are NOT cheap to run, therefore good manufacturer support and a good gate were key. Also, IIRC, back then you could win money by competing. It's a chicken and the egg syndrome - great showing by particular MFG's got those interested in car audio gear for their cars (how do you think MBQ, JL, PPI, etc got so big in the 90's). MFG;s show up to the competitions to show their wares, and people got excited to purchase. If it was a small retailer, then people wanted comp installs too.

Competitors got a ROI when they won
MFG's got an ROI b/c people bought more retail gear.
Retailer's got an ROI b/c people got more gear installed.

See where this is going.

Enter the unauthorized market made oh-so-possible by the intarweb. NowI can hear that gear I want, see how to install it on the internet, and even buy it from some warehouse with crackhead prices (no service or warranty mind you) and nobody's the wiser.

Now, competitors spend mega bucks to outdo eachother (this has not changed), but the fiberglass craze has made things a bit more difficult and expensive
Retailers get no boost b/c people use them to audition but not to buy
MFG's get no ROI b/c gear is bought unauthorized and their dealers are unhappy

So what's the result, lest mfg support at shows....that leads to more expense passed to competitors or the door. On top of that you have the import craze which is all about looking good, not performing good (for the most part) and let's call it the "pro-athlete wanna-be" phase (aka how many screens can I fit in my SUV) and the added coverage/popularity this has gotten, and it's no wonder that people care less and less about what is SQ and what it means.

So, you do the math on what's happening......

On top of that, you have rules changes mid season, poor judging at large events, huge egos at the top governing bodies with self interestes in mind, and sub-standard events (including finals) and you have the death of car audio competition.

The entire 12V industry (except for the very high end installers and big box stores) have taken a huge hit IMO b/c of the internet. Now, the 'net isn't all bad. I've learned SO much by reading (read: becoming addicted) car audio boards, etc. But there comes a point where the system will break down.

 

I dont think the internet can be blamed for all of it.

People just aren't interested in it anymore. Its more of a bling stage right now. Like all fads hopefully this one will die soon. You can't see a stereo from the outside but you can see the 50" rims. LOL

I agree with you that you need industry support. More and more companies are pulling out of the car audio scene though. Look at DEI how many companies do they own now? Many used to be top notch companies now they are all crap. This is the only way they can survive the dollars just aren't there. People are just tired of spending money to have it yanked out by a bunch of low lifes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I dont think the internet can be blamed for all of it.

People just aren't interested in it anymore. Its more of a bling stage right now. Like all fads hopefully this one will die soon. You can't see a stereo from the outside but you can see the 50" rims. LOL

I agree with you that you need industry support. More and more companies are pulling out of the car audio scene though. Look at DEI how many companies do they own now? Many used to be top notch companies now they are all crap. This is the only way they can survive the dollars just aren't there. People are just tired of spending money to have it yanked out by a bunch of low lifes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Can't blame the internet for all of it - that's for sure true, but the increase of e-commerce in the area of 12V electronics is what is killing the local car audio shops imo, therefore hurting the competition scene where it should start - on the local level. If a shop has no return on holding a show, why would they?

 

luckily for us socal, there should be an iasca show once a month at Image Dynamics' place.


That'll give me some times to prep up my car. EQ should be here soon. muahhaha


but yea, With the introduction of bling bling equipments, it turns off some of the competitors because some local kid wants to advertise their system and ruins it for everyone else.


Another thing is how points are given. Some will argue that points should not be given to installation because its a "sound quality" competition. some system sounds better than others, but may rank lower because their installation wasn't neat.. Others say that its a necessity in which safety comes first. I think there should be a prior inspection before competing to ensure the setup is safe. If it doesn't pass inspection, it does not qualify for the event. Getting points to have an IASCA sticker on the car is absolute BS to me.

In regards to the interweb, I think there are more less educated people on audio that goes to local shops or big chain store than online. I could see local shops not being able to sell equipments to the more serious competitors, but the competitors only accounts for what, less than 5% of the total amount of buyers? Honestly, as much as sounddomain is known on the web, I doubt many of the outside people knows about it.


I don't know anymore. I'm speaking from my **** at the moment. I build my system to please my ears, not to please someone else's. Wouldn't hurt to have recognition though

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GSteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another thing is how points are given. Some will argue that points should not be given to installation because its a "sound quality" competition. some system sounds better than others, but may rank lower because their installation wasn't neat.. Others say that its a necessity in which safety comes first. </TD></TR></TABLE>

it's called the street class - only judging is on safety/integrity of the install - not "neatness"

and you get an IASCA sticker when you become a member, it doesn't have to be permanently affixed to the car, only displayed....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rochesterricer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm afraid the "bling" movement has taken over. </TD></TR></TABLE>I agree, "bling" is now the thing, It is a fad, and it will go away to be replaced by another fad, thats car fad. I have been around long enough to have seen a lot of them, one thing will not change, as long as there are cars, people will want to change them, personalize them, you get enough people doing about the same thing, it becomes a trend, the trend becomes a fad, the fad fades, but never gos away.
I came acress a show last night on TV, about the first black world champ boxer, one of the things he was known for was his customized cars, this was in 1915.
I think the sound off fad is over, not gone, just faded, there has not been an IASCA event here in about 4 years, but we have 3 or 4 sound offs or SPL contests every summer, put on by the local car audio shops.
I do have to agree with rcurley55 on what the cause is, I think he hits that nail right on the head, the internet, and for all the reasons he mentioned.
I do not think car audio will ever go away, it is here to stay, and maybe the sound off "fad" will come back, [ it was just a fad, just as bling is now] one thing I know will never change, people wanting to change their ride, and just like custom paint, custom bodies, custom interiors,custom wheels, beefed up motors, and custom suspenstion, custom car audio is here to stay, and I will go as far as to say, more people will do something to the audio system in their car, then all the others combined.
Support your local car audio retailer 94

 

I think you also have to look at when audio was big what else was out there? Not much, you had a few sets of rims to pick from and almost a non exsistant import parts scene. So the biggest way to draw attention to your car was audio. Now you have many choices.

It all comes down to we are old trying to grasp onto our youth LOL. I'm 29

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It all comes down to we are old trying to grasp onto our youth LOL. I'm 29</TD></TR></TABLE>

hahhaahaha

maybe you guys can start your own competition association. call it OSIASCA, Old School IASCA. your slogan can be "old school rules for old school fools" can i be president since i came up with the idea?

GSteg, you wanna go down to Image Dynamics on the 30th. im going with Dual700. let me know, so i can arrange something with you.

 

the 30th..i'll see if i can make room for it. I am suppose to do something that day but i forgot

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

and you get an IASCA sticker when you become a member, it doesn't have to be permanently affixed to the car, only displayed....</TD></TR></TABLE>

I still think its pretty dumb to get points for stickers. Kinda like how someone could win by 5 points because of the sticker even if they didn't image or soundstage as well as the car in 2nd place or whatever. Mixed feelings on such issues...

 

they are just trying to promote the brand...and make sure that people are members.....it's always been a case the people with better installs can win over those with the best sound...sq comps are part business, like it or not, it's part of playing by the rules....comps are all about the details.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxxtreme &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think you also have to look at when audio was big what else was out there? Not much, you had a few sets of rims to pick from and almost a non exsistant import parts scene. So the biggest way to draw attention to your car was audio. Now you have many choices.

It all comes down to we are old trying to grasp onto our youth LOL. I'm 29</TD></TR></TABLE>LMAO...... at 52 that would make me a senior member, when I got into car audio 30 some years ago, if you wanted a Honda the only choice you had was what color your Civic was going to be, and there was no import parts scene, but then again there were no sound offs, SQ or SPL, but there was a "fad" and shops were popping up all over to supply the demand, although they called it van customizing, today we would call it Pimp My Van.
Support your local car audio retailer 94

 

I do remember the good ol' days too...

I think the sound off's are still around, you just have to look harder for them. In the Asheville, NC area where I grea up there's about 6 to 10 per year on average. They draw descent crowds, mostly high-school kids though. They're found at the smaller shops instead of the huge mega-shows.

I have a friend who opened a shop a few years ago. He had one competition and things went really well. It drew a lot of people, made some business and everyone had a lot of fun. I have another friend who put on a "car show" which primarily displayed the bling which drew hundreds of contestants which a few dozen of participated in the SPL competition.

In competition, I think SPL brings the excitement to the table and attracts new people rather SQ keeps the competitors in the shows for years after they've gotten tired of ringing eardrums. SPL broung me in 11 years ago and I've been into SQ for about half of that time... so maybe I'm speaking from my own point of view.

Good thread though! Support your local shops, like I do mine: appalachianaudio.com

 

that's a good point as well....

kids are more interested in how loud they are rather then whether or not their stage extends outside their a-pillars.....

spl is an objective measurement, sq is very subjective and is harder to learn. Don't get me wrong, excelling at either is difficult, but it's easier to get into SPL imo.