Pioneer Sound Build-Off Gallery is LIVE!

The Pioneer Sound Build-Off wrapped up this past weekend, and we announced the winners earlier today. Out of all the events I've attended so far, this has to be one of the most enjoyable. Since it was an invite-only event that wasn't really open to the public (though you probably wouldn't have been kicked out if you showed up), the event had a very personal feeling to it, and competitors were eager to discuss and demo their systems. Since Pioneer supplied all the gear and no outside electronics were allowed, this really leveled the playing field and put the focus on the quality of the install. The audio systems ranged from simple to extreme, as did the cars! Follow the jump to check out the gallery of more than 200 photos!

The First Place CLK430 built by Sound Sensations out of Atlanta, GA was by far one of my favorites. The install appeared extremely simple and very clean, but was actually pretty involved and the team really had a sharp eye to detail.

6th Avenue Electronics really stole the show with their incredible bright yellow pearl Chrysler Crossfire. A slight fender bender sometime between last year's competition and this one sent the car to the body shop, but 6th Ave didn't just get the car repaired. No, that would have been too easy... The team decided to take advantage of the bad situation and had a ton of custom body work laid down on the Chrysler coupe. A custom all-metal widebody gave the car a new aggressive stance, a set of actual Ferrari 360 taillights were grafted on to the rear, and the front end was massaged and chopped to expose the dual front-mount intercoolers for the twin-turbo set-up 6th Ave added to the stout 6-cylinder. The custom headlight air intakes are truly trick.

Custom Sounds kept it sweet and simple with a purple S10 that I dubbed the SQ10. The St. Louisans' install was relatively simple, but it sounded very pure and had pretty solid staging.

I also feel the need to give props to Travis Pendley of Car Concepts and his silver Audi A6. Travis was a participant in last years Build-Off, and this year IASCA announced a 90% improvement in his score! That's pretty unheard of, and really exemplifies Car Concepts' dedication to doing things right! His car sounded incredible, and if he attends again next year, I have a feeling he'll be a force to be reckoned with.

I do feel the need to mention that I was extremely impressed with Pioneers new PRS gear. This is the first chance I've had to experience it outside of CES or a car audio shop's soundboards. If any of the participating shops from this competition are in your area, I highly recommend you stop by and give the car a listen. And if not, no matter. Stop by your local Premier dealer and ask for your own personal demo. And don't forget to bring your own CDs!

Pioneer Sound Build-Off Gallery

So now that you've seen all the rides, which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts!

in the forums!

Special thanks to Pioneer and Sabatino Day for hosting such a fantastic event!