IASCA Sound Quality (SQi) Competition
This is IASCA’s traditional competition format that continues to be “The Standard by Which Great Mobile Electronics Performance is Measured.” Competitors and their vehicles are judged under the following criteria:
The overall Sound Quality of the sound system and how it reproduces Spectral Balance, Tonal Accuracy, Staging, Imaging, Linearity and Absence of Noise within the vehicle.
The overall Installation quality based on System Safety, Integrity, Integration, Craftsmanship and Upgrades as well as the ability of a competitor to understand and present the vehicle’s sound system characteristics and installation methods to the certified IASCA Judge.
There are five Classes of SQi competition, based on a competitor’s experience.
IASCA SQi Classes
Rookie Class
IASCA competitors are allowed to compete in this class for a period of one year.
The intent of the Rookie division is to provide a Class for newcomers to compete in a basic format, that evaluates the system’s sound quality as well as key points of installation quality that promote the safe operation of their sound system. Rookie Competitors cannot have competed in the past as an IASCA member.
Amateur Class
The intent of the Amateur Class is to provide a more competitive entry level format for competitors who do not have the inclination or the budget to build a system with an elaborate installation. The Amateur Class focuses on sound and installation quality and sound judging will be performed by one judge from the driver’s front seat.
The Amateur Class is designed to offer a more than basic competition format for those who have obtained their systems through standard retail channels and who have no affiliation or support (sponsorship) from any facet of the Mobile Electronics Industry. The IASCA main office, any IASCA affiliate office or any IASCA Certified Official may request the competitor to produce documentation proving that all product was purchased through standard retail channels at any time during the competition season, if necessary.
Pro Class
The Pro Class is designed to offer a more than basic competition format for Amateur competitors, or competitors who work within the Mobile Electronics Industry in the capacity such as installer, salesperson, technician, or any other position that gives them a technological advantage over Amateur Class Competitors.
The Pro Class focuses on sound and installation quality and sound judging will be performed by one judge from the driver’s front seat. Judges will evaluate a Pro Class vehicle on the same judging criteria as the Amateur Class.
Ultimate Class
The intent of the Ultimate Class is to provide a more competitive format for competitors who have an extraordinary sound system with a more elaborate installation. Ultimate Class sound judging will be performed from both the driver and passenger front seats by one judge. Exception: Judging may be performed by two judges, one in each seat, if the show promoter elects to do so.
Manufacturer Class
The intent of the Manufacturer Class is to give car audio manufacturers a competition class to compete in, without competing against their dealers or team members. Judging is performed the same as Ultimate Class.
