The EMMA Asia Finals might have concluded a couple of weeks ago in Thailand, but the atmosphere within the in-car entertainment industry remains extremely upbeat. This year, Team EMMA Singapore’s pride and glory came in the form of a Honda Civic fettled by Mr Ken Ho of King’s Way Sound Garage. Participating In what is probably the most glamourous car audio competition in Asia, this Civic managed to emerge as a headturner among the cream of the crop.

The inner workings of EMMA Asia finals functions similarly to their EMMA Europe counterparts. EMMA utilises the same judges and they partake in all major EMMA competitions in order to attain the best possible scorings to ensure fairness.

Ken of King’s Way Sound Garage had been active in the competition scene for more than two decades, and emphasised that EMMA served as a good platform to learn the tools of the trade. Ken’s understanding of the ICE industry is second to none. Majority of the tuners make use of technology to tune, but Ken adds in the details of sound waves for the final touch.



This Civic belongs to Ken, and it took his team more than three months to achieve this level of audio precision. First up, the interior of the car was reworked and the centre console sits the legendary Pioneer ODR source unit, a limited production system where the amplifier and processor are designed as an entirety. With a 32-bit floating digital signal processor, equaliser and network control functions, the RS-A9 ODR amplifier features functions that put you in total control of your sound stage.



Headunit, processor and amplifier
Signal transmission can be lost due to varying signal cables and length. Pioneer’s system not only eradicates this issue - it also preserves the highest quality to form a pure digital system. Connecting to the RS-A7 brings the system to a complete 8-channel setup that forms the high, mid and low sub-channel. With 50 Watts of output per channel powering the system, it is powered slightly lower than the norm. But this works pleasantly as this is a full digital system with Class A/B amplification, so the original source of music can be expressed and reproduced precisely.



Front speakers
Z Series of Micro Precision were chosen for the front component speakers, rated as having one of the best membranes for speakers. The meticulous nature of these speakers are realised when the speakers are produced at a rate of one per day - all handmade in Germany. The midbass sits in the original door panel position, but customised with a wave-guide.

The speakers are customised on the dash, and a unique plate divides the tweeters. Ken utilises using time delay and the theory of sound waves to justify his choice of speaker location. In a more mainstream installation, the speakers will face the driver. But this method reduces the depth of the sound stage as the direct firing brings the sound upfront, as normal time alignment functions cannot increase the depth of sound.



Sub-woofer
Sitting in the trunk is the Rockford Fosgate Prime Series R1S412 sub-woofer. A lightweight unit with a power handling of 150 watts was the order of the day, as Ken wanted something that is easy to control and handle. The woofer faces the back seat and sits within a customised enclosure. Not an easy feat considering high levels of fabrication needed, but Ken is more than up to the task to ensure that both aesthetics and sound quality are well covered.



Power source
Beneath the hood rests one of the most reasonably priced batteries. This should be your choice of power source due to its hi CCA and stable current that supplies the sound system with consistent performance. Two pieces of “Brian Regulator” was also installed to provide power specifically to the two amplifiers.



Installation
Ken ensures that every single detail were planned on the drawing board before getting his elbows greased for the main task, and this is why the finished product looks stunning to say the least. Both Pioneer amplifiers can be shifted with a simple “click” of a hinge whenever it is needed to access the rear – a smart move that reduces clutter to create a clean cut appearance for the entire setup.

Sound test
Enjoying music in Ken’s ride is a relaxing affair, with dynamic details rendered without any hints of distortion. The mechanics behind the project might be complicated, but the output is simple, effective and pleasant, courtesy of the brilliant minds over at King’s Way Sound Garage.