Booming sound for audio-phile

Car audio is no longer about simply entertainment, it’s a culture bringing adrenaline seekers together.

One of the countless car sound lovers, on the hunt for the ultimate rush, Preetham Birbal boasts an expanding trophy cabinet from winning sound competitions across the area.

For this top cop, topping the decibel metre makes the expenses and time worth it.

His latest addition to the winner’s circle was a booming sound wave of 151,9dB at a competition in Newcastle in February, achieved in the Ford bakkie he and friend Neshan Singh (4-D), customised themselves.

“I got into sound about two years ago through 4-D. I was inspired by him and was convinced to go for a competition and do up a vehicle.”

Together, the audio enthusiasts spent two weeks constructing the sound machine between Preetham’s shifts, admitting the project required massive investment of hours and money.

With the bakkie, Preetham has earned 15 trophies from 13 shows in a host of classes.

“We are now building another bakkie, a Corsa with two 15s (15-inch speakers). We also do general installs for the public.”

Preetham said his goal ahead of upcoming sound competitions was to improve his ‘damn loud’ dB reading, through box tuning, increased battery power and sealing up pressure escape points.

His advice – having trustworthy people to handle installations and money to play with.

Sound competitions may be a social sport, yet Preetham explained most sponsored audio events donated part of the proceeds toward worthy charity causes.

“It’s for a good cause mostly.”

Asked why he enjoyed the world of car audio so much, 4-D said the pressure of booming sound gave him a great feeling.

He drives a Nissan Sentra modified with a powerful two-litre engine and a sound setup, and won a baker’s dozen of trophies until he stopped entering competitions in 2012.

For more information, call Preetham on 072 701 0512 or 4-D on 074 724 2186.