The UK’s best custom car audio builds came together this weekend as the 2026 EMMA UK SQ (Sound Quality) competition reached its third round at Stinger’s premises in Kingswinford in the West Midlands.
EMMA UK is the British arm of the European Mobile Media Association (EMMA), which creates the rules and test tracks for automotive competitions like these all over the world. Aftermarket car audio tends to be judged either on sound quality (SQ) or maximum volume and sound pressure levels (SPL), with budget, installation quality, technical execution and overall presentation among the factors taken into consideration.
Stinger is one of the UK’s most prominent car audio distributors, handling such brands as Phoenix Gold, PAC, AudioControl, EchoMaster, Stinger, Connects2, and others. Previous EMMA events this year have been held at car shows, hosted by Proper Droppers, and specialist dealers such as Blade ICE and Matthew's Customs and Conversions, with distributors including Celsus ICE also joining in. Linear Audio UK, Sideline Audio, Audio Wave and Midbass are all set to host events throughout the remainder of the year. View the full EMMA calendar here.
In its report on last weekend, EMMA commented that this was another strong turnout, with 31 competition cars parking up, ready for judging. Two new competitors took part, as well as two former enthusiasts. EMMA reported that most of the judging had been completed by lunchtime, with the prizegiving taking place at 3pm.
Alongside the competition itself, the event provided an opportunity for the car audio community to showcase the latest installation techniques, from subwoofers hidden in passenger footwells to full custom builds where the audio system becomes part of the vehicle’s identity.
Winners across various categories were recognised during the event, with EMMA UK sharing images highlighting the quality and creativity behind the competing vehicles. The day’s results can be found here, with the updated league table here. The best performers of the season will be hoping for a spot in the European Finals, representing the UK.
As factory systems become increasingly complex, events such as those organised by EMMA UK continue to demonstrate the demand for specialist knowledge, professional installation and the ability to transform the in-car experience beyond what manufacturers provide as standard.
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