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• CEoutlook Weekly Digital Roundup #1

  August 29th, 2026

  Five car audio videos stood out to me this week. Here are my picks, and why each one is worth watching.

  Steve Meade rebuilds a Lexus ISF sound system

  
  Creator Steve Meade starts a full teardown and rebuild of a Lexus ISF sound system in this video, the first in a series. The car is an older demo vehicle. I like getting a look behind the panels and under the carpet, and other spots most viewers never see. It proves a simple point. A system built right still holds up years later.
  

  Williston Audio Labs reviews a $150 amp with a VU meter

  
  Williston Audio Labs reviews a new $150 amplifier with a VU meter in this video. Everyone likes a VU meter, and this amp offers something different to watch.
  

  CarAudioFabrication tackles door sound deadening

  
  Creator Mark walks through a full sound deadening job on a car door in this video. The camera work covers every angle of the process. It’s a good watch for anyone getting started with sound deadening.
  

  Agoura Autosounds upgrades a 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo

  
  Agoura Autosounds upgrades the stereo system in a customer’s 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo in this video. The shop takes an OEM plus approach, keeping the new gear in step with the car’s original look. The build fits the car well. The 911 holds a special place for many longtime car audio fans.
  

  JPtheinstallguy adds an amp to a 2024 Jeep Wrangler

  
  JPtheinstallguy adds an amplifier to a 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s factory radio in this video, shot from an installer’s point of view. This angle helps viewers understand each step of the installation. It’s a good look at someone showing you how to add an amplifier.
  

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• 

  What are SQ Competitors Favoring in 2025?

  James Chevrette

  What are the brands dominating the sound quality competitions these days? Back in the day, it was the biggest names in car audio found in the lanes at IASCA finals.

  This year, as car audio competitors gathered in October at the SQ IASCA World Finals to pit their systems against the best in North America on installation, tonal accuracy, imaging, and overall musical realism, the most commonly featured brands included Helix, Arc Audio, and Zapco.

  A surprising aspect of competition is the rise of non-traditional head units, with over 61 percent of competitors choosing brands outside of the big five (JVC Kenwood, Sony, Alpine, or Pioneer). Also over 21 percent of competitors are using OEM radios.

  Here is our exclusive analysis of the equipment used, according to IASCA Finals data.

  (All media was played in digital format; competitors and organizations no longer use CDs.)

  

  Speaker brands are well represented, with Morel, Focal, and Arc Audio appearing in over 25% of competitor vehicles.

  

  Arc Audio, Zapco, and JL Audio take the top three spots in the amplifier category, with over 50% of competitors using these brands. After the top three, there is a healthy mix of amplifier brands.

  

  Helix and Arc Audio are the clear winners in the signal processor category, capturing over 60% of competitor vehicles in an essentially 50/50 split. Goldhorn, a relative newcomer in North America, tying with Mosconi, and Zapco fourth spot in the processor category!

  

  There was a clear winner in the wiring category: Stinger, with 35.9% of vehicles. The remaining category consisted of companies with less than 3.8% of competitors each.

  

  These graphs show a healthy mix, with no single manufacturer dominating every category. Arc Audio deserves an honorable mention for first-place finishes in both amplifiers and signal processors, but Zapco and Helix are easily within striking distance to catch Arc Audio for the 2026 season.

  *thank you, Travis Chan of IASCA for provided the data