Pioneer Gulf FZE sponsored the 12th International Automobile Show at the Expo Centre Sharjah

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the 12th International Automobile Show was hosted at the Expo Centre Sharjah from November 26 to 29, 2014. Pioneer Gulf FZE (subsidiary of Pioneer Corporation Japan) was the title sponsor of the event.

This year amidst the many motoring competitions was the car audio competition hosted by EMMA Arabia. EMMA – founded in 2000 – has successfully evolved into a huge community of Mobile Media Enthusiasts, Top-Class Mobile Media Specialists as well as committed Entrepreneurs. Within the last few years EMMA has become a fast growing community which is now established in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Numerous cars at the event were sporting Pioneer dashboard units including the gorgeous Pioneer P6850 touch screen unit and the stellar AVH X5650BT, which are popular picks in the UAE market. However, the real star of the show was a classic silver Mercedes CL 500 in mint condition, with audio fidelity written all over it.

The modified CL featured a Pioneer Carrozzeria ODR RS-D7X3 head unit, connected to an ODR PR 90S Processor with two Carrozzeria Analogue ODR Amps. The setup was paired with the Pioneer XDV-P650 CD Changer.

The Carrozzeria ODR (Optical Digital Reference) range is the pinnacle of Pioneer’s audio engineering and only sonic purists need apply. You might be wondering why the Carrozzeria branding is present on the deck; Carrozzeria is the Japanese flagship bearer for Pioneer. The ODR system generally consists of a head unit and its own outboard power supply, which ensures an uninterrupted signal. The amps are built on individual power supplies as well and run dual rail (left and right).

The sound system consistently wowed every audiophile visiting the Pioneer stand. Pop a live CD into the ODR rig and you’d imagine the musician was performing in the passenger seat right next to you.

An acoustic guitar set illustrated just how dynamic the audio array of the system was; every nuance, every note, every slide along the fret-board was picked up and projected with crystal clarity.

The sound-staging of the ODR displayed not only its pristine sonic projection but also its diversity. Tweak the equaliser settings and the unit can play EDM and Trance just as amiably as it would a full fledged orchestra concerto.  For the uninitiated, ‘Soundstage’ refers to the depth and richness of audio during playback.

The ODR system is already making waves in the European Car Audio Awards circuit and its emergence in the UAE competitions is a herald of great things to come.