The AB boys were very welcoming to all those who attended and were keen to show anyone interested, their workshop and a couple of cars that benefited from their expertise - a customer's silver WRX hatch, and Craig's Commodore.
This has to be one of the cleanest workshops I have seen - under bench routers and a new high tech table saw were proudly shown off, along with the dust extraction system and other tools of the trade.
Having spent time working in a cabinet makers workshop myself, I can certainly appreciate that these would make their job easier and the results would speak for themselves. The work done on their customer's and Craig's car was to a high standard indeed.
I should also mention that the catering was a step above the normal 'pizzas and bevs' and got the seal of approval from everyone I spoke with on the night.
Mal and Daniela from Pioneer Qld and Australia respectively were in attendance and were keen to tell us of Pioneer's worldwide activities and achievements, and show us their new wares - highlight of the night were the new and much anticipated DEH-80PRS head unit and the PRSD-80 two channel full range Class D amplifier.
Also on show were Pioneer's new TC-C172PRS two way component speakers.
The DEX-P99RS is still king as far as tuneability and outright SQ goes, but for those who cannot justify the extra dosh for the P99RS, the 80PRS is still extremely well endowed from a tuning perspective and as explained by Daniela, is actually a better unit from a 'connectivity' point of view. I'm sure that because of this, Pioneer can expect to see many of these units sell to those who want the best of both the SQ and versatility worlds.
Having played with a 99 and after seeing the 80 in operation on the night, I can say that both are very intuitive and easy to use.
I wont go into detail about the two head units because it's been done by Pioneer already;
DEX-P99RS - http://www.pioneer.c...99RS/index.html
DEH-80PRS - http://www.pioneer.c...0PRS/index.html
As mentioned, Pioneer had their new amplifier on show. In a move to simplify things and take some of the confusion out of choosing gear for a system, Pionner have released only one SQ oriented amplifier this year. The PRSD-80 amplifier can be run in stereo or as a monoblok, and if more channels are required, simply purchase another.
These amps are small with two or even three amps working out about the same footprint size as many other brand's standard size offerings. And although they're physically small, the same can't be said for the power that they can develop. At the heart of an 80PRS and 172PRS system, it certainly did its part in producing a high quality and engaging sound.
Finish is a high quality brushed and anodised alloy.
Again, for more information, check out Pioneer's page for the amp here - http://www.pioneer.c...D800/index.html .
We got to hear Pioneer's top end TS-C172PRS speakers (http://www.pioneer.c...2PRS/index.html), along with one of their less expensive brothers.
Mal took us through the main concepts and differences between them and when listening to the two, it was clear indeed what you would be getting for a little more money changing hands.
It was a great night and a great opportunity to talk cars and audio with others.
Thanks again to the autObarn Team for opening their shop to us, and for Mal and Daniela from Pioneer for providing their insights and entertainment.
Pics from the night (forgive the quality as I'd forgotten my DSLR and had to resort to my iPhone).
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Edited by Winno, 07 May 2012 - 09:10 PM.
