Pioneer Subwoofers Create History at 2003 dB Drag(TM) World Finals

Scott Owens' Ford F-250 SPL Truck Hits 173.3 Decibels With Pioneer Subwoofers

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28 -- Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the largest speaker manufacturer in the world, made sound pressure level (SPL) history at the 2003 dB Drag Finals held October 26 in Nashville with its Premier TS-W5000SPL subwoofer. Scott Owens, owner of Edge Audio in Phoenix, used nine Premier TS-W5000SPL 12-inch subwoofers in his 2002 Ford F-250 SPL truck to win in the Extreme 9+ category with 173.3 decibels, establish the SPL world record in the category with 172.2 decibels and defeat top SPL competitors in the "death match" competition with an average decibel level of 166.8.

"The dB Drag competition is the ultimate proving ground for the TS-W5000SPL. Pioneer has proven it can build subwoofers to outperform other well known brands in this arena," said Keith Burnett, vice president of product planning for mobile entertainment at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "Congratulations to Scott Owens for his outstanding achievement."

Scott Owens is an established SPL competitor. He's known for building eye-catching demonstration vehicles and record-making SPL vehicles. Now he is making history with Pioneer Premier SPL subwoofers.

"I knew I was going to be able to break the record with these speakers when I was pulling a consistent 171dB in practice just a month ago. The TS-W5000SPL handled all the torture I put it through," said Owens. "It's incredible that these subwoofers easily held through the gruesome five minute death match competition without any problems. It proves how well the Pioneer subs are built."

Owens began developing the truck in May 2002, breaking it down to the frame for the construction of the subwoofer enclosure to hold nine Pioneer Premier TS-W5000SPL subwoofers. In order to withstand the enormous pressure produced in the truck, steel bars were used to reinforce the frame of the enclosure. The windshield was also replaced and reconstructed with 2-1/2-inch thick plexi-glass. Each door of the truck weighs more than 200 pounds and utilizes 1" x 2" aluminum hinges to hold it in place. To prevent air leaks, crucial in competition, the air inside the truck is vacuum-sealed much like a bank vault. The truck holds 36 amplifiers, 72 16-volt Turbo Start batteries and three Ohio Generator 285-amp alternators and produces 115,200 watts of power.

Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier products.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com . Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment(TM) and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 34,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.