Editorial November 2025

November 2025

The most recent MAX live event was an eye opener as we had some new friends attend with SPL cars. Sound Pressure Level competition is about, as you might guess, the loudest car measured with an SPL meter. I have heard of, but never heard, SPL cars.

It was jaw dropping. Insane. Entirely unpleasant but impressive. Why do it?

Because you can is the answer.

But it got me to thinking. Music, the universal language, is the ultimate therapy tool. I use it to unwind, to process, to mood adjust, to enjoy, to reconnect. It is the simplest, easiest way to get into or out of my own head at any time and when it is done well it is just so much the better.

I asked one of our entrants what he’s spent on his car sound. Let us just say it was a lot. I asked why? The response was simple. When a track comes along that’s played as well as his car can play it, and that track means something to him at that moment in time it becomes about that moment. It’s an experience that money can’t buy.

I get that. Entirely. You have the potential rabbit hole that is hi-fi down which we all wander. There is always something better further down and the hole is never ending. The challenge with hi-fi is to understand the moment, and yourself in it. Take it where it is, what it means to you at that moment. It can never be recreated – time is relentless in that manner. But how you feel, what that music did to you then on that is all that matters.

It can be a memory trigger. New music that clicks with you. A new artist that resonates. Something interesting that you’ve heard that you haven’t before that causes you pause for thought.

You can’t get that just anywhere. Music is unique.

And you won’t get it when it’s background music whilst you’re working or doing something else. Relax. Focus. Take the time.

Come and join us at Cinema Architects, 15 November, Kramerville Sandton. Numbers are limited to 40 so get your RSVP to us ASAP.

William Kelly

Publisher