Calculating Your Build

OFFICIAL EMMA VALUE DATABASE

Calculating the value of your audio system for the EMMA entry class comes down to one fundamental principle: standardisation and fairness across all competitors.

Whether you bought your gear second-hand, scored a mate’s rate, or bought at full retail price, what you personally paid on your receipt does not determine your system’s calculated value.

The Golden Rule: The Official EMMA Value Database

To ensure a level playing field globally, system values for price-capped categories (like the Entry €3,000 cap) are calculated exclusively using the EMMA Value Database.

Every active component in your car is matched to its standardised Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) listed in the official system.

Discounts, special promotions, used-gear prices, or trade agreements are not taken into account.

What Components Count Towards the Value Cap?

When building your equipment budget sheet, you must include all active audio equipment that produces, processes, or amplifies sound, as well as secondary power supplies:

• Source Units / Head Units (and external DACs or media players)
• Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) and active crossovers/line drivers
• Amplifiers
• Speakers & Subwoofers (tweeters, midranges, midbass drivers, subwoofers)
• Additional / Auxiliary Batteries (calculated by capacity and technology type)

What’s EXCLUDED from the cap?

Standard installation accessories, wiring/cables, main vehicle starter battery, sound damping materials, fuse holders, passive crossovers, and custom fabrication/labor costs do not count toward your equipment budget limit.

How to Calculate Your System Value Step-by-Step

Access the Database: Go to the official EMMA Value Database

Select Your Gear: Search for the exact make and model of every active component and additional battery in your system.

Build Your Sheet: Add each item to create your official Equipment Budget Form. The database will automatically total the standardised system value.

Print & Keep in Your Car: Print out the completed budget sheet. You must present this form during registration and pre-judging checks at the event.

What If Gear Isn't in the Database?

If you are running a brand-new component or a rare piece of gear that hasn't been listed in the database yet, please contact us at info@emmaaustralia.com prior to the event.

Provide proof of manufacturer MSRP (such as a link to the manufacturer's official product page or official distributor price sheet) so officials can verify and add it to the database.

What If Your Build Exceeds the Cap

If your calculated system total comes out above the €3,000 limit (or equivalent regional cap), you don't have to miss out on the fun ... you can enter the Entry Unlimited category!

This category is tailored for newcomers running high-end, premium gear who still want to compete with basic installation requirements and direct judge feedback without custom fabrication demands that are more typical in the Master category.