Episode 48 - Larry Penn (Canada)
About this episode
Larry Penn joins the podcast to share his extensive experience in the car audio industry, discussing the evolution of audio systems and the impact of tariffs on manufacturers and retailers. The conversation dives into the importance of creating immersive audio experiences in vehicles, the challenges of integrating modern technology, and the future of car audio as vehicles shift towards higher voltage systems. Larry emphasizes the need for retailers to adapt and innovate, while also reflecting on memorable moments in his career and the significance of building strong relationships within the industry.
We sit down with Larry Penn of Mobile Solutions Canada (MSC) to talk shop and big picture. Larry shares his journey in car audio, his perspective on where the industry stands today, where it’s headed, and how tariffs and global pressures are shaping the business. A thoughtful, insight-driven conversation with one of car audio’s most respected voices.
Lamborghini
"Not driving Lamborghini's around every day, but it's a good feeling."
Lamborghini makes very fast, fancy cars that are often seen in movies and on the racetrack. They’re famous for their sharp designs and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance, exotic vehicles such as the Aventador and Huracán.
Mazda MX-6
"But it was how it made us feel that I still remember a Mazda MX-6 that we did two of the root 66s"
The Mazda MX‑6 is a sporty car made by Mazda that people like to put good sound systems in because it has a nice, clear interior.
The Mazda MX-6 is a mid‑sized sports coupe produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda from 1989 to 1997. It featured a lightweight chassis and front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive layout, making it popular among car audio enthusiasts for its clean soundstage.
Clarion AC DS1 DSP
"with the original Clarion AC DS1 DSP. That was my first opportunity to work with DSP."
This is a special piece of electronics that helps make the music sound better in a car by adjusting how it plays.
The Clarion AC DS1 DSP is an integrated digital signal processor (DSP) used in car audio systems to shape and optimize sound. It allows users to adjust equalization, delay, and other parameters to tailor the audio to a specific vehicle’s acoustics.
BMW
"and then the first time you take a rip and a twin turbo BMW or twin turbo Mercedes"
BMW is a German car company that makes sporty, high-quality cars and motorcycles.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known as BMW, is a German luxury automaker famed for performance-oriented vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz
"and then the first time you take a rip and a twin turbo BMW or twin turbo Mercedes"
Mercedes-Benz is a German car brand that makes luxury cars and trucks, famous for quality and safety.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automaker known for its premium vehicles and advanced engineering.
Firebird Transam
"There's a firebird transam, the turbo one that they use, the official pace car looked at the price and it was bid at 65K already."
The Firebird Trans Am is a classic American muscle car that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It’s known for its big engine and sporty look.
The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a muscle car produced by General Motors from 1970 to 1993, known for its aggressive styling and powerful V8 engines. The "Trans Am" badge was used on several generations, often featuring a distinctive front grille and rear spoiler.
Porsche Cayenne
"I have a guy who's flying up from Florida in a week and a half just to come listen to my cayenne before he makes the investment to do his escape."
The Cayenne is a big, fancy SUV made by Porsche. It’s more powerful and expensive than regular cars.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV produced by German automaker Porsche, known for its performance and high-end features.
car audio system
"Because again, their references are kind of just the rando aftermarket car audio system without like true staging and, you know, all the things we look for."
A car audio system is the set of speakers and electronics that play music in a car.
A car audio system includes the speakers, amplifier, head unit, and related electronics that provide music and sound in a vehicle.
aftermarket
"Because again, their references are kind of just the rando aftermarket car audio system without like true staging and, you know, all the things we look for."
Aftermarket means buying parts or accessories from companies other than the car’s original maker.
Aftermarket refers to parts, accessories, or services that are not supplied by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) but are made by third parties.
Ford 1972 Roadrunner
"So I get my license because I had the 72 road runner with the Pioneer GM 120 and the LTCH voice of the highway speakers on the rear deck ready to go with my journey tape ready to hit the road."
The Ford 1972 Roadrunner is a famous American muscle car from the early 70s. It had a big V8 engine and a bold look that many people love.
The Ford 1972 Roadrunner is a classic muscle car produced by Ford in the early 1970s. It featured a powerful V8 engine and a distinctive, aggressive styling that made it popular among enthusiasts.
cassette player
"We can pull out that cassette player and put in a CD player. We can pull out that CD player and put in a DVD player."
It’s the old tape player you used to listen to music in your car before CDs and digital music.
A cassette player is an audio device that plays magnetic tape cassettes, a common format in older cars.
CD player
"We can pull out that cassette player and put in a CD player. We can pull out that CD player and put in a DVD player."
It’s the CD player you used in cars before digital music became common.
A CD player is an in‑car device that reads compact discs to play music.
DVD player
"We can pull out that cassette player and put in a CD player. We can pull out that CD player and put in a DVD player."
It’s the device that lets you watch DVDs or play music videos in your car.
A DVD player is a car audio/entertainment unit that can play DVDs, often used for video or music playback.
dual cone speakers
"We can pull out those dual cone speakers and put in some coaxial speakers. We can add a CD changer."
They’re speakers with two parts that help make music sound better in a car.
Dual cone speakers have two separate cones (one for high frequencies, one for low) to improve sound clarity and bass response.
coaxial speakers
"We can pull out those dual cone speakers and put in some coaxial speakers. We can add a CD changer."
They’re speakers that fit into one spot and play all the music, but they might not sound as sharp.
Coaxial speakers combine the tweeter and woofer into a single unit, simplifying installation but often producing less detailed sound than dual cone setups.
CarPlay
"We can add an iPod control, like all of this progression, you know, we're to the point where we can add the features of car play."
It lets you use your iPhone’s apps, like maps and music, on the car’s screen.
Apple CarPlay is a system that mirrors an iPhone’s interface onto the car’s infotainment screen, enabling navigation, music, and messaging.
CD changer
"We can add a CD changer. We can add an iPod control, like all of this progression..."
It’s a small box that lets you load several CDs and switch between them without unplugging the player.
A CD changer is a device that automatically swaps CDs in and out of the player, allowing multiple discs to be queued.
iPod control
"We can add a CD changer. We can add an iPod control, like all of this progression..."
It’s the button or screen that lets you play music from your iPod in the car.
iPod control refers to the interface that lets a car’s audio system manage and play music from an Apple iPod device.
backup cameras
"You know, we're about the end of adding backup cameras, right? Like all of those things that drove people into a stereo shop..."
They’re cameras that show you what’s behind the car when you back up, helping avoid bumps.
Backup cameras are rear‑view video systems that display the area behind a vehicle to aid parking and reversing.
10 inch woofer in the door
"…with the 10 inch woofer in the door."
A 10‑inch woofer is a speaker that makes deep sounds. Infinity put one of these speakers inside the car door to make the music sound better.
A 10‑inch woofer is a type of speaker that produces low‑frequency sound. Placing one in the car door was an unusual feature meant to enhance the vehicle’s audio experience.
Infinity
"…when infinity released the G series cars with the 10 inch woofer in the door."
Infinity was a car brand made by Nissan that sold fancy cars in the 1990s and early 2000s. It stopped making cars a few years ago.
Infinity is a luxury vehicle brand that was originally launched by Nissan in the early 1990s. It produced upscale sedans and SUVs before being discontinued in 2009.
G series cars
"…when infinity released the G series cars with the 10 inch woofer in the door."
The G Series were fancy cars made by Infinity in the 1990s. They had a special look and extra features that made them feel upscale.
The Infinity G‑Series were a line of luxury sedans produced from 1994 to 2002, known for their distinctive styling and high‑end features.
Chrysler Imperial
"So the real first car that I listened to was my dad's I can't remember what year it was probably 72 imperial. Chrysler imperial big boat, absolutely the yellowest yellow you can get with leather interior and he bought the original Fosgate PR 2100 amplifier."
The Chrysler Imperial is a big, fancy car from the 1970s that people liked for its comfort and style.
The Chrysler Imperial was a large luxury car produced by Chrysler from 1961 to 1978. It featured spacious interiors, powerful engines, and was known for its distinctive styling.
Chevy Bel Air
"It was built, it was built like a 52 Chevy Bel Air, right?"
The Chevy Bel Air is a classic American car from the 1950s, famous for its stylish look and big size. It was a popular family car back then.
The Chevrolet Bel Air was a full‑size car produced by General Motors from 1950 to 1975, known for its classic styling and popularity in the 1950s.
Audison
"And we're distributing Audison in Canada."
Audison makes fancy sound systems for cars, like better speakers and amplifiers that make music sound clearer.
Audison is a high‑end audio electronics company that designs and manufactures premium car speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers.
R4W, R8W, R9W
"As they're basically their sales channel for all specialty products, the R4W, R8W, R9W for North America."
These are names of advanced radar and laser systems that help protect against threats. Each number (4, 8, 9) indicates a different version or level of capability.
R4W, R8W, and R9W are specialized radar and laser defense system models used by military and security forces. They represent different configurations or capabilities tailored for various operational needs in North America.
GT3 RS
"But as much as yes, I would love to drive a GT3 RS every day"
The GT3 RS is a very fast and powerful version of the Porsche 911. It has a big engine, light parts, and is made to drive very well on race tracks, but it can also be driven on regular roads.
The GT3 RS is a high-performance variant of Porsche’s 911 sports car, featuring a naturally aspirated flat‑six engine, lightweight construction, and track-focused handling. It’s built for racing but is also road‑legal.
cam seal
"Because you spend six hours replacing a leaky cam seal. And the person didn’t want to be there in the first place."
A cam seal keeps oil from leaking out of the engine where the camshaft turns. If it leaks, you can see oil on the ground or in the engine compartment.
A cam seal is a rubber or silicone gasket that prevents oil from leaking around the camshaft in an engine. It sits between the camshaft and the cylinder head or timing cover.
headrest speakers
"[5496.0s] Headrest speakers."
These are tiny speakers built into the seat headrests so you can hear music or navigation right where your ears are, without a big speaker in the dash.
Headrest speakers are small audio units mounted inside the headrests of a vehicle’s seats, providing in‑seat sound that is close to the driver and passengers.
tweeter
"[5508.0s] Two inch and tweeter."
It’s the tiny speaker that handles the bright, high‑pitched parts of music so you hear clarity in those notes.
A tweeter is a small speaker designed to reproduce high‑frequency sounds, such as cymbals or vocal highs.
48 volts
"And that's why things are going to start shifting more towards 48 volts or higher voltage, maybe in the future."
Cars usually use a 12‑volt battery, but newer models are moving to 48 volts. This higher voltage lets the car run more powerful electric parts while using less metal wire, which can lower cost and weight.
In automotive electrical systems, 48‑volt architecture refers to a higher voltage power network that allows more efficient power delivery for electric motors, infotainment, and safety systems. It reduces the amount of copper needed compared to traditional 12‑volt setups.
shunt
"Those modules that go in the corner are pretty, pretty amazing pieces as they can monitor current and, you know, shunt and turn off current."
Think of a shunt as a tiny, special resistor that lets the car’s computer check how much electricity is flowing. If too much flows, it can shut things off to keep everything safe.
A shunt is a low‑resistance electrical component used to measure current by creating a small voltage drop that can be sensed. In automotive modules, shunts monitor and control current flow to protect systems from overcurrent.
Prius
"I prefer the Prius still, but I did get in the Prius to drive home and I was like,"
The Prius is a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, which helps it use less gas and produce fewer pollutants. It’s popular for being very fuel‑efficient.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle known for its fuel efficiency and low emissions. It combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to reduce fuel consumption.
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