A resident of Stanger, Rafik Adam Hadar, attracted public attention by achieving an outstanding bass output level of 170.27 dB in his modified 1968 minivan. This result allowed him to set a new world record at the Back the General Show event held in Johannesburg.
Hadar managed to achieve such a striking bass response using only 4,523 W of power in his minivan, which he acquired two decades ago. He owns Adams Audio Concepts in Stanger and participated in the competition against leading car audio enthusiasts from across the country. The goal was to demonstrate the loudest, cleanest, and most stable bass response within the strict rules of the contest.
The judging was based on output levels, stability, and accuracy, and Hadar's impressive demonstration earned him a new world record. Commenting on the conditions, Hadar noted: 'I was simply amazed and nervous because the temperature in Johannesburg was very low, which negatively affects the dB readings.'
He explained his choice of minivan by stating that its length and high cabin frequency give him an advantage. Hadar admitted that the path to the world record was not easy, remarking: 'The biggest obstacle was the loss of my mother in January 2025. However, I still continued my build because it is my passion.'
Success was made possible through careful planning and the use of advanced equipment. 'The most important part was having special, very high-efficiency FB subwoofers made specifically for this car. I also used four new lithium batteries from XS Power for car audio,' he reported. Furthermore, the Bass Wars format required participants to exit their vehicles during testing if the sound level exceeded 150 dB.
Hadar's score surpassed the previous world record held by an American competitor by 6 dB after more than two years of preparation. Despite participating on the world stage, Hadar emphasized that he is focused on achieving his own goals rather than pursuing rivals. His interest in cars and sound began around age 10 under the influence of his father, Adam Hadar, who was a qualified radio and television technician and opened a repair shop in Stanger in the early 70s.
Hadar noted that the hobby requires significant financial investment, constant motivation, and long hours of physical labor. The achievement also holds deep personal meaning as he continues to uphold his family's legacy. He expressed gratitude to his brother Khaleq and Farouk for their support, as well as Vino Naidu from Ananzi Technologies for technical knowledge and equipment.
Rafik Adam Hadar had previously held a world record in another category and format, reaching 162.2 dB. Although he achieved an unprecedented level of 170.27 dB, Hadar believes there is room for growth and plans to make further modifications. He advises beginner car audio enthusiasts to be patient and gradually build their skills, starting with small projects.
