Help me choose speakers for a “HiFi bar” experience!

[HiFiLounge20]

Hi everyone! I am working on a project that will essentially function as a small gathering space. I’d like to set it up in a manner reminiscent of a Hi-Fi bar, and I’m uncertain about how to approach setting it up. The building has 2 floors - the main areas are a 24’ x 12’ room on the first floor and two (2) 24’ x 12’ rooms on the second floor.

I envision the 2 rooms on the 2nd floor as being the main “music rooms” with an nice stereo setup. One room will have more of a jazz or classical vibe and the other room will have more of a modern vibe (funk, electronic, etc.). The purpose is for guests to choose a room in which to hang out, socialize, and get a different experience in each. Under normal conditions, the music will be played at “normal listening volume” so as to facilitate conversation, but I would like the option to be able to “crank it” in those situations where people might want to move a little bit. I want the setup to be noteworthy; sounding great, but also a conversation piece.

I’d like the system to allow for announcements to be made or played simultaneously in each room. I’d also like the capability for the different rooms to play the same music simultaneously, or play different music as needed, but centrally controlled.

The thought crossed my mind that a multi-room wireless setup could be very convenient - 2 stereo sets, 1 for each room upstairs, and a speaker in the room on the first floor - can be controlled remotely, and can make announcements simultaneously in each room. But I haven’t seen speakers that fit this idea and offer great big audiophile quality sound at the same time (except maybe the Devialet Phantom Reactors).

I’ve considered more traditional audiophile floorstanding speakers, but - as someone with a live music background - I’m not sure why I would choose home audio floorstanding speakers over something like a QSC KW153, or maybe even studio monitors, especially if I lose the wireless-ness... I’m probably missing something though, so your thoughts would be valuable.

Or is there some other type of setup I should consider entirely? As far as cost, I was at one point considering buying 5 or 6 Devialet Reactors, so I think that would be the top end of what I’d be looking to spend. And lastly, while I think the system would be mostly streaming, there may be times where we will feature some vinyl, but I could also imagine a separate setup for that.

I recognize my lack of knowledge here, so if you’re willing to respond, I really appreciate it! Thank you in advance!

 

[joeinid]

Very ambitious project but should be fantastic once finished. Good luck. Hopefully you’ll get some help.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I would highly recommend a look/listen to the JBL HDI series. I heard the 380's and the HDI can handle any type of music. In fact, they sounded more like the live symphony than a more audiophile speaker we were comparing them to, the other speaker was twice the price as well.

You might also take a look at Legacy. These are brands that are more Pro heritage but made for home. Legacy would have the advantage of electronic room EQ if you get a set that can utilize the Wavelet. The Wavelet is also a DAC.

For streaming and controlling what each room plays or combined, using a Bluesound Node 2 on each system and controlling it with the Bluesound App would work. There may be more expensive or elaborate ways but automation is not my area for vast knowledge. The Node has digital outputs to utilize better DAC's if desired.

Do you already have electronics picked out? If not, I'd use an integrated amp with built in DAC for simplicity. Maybe something like Hegel or Sim Audio for the lively room and maybe McIntosh for the Jazz, it will have a softer sound but the look would set the room off. Coda Technologies has an integrated that would sound great but no DAC.

A few thoughts but your options are limitless.

 

[NekoAudio]

A routing/matrix processor and wired in-wall/on-wall speakers would be typical. In-wall/on-wall keeps the speakers out of the way of people and safe from accidental damage, and the matrix processor lets you route multiple music sources to multiple locations more easily. There are "expensive" in-wall/on-wall speakers that will sound better than typical home "architectural" speakers. And there are a wide range of processor options at price points starting in the low thousands and going up from there.

Devialet has become pretty popular from a stylish and ease-of-install perspective in setups like you've described, because you only need to run power to the location and can put them on the wall out of the way. Then you can use Wi-Fi, or Dante. Plus they look cool. But I also think they're likely to be the most cost-effective option—no additional in-wall wiring or equipment and relatively inexpensive for everything that is included. You can talk to Devialet or a Devialet CI dealer/installer for advice on how to do a more sophisticated multiple Phantom setup, if you want something slightly more than just 3 stereo destinations that you interact with independently.

 

[steve59]

I was going to suggest something from JBL and I started remembering my bar hopping days. Laugh all you want, but the bose 901 hanging from ceilings were all over the place and pleasant to listen to.