BAR DANRO in Tokyo’s Ebisu district was designed as a hidden speakeasy with the finish of an upscale hotel lounge. With a stone fireplace and sofa seating forming the centre of the room, the audio system had to support the atmosphere without intruding on the carefully finished luxury vintage interior, leading interior design firm cafe.co to specify compact K-array models.
cafe.co had first encountered K-array at a trade show and was drawn to the company’s slim form factors and sound quality. Tokyo integrator SURD Co., Ltd, which has more than 15 years of experience with K-array, was brought in after the interior design had already been completed. In the main bar area around the fireplace, SURD used Vyper KV25 II ultra-slim line array speakers with Rumble KU26 subwoofers to give music a clear presence at individual tables while gently masking conversation between tables. A Vyper KV25 II was also placed near the entrance at a height of 160cm. For the VIP areas, SURD selected Lyzard KZ1 I miniature line array speakers and Truffle KTR24 compact subwoofers, while GC5 and GC3 ceiling speakers cover restrooms, kitchen areas and corridors.
Five amplifiers distribute audio across the venue, with bar staff controlling the main area and VIP guests able to adjust volume or mute their own rooms. SURD used measurement-microphone calibration, comparable to methods used in concert halls, to manage coverage across reflective surfaces and changing occupancy. The installation’s practical value lies in combining discreet placement, independent zone control and calibrated coverage within an interior where visible audio hardware was not acceptable.