1 SOUND in the Mix at Lola's Hi/Lo Restaurant

	"Andrew was so very passionate about 1 SOUND and, after doing a deep dive, we decided that it was so perfect for all of our passive speakers and subwoofers," Gerding says.

Hospitality vets Tori Gerding, Evan Dannells, and Matt Gerding have opened Wisconsin's first Hi-Fi lounge, Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge, located in Madison. The music-themed concept, featuring a high-fidelity sound system, is part of a new trend of restaurants that offer an elevated listening experience along with fine dining.

"We really wanted this space to sound better than any other Hi-Fi bar in the country, so we brought a lot of experts to help us build a custom design," Gerding says. "The first thing we did was build in acoustic treatment to deaden the space." Thus, the 3,200-sq.-ft. cocktail lounge and restaurant features 2" of K-13 Sound AbsorpSpray on the ceilings as well as soft surfaces like theatrical curtains covering all windows, upholstered booth seating, and carpeting.

The space also features speakers and amps sourced throughout the country, from, among others, Denver-based Aural HiFi; the purveyors of timeless stereo equipment focused on horn-loaded speakers and tube amps. "Given Matt's vision for the space, we really wanted the showcase system installed into the back bar to be something truly unique, visually captivating, sonically astounding," says Jeremy Irwin, Aural HiFI founder and owner. "For speakers, we chose Crites, who have been the premier upgrade source for heritage Klipsch speakers for more years than I can count. The Crites CS-B loudspeaker is similar to the Cornwall, which you'll find in many Hi-Fi bars across the country, but is even more cohesive, smooth, and never fatiguing -- and packs enough punch to fill the space. For amplification, we chose the Fezz Titania Evo, an amazingly musical Polish tube amp that has jaw-dropping looks and is just incredibly reliable, perfect for the rigors of a lounge. The Music Hall Classic turntable completes the system. It's got modern/vintage styling and an affordable price tag, so it's not too painful to replace if a drink gets spilled on it, doesn't require a surgeon's dexterity to operate, and has auto-lift and shut off when the record ends if the bartender gets distracted. We think it's the perfect system for a Madison-style Hi-Fi spot."

To fill out the rest of the room, Gerding worked with his local consultant, Andrew Szlapka, who introduced him to 1 SOUND and audio designer Lou Mannarino. "Andrew was so very passionate about 1 SOUND and, after doing a deep dive, we decided that it was so perfect for all of our passive speakers and subwoofers," Gerding says. "We were looking for something unique that could offer premium and modern speaker technology."

Szlapka integrated 1 SOUND's Cannon Coaxial loudspeakers (C5i and C6i models) for the distributed audio design. The company says the Cannon Series features high-fidelity quality audio with extended low-end and higher SPL, incomparable for a speaker of its size in pro-audio applications. Four WSUB45s were distributed for bass and mounted to the lounge's ceiling utilizing its C-Clamp Kit accessory.

"I am excited to see 1 SOUND incorporated with other fantastic loudspeakers in a hi-fi experience," Mannarino. "It is not usually the case for a commercial loudspeaker to be included in the high-fidelity space, but when it comes to our Cannon Series all it takes is a listen to understand their studio-monitor quality sound and premium build quality with the finest materials."