Help me build a sound solution for small tea house

[Hunchback]

Hello everybody!

I am pretty sure you regulars have seen a fair bit of similar threads, i actually read through one of them but it didn't really answer my questions... So, sorry to bother you with this, but i really do need some advise...

Here's the thing - I am currently in the process of founding my own business, which will be tea house offering consummation of high quality teas as well as selling the same teas in packages for home use. The whole thing will be very "Zen", calm and quiet, earthly tones etc, with 1 "standard" room with tables and chairs, and another room with low coffee tables and a lot of pillows and bean-bags and sofas, allowing people to be as relaxed as possible. The maximum surface will be about 80 m2 total, meaning that the actual customer surface will be some 70 m2 (when you count the place for the toilets, reserve etc).

I want to play all kinds of ambient, trance, nature sounds or similar music, with the loudest kind being things like Pink Floyd or other more modern Post Rock pieces. Think music that relies more on highs and mids than bass, things like Dead Can Dance, Mogwai, Pink Floyd, all things ambient...

The general noise level should be relatively low, since the surface is not large enough to accommodate that many people, and the general ambiance will be "keep calm and drink tea", if you know what i mean.

What i had in mind is to get a decent amp and 4 speakers, 2 for each room so i can play stereo correctly. I don't know if it's better to use a 5.1 system conf, with the subwoofer stuck somewhere in the middle of the shop, or use 3 channel speakers that carry their own bass.

Now, i know that the GENERAL consensus is "Use pro equipment". I suppose that's the safest bet, but it's also quite expensive, and sadly my budget is limited. Let's say i'd be happy if i can stay under 1k euro for the whole setup.
So i guess the main question is - what should i use? With the subquestion - is pro equipment REALLY necessary or a good quality "home" equipment can do the trick? If so, once again - what should i use?

 

[Nestor]

If you're playing background music, I wouldn't bother with the sub.

Even sound levels throughout the establishment is paramount. There is nothing more annoying than having to sit near a speaker that has to be cranked so it can be heard at desired levels at the other end.

How are you mounting the speakers? Do you have a dropped ceiling, or will they be wall mounted? Either way, you want them up high so patrons aren't sitting next to a speaker for the previous reason mentioned.

You don't need to spend a lot on background speakers, but you may need more speakers than you think.

Lastly, you will need to distribute the audio. Either use a multichannel amp, or an impedance matching speaker selector with volume controls.

Companies such as Niles has what you need.


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[Hunchback]

Thanks for the reply, but i need some more insight. I need numbers - models, prices, counts, watts, volts...

 

[Nestor]

To answer your main question, do you need pro equipment? In your situation, I would say probably not.

As for details, my suggestion is to talk to a hi fi store that specializes in whole house audio. You can bring layout drawings and hash out your requirements much easier.


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[TLS Guy]

To answer your main question, do you need pro equipment? In your situation, I would say probably not.

As for details, my suggestion is to talk to a hi fi store that specializes in whole house audio. You can bring layout drawings and hash out your requirements much easier.


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I disagree. It will likely be cheaper and better to use pro equipment. He needs a low power PA amp, mono. 50 to 75 watts. He should use a 70 volt system so the sound can easily be distributed through a 70 volt speaker system and the power to each speaker set to get the power he needs at the right location.

He is somewhere in the Eurozone, and therefore I assume not the UK.

Not my cup of tea this outfit! I like baked scones, strawberry jam, and double Devon clotted cream when I visit a tea room.

Funnily enough, we are putting on a tea here at Eagan, in an hour to introduce some new members to my wife's cardiac team.

We have the scones made, strawberry jam, cream, baked jam tarts, lemon curd tarts, cucumber sandwiches and cakes.

No loungers and the sound system will be off. I agree with G.K. Chesterton, that music and eating incline to indigestion!

 

[Hunchback]

I am based in France.


So, can't anyone suggest anything particular?

 

[TLS Guy]

I am based in France.


So, can't anyone suggest anything particular?

You need a small mono 70 volt PA amp and speakers with 70 volt tapped transformers.

If you don't know how to do this then consult a contractor, who does these types of installations for businesses.

It is hard for us to Google equipment available in France. I'm busy now and will try later, since I'm from the UK a long time ago, I know some French. But is is tough for us here. Our voltage is different here, so if we recommended a US product, chances are it would not be available for use in France.

 

[markw]

No specifics, but TLS guy has you on the right path.

Forget the sub. Forget stereo.

Go for well spaced multiple mono speakers of a moderate quality than can each play at a low/reasonable level and be heard throughout evenly. The best way to acomplish that is with a mono amp with 70 volt output that can drive speakers each with 70 volt transformers.

Again, for specifics, you should hope for someone local to you that is able to respond.

 

[lsiberian]

Focus on your main product. If the tea sucks it wont matter what music you play and if the tea is phenomenal it won't matter what music you play. I would probably have a couple ipod docks and keep it simple. Leave yourself flexibility. Have you thought about having live music? There are considerations for that too.

 

[ReUpRo]

Focus on your main product. If the tea sucks it wont matter what music you play and if the tea is phenomenal it won't matter what music you play. I would probably have a couple ipod docks and keep it simple. Leave yourself flexibility. Have you thought about having live music? There are considerations for that too.

I like this idea. Keep your initial startup costs down for now and just go with an inexpensive iPod dock. When your cash flow has stabilized, look into upgrading the sound.