Housed in a former cinema, Brasserie Astoria, an upscale dining establishment in Stockholm, Sweden that’s part of the Frantzén Group, recently underwent a sonic makeover that includes the deployment of Genelec 4000 Series loudspeakers to meet the venue’s stringent sonic and aesthetic requirements.
Systems integrator High Definition and sub-contractor Sound Support worked with the Genelec team to equip the 1,200-square-meter establishment with the system. “The goal was to cultivate a premium feel throughout the entire restaurant, since this is probably one of the most high-end establishments you can visit in Sweden,” says Erik Skanderbeck, AV sales manager for Genelec in Sweden. The coverage is incredible – even the toilets have Genelec loudspeakers. The team at Astoria spend a lot of time curating playlists for the restaurant, hence the impetus to invest in a world-class playback system. The Frantzén group have had a positive experience with Genelec loudspeakers before, having installed them in their hallmark restaurant, Frantzén, which holds three Michelin stars, and is also located in Stockholm.”
Two Genelec 4030s, diametrically positioned in the eaves of the foyer, and from there 4030s are positioned in every corner and hidden amongst piping in the ceiling. The 4030 is one of the larger models in the 4000 series and is designed for medium-sized commercial installations. The choice of 120 RAL color finishes allowed Astoria to find the right copper brown to match the aesthetic of the interior. For additional low frequency extension and control, three 7040 subwoofers are also deployed in the dining area.
High Definition’s Micke Fröbom adds, “The attention to detail is simply next level. Just look at the room leading to the wine bar, covered in lacquered gold leaf. To uphold this aesthetic, we had to implement custom Genelec loudspeakers with a gold leaf finish.”
The lower floor is accessible via an ornate spiral staircase, which descends into an underground space filled with more greenery, where customers can enjoy a selection of wine and champagne at the bar. There is a higher concentration of loudspeakers in this area because it tends to have a more energetic ambience, so coverage is provided by 10 of the larger 4040 models complemented with a pair of 7050 subwoofers.
Conjoined to this is a more intimate section, called Lilla a, where private functions can be hosted. High Definition has equipped a DJ booth on the lower floor with two Genelec 8030 studio loudspeakers that combine a smaller footprint with higher SPL and added low-frequency extension.
“The materials used in the construction of the walls; a mixture of metal brick and steel composite, meant that it was difficult to physically fasten the loudspeakers to the wall,” Fröbom says. “Additionally, the fact that the restaurant is situated directly under eighteen high-class period apartments posed the issue of potential sound leakage. Genelec provides a large array of accessories to choose from to assist loudspeaker placement and dispersion, allowing us to keep the sound contained whilst meeting the client’s requirements.”
