Tones Tailor Ltd chooses K-Array for the Peninsula Hotel
Published: ASIA
CHINA: Tones Tailor Ltd recently completed a K-Array installation in the lobby of the ‘world-renowned’ Peninsula Hotel. In response to a brief requesting minimal visibility to preserve the lobby’s ornate interior, the installation company chose a number of Tornado KT22 speakers.
Distributed by Sennheiser, the Tornado KT22 speakers were chosen to ‘preserve the dignity of the lobby’s legendary interior decoration.’ The client specified that the system should provide medium to low volume background music during the day, whilst being able to facilitate music from jazz bands performing during lunchtimes and evenings.
Philip Sy of Tones Tailor Ltd led the installation, and chose 16 wall mounted Tornado KT22 speakers supported by four KU36 subwoofers. Additional subwoofers selected include one KL12 and a KL12ma, chosen to support performances by any jazz bands. Mr Sy reports that the Tornados were installed more than 6m high on the columns in the lobby in an effort to adhere to the minimal visibility specifications.
The white KU36 subs were chosen as they blend with the venue’s paintwork, and reside on top of mirrored mantelpieces well above sight lines. A KA10-10 amplifier drives the system from four channels, with the exception of the passive KL12 subs, which are powered by the active companion KL12ma sub.
The hotel’s sound engineer was said to be ‘astonished’ by the power of the system, with Tones Tailor describing the Tornados as the ‘perfect’ choice for providing light background music for the day, and a ‘prodigious, full-frequency response’ for jazz band performances at night.
The client is reported to be ‘extremely satisfied’ with the K-Array compact system’s performance and its ability to blend with the décor. The hotel owners were so impressed that they requested that Tones Tailor complete a Tornado installation in the hotel restaurant as well.
The Peninsula Hotel opened in 1928, and has been voted the world’s best hotel on several occasions. The Lobby’s décor features soaring columns topped with elaborate gilded ceilings and sculpted figures of gods and angels, palm trees, and classically styled furniture.