World first Quest installation in Beirut
Published: MEA
LEBANON: Audiotec Group recently became the first installation company in the world to use Quest’s new HPI-8i speaker systems in a 100-capacity Beirut venue named Garcia's Pub.
Located on the ground floor of a refurbished early 20th century house, Garcia's Pub still has residents living above it, meaning spill was a key concern for Audiotec as the company approached the installation. The decision to use the Quest cabinets follows a long working relationship between the installer and the manufacturer.
‘It was an old house in Beirut with the typical Lebanese architecture – early 20th century, high ceiling, big rooms – and located on the ground floor,’ explained Audiotec senior partner Ralph Choueiri. ‘It was transformed into a pub after extensive acoustic treatment for the ceiling and the floor.
‘This particular client had some specific demands regarding the sound quality and with the considerable amount invested into the acoustic treatment, he needed the best sound system. We originally offered the HPI-8 but during negotiations we were informed that the new model had became available for shipping so we quickly amended our proposal.’
The completed system is based on a distributed design with 16 HPI-8i speakers spaced evenly throughout the venue to achieve even dispersion whilst minimising spill to the outside areas or residential floors. The cabinets are driven by four QA 2004 amplifiers connected with two speakers per channel.
‘We chose the 8-inch HPIs because of the pub dimensions and because we were aiming for even distribution,’ continued Mr Choueiri. ‘This is why we decided to install 16 speakers. The design was completed in coordination with Quest Engineering in Melbourne who provided great help when consulted.’ He added: ‘The owners were simply amazed’.