In the heart of Metro Manila, Philippines, sits PVT Member’s Lounge, an ultra-high-end members-only dining destination. The exclusive lounge invites patrons to socialise in comfort and privacy, transporting them across the globe with different cuisines provided by talented chefs from all over the world. This 40th-floor penthouse is renowned for its 360-degree views of the city, stunning interior design and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
The lounge’s owners always envisioned creating an exclusive meeting place to delight and surprise guests, incorporating taste, smell, sight, touch and of course sound for a truly immersive experience. To meet the demands of such an exclusive venue, it was essential for them to find an exceptional quality audio system to match. Local distributor and installation company WESTCO Electrical & Equipment Corp turned to K-array for a full sound solution.
“One demo session with K-array products was all it took for the venue’s designers to agree with us that a full K-array audio ecosystem would be perfect for the project,” explains Vincent Jason V. Peñalosa, Vice President for Sales & Marketing at WESTCO. “Their crystal-clear sound quality, precise array directionality and discreet form factor would serve as the ideal accompaniment.”
Divided into distinct areas, each dining room in the members lounge features its own carefully curated soundscape, such as the Cloudscape (Western), Omakase (Japanese), Vine (Italian/Wine Cellar), Chinese Tea Room and VIP Lounge. With such a variation of room sizes and themes where décor cannot be compromised, the discreet K-array range can be effortlessly tailored to these unique acoustic environments without affecting aesthetics.
Cloudscape, the largest restaurant in the venue, is a modern and inviting space serving up a premium selection of dry-aged meat, along with high-end bar service. “10 Lyzard-KZ14R ultra-mini line array loudspeakers were chosen to ensure clear audio performance with minimum residual noise, along with six compact Rumble-KU26 subwoofers, creating a small yet extremely powerful bass system”, comments Peñalosa. “Supported by a Kommander-KA28 amplifier, the system provides effortless balance and pristine sound, allowing guests to enjoy the music clearly. The similarly sized Vine and Omakase rooms were also supplied with four Lyzard KZ14Rs and two Rumble KU26s. Their sleek, compact size blends effortlessly with both themes, whilst still providing even coverage. “The venue wanted to enhance the Vine’s vibrant Italian atmosphere with background music, so we also added two ceiling-mounted Lyzard-KZ1 ultra-mini point source loudspeakers. With a peak SPL of 86dB, they offer impressive performance for such a tiny speaker” explains Peñalosa. An easily concealed Truffle-KTR24 subwoofer was also hidden within a shelf, with all products powered by a single Kommander-KA18 amplifier.
A high performance yet unobtrusive audio system was also required in the VIP Lounge. “The sophisticated furnishings here presented an interesting challenge. Due to its intricate and decorative ceiling design, the revolutionary Anakonda-KAN200+8 loudspeaker was the only logical solution.” Peñalosa recalls. “This lightweight, highly flexible loudspeaker can take any form whilst delivering up to 108dB. With the ability to extend up to four units — eight meters — it created the elegant, seamless line of continuous sound needed in such a refined space. We combined this with a high-performance Rumble-KU210 passive subwoofer, because its virtually invisible profile meant it could be neatly tucked behind a false cabinet.”
With an All-Day Dining area located right outside the VIP Lounge, a Kommander-KA28 amplifier was installed to power both audio systems, harnessing the true flexibility of a complete K-array audio ecosystem. The All-Day Dining space was also fitted with four Lyzard KZ1 loudspeakers and a single Rumble KU26 subwoofer. “This combination offers precise sound clarity in an often busy and noisy area” explains Peñalosa.
The venue’s main hallway, featuring intricate slotted wall to ceiling wood panels, required evenly distributed, low-level audio to guide guests along the corridor. “The hallway’s unique decoration presented the perfect opportunity to install four ultra-compact passive KGEAR GF22 point source loudspeakers into the ceiling slots. Their sleek 2x2” form factor integrated seamlessly into the design whilst delivering impressive bass performance and equal dispersion,” says Peñalosa. “A pair of matching KGEAR GS6 subwoofers were placed flush to the wall in wider slots near the floor, providing the necessary low-frequency extension. We also decided to deploy two KGEAR GF22s into the male and female lavatories, delivering continuous ambience during guests’ visits.”
The transformative audio integration at PVT Lounge is still ongoing. “There are plans in place to equip four Kayman-KY52s and two Rumble-KU315s, powered by a Kommander-KA104. Four new al fresco dining areas will also be opening soon, with plans to install KGEAR GH4s and KGEAR GU210s. We’re really looking forward to continuing the installation and seeing the entire project come together, all thanks to K-array’s fantastic range of audio solutions,” says Peñalosa.
PVT Lounge’s audio upgrade has transformed guest experiences at the premium venue. The eclectic range of flexible, high-performance K-array loudspeakers, subwoofers and amps brings outstanding clarity and directionality without being visually overpowering. Patrons have commented on the improved sound quality, enjoying a truly immersive dining experience with enough balance to allow for clear conversations. This installation is a perfect example of how a complete K-array ecosystem can create an unforgettable ambience in complex, multi-purpose environments.