Interesting thought
Not a new concept, they have been around for awhile, called Listening Bars. https://www.eater.com/2019/7/3/18662000/listening-bars-tokyo-japan-photos-decor-hifi-cafes-design https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/listening-bars-music-us-vinyl-los-angeles-tokyo-jap... |
I was part of an audio club here in the Carolinas that started about 22 years ago. It’s still goes on today but founded by a different group. Most of the club members were older people who have been veteran audiophiles for many years. They had establish systems many of them were doctors and lawyers and other professionals who had built up fairly prestigious set ups over the years. We tried to recruit younger people and managed to get a few. Most of them were interested in multi channel systems and had receivers and more modest set ups. They found it interesting but was out of their reach, and many of the newcomers didn’t last long who were younger. I also think the advent of the iPod and other smaller systems has led to more personal listening then a room full of high-end equipment. I think your idea about a audiophile bar Is a great. But I can see many challenges with the partying crowd. A good way to attract people.. most people Who hear a good set up always comment that they never realized how good it can be.. a great way to expose people to high end |
Too much background noise for audiophile type listening. No one wants to go to a bar / club and sit quietly. Live music is a better draw. Considering that most bands are running through the PA system now, the house could put together a very good system to run the band through. But in order to get optimum sound there would have to be lengthy sound checks which the local band might not be willing to spend the time, considering the $$$ most are paid. Remember, the main objective of the business owner is to make a profit.. so many obstacles to conquer. It would have to be a labor of love. |
I'm old but I remember my first time being exposed to a very hi-end system. I bought two $139 loudspeakers but my dealer loved to demo top systems so you could get a taste of what is possible. There are so few dealers with super hi-end sound today the task is much harder. Audio shows work but the sound can often be poor. |
