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Dorchester Hotel Crowned with Amplifiers from Harman Pro UK
Dining in style at the Dorchester is now a pleasure for all senses: sumptuous fayre tantalises the tastebuds, dazzling décor is to be seen in both the China Tang Club dining room and the Ducasse restaurant and now intimate audio has been installed to provide crystal clear sound throughout, completing the experience.
Specialist sound, light and video integration company CGA Integration took complete responsibility to supply background audio at the Dorchester, choosing two Crown CTs Series amplifiers to drive the sound system, which were supplied by Harman Pro UK, British distributors for the Harman group of sound reinforcement, installation and pro-audio manufacturers.
CGA Integration Director, Chris Gunton explains: “As with many spectacular venues, high ceilings and differing finishes challenge audio designers to achieve quality and even levels of sound. These challenges are accentuated by the standards set by Alain Ducasse and the spotlight under which the Dorchester as a whole is viewed by global travellers and gourmets.
“The distinct zones each required a custom response. The Park Lane room was catered for with high ceiling speaker variants, whilst other speakers are concealed in lighting features in main room, cellar and private dining booths to give separate audio zones or a full range quality sound across the entire venue,” he continues. “The system is controlled via wall plates, offering a selection of presets for the Crown CTs amp supply, fed by 8 track hard drive music.”
CTs Series amplifiers feature independent selection of high and low impedance operation for a specific channel, plus power levels and features that meet the exacting requirements of fixed install design. CTs amplifiers offer perfect independent power solutions for multi-zoned systems· such as that at the Dorchester, with "FIT" (Fault Isolation Topology) circuitry on 4- and 8-channel models isolating fault conditions without affecting neighbouring channels.
The stunning new China Tang redevelopment of the Dorchester Club dining room posed similar zoning challenges, with the Chinese art deco interior including four luxury private dining booths enhanced by 42” plasma screens, as well as a stylish bar area and restaurant dining.
Gunton says, “The refit was a complex project requiring CGA to work closely with the Vivid interiors project team to integrate fittings and solutions with designers including entrepreneur owner David Tang.”
Background music complements the interior design in the bar area, where optional DJ inputs creating flexibility for tailored entertainment or event hosting, whilst diners enjoy pre-dinner drinks.
The restaurant itself provides high quality sound at the tables; audio sources include CD players, hard drive playlist player and radio mics controlled from a breakout box at the maitre d’ station. For a more intimate dining experience, the four prestige twelve-seater booths with sliding door concealment give diners the opportunity to customise audio and video using a discreet wall plate.
A spokesperson for The Dorchester comments: “We have an audio solution that is very discreet, overcoming physical challenges within the restaurant setting and providing the best of quality sound.”
13th March 2008
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