Funktion-One dominates in ‘Best Sound Systems in America’ list

Half of the venues listed in online music store Beatport’s list of the ‘Ten Best Sound Systems in America’ feature Funktion-One installations.

The top spot went to the Funktion-One-equipped Cielo Club (pictured) in New York City. Systems from the British loudspeaker manufacturer also came third (Beta, Denver), sixth (Q, Seattle), eighth (Mansion 360, Miami) and tenth (Smart Bar, Chicago).

Recognition from Beatport caps a successful period for Sound Investment Audio, which specified and installed all five systems. The company, which has exclusive Funktion-One distribution in the States, has built a reputation for providing quality audio solutions to high-end venues.

When it opened in 2003, Cielo was the first venue in North America to be installed with a Funktion-One sound system. The state-of-the-art space – located in New York’s Meat Packing District – offers a music program tailored to electronic music.

Following a recent upgrade, its system now comprises four Funktion-One AX88 skeletal loudspeakers. These twin mid-high axhead horns produce high output despite their compact size, and operate upwards of 180Hz. Two new F315 speakers supply the mid-bass frequencies and four BR218 enclosures deliver deep, smooth and clean bass. Two Funktion-One Resolution 2 speakers and a Minibass 212 provide near-field monitoring for the DJ booth, while in-fill comes from four versatile Funktion-One AX88 speakers.

The system is powered by MC2 T2000, MC2 T1500, MC2 T1000 and MC2 E90 amplifiers, while control comes from an XTA/Funktion-One audio management system.

Cielo has been a reference point for audio experts all over the world for almost a decade, and Funktion-One’s Tony Andrews believes there’s a good reason for that. “Nicolas Matar is a shining example of a switched on club owner. Right from the beginning of Cielo, he has known that it is all about audio quality and made sure of it by combining a well acoustically treated room with Funktion-One loudspeakers,” Andrews said.

Sound Investment Audio’s co-founder, Dan Agne, commented: "To be responsible for five of the top 10 sound systems in such a huge territory is mind-blowing. We’re extremely proud."

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