What is the best speaker for a restaurant in New York City?

Restaurants need even background music that still allows easy conversation. A few loud speakers create hot spots and uneven coverage. Instead, use many small loudspeakers at low level: ceiling models like the SSOUNDS CL6 and CL8, or pendant versions where ceilings are high or open. For spaces with hard reflective surfaces, our slim column loudspeakers (LC8.2 and LC16.2) provide controlled directivity to keep sound on the diners and off the walls.

Selection depends on ceiling height, room acoustics, and zone requirements. For standard ceilings (2.7 to 3.5 m), CL6 or CL8 ceiling loudspeakers on a 70/100 V line (T models) allow simple parallel wiring and level adjustment per speaker. For higher ceilings or architectural constraints, P4, P5, P6T, P10T, or P12T install loudspeakers can be surface mounted or suspended. Where low-frequency reinforcement is needed, add an M series subwoofer. All zones should be driven by an SSOUNDS A series networked amplifier with DSP and Dante, enabling per-zone EQ, delay, and limiting.

Sizing guidance: aim for one ceiling loudspeaker per 15 to 25 square metres of floor area, depending on ceiling height and desired SPL. Overlap coverage slightly for even response. Use at least one zone per dining area, bar, and restroom. Acoustic treatment (absorptive panels, heavy curtains, carpet) reduces reverberation and improves speech intelligibility. SSOUNDS engineers use AI-assisted modeling to predict coverage and optimise the design before installation.

SSOUNDS designs and installs restaurant audio systems across New York City. We ship and support internationally from our UK, US, Nigeria, and Ghana bases. For a tailored design, contact us with your floor plan and requirements.