The content is key to setting the right mood to boost the wellbeing of guests in the retreat hotel, and Onyx Media director Richard Studerus turned to familiar audio brands. One of these was Denon - a mainstay over the past 10 years. In the latest Four Seasons - which Onyx fitted out over a three-year period - they have used Denon's DCM-280 five-disc CD-player exclusively.
With its digital output, the player offers excellent performance at an unbelievable price point - while still containing Denon's traditional build quality. It is ideal for delivering the new age music which is central to Four Seasons' operating policy. "There are four wings to the estate - north, south, east and west - and the client wanted these to be thoroughly serviced by CD players," explained Studerus. Two DCM-280's in the North wing feed Cloud mixer zoners, and the restaurants and bar in the West wing contain a further three. Seven further playback devices can be found in the relaxation area of the spa, while another can be found in the main rack servicing the meeting rooms and banqueting suites.
"There are 43 separate sound zones in the spa complex alone," says Studerus. "These are fed by three different sound racks - all playing out ambient music from specialist CDs." The outputs are split and sent to more Cloud mixer zoners, and any of the sound signals can feed any of 40 sound zones.
Onyx Media chose to use Denon equipment because, according to Studerus: "The product is great, the back-up is excellent - and D&M are good people to deal with. Their products are cleverly engineered so that they don't break down, and in an environment like this, where they are expected to operate 24/7, durability is vital."
(Lee Baldock)
