Wharfedale provides PA for Academy of Sound, Leeds

UK - Wharfedale loudspeakers took pride of place when the latest - and largest - Academy of Sound opened its doors to the public in Leeds last month. The 8,000sq.ft single-floor operation has allowed the company to set up several dedicated zoned areas, including a PA Theatre, according to sales and development manager, Jon Gold, who oversees all ten Academy stores (plus the direct sales operation). The company closed its smaller Leeds branch in favour of the large retail center, in order to provide a full service in a vibrant environment, and move way from the "trend towards box shifting."

The PA is fully-rigged, allowing customers to test, among other brands, a range of high-specification Wharfedale enclosures - reflecting the strong relationship the company enjoys with the Academy of Sound. Systems include the EVP-S range (EVP-S15SB, EVP-S15 and EVP-S12), as well as the powered EVP-P version (EVP-15PSB sub, 12" and 15" full range and 12" and 15" monitors). In addition to the PA Theatre, the Academy of Sound houses a large, dedicated Fender area, called ‘Fender @’, and also a Roland World.

"Leeds represents a major investment for the company and illustrates best what the ‘Academy of Sound’ brand is all about," commented Jon Gold. "We have taken the company into the 21st century and this will become the template and benchmark for future Academy of Sound operations." Managed by Jon Green, the new showroom is located at 85 Roseville Road, Leeds, LS8 5DT.

(Ruth Rossington)

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