Details are important when it comes to creating the right ambiance in your restaurant. Interior decor, seating, lighting, and friendly personnel: everything has to be just right to achieve an atmosphere that makes customers return. However, there is one detail that many restaurateurs overlook: music.

If you’ve ever been to an eatery where the music is a tad too loud for comfortable conversation or too soft that it’s barely there, you know what we’re talking about. Often, such establishments have not invested in quality restaurant sound systems.

Not all speakers and amplifiers were created equal — sound equipment used at home does not fulfill the needs of a commercial sound system for restaurant music. To get it right, owners need to invest in the right equipment that will give them reliable and efficient coverage across the space.  But where to begin when choosing from all the restaurant sound systems out there? Let’s take a look.

A Guide to Choosing Restaurant Sound Systems

What are the best speakers for restaurant ambiance? We researched all the options out there, taking into consideration the following factors:

• Sound quality
• Ease of installation
• Ease of use

Here are our top picks:

1. Sonos

Sonos offers easy-to-use, high-quality sound systems that are perfect for restaurants. The system allows you to control music across different areas of your restaurant using a mobile app. You can select playlists, adjust volume levels, and schedule music changes effortlessly.

Top Features:

• Wireless setup for easy installation
• Control music across multiple zones
• Integration with popular streaming services
• Customizable sound quality
• Remote management through the app

Why Choose Sonos:

• Simple, flexible control over your restaurant's music
• High-quality sound that enhances customer experience
• Easy integration with existing systems and Wi-Fi networks

2. AudioPro Business

AudioPro Business speakers stand out for their ability to deliver high-quality, wireless sound without relying on WiFi or Bluetooth. They use DECT technology, providing a more stable connection with double the range of traditional WiFi systems. This makes them an excellent choice for large restaurants or retail spaces.

Top Features:

• DECT Technology: Provides stable, high-definition sound with up to 2X the range of WiFi systems.
• Wide Range of Prices: Offers models ranging from $50 to over $400, fitting different budgets.
• Easy Installation: Can be set up in a few hours with minimal disruption.
• Compact Design: Small, discreet speakers that blend into the environment, even mounting on ceiling light fixtures.
• Expandable: Link multiple speakers together and easily add more as your space grows.
• Versatile Music Sources: Play music from any source, offering flexibility for your restaurant's sound needs.

Why Choose AudioPro:

• Ideal for large spaces due to its extended range and stable connection.
• Affordable options make it easy to find a model that fits your budget.
• Quick installation with seamless integration into your space’s design.
• Flexible sound options that work for any type of music source.

3. Sonance

Sonance offers high-quality, purpose-built sound systems designed specifically for restaurants. Whether your space is indoors or outdoors, their speakers provide top-notch sound while maintaining a sleek, low-profile look. These speakers are ideal for restaurants that value both excellent sound and aesthetics, as they integrate seamlessly into walls or ceilings.

Top Features:

• High-End Sound Quality: Provides clear, rich audio tailored for restaurant environments.
• Sleek, Low-Profile Design: Speakers integrate into walls or ceilings with paintable grilles, maintaining a clean aesthetic.
• Indoor and Outdoor Options: Suitable for both indoor dining areas and outdoor patios.
• Flexible Installation: Choose between wireless Bluetooth models or hardwired speakers for permanent installations.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand long-term use in high-traffic restaurant settings.

Why Choose Sonance:

• Perfect for restaurants that prioritize both sound quality and visual appeal.
• Works well in various spaces, from intimate indoor dining rooms to outdoor patios.
• Ideal for businesses willing to invest in premium sound for a sophisticated atmosphere.

4. Bluesound Professional 

Bluesound Professional offers a powerful audio system that combines high-quality sound with streaming capabilities. This system is perfect for restaurants that want to offer customers an enjoyable atmosphere through both background music and live performances.

Top Features:

• High-resolution audio
• Wireless streaming capabilities
• Integration with multiple streaming services
• Easy-to-use management interface

Why Choose Bluesound:

• Crisp, high-quality sound for a premium dining experience
• Wireless control that simplifies music management
• Ideal for restaurants that want to enhance the ambiance with diverse audio sources

5. Bose Professional 

Bose is known for its excellent sound quality and clarity, making it ideal for restaurant environments. Their systems are designed to provide consistent sound coverage, even in larger or more complex spaces.

Top Features:

• Clear, high-quality audio
• Suitable for large and small venues
• Easy to install and scale
• Energy-efficient

Why Choose Bose:

• Premium sound quality that keeps customers engaged
• Flexible options to suit different restaurant sizes and layouts
• Durable and reliable for long-term use

6. Yamaha Commercial Audio

Yamaha offers a variety of sound systems built specifically for commercial spaces like restaurants. Their systems are easy to customize and are known for their balanced sound, which can fill the entire room without being overpowering.

Top Features:

• Affordable and customizable setups
• Excellent sound balance for even coverage
• Scalable for different space sizes
• Easy integration with streaming services

Why Choose Yamaha:

• Cost-effective solutions for quality sound
• Clear and consistent audio throughout your restaurant
• Versatile options that grow with your business

7. SoundTube Entertainment

SoundTube specializes in high-performance speakers that are perfect for restaurants with challenging acoustics. Their systems are built for both indoor and outdoor use, ensuring that your restaurant maintains a consistent audio experience no matter the environment.

Top Features:

• High-performance speakers for various environments
• Weather-resistant designs for outdoor use
• Wide frequency response for crisp sound
• Flexible installation options

Why Choose SoundTube:

• Great for restaurants with indoor and outdoor spaces
• Consistent, clear sound even in challenging acoustics
• Durable systems for long-lasting use

8. RTI Audio Systems

RTI is a leader in automated sound systems for restaurants. Their systems are designed to provide high-quality audio with minimal effort on the part of the restaurant owner. The system integrates seamlessly with other technologies for a modern, high-tech solution.

Top Features:

• Automated control and integration with other systems
• Customizable audio settings for specific areas
• Easy-to-use interface
• High-quality sound across large spaces

Why Choose RTI:

• Automation makes managing sound easy and efficient
• Clean, clear audio with minimal interference
• Seamless integration with existing restaurant technology

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Restaurant Stereo System

While the above sound systems for restaurants are excellent in their own right, the brand and type of speakers you go with ultimately depends on the space you have.

Before choosing an audio system, consider:

The Size of Your Restaurant

A powerful sound system in a small restaurant is a waste of technology and resources, just as using small or few speakers for a large space will be ineffective. Consider hiring a professional sound-system installer if your space is larger than 200 square meters.

Acoustics

Restaurants often build their spaces according to acoustic design and with materials that absorb or modify sound. While this may be great for reducing noise levels, it may reduce the intelligibility of a sound system. Instead of bombarding the entire space with music to counteract this, choose speakers that use line-array technology, such as column speakers.

Live Performances

If you plan to host live shows or paging microphones in your restaurant, a PA system with a professional mixing console, microphones, and loudspeakers is vital. These ensure proper tuning, feedback suppression, and quality sound in the space. Remember to choose a system that is easy to learn and manipulate.

What about the Amplifier?

An amplifier is an electronic device that increases (or amplifies) the sound that comes into it. This crucial tool can take a small sound from a device like your computer and turn it into something large enough to fill an entire restaurant.

An amplifier sits in the circuit between the item accessing the music (the receiver) and the items broadcasting the sound (the speakers). The larger the space you want to fill, the more powerful your amplifier should be.

Rule of 5

Many bloggers and restaurant owners use a so-called “rule of 5” when sizing an amplifier. They say an amplifier should have 5 watts of power per person seated in the space. However, you may need slightly more power. For example, if you’re seating customers outside, you may need amplifiers that can project 10 watts per person, as your music will compete with the natural sounds that surround your customers.

Calculating the right amplifier power also means examining the power (and number) of your speakers. Your speakers should list their wattage, and when you add them all up to your amplifier, they shouldn’t exceed its wattage.

Confused? Let’s break this down a bit and help you choose the right sound system for restaurant applications.

You have a 300-square-foot restaurant and four 25-watt speakers. Your amplifier should probably hold about 150 watts of space, allowing you to serve about 20 people with the right amount of sound.

See what we did there?

We calculated the added wattage of the speakers and bought an amplifier that could handle them. Then, we checked our figures against the rule of 5 to determine how many customers we could serve.

If we wanted to add more customers to the space, we’d need to add more speakers and kick up our amplifier choice accordingly.

Acoustic Design and Speaker Placement in Restaurants

Acoustic design is the art of ensuring that good noises get heard, and the poor ones are easier to ignore. Filling the space with things like soft cushions and curtains can help to reduce excessive noise, while using insulation between noisy spaces (like kitchens) and quieter spaces (like dining areas) can help, too. 

If you still deal with things like noisy spots, adding sound diffusers can ensure that the music plays equally in all spaces. 

With your acoustics improved, it’s time to dig into speaker placement. These tips may help:

• Place the tables first. Don’t put speakers in an empty room. Ensure you know where people will sit, and place speakers close to those spots. 
• Space them out. Your speakers should be evenly placed throughout your space, so the music can be heard equally by your patrons. 
• Avoid hard surfaces. Things like windows and walls can allow the sound to bounce around. Keeping speakers far from these areas may help. 

Don’t be afraid to ask an expert to help you create the perfect sound design for your restaurant. An engineer can take measurements and ensure that everything sounds just perfect.

Play the Right Tunes with Pandora CloudCover

Now that you know what a good sound system for restaurant spaces can do, it’s time to support that with a winning selection of music. Pandora CloudCover has an ample selection of quality music for restaurants. Subscribe to our restaurant music plan today and get fully licensed music stations playing everything from golden oldies to timeless pop and modern hits, all free of explicit language and ads. Terms and conditions apply.

References

Musical Works, Sound Recordings, and Copyright. (February 2020). United States Copyright Office.

Chapter 5: Copyright Infringement and Remedies. U.S. Copyright Office.

Line Arrays Explained. (2006). Mellor, David. Sound on Sound.