Powersoft’s Mezzo amplifier platform, known for its sound clarity, reliability and overall build quality in a half-rack-unit form factor, is powering the audio experience at Starbucks’ largest and “greener” store and fourth flagship location in One Bangkok, Thailand’s mixed-use development project.
Founded in 1971 in Seattle, United States, Starbucks has over 30,000 stores in over 80 countries. At the end of last year, the company opened a Starbucks Reserve, featuring energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures and a goal on waste reduction, in Bangkok. To serve the brew-hungry crowd with a cup of coffee with a side order of high-quality audio, the flagship outlet needed a sound system that would cover an area of 860 square metres, divided into two floors.
“The brief was clear,” said Chuthintorn Bhanyotin, Managing Director from System Plus, the system integrator, “We needed to provide exceptional sound quality with a natural feel that would enhance the atmosphere and be in line with the sustainability goals. This is why Powersoft was a natural choice for a project like this.”
The size of the venue demanded a sound system that could provide consistent performance while delivering the sustainable energy efficiency required for the Starbucks Reserve store. Powersoft’s Mezzo 604A rose to this challenge, offering reliability, ease of use and robust power output. Chuthintorn explains: “Powersoft gave us the confidence to meet Starbucks’ standards. Mezzo delivers a level of performance that other brands couldn’t match.” Mezzo’s efficiency also can help reduce power consumption, aligning with the store’s environmental commitments.
The audio installation process was straightforward: “The first step involved running wired cables through metal conduits, adhering to Starbucks’ strict installation guidelines to ensure safety,” said Chuthintorn. Once the interior was completed, System Plus’s team installed the Mezzo 604A in the equipment room along with nine BOSE DesignMax DM3P pendant speakers and eight BOSE DesignMax DM3C ceiling speakers around the space to ensure an even sound coverage. The integrator also installed four Powersoft WMP controllers for volume level control in the main area and two TOA Attenuator Model AT-4030 AS for the meeting room.
The integrator also commissioned two tests, an initial test immediately after installation and the second, after the coffee shop’s interior was fully finished. “This ensured that the whole system was installed correctly, and we performed optimally before the grand opening,” explained Chuthintorn.
“Powersoft’s commitment to providing efficient products aligns with the Starbucks Reserve Greener Store initiative and we are excited to be a part of this installation,” said Arthur Soh, APAC Sales Manager Consultant, Powersoft. “Mezzo is designed with energy efficiency in mind, ensuring minimal power consumption while delivering exceptional audio performance, contributing [to] the store’s overall environmental goals, without compromising on audio quality.”
Feedback from the coffee shop has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with the sound system described as nothing short of “excellent,” concluded Chuthintorn. Encouraged by this success, System Plus is already looking to integrate Powersoft amplifiers into future Starbucks Reserve projects across Thailand.
