In Barcelona, a global music trend has found its home: the ‘listening bars’ have arrived in Barcelona to offer a unique and exquisite listening experience.
These venues, which feature high-fidelity systems, have become the latest phenomenon in the world of music, and Barcelona has not been left behind in this wave of sound pleasure.
What are ‘Listening Bars’?
Listening bars, also known as hi-fi bars, are establishments that focus on providing a high-fidelity music listening experience. These venues seek to recreate an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, where music lovers can immerse themselves in clear, warm and immersive sound.
While the term may sound new to some, the idea has its roots in Japan in the 1920s, where jazz fans would gather in ‘jazz kissa’ to enjoy American records in a social setting.
Barcelona and the high fidelity ‘Listening Bars’.
In Barcelona the fever for high fidelity has found its expression in two outstanding listening bars:
Curtis Audiophile Café:
Located at 186 Mallorca Street, Curtis Audiophile Café has been delighting music lovers since November 2018. This establishment offers a unique experience where music is the protagonist.
Guille de Juan, in charge of the venue, has made it clear that although talking and dancing are allowed, the essence of the place is to offer a space to enjoy music at its best. With a different DJ every day of the week and an extensive cocktail menu, the Curtis has earned its place as a reference in the Barcelona audiophile scene.
Oblicuo Hi-Fi Bar:
Located at Riera de Sant Miquel, 59, the Oblicuo Hi-Fi Bar is the new jewel of hi-fi in Barcelona. With an exquisite design and a sound system designed by maestro Giorgio Di Salvo, known for working with artists such as Travis Scott, this bar offers a unique sound experience.
Ivanmaria Vele and Dobrochna Giedwidz, creators of the venue, were inspired by Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s ‘Oblique strategies’ to design an intimate and perfectly soundproofed space. In addition, the Oblicuo surprises its visitors by playing classical music in its bathrooms.
Both establishments stand out not only for their exceptional sound systems, but also for their meticulous attention to acoustics and space design.
Origins in Japan and its cultural influence
Listening bars have their roots in Japan, where in the 1920s, jazz fans gathered in ‘jazz kissa’ to listen to the few American records available. The Japanese culture of enjoying music in a calm and relaxed atmosphere has influenced the essence of these establishments.
