Gaslight Confidential

One of the first to jump out of the Gaslamp Quarter’s eclectic mix of clubs, multi-level eateries and drinking establishments in San Diego, Confidential quickly got noticed with its smooth formula of comfortable and sophisticated bar/restaurant that morphs seamlessly into a dance club with local DJs spinning house, hip-hop and ‘mash-ups’ from ‘round about midnight.

Adding to Confidential's high quality aura is the fact that one of its owners is Andrew Firestone, celebrity scion to the tyre company and star of TV’s reality hit, The Bachelor. It also doesn't hurt that savvy owner Merritte Powell and partner Darren Moore figured out what the locals really wanted. Inside the airy two-story expanse is a smooth blend of ultra modern all-white furniture, 20-foot ceilings, comfortable bar, restaurant, gigantic plasma screen and a chic, exclusive upstairs loft area that overlooks the lower floor.

Looking to put more “fun” in San Diego nightlife and create the kind of place upscale power players could call their own, Powell and celebrated local chef Chris K. Walsh have came up with a creative mix of highly evolved bar food and adventurous drinks. The club also features high-end wines from boutique wineries all over the world chosen by Firestone. Thus early on, the venue has already won several awards for best bar and most creative cuisine, and is considered the hot spot for celebrity sightings. As with the rest of Confidential, the owners wanted the very best audio and video technology had to offer to excite their customers' other visual and auditory senses.

According to integrator Brad Donaldson of Pro Systems AV in San Diego, “they wanted us to build a system with clarity and impact for a room with a capacity of 175, that was also visually unobtrusive.” In terms of loudspeakers, Donaldson's preferred choice was Martin Audio. He and fellow installer Ken Simmons used a combination that included three Martin Audio F8s, five F10s with the company's new AQ Series 210 and 212 subs.

The client’s reaction? “Everyone was amazed with the fidelity of the system,” Donaldson notes, “especially the impact of the very compact AQ subwoofers. According to the owners, the stated intent for Confidential is to add more excitement to the Gaslamp. Based on the large crowds coming in, they're well on their way.