HiFi audio installation that harks back to the golden age of high fidelity
A pioneer of the jazz kissa format in Buenos Aires, Black Forest invites guests to enjoy a curated jazz experience by candlelight. Tucked away in the basement of Falena bookstore, this Japanese-inspired listening bar offers active listening sessions of vinyl records played in HiFi quality. This isn’t background music — it’s the main event. Each session is an invitation to pause, listen, and be moved by sound in its purest form.
We approached this project after thoroughly exploring the space and the bookstore, working closely with the owners to shape the concept. The main challenge was to create an atmosphere suited to active listening and adapting the kissa spirit to Argentine cultural sensibilities.
With a strong analog aesthetic, reminiscent of the golden era of high-fidelity sound, the priority was to embrace simplicity and warmth in pursuit of a natural listening experience.
The key was to install high-performance systems that honored the home's aesthetic and identity — with no visual interference and no compromise on sound quality.
The setup for this project was meticulously chosen to achieve exceptional audio clarity, capable of evoking the feeling of a live performance and revealing every detail of a recording — without the need for high volume.
At its core are Altec 816X Manta Ray speakers, housed in stunning original 1950s cabinets that we fully restored. These are paired with legendary components: McIntosh preamplifier and amplifier, Technics SL10 turntable with Denon Broadcasting tonearm, and ifAUDIO phono preamp — a seamless fusion of vintage charm and minimalist precision, where each element was selected for its character and musicality.
The result was met with widespread acclaim: featured in major national and international publications, and matched by the overwhelming success of the listening sessions. Without a doubt, one of the most defining milestones in ifAUDIO’s journey.
