K-array blends into Dali Edition resort
K-array blends into Dali Edition resort
A concealed audio system using K-array and KGear loudspeakers has been installed across the Dali Edition resort in Yunnan, China, with the design balancing the property’s architectural requirements with differing audio demands across its indoor and outdoor spaces.
Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain overlooking Erhai Lake, the resort comprises 151 guest rooms, suites and private pool villas, alongside four dining venues, a ballroom and meeting space, spa, fitness centre, terraces and outdoor event areas. Its design incorporates exposed timber, bluestone and cobblestone, with low-rise buildings arranged around courtyards and landscaped areas.
The project was sourced through an audio consultant, with K-array selected for its ability to integrate into the interior design. Shanghai Jeta, the brand’s official distributor in China, provided technical support, with Jason Zhao, director of sales and operations at K-Array.CN, working with the consultant to select loudspeakers, mounting solutions and coverage patterns for each zone.
Dining rooms, the lobby and pool areas use Tornado KT2 point-source loudspeakers and KT2C ceiling speakers. The installation comprises 70 KT2C ceiling loudspeakers, 16 KT2 point-source speakers and four KU44 I compact subwoofers across the all-day dining, lobby, pool and Chinese restaurant areas.
The ballroom, which can be divided for smaller events and accommodates conferences, weddings and live performances, is equipped with four KY102 line array loudspeakers and two recessed KS2P I subwoofers. The subwoofers extend low-frequency response to 35Hz while remaining concealed within the wall structure, with the system designed to provide speech coverage alongside the requirements of live bands and DJs.
The terrace lounge and outdoor bar use eight weatherproof KGear GF82 I line array loudspeakers and four GU210 subwoofers. The system is configured for both background music and higher-energy events, with external DJ input ports provided for parties and cocktail functions. The loudspeakers are positioned around the covered terrace perimeter to maintain views across the surrounding landscape.
Audio for background music, banquets and events is routed through an audio matrix and zoning processor to dedicated amplifier channels for each zone. Individual spaces have independent volume and playlist control, while the ballroom has a separate digital mixing console connected to the matrix for live events.
The main technical challenge was concealing the system within interiors dominated by natural materials while accommodating different acoustic requirements between zones. K-array worked with fit-out and low-voltage contractors during the design stage to establish speaker positions, mounting depths and cable routes before returning to site for final placement checks and tuning.
“This project demonstrated K-array's strength extends far beyond compact, minimalistic hardware,” said Zhao. “K-array and KGear form a complete hotel audio ecosystem, solving concealed installation while delivering scalable coverage, dynamic range and low-frequency support for background music, banquet PA and outdoor entertainment alike.”
