Genelec blends audio excellence with historic charm at Gyldene Freden

In the heart of Stockholm’s medieval Gamla Stan district, one of the world’s oldest restaurants, Gyldene Freden, offers a taste of traditional Swedish cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1722, Gyldene Freden has provided guests with a gourmet dining experience alongside a glimpse into Stockholm’s history, but until recently, the restaurant lacked a sound system to complement its classic setting. With so many rooms and architectural quirks, Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers were chosen for an audio solution that would maintain its timeless charm.

Gyldene Freden’s owners turned to installation and control specialists, We Make Noise, to install the system. “Genelec was an obvious choice for us,” says Emil Varli, who led the installation for We Make Noise. “We believe there are very few brands that can deliver a loudspeaker as compact and complete as the 4420 Smart IP model, and that’s exactly what we needed. What’s more, the owners were already familiar with Genelec, which eliminated the need for any discussions about other manufacturers.”

The Genelec sound system introduces a new level of elegance and atmosphere.

Due to the historic nature of the building, encountering acoustical challenges was inevitable. “Since the restaurant spans several floors and has very limited possibilities for running new cabling, a traditional sound installation was out of the question,” explains Varli. “However, we were able to take advantage of an existing data network and implement a Dante-based solution for zone and source management.”

For installations such as this, where aesthetic is just as important as functionality, Smart IP loudspeakers are lifesavers thanks to their single-cable setup. Power, audio, and control are all delivered over a single CAT cable to reduce the need for intrusive wiring. “Using Smart IP made it possible to deliver a sleek installation and a great-sounding system with relatively little cabling to distract from the beauty of the restaurant,” adds Varli.

Meetech, a leading Swedish audio and visual provider, handled project management, commissioning, and programming of the Smart IP system. “The system is built on a BSS platform, expanded with Dante and equipped with local volume control panels in each zone,” explains Martin Marten, CTO of Meetech. “It’s prepped for active subwoofers using Dante AVIO adapters, leaving room for flexibility or future upgrades. Music playback is handled by two Sonos Port units.” While the historic nature of the building presented initial complexities, the final installation came together as a streamlined, user-friendly solution for staff to use on a daily basis. “During commissioning, Genelec Smart IP Manager software proved invaluable,” Marten adds. “It made it easy to identify and configure each loudspeaker. Everything was done so quickly and efficiently.”

We were reluctant to go with a 100V system that might compromise sound quality.

“Fourteen 4420 loudspeakers were mounted in ceiling corners using 8000-422 adjustable wall mounts, painted in a range of colours to match the unique decoration of each room,” Varli continues. “We only needed one 7050 active subwoofer, which was positioned where the dance floor would be, complemented by two larger 4430 loudspeakers for more punch. If we had chosen another manufacturer, we would undoubtedly have to add subwoofers to multiple areas to achieve the same audio quality.” Blending seamlessly into the walls of Gyldene Freden, the loudspeakers provide a serene atmosphere in keeping with the restaurant's iconic history.

“Gyldene Freden has always been about more than just food,” concludes Karl Törngren, the restaurant’s current owner. “For over three centuries, history, culture, and memories have been an integral part of the experience. With the support of We Make Noise and Meetech, the Genelec sound system introduces a new level of elegance and atmosphere, while preserving the focus on what truly matters – our guests and their dining experience.” By blending tradition with innovation, Gyldene Freden not only honours its rich legacy but also elevates the dining experience with a soundscape that complements Sweden’s culinary heritage.