“Feel Records” offers a serene experience focused on vinyl records by transforming a traditional Japanese “Kyomachiya” into “Feel Records Kyoto Hanare,” the flagship store for JICO record styli. Our goal is to create a space where the intrinsic charm of vinyl records is intimately appreciated.
Within the store, which maintains the traditional allure of the Kyomachiya, we have chosen an audio system that perfectly complements the listening environment, ensuring an exceptional experience for enjoying records. Here, we present the carefully selected audio system tailored for this unique setting.
A Relaxing Space Created by Vintage Studio Monitors
Upon entering Feel Records Kyoto Hanare through the lattice door, you’ll encounter a sophisticated space featuring JICO record styli and a curated interesting selection of share records from dedicated collectors. The space is enhanced by striking speakers that add a distinctive touch to the elegant environment.
The speakers, highlighted in blue to match the store’s theme, are UREI’s “809” studio monitors. Known for their innovative recording equipment, these vintage speakers are designed for faithful sound reproduction, ensuring that the audio from a stylus and records is presented with precision.
The UREI speakers are also celebrated for their rich, resonant sound quality, contributing to a soothing atmosphere with background music that enriches the overall experience for our guests.
Audio Systems Perfect for a Tatami-Floored Room
On the second floor of the Kyomachiya, accessible via steep stairs typical of traditional Japanese houses, you’ll find the listening booth “Oto no Ma.” This private acoustic space, inspired by the mirror board of a Noh stage, offers a perfect setting for enjoying your favorite records and record needles.
For a modest six-tatami mat room, we sought an audio system that delivers uncompromised sound quality even within such a unique space. Our search led us to Larsen’s “Model 9” speakers, known for their innovative design and concept.
In audio practice, it’s conventional to place speakers away from walls. However, the Model 9 is designed to use the walls for three-dimensional sound expression. This rare feature allows the compact six-tatami space to be effectively utilized, fully realizing the potential of the record needles and records.
To complement the simplicity of the “Oto no Ma” space, we selected the AURA DESIGN “VA40 rebirth” integrated amplifier. Released to commemorate the company’s 35th anniversary, the VA40 rebirth faithfully replicates the circuit design of the long-selling VA-40.
In addition to its renowned sound quality, the VA40 rebirth delivers high-power response, producing dynamic analog sound that captivates long-time fans of AURA DESIGN.
For turntables, we offer the Technics “SL-1200GR” and the Denon “DP3000NEMEN” for listening to record needles and share records.
The “SL-1200 series,” a legendary turntable beloved worldwide, has been revived with the “SL-1200GR” as a new standard model. This direct-drive turntable is known for its high signal-to-noise ratio and rotational precision, delivering a reliable and familiar sound experience.
Similarly, the “DP3000NEMEN,” also a direct-drive model, represents Denon’s flagship modern turntable, embodying the company’s extensive audio expertise. Its sturdy MDF cabinet effectively reduces resonance, allowing accurate playback of records even in a tatami-floored room.
We have selected these audio systems to match the store’s purpose and environment. The primary consideration was their compatibility with the record styli manufactured by JICO.
To offer the unique “Record Needle Listening” experience, we required an audio system capable of fully revealing the potential of our styli. Thanks to the support of many, we achieved this goal.
We invite you to visit “Feel Records Kyoto Hanare” and immerse yourself in the world of records, experiencing our carefully curated selections and thoughtfully chosen audio equipment.
