The Top 10 Best Club Sound Systems in San Francisco

By Derek Opperman Tue., Jun. 12 2012 at 3:30 AM

1. Monarch
The search for an audiophile-quality listening experience will invariably end on the corner of Sixth and Mission. There, at the edge of one of the city's most blighted neighborhoods, lies Monarch, the club that recently won SF Weekly's "Best Sound System" award. Descend past the street-level cocktail bar and into the basement, and you'll find yourself submerged in a world of sound provided by the city's only Void Acoustics installation. Outfitted with four tuba-like horns, it has a punchy sound that's easy on the ears. An extra bonus comes from the club's managers, who are on deck at all times to make sure the mixer never redlines.

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Tags:

222 hyde, Beatbox, Harlot, Mezzanine, Mighty, Monarch, Public Works, Ruby Skye, Soundsystems, The EndUp, Vessel

We Recommend

Johnzane

Arguably the best sound I've ever experienced at a dance venue was through the wireless headphones provided by Silent Frisco. If you haven't experienced this unique alternative to rattling stacks of "Worship Me" speakers, you're in for a treat. I don't know why more clubs don't hire them, it's so amusing to watch a crowd getting down, whooping it up while those without headphones shake their heads in wonder. Best part is, you can adjust your own sound level, and slip the phones off to carry on a conversation.

Rick B.

Was pleasantly surprised to see 222 Hyde on there. I remember finding myself in this little hole-in-the-wall club... And the being blown away by the sound. Good stuff!

Mark Robert Ayoub

ruby skye has a great sound system, but they don't use it properly; all i ever hear is distorted bass. harlot's system is crappy. DNA lounge is missing.

vinyl_junkie

good list. bad order.

rxfx

Nice!

Nagolj

Mezzanine has terrible sound, if you happen to make your way up to the...mezzanine. Ground floor is great.

thomas g

Very hard to get good, saturated sound into the halls of Mezzanine, Mighty or Rubye Skye. I personally find that the EndUp belongs higher in the list - due to its setup it has dense, consistent sound anywhere the dance floor. Soundwise, 222 Hyde definitely is my favorite in this list. Not sure what the lighting does to the sound though...