Best Sound Systems At Los Angeles Music Venues
Live music fans looking to get their dance, rock or kum-bay-ah on know full well that the most important element of any concert, after the artists actual appeal and talent is the sound quality of the venue. As much as poor sound systems and acoustics can deaden the brightest stars set, a good sound system elevates that same set to another galaxy. Check out these sweet sounding LA venues.
Hours: Mon to Fri- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thur- 10:30 p.m. – 3 a.m.; Fri- 9:30 p.m. – 5 a.m.; Sat- 9:30 p.m. – 8 a.m.
The Avalon is a live music and EDM venue that set in golden era Hollywood glamour. Its electronic night, "Avaland Saturdays" has come to be known in the EDM world as the next best thing to an old school rave. There is always a diverse crowd filling the intimate yet spacious area of the former theater turned dance club. While its artists include a mix of today's A-listers and the hottest rising stars, its brilliantly engineered sound system ensures the club's performers and fans will love how they sound on the Avalon stage.
Hours: Mon to Wed - 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Thur - 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Fri- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Sat- 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
USC's newest live concert and event venue has top notch lighting, stellar sound and hosts some of the freshest talent in the city. Add to that the fact that Tommy's Place is open to all ages and that nearly every show is free to everyone, and you have all the makings for a bang up night. Bottom line is the sound in this venue must be heard to be believed, and once you hear it, you won't want to leave.
Hours: Mon- 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Thur to Sat - 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
This live performance/webcast venue is a legend among the emerging singer-songwriter community it serves. Though it only offers sodas, tea and coffee, patrons are encouraged to bring their own snacks. The venue claims to be what the essence of music is all about, and it'd be hard to argue against that notion considering the venue is volunteer-operated, donation funded and worships the gods of sound at every opportunity. All ages and furry creatures are welcome.
Related: Best Music Clubs in LA
Hours: Mon to Fri - 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Roxy in West Hollywood has long been a local's favorite venue to see and hear their favorite artists on the world famous Sunset Strip, and for excellent reason. It's a low key venue that's a rock staple, serves sufficiently strong drinks, and is incredibly fan-friendly in it's design. The stage is low and not barricaded providing an up close and personal experience. Most importantly, thanks to someone's technical genius, no artist has ever sounded bad at the Roxy and that's something worth hearing.
Hours: Daily - 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
This small, cozy room takes the intimate venue experience to a whole new level. There are plush sofa-like chairs around candle lit café tables and a well-stocked bar that circles the stage. For such a tiny space, the acoustics are near perfect and it is one of the few venues where you won't need earplugs to protect your future hearing. The venue has full access to the downstairs restaurant menu and offers reasonably priced drinks from its bar as well. With an eclectic mix of singer-songwriters, up-and-coming musicians and comedians, Room 5 exists as the ideal venue for the acoustic minded lover of live music.
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Kristen Lowman is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
