TOKIO, Budapest
Where contemporary design meets Void Acoustics
Located beneath Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge, TOKIO has been a fixture of the city’s dining and nightlife scene since 2006. Blending Japanese precision with Hungarian creativity, the restaurant has built its reputation on exceptional cuisine, refined interiors and a carefully curated atmosphere.
When TOKIO underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019, the venue set out to modernise its 12-year-old sound system without compromising its minimalist aesthetic. Working with Erlatech, the brief was to create an audio solution that complemented the redesigned interior while delivering clear, consistent sound throughout the restaurant.
System includes
An installation others thought impossible
TOKIO’s exposed ceiling structure presented an unusual challenge, leaving little room to conceal loudspeakers. Previous consultations had concluded that installing a new sound system without disrupting the interior simply wasn’t possible.
Erlatech took a different approach. Working closely with TOKIO’s architectural design team, the Cyclone 55 loudspeakers became part of the venue’s visual identity rather than something to hide. Their distinctive design complemented the restaurant’s contemporary aesthetic while delivering balanced coverage throughout the space.
Modernising behind the scenes
Replacing the ageing system wasn’t only about improving sound quality. Advances in audio technology made it possible to simplify the installation while significantly improving efficiency.
The new design reduced the system from 16 audio channels to just 8, replacing a bulky 22-unit rack with two wall-mounted Bias Q2+ amplifiers. The streamlined installation also cut power consumption by more than half.
TOKIO’s floor-to-ceiling glass frontage introduced further acoustic challenges, creating highly reflective surfaces throughout the restaurant. Despite limited options for loudspeaker placement, careful system design ensured even coverage and controlled low-frequency performance across the venue.
Setting the benchmark
Today, the Void Acoustics installation has become an integral part of the TOKIO experience, supporting the restaurant’s atmosphere while demonstrating how thoughtful system design can work in harmony with contemporary architecture.
Attila Tompó, Owner, Erlatech“We take great pride in this installation. It’s one of our standout references and has helped us secure numerous new projects. TOKIO has been a benchmark for what a Void system can deliver to venues across Budapest.”
