The interview: Goh Kar Lung, managing director of Focal / Naim Singapore, on achieving high-fidelity sound
Set amidst the Kevin Roche-designed Millenia Walk mall, the lately opened Focal / Naim showroom represents the celebrated hifi brand’s first dedicated space in Singapore. Audiophiles are invited to immerse themselves in unbelievably crisp, rich and high-fidelity sound that blends superb acoustics with some of the most sophisticated audio systems around.
“There’s a system that plays the same track throughout the store,” says managing director Goh Kar Lung. “Or you can run different songs in different rooms at different volumes. This network appeals to customers who want everything in one.”
The boutique boasts a wealth of streaming devices, stereo and home cinema demonstration zones, as well as a neat “headphone wardrobe” – a bar where visitors can sample various sets.
From there, Goh and his team come to understand the type of configuration the customer is looking for, how they use their space, as well as their personal taste in music and any sound preferences. A key component of the Focal / Naim offering is the brand’s bespoke solutions: “We provide end-to-end services,” says Goh. “The customer walks in and we provide consultation, recommend the suitable product, and then craft solutions. We get everything coordinated nicely.”
Lung sees to it that customers have a refreshing collaborative journey with Focal and Naim. Their group can even speak to architects, contractors, and interior designers to further better the audio experience for customers at home.
Complementing this is an installation team that takes care of the acoustics, wood finishes, paneling, cabinets, and more. The goal, of course, is to allow music to have a deeper presence in people’s daily lives.
Every aspect is customised according to the individual’s preferences and actual interiors, creating design-led spaces that enjoy a more precise, richer sound. In their after-sales service, Focal and Naim’s emphasis on configuration shines through again. “When people move houses, they can ask the team to help them move the system and recalibrate it in the next house. I think that’s one of the special points of what we do in this space.
“The demand is getting higher over the years,” he concludes. “Customers are seeking out higher-quality toys because they appreciate the music.”
The Focal / Naim showroom is located 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-35, Singapore.
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