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Klipsch Install Stories: Lids


Chances are that if you know anything about hats, you have heard of Lids. The 21-year-old company is a staple in practically every major city, airport and shopping mall in North America.

Of course, Lids does far more than sell flat-brimmed caps that have become ubiquitous across the country. They sell other related gear like officially licensed jerseys, shirts, accessories and novelties.

Back in 1995, Lids opened up their first retail story at Tippaecanoe Mall in Lafayette, IN, just an hour or so north of Indianapolis. Now boasting over 1,300 locations across North America, Lids’ rapid expansion has resulted in the need for a brand new headquarters. Earlier this year, the company moved into its new Zionsville, IN digs, just mere minutes away from Klipsch’s headquarters.

Despite the proximity, it was a happy coincidence that Lids picked Klipsch speakers to outfit the audio for their swanky new offices. CCS Presentation Systems, a CIM Integration Company, is one of Klipsch’s local long-term partners. CCS/CIM utilized Klipsch speakers in several special installations including Indianapolis’s Georgia Street project, helping to redefine a public space into an entertainment hub. The companies also worked together in the city of Whiting, IN installing Klipsch speakers in their outdoor parks, providing excellent sound for large-scale community events.

With such an expansive yet unique structure like the Lids new headquarters, the CCS/CIM team felt that Klipsch speakers would provide the sound quality and flexibility needed to meet and exceed their client’s high standards.

From the luxurious meeting rooms to the expansive cafeteria, dozens of Klipsch speakers populate the shimmering headquarters, delivering a truly special sound experience.

“After meeting with Lids, we knew that Klipsch had the right audio solutions for the many applications LIDS wanted to implement in the executive boardroom, dining/bar area and divisible multi-purpose rooms. Working with Klipsch and their sound engineer Trey Cannon has been 100% successful with every system we have installed,” said Rob Childers, Senior AV Engineer for CCS/CIM.

Trevor Gibson, National Sales Manager of Professional Sales for Klipsch, concurred with Childers: “It was clear that LIDS wanted an audio system in their corporate headquarters that was tailored by the needs of each particular space. Thanks to working with a top-shelf local partner like CCS/CIM, we were certain that it would be a world-class installation.”

Dipping into the updated Klipsch portfolio of distributed audio solutions, CCS/CIM selected KPH-525 pendent speakers, CP-6T 70/100 Volt speakers as well as Reference R-20B sound bars and wireless subwoofers to tackle LIDS’ unique installation.

The KPH-525 speakers are perfect for high-ceiling structures or areas with no suspended ceiling for direct, overhead distributed sound. The CP-6T presents an appealing look from all angles with its integrated bracket and its ability to be tightly mounted into a corner with its V-shaped rear profile. The R-20B represents a flexible, easy-to-setup (yet, still great sounding) option that can be shifted around to being used from a meeting room to the divisible banquet hall.

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Up on the top floor, an executive board room with its giant U-shaped conference table and television is outfitted with black KPH-525 pendant speakers. The speakers’ elegant cabinets allow them to look like a discrete design element for the room and assure that every presentation is audibly astounding.

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Down on the lowest on the lowest level, the expansive dining and bar areas – complete with ping pong, pool tables and carnival basketball games – are covered with white KPH-525 and CP-6T speakers that blend naturally into the feel of this large, open room.

The banquet hall that connects to this dining and bar area is also fully immersed with KPH-525 and CP-6T speakers. The giant area is easily divisible, giving Lids the flexibility to separate it into separate rooms while maintaining a high-level audio experience. Adding to the install’s flexibility, a massive portable screen is paired with a R-20B sound bar and wireless subwoofer for when unique situations arise.

“This project has been one of our favorites as the end result was exactly what Lids needed for their new headquarters. Klipsch was instrumental in the design process, working with our team to create a powerful but very user friendly system,” said Dale Gayman, President of CCS/CIM.

Next time you’re traversing the world or strolling the mall and see a Lids, remember that not only do these people sell terrific gear, they know great sound when they hear it.

Have a comment or question about the Klipsch speakers that were installed at Lids? Post in the comments!

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