“I wanted to create a warm, experiential showroom that needs to be shared.” Courtesy of Mono by Phono
Meticulously curated sound systems with rare and high-quality records, Hi-Fi bars provide an unparalleled listening experience.
The evolution of how we experience music has undergone a dramatic shift. During the golden age of vinyl and CDs, Hi-Fi enthusiasts enjoyed a harmonious blend of music quality and sound fidelity. However, with the advent of streaming, a new reality emerged. Music delivery via AirPods and other portable devices, lead to a decline in sound quality in the digital era.
This change has reignited a passion for high-fidelity audio experiences, propelling a boom in vinyl sales and the return of dedicated music venues. Among these, the Kissa, or listening cafe, stands out as a treasured, but often underappreciated facet of Japanese culture. A concept that existed since the 1920s, these types of cafes offer a communal space where the auditory experience takes precedence over conversation.
In the US, listening proliferate where they feature state-of-the-art sound systems, a wide array of artists, and skilled DJs, creating spaces where music enthusiasts can deeply engage with their favorite tunes. It also emphasizes music with a complementary food experience, while it approaches listening with a near-reverential respect, focusing on various jazz genres and a highly intentional Hi-Fi setup.
In Manila, a new wave of Hi-Fi concepts has recently emerged, where the beauty of listening is emphasized. Matthew Rodriguez, founder of Mono by Phono, wants to build a community centered around the Hi-Fi bar experience, focusing on the auditory experience and making music the centerpiece of the environment.
In an old residential area of Makati, often vulnerable to minor flooding and quite removed from the usual nightlife haunts, Mono by Phono is a bar that locals whisper about. Hidden behind unmarked signs in nondescript row of aging townhouses, it is the ultimate speakesy.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by effortlessly cool, raw aesthetic corridors. Soundproof foam walls adorned with retro circles and mid-century reclaimed chairs and sofas set the tone, while soft, moody lighting casts a warm glow. The bar is stocked with a curated selection of spirits, and a vast collection of vinyl records is displayed in every corner. You join an intimate crowd of around 20 people in each room, simply listening to the DJ spinning records. “That is the beauty and charm of it,” shares Rodriguez, describing his small community. “Almost everyone who comes here are social introverts with very specific interests in music who really just want to listen.”
Rodriguez considers himself a true listener. He grew up not as a musician, but as someone with audio. “I just listen. It sounds weird, but I can clearly distinguish all kinds of frequencies. I can tell which cable should be used with the right type of amplifier, or recognize a sound source from a vintage speaker, or name the type of acoustics. I grew up learning about sounds,” he explains.
With a background in a family business specializing in listening rooms and providing Hi-Fi equipment to stores and restaurants, Rodriquez is also a DJ and a professional in audio logistics who wants to transform listening to a more immersive experience. “I wanted to create a warm, experiential showroom that needs to be shared.”
This modernized concept, while maintaining its essence, features bold musical selections from innovative DJs and creators that Rodriguez programs every day. All powered by high-end sound systems, it builds different communities and sets different days for activities such as game nights and bring-your-own-vinyl nights where guests take control over what they listen to, entrusting the DJ or selector to shape their night.
The appeal of Hi-Fi bars lies in their ability to foster a deeper connection with music by stripping away the distractions of modern life. For Rodriguez, founding Mono by Phono is about building a community of listeners. “I wanted to share music and discover new sounds from other people’s collections and interests,” he says. “There’s a journey in coming up with a playlist from different vinyls, and that’s how you get stories from other people.”
This growth of Hi-Fi listening bars represents a shift toward appreciating the art of listening, and Rodriguez hopes to bring together more like-minded enthusiasts. “I want more Hi-Fi bars to open in the Philippines. It’s fun to listen to all kinds of sound and to truly experience listening, appreciating, and connecting with music that transcends the ordinary.” As digital convenience continues to dominate, these spaces offer a retreat into a world where international listening takes precedence. They remind us that music is not just a passive experience, but an active, engaging one that can be deeply enriching.
