On High Street in West Chester, a 19th-century neoclassical bank stood as a pillar of Pennsylvanian ambition for more than 150 years. Its vaults eventually closed, though, and the building laid still, yearning for a return to glory.

John O’Connell sparked its revival when he acquired the First National Bank building in 2023 and began to transform it into 9 Prime, a grand steakhouse, and Johnny O’s, a members-only speakeasy. To create an unparalleled dining environment, 9 Prime needed an advanced audiovisual system that would add to the ambiance while preserving the architectural integrity of the former bank.

The 9 Prime team turned to Haverford Systems, a trusted audiovisual integrator with more than 35 years of experience serving the tri-state area, to install a fully integrated A/V solution for both design and functionality.

What 9 Prime received was a showcase of what’s possible when technology is treated as an integral part of the hospitality experience — not just a utility, but a strategic asset.

The restaurant needed a background music system that was immersive and could evenly distribute sound throughout the entire venue, including dining areas, bars, banquet rooms, vault rooms, and the speakeasy.

“The system had to remain discreet, with speakers blending seamlessly into the restaurant’s high ceilings and elegant décor,” said Shawn Thornton, a Sales Manager at Haverford Systems. “It also had to be easy for staff to operate, allowing for simple volume and content control across different zones.”

The banquet rooms needed versatile displays that could provide high-quality visuals for events while maintaining a refined look when not in use. Also, 9 Prime required a flexible audio input solution to accommodate live musicians performing in the venue.

Here’s a breakdown of the A/V solutions Haverford Systems provided 9 Prime:

• Background Music System: A Yamaha MusicCast system was installed with zoned audio capabilities, allowing different areas to have customized music and volume levels. Each space was equipped with a MusicCast Wireless Streaming Receiver, an audio amplifier, and precisely placed ceiling speakers for optimal audio coverage. The entire system is controlled via a wireless tablet, enabling staff to adjust settings effortlessly.
• Frame Displays: Two Samsung Frame 84.5” Smart LED TVs were installed in the banquet rooms, offering flexibility for events and presentations. When not in use, the displays showcase artwork to maintain the refined aesthetic. Gold bezel frames were added to ensure the displays blended with the décor.
• Live Music Integration: A stereo line-level audio connection was installed in the main-level dining area, providing musicians with direct input for their mixers. The input plate includes a Bluetooth connection, sending signals to the Q-SYS core over the network via Dante. Custom Q-SYS programming allows for easy volume adjustments, source selection, and room distribution.

As restaurants like 9 Prime continue to look for ways to stand out in a competitive market, smart A/V solutions are becoming part of the recipe for success.

Learn more about Haverford Systems and how its commitment to personalized service means offering a hands-on approach throughout a project’s lifecycle and beyond.