An Optimal Audio sound system has been installed at Bulgaria’s Panagyurishte Museum for an exhibition highlighting the cultural richness of the region, with a particular focus on the gold Panagyurishte treasure and other significant artefacts.
Situated in the heart of the town, the historic building – formerly the home of banking institutions – was reimagined in 2025 by the Lachezar Cocorkov Foundation and transformed into the region’s first dedicated 3D-mapping gallery.
Demanding an audio solution to match the scale, depth and emotion of its visual storytelling – whilst also remaining simple enough for non-technical staff to operate – the exhibition turned to Audio-Technica Central Europe, which recommended an Optimal Audio solution.
The newly transformed gallery is the first of its kind in the region. The central exhibition area operates in a 5.1 surround format, serviced by five Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 loudspeakers, with two Optimal Audio Sub 10 subwoofers providing low-end support. A total of seven Optimal Audio UP 6 ceiling loudspeakers complement the main system in the peripheral gallery spaces.
The system was carefully selected to accommodate the building’s flat walls and drywall construction. These created inherent acoustic challenges, including resonant frequencies and extended reverberation times, which required precisely controlled sound reinforcement without the need for a dedicated sound engineer on site.
“Having just finished my doctoral thesis on the topic of immersive audio in the education field, I designed the system around Optimal Audio,” says System Designer, Audio-Technica Europe’s Stoyan Bozov. “A 5.1 surround system can be a bit of a challenge in rooms without controlled acoustics, but the Optimal Audio Cuboid 6 with two Optimal Audio Sub 10s handled it well.
“The SPL delivered by the Optimal Audio system is surprising and it was a great experience to hear the delivery of powerful, full-bodied sound from such small enclosures. At the gallery’s internal opening, the same question arose: how did speakers of this size manage such fidelity and clarity? So we were very pleased with the outcome.”
Power is delivered via four Optimal Audio Amp 100 amplifiers, with an additional Amp 200 driving the subwoofers and four of the UP 6 loudspeakers.
Part of the system relies upon an Audio-Technica ATDM-1012DAN digital mixer, acting as both mixing engine and routing matrix. The system distributes 13 inputs across eight outputs to support the 5.1 surround configuration and peripheral zones.
The result is a smooth, dynamic and detailed sound field that enhances the impact of the 3D-mapping installation and ensures consistent coverage throughout the gallery.
“We were proud to make it possible for visitors to see some very old and forgotten artefacts on display in the most modern way, with the best possible immersive experience,” concludes Stoyan.