Asheville, North Carolina
Joyful Noise
Listening Lounge & Kitchen
Hi-Fi
Experience
Artists. Brewers. Chefs. Musicians.
About Joyful Noise
Our Story
In 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville’s River Arts District and changed it overnight.
Studios flooded. Restaurants closed.
Gathering places — the kind that hold memories — were lost.
But this neighborhood has always been built by people who make things. Artists. Brewers. Chefs. Musicians. Neighbors who believe in showing up for one another. And when the water receded, so did any doubt that the River Arts District would rise again.
Joyful Noise listening Lounge and Kitchen is part of that next chapter.
We’ll turn the records. You stay awhile.
Analog sound Analog company
We play full sides of vinyl on a rare vintage component sound system uninterrupted. No shuffling. No skipping. Music meant to be heard as it was created. Funk, Jazz, jam bands, indie rock, country, hip-hop, reggae and beyond. If it moves us, it fills the room.
The space is designed to feel like stepping into our living room — mid-century warmth, clean lines, an atmosphere that invites you to settle in and relax while someone else spins the records
You just arrive.
+ JOYFUL NOISE + LISTENING LOUNGE & KITCHEN
+ Asheville, North Carolina
Where every record gets the sound it deserves
Joyful Noise Sound System
Sources
Technics SL-1200MK7-S Turntable to turntables (w/ Ortofon 2M Black Cartridges), Nakamichi 500 Two Head Cassette Deck, Cambridge Audio CXN Network Audio Streamer
Rotary DJ Mixer
Resor 2525FX
Preamplifier
Audio Research SP-11 MK2 Dual Chassis Hybrid Tube
Amplifiers
Audio Research M-100 Tube Monoblocks
Speakers
Restored and Modified Altec A5s
Accessories
Furman IT Reference 15i Power Conditioner, Interconnects and speaker wire by Kimber Kable, Kimber Kable Powerkord 14 Base Power Cord, Sweetvinyl SC-1 Plus, VPI Signature Record Weights, Funk Farm APM Achromat Platter Mats, Isoacoustics Zazen I Turntable Isolation Platforms
Frequentyly Asked Questions
How TO Be Joyful!
What is a “Listening Lounge”
A listening lounge is a specialized venue, rooted in 1950s Japanese "jazz kissa" culture, designed for the intentional, focused enjoyment of music on high-fidelity, analog sound systems.
What are your hours?
We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm til midnight.
The full kitchen menu is available 5pm-9pm.
Do you take reservations?
No. We are a walk-in only establishment. Dress up or dress down, as all are welcome.
If every seat is taken, can my group just stand inside?
No, as we are a seated only establishment. If we are full, you are welcome to order a drink and gather on our outdoor covered patio.
What type of audio equipment do you have?
You can check out information about our stereo system here: Our Sound System!
What type of music do you play?
Everything! We typically have a theme for each evening, but any musical style can be covered.
Do you take music requests?
No. Each album is curated by our staff, and we only play full sides of albums.
Do you stream your music? If not, what sources do you use?
Joyful Noise only plays analog music, which means you will only hear selections on vinyl records and cassette tapes. The real magic is intention: Choosing one record and caring about the moment.