The top club sound systems

Still one of the city's best niteries at eight years of age, Cielo was designed from the bottom up for top-quality sound—even its cushioned, log-cabin-like walls play a role in softening any of the music's potential sharp edges. But the spot's secret weapon is its Funktion One system; Cielo was the first in North America to sport a setup from the now-famed firm, and the company treats the club as a showcase, regularly updating its equipment. It's evident: The beautiful, womblike warmth emanating from the speakers is what's kept DJs like François K and Louie Vega on the roster for years.

This multiroom dance club, located next to the Wythe Hotel in North Williamsburg, was hailed as the savior of NYC nightlife even before it opened. Time will tell if that's even close to being true—but in the meantime, enjoy its great Funktion One sound system and firm commitment to the underground, both in its house- and techno-heavy booking policy and general lack of bottle-service inanity.

Finally! The Verboten club has finally joined the north Williamsburg nightlife scene, with tons of house, techno, bass music and live gigs filling the 750-person-capacity spot. The main room features an expansive dance floor and Martin Audio sound system, while the side room will serve as a restaurant and lounge; both have a modern-industrial feel, or as the crew behind the club puts it, "the brick-and-mortar realization of Verboten's dystopian aesthetic." Trouble & Bass, Bespoke Musik, Push the Night and PopGun all join Verboten in curatorial duties, and Carl Craig, Guy Gerber, Matthew Dear, Davide Squillace, Ida Engberg, Matt Tolfrey and Lee Curtiss are among the notables claiming residencies.