Sound Academy ironically does not sound great at all. The name is misleading. It is more the Devry of sound institutions. The acoustics are sub par and the space is pretty massive (capacity around maybe 2500). Plus it is in the middle of east Jesus nowhere! I am not even sure how one would even TTC there. I usually drive-parking costs $20! Or take a taxi which is $25 one way from my flat in the west end.
Sound Academy always attracts some big acts though. I have hiked out there on numerous occasions to see shows and it upsets me every time. I see that a band I like is coming to town and I rejoice; then my eyes gaze to the right to see where the venue is and voila! Sound Academy, ugh this just kills my spirit. I know that it is going to be an expensive evening.
The view of the waterfront and the city skyline at night is beautiful and this kind of makes up for the location...kind of.... I tend to go to the stage left area at the front of the venue. It is usually less crowded than the central area, there is a bar tucked away that is way less crowded then the primary bar and there are restrooms conveniently steps away. I have seen some great acts here; I just wish the location was a little closer to home and that the sound was better.