Just google Audio Connection (in New Jersey), they have a web page, including a phone number.
Audio Connection/Johnny Rutan
Hello all, I just wanted to say a few words about my experience with Mr. Rutan over the weekend. I have read numerous threads on how helpful he is and what a nice guy he is. I want to take this opportunity to confirm everything is TRUE to the highest order. I spent most of Saturday afternoon on the phone with Mr. Rutan with him helping me trouble shoot a problem with an Aesthetix pre-amp I purchased used from an individual, he had no stake in the deal. He very patiently walked me many scenarios to find the problem, which he did. I would have never figured it out on my own and am deeply grateful for his help and guidance. He is without a doubt one of the best in the biz. Sincerely Allen Sill Wichita, Kansas.
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There's no need to add to the accolades for John, but maybe add a new view: John is very good at getting you the best sound quality for your money. His product lines, to me, are long on value and sound quality and short on bling. His very extensive knowledge of high end audio enables him to know what works best with what, and make cost effective recommendations based on that knowledge. I've built a superb system (sorry...) over nearly 20 years working with John and buying his products. Boy does it sound great! Jim Heckman |
@audioconnection , It's too bad Ikea stopped making their old CD storage unit. It had a drawer that tilted out. I have a back room full of CD's and it looks pretty cool. You'll see it when I get the Sub 3's. If I can get some energy, I'll post a pic. I use those Gnedby cabinets, as well in my living room. They had a different name when I bought them. And, they came in black. Bob |
Greetings, Thanks for comments I try to
answer the phones all along and
now Ok for Verona curbside pick up appointments. goethe58 have an extra Belles Aria Loaner if you want an in-home listen just ring and will make it happen. A while back I think you needed CD storage maybe now available in Paramus NJ Best, JohnnyR https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/gnedby-shelf-unit-birch-veneer-90277145/ |
There is something about this guy that is different than the garden variety hifi sales dude. He has a ton of experience and he genuinely treats his customers like their satisfaction is a high priority. He's a cool cat with a sharp wit and an even sharper ability to summon all of his considerable attributes in the service of figuring out what will work best for each individuals needs. He talks to you like a real human being, not some hipster wise guy with an agenda and an inflated ego. He cuts through the clutter and the chaos in a way that brings clarity and sensibility to the table. I wouldn't drive 3 1/2 hours, one way, to hob knob with just any audio dealer, or anybody period. If you love music, and you want the right gear to transport you to audio nirvana, then give Johnny R a visit. You won't regret it. |
Another happy Audio Connection customer. I met John in 1994 when I moved from NYC to Maplewood. Before John my audio dealer was Andy Singer. Honestly I got along well with Andy but John was so much more interested in helping me get the sound I wanted from my system. He came out to the house, listened to my system and made the appropriate recommendations that helped achieve the sound I was looking for. Before meeting John I wasted a lot of money churning gear that didn't work well together. John taught me about system synergy and introduced me to a lot of great new music. On the analog front, Nick is the best turntable setup guy I have come across. I have changed gear a bit as I moved a few times and my priorities changed. John helped me through the changes and always helped me maintain the system sound that worked best for me. I cannot recommend him highly enough! |
John is the BEST!!!!! I've known him and have been going to Audio Connection for 25 years!! Vandersteen, ARC, Audibille Illusions, Basis, Bryston, etc all products from and recommended by John. All of this gear delivers the sonic goods just as John said they would. Go see John at Audio Connection!!! Way Recommended! |
Just wanted to add a little story about John. Lots of AGers probably came to his store when they were ready for "serious" gear. I had the opposite experience. I had a consumer grade Onkyo receiver and nothing special Yamaha speakers, when I decided to "move up" (was there really anywhere else to go? LOL). I drove to Verona NJ to buy what was surely his least expensive piece of gear, a vintage Luxman integrated. John made me feel exactly like I was the same as any other customer in his store. First showing me, and auditioning the Luxman. It was fine. Then sitting me down to audition a $100,000 system. No, no a crude upsell attempt, that was clear, but a nice educational moment for someone he knew would benefit from such an experience. Oh, and he called me a week or so later just to check that everything was working to my satisfaction! Amazing. I remember that moment more than 10 years ago as it set me on a path to ever improve my system, and really enjoy this hobby. Thanks John! |
Walked into the Audio Connection to purchase a Bryston BDA-3.14 Streamer/DAC. Hadn't been there in years. Had a very pleasant conversation which included some haggling. We agreed on the price and he ordered it right then and there. I said thanks we shook hands and I asked how much he wanted me to put down on the piece. He said "You're gonna come back and get it...right?" I said of course. That was good enough for him. Pretty amazing considering its a $4K piece. |
I’ll add my own accolades. I’ve only been here a short time, but Johnny reached out to me, offered to chat in the phone to discuss my questions, (which I did), offered information and advice, and just reached out to me the other day offering to help me out further. This all about equipment not purchased through Audio Connection. Yes indeed, a true gentleman and asset to this community. |
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