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Best audio companies and dealers

I've thought about doing this over the years, but never seemed to get around to it. But I'd like to list the audio dealers and companies I've dealt with over the years that have offered consistently good products and customer service way beyond the average. 

Two companies come immediately to mind: Cary Audio in NC and Reference 3A in Canada. Cary offers superb equipment, like the SLP05 pre-amp. And they have delivered excellent customer service throughout the years, and it's always been a pleasure to deal with them. The same goes for Reference 3A speakers. I owned the MM Decappos- great speakers, esp. for midrange, and you cant find a more attentive, professional person than Tash to deal with. 
lerdo
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,505 posts
 

My first high end dealer, Walter Davies (in ’72 at Audio Arts in Livermore, CA), now known for his fantastic LAST line of record/stylus/tape preservative products.

Brooks Berdan (R.I.P.) and his widow Sheila/Brooks Berdan, Ltd.

Brooks’s son Brian, now at his own shop in Pasadena, Audio Elements

Randall Cooley/Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica, CA


Roger Modjeski/Music Reference, RAM Tubes

Bruce Thigpen/Eminent Technology

Ralph Karsten/Atma-Sphere

Tim de Paravicini/EAR-Yoshino

Keith Herron/Herron Audio

Paul Laudati/Clear Day Cables

Ray Kimber/Kimber Kables

John Wright/London Cartridges

Max Townshend/Townshend Audio

Harry Weisfeld/VPI Industries

Magnepan

soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
bdp24

Where are the big names, the ones on the front page of TAS and Stereophile..No list would be complete without a " nod " to the big money companies.......LO
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Shure (SM 58, 57), Schoeps, Neumann, Yamaha (pro and instruments), JBL, DW Drums, Magnavox (MDV 2100), Steinway, Marantz, Fender, Pioneer, Teac/Tascam, Studer, Technics, Rotel (early), Superphon, BK (early), Music Reference, Audolici (A25-M), Conrad Johnson, Magnum Dynalab (tuners), Parasound (early), Abbey Road Studio/EMI, MoFi (Shawn Britton), Ray Kimber, Harold Cooper (RoomTune production), David & Ron Chesky, Crown, Victor Goldstein, Ray Shab, Bill Johnson, Kenny Stevens (CAT), Paul Klipsch, Quad, Richard Shahinian.

My list is a little different and like all you guys the lists never end of great audio companies and personalities. For me, the list goes back to the beginning of the audio chain. I would add a few thousand more who have influenced me, but then I wouldn't have enough time to enjoy your lists :)

great thread

MG

ebm
9,311 posts
 
The best dealers for me are High Water Sound in NYC and High Fidelity Services  near Boston.They both offer wonderful customer service with GREAT advice.
audiorsch
9 posts
 
I second ebm above.  Have had great experiences with both Jeff @HWS and Paul @HFS
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