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. 
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Basis Audio.  Responsive and superb customer service for my Debut Vacuum and Vector.

Another shout out for Mick at Quintessence Audio in Morton Grove.  A very special dealer that goes of their way to ensure customer satisfaction.  I swear he has the magic and could set up 2 paper cups with a string between them and have you drooling.  I am retired now so I can only look these days :-(

Music Direct.  I go into their place and they always spend however much time I need on accessories and music. 

Bob Clarke of Profundo.  Went out of his way to find me an Orpheus many years back (after they were discontinued).  

i also second Uncle Kevin from Upscale Audio.

Glenn Poor in Champaign, Illinois.  I went in there for several hours after driving my niece to U of I.  I didn’t buy anything at that time but he treated me as a valued customer. His setups sounded excellent.



I agree about Basis (I have a Debut vacuum table too, with an Orpheus L cartridge on it right now)--great table and good service.  I had a power supply/speed controller go bad very shortly after purchase.  It was replaced almost immediately with minimal trouble on my part.

I know Bob Clarke and he is a good guy.  I bought the Orpheus L from him and a Viva fono phonostage.

George Lenz at TubesUSA  is also fantastic.  He gives straight answers, including recommendations not to buy one of his tubes because it is not ideal for a particular use, and he communicates after the sale to make sure everything is working out.

Brands with which I've experienced excellent support and/or correspondence:

Spatial Audio
Parasound 
Omega
Spendor
Rogue Audio
Yamaha (pretty good for a large corporation)
PS Audio
DB Systems 
Schiit 
Revel