The Praise Good Dealers Thread.

[rigger67]

Hey

Is there a general thread for praising dealers ?
I've got a couple I'd like to big up but don't know where to do it ??

:scratch:

[rigger67]

Alrighty then :eyebrows:


Firstly, I'd like to praise Audio T in Chandler's Ford, near Southampton.
I dropped my faulty Rega Jura speaker in to them yesterday and had an email late in the afternoon to say they'd replaced the knackered unit and I could collect it.
I picked it up first thing this morning and have spent the day so far enjoying it thoroughly.
The service I received from Alan there was first class and the price to fix it was very reasonable.
Credit where it's due, I'm extremely happy with the experience.



Second, I'd like to big up David from Radlett Audio, who offered to perform the same job and was very magnanimous when I explained Audio T had finally answered my enquiry .. even though he'd ordered a replacement driver by that point :doh:
I can't speak highly enough of his attitude and faultless service levels.
If you're anywhere near Saffron Waldon, seek out this man and shake his hand on my behalf, please :)



I worked in retail for twenty years and like to give positive feedback when I feel it's warranted.

Any more for any more ?

[ReggieB]

I've always had good service from Audio T in Cheltenham. They very much left me to my own devices when auditioning speakers in their upstairs demo room. Just popped up to offer another cuppa or see if I wanted to try a different pair of speakers. They also did a nice job of servicing my LP12 and fitting a Heed Orbit to it. They are always happy to chat about Hi-Fi related stuff.

I also always get great service from David at MRCU.

[hifinutt]

yes i bought my focals from audio t in cheltenham , brilliant service and they went to great effort to source a 1008be to comapre the 1028be with . highly commended

may i recommend santosh at concerto audio who recently looked after me well with a small item

bd audio for excellent service and back up recently
and many more including mcru

[john1964t]

Hi there

I'd like to praise Acton Gate Audio in wrexham.. great audio shop ran by real enthusiasts. I've spent a few afternoons there swapping bits of kit around to get what works for me. I bought my speakers, Bluray player and a few other items there.
Great guys to deal with.

Thanks John

[tapid]

Perhaps there frightened of a bad review from Marco !. ( Joke ) . On a more serious note its good to see some dealers
still open, much needed I think.

[GrahamS]

Ordered a Shure cartridge from Juno Records last week. http://www.juno.co.uk/ They were very prompt and a pleasure to deal with.

[Haselsh1]

Would seriously love to big up the Audio Rooms in Hull. Fantastic hi-fi showroom/dealers.

[tim1750]

Stan Beresford needs a mention here he goes far and above any guy I know in the audio field ,don't ever change Stan.

[SteveC]

I have always had excellent service from Paul Hobson at Moorgate Acoustics, who recently sold my old Linn / Naim active system to good effect. I would also like to praise David Brook of Brook Audio / MCRU. I recently purchased new speaker cables and a digital interconnect from him. The speaker cables were a no-brainer, but he won't let me pay for the digital interconnect until I am satisfied it is better than my original cable. Not many retailers would do that.


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[MikeMusic]

Stan Beresford needs a mention here he goes far and above any guy I know in the audio field ,don't ever change Stan.

Another vote for Stan here

[MikeMusic]

Tony Sallis at Coherent is extremely good

[southall-1998]

Dale Linzey at Audio Note Lounge. Always had very good service from Dale. Communication is fluid. Good straight forward attitude, but pleasant at the same time.

Answers emails very quickly too!

Highly recommended.

S.

[petrat]

Bought a few things from Hugo at Ammonite Acoustics recently ... excellent service, good value and a true enthusiast too ... highly recommended!

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

Hi Guys

Here is a mention for Simon and the guys at HiFi Sound at Stockton-On-Tees.
Have had a major change of gear this year (facilitated by being made redundant) and getting a new great job.
Have chopped in my TT and 2 arms (the audio type not the ones attached to my body)
I've taken home a Nottingham Analogue Dais and Graham Phantom with an SME 309 to follow.
Great to deal with, very fair and honest and most happy with the whole proceedings.
HiFi Sound come very highly recommended from me, though I realise there are quite a few here who already know what a great guy he is.

[bearair]

George at Heathcote Audio, real nice chap to talk with and sorted me an Alchemist Kraken amp.

[farflungstar]

I've tried to find the thread about dealers but b*gger me if I can, and I wanted to say something about my experience with Hugo at ammonite audio. Mods you can move.

Not so long ago I bought a Miyajima Shilabe cart from Hugo, who was very helpful and not in the least bit pushy about the sale. He let me take my time and when I finally got it and suggested it had a problem he sent me both a new Shilabe and a Kansui to try wth no pressure about time. Remember I'm in Spain so i think it was very good of him to trust me with around 8k of carts.

I've just bought a Reed 3p Tonearm from him, it arrived yesterday, and once again Hugo has been more than helpful. He even made 2 videos for me covering the arm and turntable set up so I wouldn't have any problems. The arm is working beautifully and I'll post some thoughts later.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Hugo, not only does he know what he's talking about he's also a true enthusiast first and foremost and a retailer second. A true gent.

[Marco]

I've tried to find the thread about dealers but b*gger me if I can...

It's the first sticky thread right at the top of this section, Mr Magoo! :ner:;)

I'll merge this with it in a minute. Totally agree with you about Hugo - one of the hi-fi industry's genuine good guys, and a pleasure to have here as trader and a friend :)

Marco.

[farflungstar]

Thanks Marco.

[Marco]

Niento problemo :)

Marco.

[DiveDeepDog]

Deco Audio, I'd lost a pip on Something Solid stand, not only did I receive pip for free but tube of superglue and strip of sandpaper to level them ��

[Parkie37]

In British Columbia Canada;

Soundhounds in Victoria, B.C. - These are the guys that have won me over to Audio Note. Recently the owner passed away and the manager has retired, but the rest of the folks there are continuing the tradition of good old fashioned service and a relaxed atmosphere.

Element Acoustics in Richmond, B.C. - Edward Ku is slowly but surely taking over the high end market in the Vancouver area as he brings in a lot of brands that aren't run of the mill but have impressed him. He has on display up to a dozen different turntables at a time. Stellar service.

[hifinutt]

big thanks to dave wood and paul benge of hi fi guy for driving 7 hours to get to my house to sort me out some nice speakers . highly recommended

[chris@panteg]

Mark Grant

I ordered a HDX1 interconnect, but it got lost in the post or stolen? Mark sent a replacement via recorded delivery in quick time.

Superb service and very pleased with the cable.
Buy with confidence.

[Sonically Impaired]

I needed a small part that was missing from the lift mechanism on my old Manticore turntable. Originally came with arm made by Rega so I figured Rega might be my best bet to source the part. They only deal via their approved dealer network so, being in a bit of a hurry, I sent emails enquiring about the part I needed to half a dozen Rega dealers. Only one responded and they said yes they could get one from Rega, quoted a fair price and very fair postage to France, and kept me in the loop via email continually. I was very very impressed with how my tiny order was given proper attention. If I am in the market for new, high end audio gear I would give them first crack at my business. http://www.oandlhifi.co.uk/
Otherwise known as Oranges and Lemons.. ask for Asa.

[struth]

unless you have a paid for trade account, you cannot advertise your business Dave.

[Joe]

Unless I'm being particularly thick, I don't think Dave is advertising his own business, just giving a friendly nod to Oranges and Lemons for helping him out.

Anyway, Chord Electronics; my Chord DAC, well out of warranty, developed a fault. I rang them up, they asked me to send it to them for a check-up. Almost by return of post, the DAC came back with the fault repaired free of charge.

[struth]

if its that way then fine. its worded that its his... no problem if its not

[walpurgis]

I don't think Dave is advertising his own business, just giving a friendly nod to Oranges and Lemons for helping him out.

The wording was misleading. I got the impression Dave was linking to a trade site of his own.

[Sonically Impaired]

Sorry guys. I'm not in business these days. Just retired and trying to find an interest that doesn't require physical aggro to my broken spinal vertebra. I have no connection with the company I mentioned above apart from being impressed with the attention I received for such a small purchase. I won't recommend anyone else in future.

[Clive197]

I would like to recommend both Paul & Wendy at HiFi Lounge in Biggleswade. Always made to feel welcome even when not purchasing. Problems sorted post haste (I’m on my 3rd Chord Poly).

[Vrajbasi]

I would recommend Mik Bhavnani of Unique Audio watford he has given me sterling service since 1993, and has incredible knowledge for especially when it comes to analogue replay ,the he can source most things from the most humble to the rare and exotic. He also has the the biggest display of Sme products I have ever seen.

[Hypnotist]

Another vote for Stan Beresford, nothings too much trouble for Stan service by email and texts throughout my purchase a couple of weeks ago.

Due to my remote location deep in Cornwall and lack of many HiFi outlets in the County, I've used Superfi and had excellent service with next day delivery.

[Clint H]

I would like to add Doug Brady Hifi in warrington to this list if I may. They've been looking after me for the last 5/6 years or so, always very welcoming, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with. There is no hard sell from them, they only want to sell you products that they would be happy to use themselves. Back up from them has been great too. I have 3 hifi shops in the city where I live but I am more than happy to travel the 25 miles to use these guys.

[Silent]

Bump for Stan. Great service all round. Lovely experience, got exactly what I was after

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[southall-1998_mk2]

The guys at the 'Exeter' Richer Sounds. Very polite and efficient. Another shout-out to Dale Linzey at Audio Note Lounge. Down to earth chap!

S.

[Colin2040]

Praise for the gents at Elite Audio,

Usual good welcome with time for a bit of banter and to see some of the nice products on display. Didn't even carry my speakers out of the car and new speakers plus stands carried to the car. As always 1st class. Loving the new speakers as well. Pair of Wharfedale Linton Heritage. Performing as we speak with amazing clarity and sound stage. And the wife loves them as well. Was actually in the audience last night listening to Dan Fogelberg at Carnegie.

Will be visiting them again methinks.

Colin

[rmcin626]

Praise for the gents at Elite Audio,

Usual good welcome with time for a bit of banter and to see some of the nice products on display. Didn't even carry my speakers out of the car and new speakers plus stands carried to the car. As always 1st class. Loving the new speakers as well. Pair of Wharfedale Linton Heritage. Performing as we speak with amazing clarity and sound stage. And the wife loves them as well. Was actually in the audience last night listening to Dan Fogelberg at Carnegie.

Will be visiting them again methinks.

Colin

Hope you enjoy your new speakers Colin, a fair trek from Argyll & Bute to the east coast, must have been a good deal.

[Colin2040]

I travel a fair bit anyway, live in central Glasgow during the week and was originally brought up in east. So was at Leuchars for a supercar race day a present for my son and it seemed only manners that I go and see the team at Elite . Have dealt with Mark and Gary for many years and always good service and deals. Speakers are just what I needed great performance for the money. Problem is I saw some nice shiny toys in the store so will have to return. I can recommend a visit.

Colin

[rmcin626]

I travel a fair bit anyway, live in central Glasgow during the week and was originally brought up in east. So was at Leuchars for a supercar race day a present for my son and it seemed only manners that I go and see the team at Elite . Have dealt with Mark and Gary for many years and always good service and deals. Speakers are just what I needed great performance for the money. Problem is I saw some nice shiny toys in the store so will have to return. I can recommend a visit.

Colin

I gave them a call when I saw your post Colin, and have discussing purchasing a turntable from them, been very impressed with my chats with Mark.

[Speccy4eyes]

I would like to recommend Dave Cawley at Soundhifi.com in Dartmouth, a real gent and massively knowledgeable about all things turntable wise. A real Technics turntable specialist, some Hi-Fi magazines use his upgraded turntables as their reference deck, a a really nice guy as well.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Kingscote Audio in Torquay. Richard is very good to deal with. Unpretentious and approachable chap.

S.

[Colin2040]

That’s good they had some nice turntables on display when I was there. I can only speak from my experience and they always offer me good trade in prices and they do tend to offer honest advice not always what the most expensive . If you have the time it’s worth arranging a visit, you always feel that you are not rushed and can spend some time listening to your potential purchases.

[rmcin626]

Another shout for, Elite Audio, started with good discussions with Mark about my turntable needs, was offered a decent trade on my own turntable.
The new turntable subsequently delivered, with Mark visiting to ensure everything was set up correctly, it’s over a 2 hour drive from their place to my house, so not exactly just round the corner.

[Manicatel]

2 dealers come to mind around the south east area.
Two different price points, but both seriously focused on excellent customer service.
The Audiobarn on the outskirts of Harlow definitely worthy of high praise. Some pretty upmarket gear, with service equal to it.
Sevenoaks Hifi in Cambridge. A more mainstream range of gear, but still give excellent advice & service. They are obviously genuine enthusiasts & the coffee is decent too!

[Hypnotist]

For us Audiophiles down in Cornwall speak to AcusticStreams, ask for Robbie, there based on Rospeath Industrial Estate, Crowlas, Nr Penzance.

Where I got my new Rega Elex-R from, nice listening room and masses of Quality HiFi you could spend a small fortune in there without trying, not pushy for a sale and more interested in making sure you get what sounds good to you, nothings to much trouble and they will connect up what ever you fancy.:D

[southall-1998_mk2]

Adam Cormack at Eden Audio. Pleasant chap to deal with. Check out his YouTube channel.

S.

[Mr.Ian]

Not a really dealer but he does build and sell some cracking amps, I think Firebottle deserves credit for all the help support and equipment mods he has done for me and no doubt many others too. Thank you Alan

IAN

[Bigman80]

Not a really dealer but he does build and sell some cracking amps, I think Firebottle deserves credit for all the help support and equipment mods he has done for me and no doubt many others too. Thank you Alan

IANYes, absolutely a top banana.

[User211]

Yes, absolutely a top banana.I'll vouch for that. He also wears the best trousers.

[Filterlab]

Have to recommend Martin’s Hi-Fi in Norwich. Been going there years, purchased a few items from them, been to a lot of dems (bit high end for my current budget).

Steve the manager is particularly knowledgeable and easy to chat to.

[alex_baker89]

+1 for Dave at Radlett Audio from me. Always completely honest with a no BS approach.

Good to see other dealers around the UK where people have had good experiences too. Thing is, of those I know who would be in the market for Hi-Fi, their first thought is to buy as cheaply as possible online.

In my opinion the best thing to do is go and listen, get some expert advice and you'll probably grab yourself a good deal anyway. Not worth treating a Hi-Fi as a race to the bottom on price.

[hifi_dave]

Aw shucks. Thanks.

[ovlov854]

I must place on record my grateful thanks and appreciation to Mark at Malvern Audio Research for his building me a passive transformer based converter to enable the proper working of my Hovland Radia

He also builds some of the finest valve amps I have ever heard( Audio Detail )

[Filterlab]

Another thumbs up for Martin's Hi-Fi in Norwich. I've known them and used them for years. They've just sorted out another Sonos order for me (for a client). Always excellent to deal with. :)

[Pieoftheday]

Eric Wileys Castleford,Roksan k3 power amp and Dali Spektor 1, the Dali's were almost free:) bought a few bits from there always helpful and often have great ex demo deals

[struth]

only dealer ive ever used was hifi dave(@radlett)he was excellent on both occasions

[hifi_dave]

Oh, thanks Grant.

Pleased to be of use..:hifive:

[struth]

Oh, thanks Grant.

Pleased to be of use..:hifive:

welcome, and only the truth

[Pieoftheday]

welcome, and only the truth

Get a room;)

[friendly]

Time for a big shoutout for a dealer who goes above and beyond.

Malvern Audio Research

Those of you who have been lucky enough to deal with Mark Manwaring-White (Ming Da Mark) will know what I’m about to say.

Thank You Mark! You’re a gent and a master of the valve. Your upgrades to my amps are breath-taking and I will do a write up shortly on my journey. Anyone wishing to hear why some prefer valve amplification or anyone with a valve amp that they wonder if an upgrade of components would be worthwhile, drop him an email or call him. You won’t regret it.

[friendly]

Well just when I think things can’t get any better.

A few months ago I was fortunate to be able to treat myself to a retirement present. I visited Mark at Malvern Audio Research and he fixed me up with a pair of Ming Da 845 monoblocs, tweaked by himself and matching preamp also fettled.
These drive my Qacoustics Concept500’s with ease.

Now a day after I purchased these a chap offered me a pair of Ming Da 300b monoblocs in mint condition. (I had put wanted posts on the forums). Well, they are 20 years old and mint condition, to be on the safe side I thought Mark should check them out and advise me of any problems. So about five months ago I left them with him with the request that he add variable feedback to the design (I want to know why purists say zero feedback is best) and upgrade critical components.
He advised me on inspecting them that the circuit could be tweaked and Mills resistors and Audyne Reference caps used in critical positions.
Well two weeks ago he contacted me saying he was listening to them and was sure he could improve them further. He’s OCD. Two days later he rings to say he’s listening to the amps and I’m going to be pleased. Oh, what a tease.
So Last week he called down to install the amps and see what I think. Would the 8 watts drive my speakers? Could they match up to the superb 845’s.
The needle dropped and the first notes appeared in the air. Gobsmacked! How was 8 watts sounding like this, no problem driving my speakers to silly levels without a hint of strain.
Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty. They sound very different from the 845 and which you prefer is very much to taste and your own setup. The 845 excels in speed dynamics and bass slam. The 300b in tones, soundstage and see-through vocals. Pick your poison.

But Mark being Mark didn’t stop there, he handed me a box of various 6sn7 valves and said ‘Have a play’. Not so much Ming Da as Ming the Merciless with the laugh as he departed.
So days later I’ve tried Psvane CV181. Smoother but not a huge difference.
Psvane blue globes. Oh these are nice, smooth with better separation of instruments. I’m thinking these are staying.
But what on earth is this other box. Mei Xing blue box with Onions hand written on the side Hmmm

I dropped the needle and didn’t get back into my listening seat when the first three notes exploded. I stopped dead in my tracks. Where to start, well the soundstage just went 50% bigger with pinpoint placement and every instrument can be effortlessly picked out within the mix. But not by dissecting the music. The flow and nuance of the players is mesmerising. Bass is deep controlled with timbre but stays firmly within the music, not drawing attention to itself.
Now as I said Mark said have a play he didn’t give me any prices. He wanted me to listen and see if a particular flavour was to my liking. The amps without the valve tweak were the Bees Knees, with the Mei Xing they are the Dogs Danglies. Mark tells me the valves are Black Onions. My son said what do they sound like? They sound like they’re not going back was my reply.

This is where a knowledgeable dealer is worth his weight in gold. I can find nothing searching the internet on Black Onions.

Thank you Mark for being a gentleman who goes about his business in a very unassuming way and delivers service with a smile and very good coffee. If you have a prejudice concerning Chinese HiFi go along to Mark, he guarantees everything he sells and just lets you listen.

[ovlov854]

+plus one from me. Outstanding knowledge and service,
My Ming Da 805 are with him to be fettled...................can't wait :D

[friendly]

Martin, let me know how you get on with the upgrades ��

[I.D.S.]

If you are in or around the Salisbury area Cross Keys Audio are now an official Rega dealership,curated by a certain Mr Phil Marsh,they also have a sister shop that sells records in the same shopping center.
No financial connection to either.

[icehockeyboy]

Thanks to Paul at Westlake Audio in Newton Abbot!

Told him my issue with the Wharfedale's, and he made a number of suggestions for speakers that would solve the problem.
This was narrowed down to 2, and he spent time with me swapping them over for comparison.

I ended up buying some Boston Acoustics A 25's which not only sound phenomenal, they are extremely wife friendly!

Top marks for his friendliness and great service!


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[palace]

Like others on this thread I have nothing but praise for Mark Mainwaring White of Malvern Audio Research/Ming Da UK. Back in 2013 after I bought a genuine though grey import Ming da MC7R off another forum I found it had to much gain, after I posted Mark contacted me on the forum with an offer of help. I drove the 210 ish return miles to Malvern the first of many trips, when my Croft phono stage died he was there to help as it was as I now know cricket season so I was unable to contact Glen Croft, when my Rogue Atlas Magnum output caps died Mark was there replacing them with Audyn Reference caps & 1% HQ resistors a wow improvement, somewhere along the line we became good friends, my son who was at college would watch Mark who would explain to John jnr. as he worked, he taught John how to hard wire etc.

The most recent job Mark did for me was to more than halve the neg. feedback in the MC7R another wow, all these at very reasonable cost.

I would also sing the praises of Stanley Beresford what a lovely helpful man with a genuine no quibble policy & provides low cost upgrades to his pension friendly Caiman SEG.

i add Dave and Mike at MCRU having spoken at length to Mike an avid enthusiast with an unbelievable system. Last but by no means least Nick Gorham at Long Dog Audio delightful and mine of information.

I feel the need to add my late no nonsense friend Len Gregory aka The Cartridgman nuff said.

[hifinutt]

Thanks to Paul at Westlake Audio in Newton Abbot!

Told him my issue with the Wharfedale's, and he made a number of suggestions for speakers that would solve the problem.
This was narrowed down to 2, and he spent time with me swapping them over for comparison.

I ended up buying some Boston Acoustics A 25's which not only sound phenomenal, they are extremely wife friendly!

Top marks for his friendliness and great service!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

wow never heard of that company . good to know

[ovlov854]

Martin, let me know how you get on with the upgrades ��

Well at last I retrieved my Ming Da 805 monos from Mark after fettling. Two caps and a serious resistor were replaced together with a more convenient biasing system
After only a couple of albums the results are amazing............glorious mid range and a solid growling bass Far more detail than I've heard through my s/s system.

Well done Mark

[Colin2040]

Just a quick thank you for another great experience at Elite Audios shop. Good coffee and biscuits, and a couple of hours enjoyable listening. Very pleased with purchase, as always a delight to deal with

Colin

[rmcin626]

Just a quick thank you for another great experience at Elite Audios shop. Good coffee and biscuits, and a couple of hours enjoyable listening. Very pleased with purchase, as always a delight to deal with

Colin

Always found Elite good to deal with, just out of curiosity what did you end up with?

[Colin2040]

I bought a pair of Ophidia mambo loudspeakers , they set the rig up with a Gato 400 to reflect my amp. And it was just a really good morning. So I have parted with my Magnepans which I loved and glad I tried them . But still have my Wharfedale Linton . I do like the mambos had a short session today and will try some vinyl tomorrow

I have dealt with Mark in his various guises over the years and just find I always get a good deal never any pressure

Colin

[Colin2040]

31124

[rmcin626]

I bought a pair of Ophidia mambo loudspeakers , they set the rig up with a Gato 400 to reflect my amp. And it was just a really good morning. So I have parted with my Magnepans which I loved and glad I tried them . But still have my Wharfedale Linton . I do like the mambos had a short session today and will try some vinyl tomorrow

I have dealt with Mark in his various guises over the years and just find I always get a good deal never any pressure

Colin

Like you you I have always found Mark good to deal with, which might be happening again in a few weeks, hope you enjoy your new speakers.

[Colin2040]

Thanks Robin. I am sure you will enjoy your visit.

[Kember]

I’ve dealt with Loud and Clear in Edinburgh a few times for Meridian stuff and their customer service is exemplary.