OK - so this is something I know just a little about. Having spent twenty years or so in the industry, I guess I should. Since the dawn of time (well, the seventies actually), buying a system has been a seemingly difficult business. Cloaked in mystery, techno-babble and the rantings of egomaniacs, information tends towards disinformation. The lucky ones read and understand the magazines or have friends that actually know their stuff, while the unlucky ones trust to... luck.

So to help take the luck out of the process, here are some scouting tips to be going on with:

  1. Like most things in your life, home entertainment is governed by the Laws of Physics. Be prepared to obey.
  2. Be prepared to be amazed: there's some very good, very affordable stuff out there.
  3. Prepare your budget: if you think you can't afford it, it probably isn't worth it.
  4. Prepare for the long haul: start off small - there's plenty of time to spend thousands later.
  5. Prepare your listening/viewing area: think about where you want to put your system.
  6. Take your own music and/or movies along to the shop for a demonstration.
Shops:
The Listening Rooms: I can wholeheartedly recommend these bods... as I designed the website. Which is, of course, full of useful information (including lots of links to magazines and stuff).
Walrus: I can wholeheartedly recommend these bods, too... I didn't design their website, but I did work with them for a long time. Pete and Les specialise in 'proper' hi-fi - turntables, valve stuff - good sounds and no bullshit.
The Cornflake Shop: The only person I can remember from this lot is Andy Wheatley - a fantastic engineer and an acolyte of Derek and Clive. The Cornflakes were probably the first to make hi-fi retail a bit more... interesting.
There are, I guess, one or two other retailers that are pretty good. But these are the ones I know and trust and they're a damned good place to start.
 
Home Listings News Links Contacts Pictures Reviews Back to Information Back