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Audiovision
Category: Shopping Electronics Electronics [Edit]
1603 Pine St(between United States Highway 101 & Franklin St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 614-1118
Announcement
Check our Demo/Used section http://www.audiovision... for Great deals on products weekly.
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Audiovision
Review Highlights
"Trust me, they are the ONLY place to go for high-end audio."
(in 4 reviews)
"I ended up buying a Pro-Ject turntable here for about $350..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Look - it ain't Best Buy - these guys are pros."
(in 4 reviews)
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Ken m.
Mill Valley, CA
12/16/2011
This place has an extensive selection of the best audio gear available, all under one roof (can't comment on the video selection because that's not what I went there for).
But what impressed me more then the selection was the service I received. Marlen Kirby took the time to carefully set up the speakers I wanted to audition. He then gave me the time to listen without pressure. When I still wasn't sure, he invited me to come back another day when he set it up for me all over again.
There was no pressure, no hard-sell, but a lot of knowledge about the products and about audio in general. Based on the fact that Marlen told me that he used to work at San Francisco Stereo (closed for a few years now), I know he's got experience and didn't just start doing this yesterday. On my first visit to the store I also worked with one of the owners (Randy) who is also very friendly and knowledgeable.
Highly recommended. -
Review from Michelangelo S.
Seattle, WA
9/13/2011
Engineering the Right Acoustics For Your Environment
SITREP
I really get tired of the cheap consumer that is looking for Radio Shack pricing for IMAX level sound & viewing quality. But that seems to be the level of expectation when people want the best, but don't responsibly price their expectation.
What I really enjoy about Antonio Long and Randy Johnson at Audiovision is that they are consummate sound engineer professionals who build you a tight quality electronics package, and as complex as it may be, their price will still be by far the most reasonable for the same package you will find anywhere else in Northern California. After 12 years of being on the cutting-edge of their industry, they have brought their special audio-visual sound quality to a lot businesses and homes that depend on the highest-level sound.
PRODUCT
I have found them to be one of the few places to still get a quality turntables, toner arms, and top-of-the-line dvd players such as the Arcam, which if you get a used / floor model, you can get an exceptional deal on. Just keep checking back for latest inventory for the latest deals.
I also enjoy their "Cash for Clunkers" program for your old CD and/or DVD players that allow you to net some cash and discounts for new equipment. A lot of great deals that can be had taking advantage of this program.
THE LOWDOWN
Audiovision continues to foster great deals for me and has a stellar staff to answer my audio-vision questions for my electronics needs. -
Review from becky i.
Bryn Mawr, PA
9/12/2011
These guys really know what they are talking about, and they know how to break it down so you understand what they're talking about...which is great for a "know nothing" like myself. their selection is excellent, with high quality merchandise in a variety of price ranges, which means you DON'T HAVE TO GO TO BEST BUY! (huge plus for me, as i hate best buy.)
It seems some of the other reviewers have had negative experiences with the level of service they received, but i couldn't be happier. i've dealt with Randy, Antonio, and Marlen, and all of them were friendly and very helpful. I've recommended this store to friends, and they too had great experiences.
Unfortunately for me I've had to move away from the bay area. but if i was still there (or get to move back someday) this would be my go-to store for all things audio. -
Review from David G.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2011
Just got off the phone with a person from Audiovision. I was hoping to purchase an integrated amp and Audiovision is the only Cambridge Audio dealer in San Francisco. The salesperson asked that I bring in my speakers. My floor-standing 78 pound speakers. I said that would be impossible, but I wanted to hear different amps in the store and then bring one home to hear how it would sound. This is fairly standard practice when laying down multiple thousands of dollars on stereo equipment. In the end, I still wanted to hear the amp in the store, but he rudely refused to set up an appointment. Very frustrating.
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Review from H H.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
The reviews here are telling. People have strong opinions about this store. Over the past six years, I've had really great experiences here buying both expensive and inexpensive items, and dispiriting experiences when I needed patience and guidance. Customer service is variable. I've never been treated terribly, but I've felt both honestly led and helped at times, but also misunderstood, ignored, or judged at others.
I think the bottom line is this: Audiovision does carry great equipment and it's fine if you KNOW what you want and they have it. However, if you're looking for a consistently pleasant, unrushed experience in exploring and buying nice equipment, there are other places in SF to consider. -
Review from Gregory S.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2011
I came in to get a small part. Like Ryan below, I'm in my early 20s and I believe that I didn't get the best service because of that. The man helping me (he never gave his name) gave attention when he found time between answering and making calls; I was mostly left to wander the store indiscriminately.
After about 15 minutes, he couldn't find the part I needed. He took down my name and phone number and told me he would follow up in a day or two with more information and a price for the part I needed. Two weeks later, I still haven't gotten a call.
Going elsewhere, another store found the part I needed and had it ordered within five minutes. I even got invited to listen to a quick demo on the equipment before I left.
One aspect that drew me into the high-end audio community were the interactions between people in the community - I like to support brick-and-mortar audio stores for just this reason. If a local shop can't be bothered to give basic customer service or follow-up, what is the point? -
Review from Kath v.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2011
I just made another purchase from Audio Vision - I have been a long time customer and benefitted from the owner's expertise on all things audio. One thing I love about the store is that the owner's/people who work there are not the kind of guys to get in your face to sell you something. When you have questions, they are ready to help you any way they can. I've even gone into the store with a toddler (not recommended from the mom-perspective) but the guys were great! Additionally, we hit them up last year for a donation for a public elementary school auction item, and they delivered. YUP, smart, knowledgable, helpful, AND they support public school. What could be better?
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Review from Lazlo H.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
I think I've checked out and shopped at every high-end audio store in SF, several of them more than once. Audiovision carries great products and often has reasonable discounts, so I've come here a few times when shopping for various components/speakers/accessories. Salespeople at these types of stores have a reputation for being snobby and aloof, but the salespeople at Audiovision are definitely the most consistently rude I've encountered at any audio store. You can tell they think you're not worth any effort if you don't look ready to drop several grand when you walk in the door.
Like Ryan J, a salesperson literally told me I was wasting his time because I asked to audition an item but said I probably wouldn't be making any final decisions or purchases for a few weeks. He said I should come back and talk to him when I was ready to make a purchase. This was when I was literally the only customer in the store and there were 2 salespeople just sitting around. I understand you may have customers who browse at your store and then buy the same items cheaper elsewhere. You're not going to help your business by telling someone who looks like they MIGHT do this that they're wasting your time. In fact, you're almost guaranteeing that a customer who's considering purchasing elsewhere will do just that. I'm definitely never setting foot in your store again. -
Review from K F.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2011
Good selection at reasonable prices. They drop a few stars due to lackluster service. I purchased a receiver, and was told that I could contact my salesman with any additional questions, etc. I sent a note due to one concern and received a response, which barely addressed my concern. I then followed up asking additional questions about add-ons to my system, but never received a response. I'm a home audio enthusiast and they could've had my business for good. Unfortunately, they failed.
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Review from Bill s.
Mill Valley, CA
11/22/2011
Randy pulled a rabbit of a hat for me the other day. I had purchased a relatively inexpensive NAD/Niles home theatre system four years ago for a an office conference room and had finally gotten around to installing it. In the process I pulled a rookie maneuver and broke one of the mounting brackets. Fat chance it'd be easy to get a replacement mounting bracket.
After calling tech support for Niles and getting helpful people on the line but ultimately no call back when promised I decided to head down to the store on Pine street. I was directed to talk to Randy who was on the phone at the moment -as they seem to be a lot. When he got off the phone he gave me his full attention. At first it seemed like this might be a tall order since the speaker was discontinued. But after just a couple of minutes he said "I 'm going to make your head explode dude" or something thereabouts. I wasn't sure what he meant, but he headed out to the recycling can, fished around for a minute and returned with a box full of parts. Low and behold it was a mounting bracket for that very same speaker. Turns out he had just had to replace one for a customer the day before and din't need the new bracket to do so. And as it turns out, that recycling would have been picked up the next morning...and I would have been SOL. He gave me the bracket gratis. How great is that!
I got great service four years prior on an inexpensive system. The only thing that was left out of the original order (and I had now way of knowing without actually going to install the speakers) was a mounting bracket for a subwoofer. Recently, Randy was able to order that bracket (for a price this time of course - but at $50, I guess that's all right) which I received in about a week but a few days longer than expected.
I used to sell and install home theaters and electronics for a number of years back in the 90's so I've been in the biz. Coming from that knowledge and experience I find these guys to be on the up and up and helpful. I just wish I had some more dough for the good stuff!
By all means go see Randy, Marlen, and friends. -
Review from jonny s.
Pleasant Hill, CA
8/25/2011
I had a hard time deciding between one and two stars.
As several of the posts have mentioned, they are one of the rudest, most pretensious stores I've ever done business with - yes, I've spent several thousand dollars with them and they still treat me like crap when I ask any questions about products. I've asked the same qustions at other stores with great answers and service.
The reason they get two stars instead of one is that when I did spend lots of money, they let me upgrade ( yes even more money) without a problem. If you give them cash up front, maybe they'll be more helpful, but for time being I'm spending my money elsewhere for sure. Nice equipment, but not worth shopping here for sure. You have other options and I recommend using them. -
Review from Steve S.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2009
Time to get past the 1990's audio system and think about something that could also serve as a home theater. I shopped every hifi store and even gave Best Buy a shot in helping me to get the best value for my money. Beware of what some stores will try to sell you, most don't really know what they are talking about and will try to sell you whatever with an explanation based on something they vaguely remember in the promo materials provided.
Antonio knows a thing or two about sound and creating a system that will truly perform. This is the first person who actually gave me an education and told me he would rather pass on a sale than to sell me some poorly designed system. You're thinking that this means pricey, no, not really, actually under budget with two dedicated receivers. One would serve as hifi, the other as theater. The difference is night and day for sound quality.
No one is more knowledgeable about quality sound. The quality of products will ensure this will likely be my last audio purchase in my lifetime, which makes this a even better value.
Highly recommended! -
Review from D H.
Los Gatos, CA
Updated - 1/24/2011
I received a message from Randy at this store. Apparently he wants to tell me I don't have courage for posting these reviews, and not speaking my mind in person. Like that would be worth my time.
I'll keep it going. One star yet again. Fuck Audiovision. Shit store, absolute worse than shit customer service from idiotic salespeople, ridiculously overpriced products. Annoying messages after the fact for speaking my mind on a business review website etc etc.
I'll take the "opportunity" to post another negative review. How you like them apples Randy?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/10/2011
Looks like I'm the only 1 star review. Great, I'm sure it's about time. Audio Idiots is more like… Read more »
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Review from Kenan A.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2008
It's been a while since I've put a review up on Yelp (been busy), but I figured that this store was worth the time.
I'm a newbie audiophile so it might be a little difficult to take my opinion seriously, but I was really impressed with the staff and service at Audiovision.
My goal was to just browse around and price compare for a 5.1 setup. I knew I'd have to drop about 3k to really get something I wanted to last. But even though the store was pretty busy when I got there, the staff made me feel very welcome and allowed me to walk around and admire a ton of equipment that I had no business looking at (I balked at the price tags on some of these babies).
While I was waiting to be helped I chatted with a young-middle aged couple and they said they loved the store and have been shopping there for years, so I put my guard down a little bit.
Finally Randy was available to help me. Now I know a salesman is a salesman, but he really made me feel comfortable and listened to me. I told him I wanted entry level stuff, but I also knew that I wanted certain functions, like a receiver that accepts HDMI, speakers that aren't satellites, a solution that will last me at least 5 years.
I was very happy with his attitude. He demoed the set I was interested in (incidentally they were having a great sale on those particular speakers), and I was pretty satisfied. I'd hit him with plenty of questions and he bent over backwards to find all of the information for me. I may be a newbie, but I know what I want :)
So even though I was supposed to be browsing and price matching that day, because of the sale I figured to just go for it before someone else snatches up the speakers! The transaction as a whole was relatively painless (and I got out of there spending less money than I thought I would, which is rare).
If Yelp let me I'd might have deducted one half star because of a small hitch in the final moments. I did not receive the subwoofer until a week after I brought home the rest of the speakers (lonely huh), because of some random forgetfulness on our part and also the fact that the model wasn't available in the color I wanted.
However, they were really flexible. They not only UPSed it to my workplace, but also threw in a nice cable for the subwoofer. And I didn't spend a dime on the shipping or the cable. So in reality, I think they deserve the 5 stars just fine.
If you are looking for a 5.1 or similar sound system and you want something that lasts, and you want to deal with people who know what the hell they're talking about, AND you want a pretty damn good deal, go to Audiovision. Ask for Randy if he's available. Best Buy is great if you want something cheap that won't really perform, but this place is the Real Deal(TM), and they'll work with you to meet your needs and your budget.
Thanks a lot guys! -
Review from Ryan J.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2008
I was looking to buy a new integrated amp. I was 24 at the time, now 25. So I guess I don't look like I could afford that kinda thing, but I have a really well paying job in the Bay Area and had a budget of around 1200. Went with a good friend because I was looking at naim stuff or a creek 5350se as this dealer was highly recommended. The guy working there told me to look at Arcam and NAD stuff instead, which i was not even slightly interested in. I asked him to hook up the Creek 5350se and he just kind of roundaboutly told me it wasnt worth his time(i assume because I didnt look like a serious buyer?).
Anyway, I felt like this was a joke and left. I ended up buying an integrated in the same price range as the Creek 5350se later that day. Losing sales due to elitism is kind of a joke to me.
The upside is that they have a lot of really nice stuff, and I guess if you look older/richer they might let you hear it?
EDIT(5/20)-Randy, owner of Audiovision and I have been writing back and forth since I wrote the above review. He has been very apologetic and genuine. I am going to up my rating to 4 stars because me holding a store accountable for an employee who may have just been having a bad day seems unfair to both the owner and the consumer who may be looking for a good audio shop. This store has spectacular selection and is probably the only place I have seen in the bay area carrying NAIM products. I would be willing to give them a second chance in the future. -
Review from Francois D.
San Francisco, CA
11/11/2008
After several hours spent online to figure out what I wanted, I decided to go straight to professionals and hit a couple of stores. I'm sure many go to audio stores and spend much more than I planned on, but the salesperson that took care of me - Marlen - walked me through several choices in my price range ($1,500) and was just as professional as if I had spent a lot more.
After listening to various configurations, I made the choice (and was told that it was actually $75 less than expected) and went home a happy camper. The story would stop here if it wasn't for the color of the speaker that didn't really match once I got home... Not to worry, a quick exchange was made for black ones instead of cherry.
Highly recommend based on honesty, courtesy, professionalism and all around nice guys. -
Review from Hilary K.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2008
I took one of my best (audiophile) friends here to find him a couple of speakers for his birthday. After about an hour, he asked the owner, "how long have you had a stereo, wait let me correct myself, how long have you had an audiophile store here?"
These guys are really really knowledgeable. Most of their equipment is pretty darn expensive, although there are some things in a ... pedestrian price range. They know and can explain the sound and tone of each of their speakers, and are happy to set the speakers up for you to listen for yourself.
And to top it all off, they have some funky looking vacuum tube receivers. Some of their customers must be seriously hard core.
FYI, ended up with the KEF iQ3s. -
Review from Bert K.
11/10/2009
If you like high quality music and are tired of those regular 'burbs type superstores, you need to swing by this place.
They have a nice selection of finer quality Hi-Fi equipment.
From Very Very nice to High End.
From $800 speakers to SKY is the Limit I have Unlimited Funds cuz we just IPO'd.
When you are ready to hear some fine audio equipment- go here!
Easy to find corner location.
Friendly staff.
TIP: they have used HI-End audio equipment here, some stuff at very good prices. The savvy well informed consumer could get a deal here on used audio equipment. Bring at least ten C notes. -
Review from Dylan O.
Sausalito, CA
7/29/2009
I called a few places in the city and in Marin to investigate a new needle cartridge for my ancient Pro-ject turntable, and was surprised that these guys not only knew the turntable, but sold them, and knew exactly what cartridge my turntable needed. I took it in at the end of the day and they apologized for not being able to give it back to me installed that very same day, but I would have to wait until the next day. No problem.
Needle cartridges can get incredibly expensive, but I appreciated that the guy who helped me discouraged me from spending too much. "Your turntable and your system just doesn't need this level." At the same time, he did encourage me to get a quality that would match my system, and nothing less.
It was ready the next day. (I wasn't, but they kindly held it for days, calling us once as a reminder that it was ready as promised.) Oh, and our vinyl sounds even better than before! Nice work, guys. -
Review from N M.
Santa Clara, CA
7/16/2011
This place only likes you when you are spending. Horrible customer service. Having spent several thousand dollars there, they were relatively ok when I was making a purchase, but if you have an issue later on with something you bought, they want NOTHING to do with you. I was shocked. They sell quality brands of merchandise, but you can find it elsewhere for the same price, or less. I have been treated better at audio stores where I haven't bought a thing. You can find the same gear elsewhere with ALOT less attitude.
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Review from David K.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2011
Been to most audio stores in the city in my quest for new speakers and these guys are my favorites. Friendly, engaging super patient and extremely knowledgeable. I went in asking a whole bunch of dumb questions and they really seemed happy to help (and recommended less expensive stuff than I originally asked about!) I also like their selection of speaker brands - the carry several hard to find speakers that get exceptional reviews online (Dali, Dynaudio, Kef, PSB) that are cool alternatives to the stuff you see everywhere (without being more expensive!) Prices aren't cheap but are fair for what you get. Look - it ain't Best Buy - these guys are pros. But if you want good stuff at fair prices this is the place!
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Review from Chris L.
Winston-Salem, NC
10/8/2008
AudiovisionSF - Great store, Stunning selection ( all carefully chosen ) and phenomenal employers, which I can say as I had the good fortune to work with them for some time.
Since leaving their employ to open my own little shop on the East Coast I've had the benefit of perspective and a lot of contact with other hifi shops in my area. I consider my time at AudioVisionSF with Antonio, Randy, Tom and for a bried period, Marlen, to be the most valuble investment I could have made as a hifi store owner and listener.
The depth of knowledge and the level of service at AVSF would strike the most jaded hifi shopper as rare.That fact coupled with their firm understanding of system building, a perfect synergy of carefully chosen components, means that a system built with help from AudiovisionSF is truly a value.
I mention this "value question" because it strikes me as the single greatest reason to do business with AVSF.
A customer, in many cases, will purchase, through the internet or through a dealer, a hodge-podge system of non-complimentary components that may in their own right be of fine quality but simply do not produce the desired results together.
This leaves the unlucky chap with the option to get over it or sell off what they imagine are the offending components in an effort to purchase a potentially fitting piece, with varying results.
Since all of AVSF's gear is carefully evaluated against like componentry you can be assured that each piece is the best in it's class.
Furthermore, with the sheer daily volume of systems that they build for customer demonstrations in the showroom, always utilizing choices that fit each customer's needs, they understand fully what brands and models do and do not have that synergy or tonal character a listener may be hunting for.
Someone else mentioned this but it bears saying again: there IS an upgrade policy. In the long run, while you could rest easy on your awesome new system for a decade or two, you have that door open to you as an AudioVisionSF customer and it can really make a difference if you start twitching with "upgrade-itis", as so many audiophiles do.
Lastly, I can say with authority that making a hifi purchase should be an amazing experience, in turns awe-inspiring and educational, wickedly fun and most certainly attended by the slightly neurotic, tiny nerd that lives in all of us.
AudiovisionSF have brought the knowledge, service, selection, value and surprisingly comfy chairs to your fair city. Now bring yourself to those comfy chairs and have a truly fantastic time.
( PS - I meant to keep it pithy but I'm me so instead I did that thing I do: I rambled at great length. ) -
Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2008
Da Best
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Review from Toro E.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2006 2 photos
A Disneyland for audiophiles. Their line up is diverse from entry level products to super high-end toys. Items are nicely arranged their two main rooms for listening tests. Store attendent was informative and really knew the stuff. Although they sell both home theater and 2-channel music equipment, their focus is more on 2-Channel.
Manufactures they carry:
Acoustic Solid, Amphion, Analysis Plus, Anthony Gallo Acoustics, Arcam, Artcoustic, Audioaero, AudioQuest, Balanced Audio Technology, Bryston, Cairn, Cardas, Cary Cinema Design, Clearaudio, Creek, DALI, Dalite, DVDO, Eastern Electric, Eclipse TD, ELAC, Esoteric, Fujitsu, Fusion Research, Harmonic Resolution Systems, Harmonic Tech, Hitachi Directors Series, Innersound, Integra, Lyra, Miscellaneous, Mission MJ Acoustics, Morel, Musical Fidelity, Musical Surroundings, NAD, Naim Audio, Niles Audio, Nordost, NuForce, Olive, Opera Loudspeakers, pARTicular, Podspeakers, Polk Audio, Pro-Ject, PS Audio, QUAD, Quadraspire, Raidho, Redpoint Audio Design, Rega, REL Acoustics, Richard Gray's Power Company, Rives Audio, Runco, Sennheiser, Sherwood Newcastle, Shunyata Research, Sim2, Simaudio, Solid Steel, Sonos, Sonus Faber, Soundations, Stewart Filmscreen, Sumiko, THIEL Audio, Thorens Triangle, Ultrasone, Unison Research, Von Schweikert Audio, VTI Manufacturing, Wilson Benesch -
Review from Martin C.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2009
I'm a very experienced long-term audiophile equipment owner, user and listener, who has a collection of about 2000 lps and just about as many CDs. I just bought a new NAD545 CD player at Audio Vision for $499 (MSRP) and I think the store is just "ok." I already knew what I wanted and got most of the information from their website and the Net, which is what I think you need to do if you want to buy anything from Audio Vision before you walk in the door.
Audio Vision offers a very broad selection of high end audio equipment -- from very expensive to relatively cheap -- which is good, but I did not find the salespeople very helpful. When I entered the store, no one greeted me. That may have been because 3 men entered the store together immediately before me, but it took at least 5 mins before anyone asked if he could help me, even though there were 2 salespeople in the store. A simple and immediate "Hello, I'll be with you as soon as I can" would have been nice. Maybe it was the way I was dressed, which is always "casual", even though I have more than enough money to buy anything in the store.
In any event, when a salesperson finally spoke to me, he did not seem very knowledgeable. I actually found their website much more helpful and informative (which is very good BTW). For example, I told the salesperson which unit I was interested in and he directed me to the wrong piece of equipment. In his defense, they all look basically the same, but a "good" salesperson should know exactly where each piece of equipment is placed. I also asked the salesperson if the CD display could be dimmed or darkened and was told no, it could not. After a few seconds of playing with the remote, I discovered that it had a display button which did exactly that -- dimmed and darkened the display. The salesperson then tried to switch me to a "center drawer" player by Integra rather than the NAD side drawer player that I wanted, saying that it reduced jitter and would be a better drive if I wanted to use it with a DAC. I thought this was nonsense, because I've used an inexpensive Creek CD60 side drawer player (in the same price category when new as the NAD player) as a drive w/a very high end DAC for many years w/o any noticable jitter or distortion problems. Also, if I wanted a really stable CD transport, I wouldn't even consider a drawer player at all -- just a top loader. So, although he was "nice" enough, I didn't find the salesperson very knowledgeable or credible.
As for the store itself, it is a very small store and I found the layout of the products a bit haphazard and the listening rooms too small and not sound tight. In my case, I listened to the CD player in a hallway with only about 2 feet of space between where I was standing and where the speakers were located. There was also someone listening to equipment in the adjoining room and sound from the room bled over into the hallway (and I assume vice versa) which made listening difficult. Furthermore, one of the speakers on the system that the player was hooked up to had an obviously high frequency distortion problem. Not ideal listening conditions, but I bought the player anyway because I needed an "affordable" high end player and the one I bought was highly rated by multiple sources and I liked the way the player and remote looked and were organized. It turned out to be a perfect player for my needs. Excellent - clear and accurate - sound reproduction with my 15 year old but still very capable Airtight ATM-4 integrated tube amp and Audiovector (PBN) speakers.
FWIW, I think Audio Vision's approach is to stock as many products as possible in order to be able to sell something to anyone who walks in the door, which means that the salespeople can't possibly know everything about every product they sell. So, I don't think Audio Vision is a place for "newbies" and before buying anything at Audio Vision, you should do your own research in advance and know exactly what you want and can afford to pay before you go there, because, if my experience is any guide, the salesperson will not be able to properly inform you about the equipment and you will have to rely on your own knowledge and experience to make a choice.
Lastly, I learned inadvertantly (when another customer lugging a box came in) that Audio Vision takes trade-ins on upgrades, which is good. I didn't ask, but for the very high end equipment costing $1000's to tens of $1000's, which they carry, they also should be willing to allow you to test the demo gear in your home for at least a couple of days (subject to a full purchase price refundable deposit to make sure you bring it back, of course). If they don't do this, don't buy anything you can't afford to keep after you take it out of the store and open the box and hook up the equipment at home. -
Review from Lucien B.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2008
Bottom line: Poor communication. Bad information. Apparent lack of interest unless it appears you are going to spend big bucks with them.
[Had written a long story about my experiences at AudioVision but the Yelp server ate my text after I submitted it.]
Background: Spent well over $2000 there; received inaccurate information about product availability among other things; had to jump through way too many hoops to purchase what I did; & they really couldn't be bothered when I wanted make an additional purchase (which was the last straw for me). Bzt. -
Review from Paco R.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2011
I'll try to explain my story and get to the facts asap.
As a wedding gift, my dad wants to get me a new Hifi set (speakers, amp, DAC) and I start researching on the Internet about what's good and what's not. Basically there are only a couple of shops in town that carry hi-end stuff, so I decide to go to Audiovision and see what they have.
The first time I visit the shop, Antonio (who I think is the owner) greets me and ask me what I want. I tell him I'd like to spend between $2000 and $3000 in new equipment and I tell him that I'd like Dynaudio for my speakers and that I'm not sure about the rest. He then asks me when I plan to buy the stuff and I say within a week. Then he says: when you are ready to buy, come and you can have an audition. I get frustrated because I wanted to have an audition right away but he doesn't seem interested (I guess since I'm 27 I look too young for a serious purchase) so I start walking around the shop, checking amps. He starts saying that he's got the best audio store in the world, that he's got more stuff than anyone, etc. Anyway, he recommends a couple of amps (Naim if I have the money or a Peachtree if I want to go cheaper) and plays the Dynaudio without any setup in the hall with a Micromega amp (not the best way to experience a speaker). I understand these guys are afraid of people buying stuff on the Internet after an audition, so I leave the shop a bit frustrated and decide to come back after a few days.
In the mean time, I check Audiogon and decide to buy an old/used set of Dynaudios. So I still wanted to get an amp/DAC from them and decide to go to the shop once again with my wife to make the final purchase (and I had the money with me in case I wanted to finally get anything) . I go into the shop and after a couple of minutes, Antonio calls another employee to help me out. I ask him to audition a set of Dynaudios together with a Naim amp and the Peachtree Nova. He says they normally do this by appointment, but that he'll show me both in two different rooms (one was the hall and the other was a room for auditions). We go to the room and the first thing he asks me is if I had speakers already. I say yes and he asks back where did I get them from in a pretty rude way. My wife and I look at each other and think what's wrong with the guy. How or where I got the speakers shouldn't have mattered to him at all, don't you think? Then he says that if I'm not going to get the amp from them, he won't setup anything for me, that he doesn't want to waste his time. How rude!
He spends about 2 minutes setting up the speakers on to the stands and lets me listen to the Naim. I listen for about 10 minutes and go to the hall to try the Peachtree. It was difficult to make any statement there, but I'm sure the Naim was much better (at a higher cost too). Anyway, my wife wanted to leave and I was still mad at the guy for how rude he had been, so I ask him about any other amp that would be a good match for the speakers. He mentions a Simaudio and says that next time, he can let me listen to it and compare with the Naim but only if I came with the money and buy anything right then.
I'm sorry but I felt outraged about how the treated me and decided that I did not want my money to be spent there. I don't think my words show exactly how I felt and the sense of superiority that the guy (who is not much older than me) seemed to have over me. These guys have totally lost me and I don't recommend anyone to go in there unless you want to feel as a piece of what you know. I haven't felt like that in any other store probably in my life. I felt like they were making me a favor by letting me spend $2000 in their store...
I still haven't made any purchase and will probably have to drive out of San Francisco to be able to have an audition in a superiority-free environment.
Anyway, the two stars are for the selection. Cero or less for the service. -
Review from Demanding T.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2009
They have the best service out of all the high end shops in the city. I've reccomended some friends of mine to this location and were completely satisfied.
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Review from Eli Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2007
To put it simply, this is probably the best audio shop I have ever been to. The staff is extremely knowledgeable which makes making a multi thousand dollar purchase worth ever penny. Even though there were more expensive options, the salesman listened to our requests and put things into perspective so even someone who doesn't understand much about them a believer. Yes it is expensive, but not that expensive. I heard a small bookshelf speaker that sounded amazing and they were only $200 a pair. We were never pressured and honestly, I can't think of what more to ask for in a stereo store.
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Review from schuyler d.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2008
I ended up buying a Pro-Ject turntable here for about $350 which I'm really happy with. I went in once to look and decided that everything was way out of my price range (they have some REALLY high-end equipment here), but after looking other places I came back and bought the turntable. I'm willing to pay a little more for a higher quality product, and I thought the sales staff was pretty nice.
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Review from Matt P.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2011
I went in today to buy a new desktop stereo system and did not leave disappointed! They provided great service and a very impressive selection. The prices really aren't bad for this level of equipment, and you're supporting a local store. I know where I'll be shopping for my next sound system. Thanks guys!
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Review from Mark M.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2010
The selection of audio equipment might be decent, but the owner is a condescending nitwit in my experience and because of that, I took my business elsewhere. Some of the other employees are perfectly nice to deal with.
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Review from shane b.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2010
I've been shopping here since 2003 & have had good experiences at two of their main & very well-known competetors. However, these guys go above and beyond in customer service, such that they are my only go-to solution for high-end audio now. They don't BS, they know their stuff, they are generous on trade-in's (should you wish to make improvements), & I respect them for publishing their prices (how else is one to create a goal to work for?--this is a rare thing in the bussiness). More importantly, they love music & they know music. Trust me, they are the ONLY place to go for high-end audio.
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Review from Hunter W.
Concord, CA
3/20/2008
another good review for audiovisionSF... buying stereo gear is often a dodgy proposition, but the guys there aren't soaked with flopsweat waiting desperately for their next sale... instead, they're eager, knowledgeable and laid-back. more importantly, honest and trustworthy. my first purchase with them went strangely sideways through no fault of their own yet they "did the right thing" and kept customer concerns top-of-mind and did more the remedy the situation, but left me with the confidence to recommend them to friends and the yelp community.
