I can't say enough good things about this place. I purchased a pair of Wilson Alexia speakers and a Grand Prix turntable from these guys and could not be happier. I've been an audiophile for decades and thought I knew most everything there was to know. I not only got the gear but a lesson in high end audio set up and as well. The owner, Brian, might be one of the most knowledgeable guys I've ever met - personable as well. read more

Very nice people. They let me take an amp home to try out over the weekend. Also they did not speak I'll of products that they do not carry, and did not try to sell me on anything. Very pleasant experience over all. read more

I've been to many high-end record shops throughout Los Angeles. This is by far the best of all of them. There is no high-fidelity /vinyl shop that has someone with the knowledge and passion that Brian Berdan has. (Brian is Brooks Berdan's son, a store that still exist in Monrovia that get's it's business based on the reputation of his father while he was running it). If Brian lived four hours away from me I would feel lucky that someone of his level of expertise lives a drivable difference. Brian isn't someone who will try to sell you gear for the sake of the sale.He is passionate about music and wants to give the customer the absolute best equipment and set-up possible to suit their musical needs. I recently had my table set up sat at another high-audio shop and was happy. I needed a minor tweak and Brian spent hours setting up my turntable, also giving me a very formative education.I felt like I received a $5000 upgrade based on his adjustments. Whether you are looking to get the best sound from headphones, speakers, turntables, or tube amps,etc within your budget this is the place to go. Anyone looking into getting better audio equip(from entry level to very high end), or or set-ups, there is no one else who compares. The shop is beautiful as well. For all Audiophiles in LA we are very fortunate to have someone of the expertise of Brian Berdan. read more

I took my turntable to another HI end audio shop to set up my turntable. It sounded good, but I knew it could sound better. So I decided to take it to Brian Berdan to see if he can get my table to sound its absolute best. Lo and behold, after a few tweaks and adjustments and his golden ear, my table now sounds amazing! More air, transparency, detail and warmth. If you want your turntable to sound its best or need any advise on audio gear Brian is amazing. He is truly an asset to the audiophile community. read more

I had an excellent experience with the team at Audio Element and would highly recommend their service for anyone interested in serious, high-end audio equipment. I had not purchased a new system in more than 15 years and so, was uninformed as to the latest technology and brand options when I decided to upgrade my system. During my first visit, I had nothing but questions and spent over an hour and a half listening to various component combinations. Sean and the staff were very patient and informative, pointing out the pros and cons of different component combinations and explaining the relevant features and price trade-offs of the individual components. I never felt pressured, spoken down to, or that I was being lured to higher-priced equipment. They understood my needs and respected the overall budget I had in mind. I left that first visit with a list of component alternatives and pricing that I took home to research. I was pleased to find good reviews on all of them and returned two months later with a short list of the components I wanted to purchase. Eli assisted me on that occasion and set me up to listen to my choices one more time before making my final decision. It turned out that he speakers with the color/finish I wanted would have to be ordered, which they felt would come in in time for an event I was planning. I received a call from Sean a few days later informing me that the supplier had sent the wrong color. They were concerned that the correct speakers wouldn't arrive in time for the event and very kindly offered me the use of other speakers in case they didn't. In the meantime, we worked out an arrangement that would provide the best chance for them to arrive on time. Fortunately, that worked out and I had my complete system set up for my event. I was very impressed by the consideration they demonstrated for the time constraint I was facing and the effort they made to accommodate my needs - this was first-rate service. And most importantly, I am very happy with the system I purchased. read more

My husband and I used to go to Brooks Berdan to have our vintage Marantz receiver and Rega turntable serviced, but we've recently switched to Audio Element. Sean and Brian are always friendly and accommodating without ever being phony. They don't try to sell you on a bunch of stuff you don't need, and you can bet that when you ask them a question you will get an honest answer. We asked about servicing a vintage radio and Brian was very polite and upfront in saying that they don't have a great resource for vintage work, because their specialty is high-end contemporary equipment. I'd come here to buy new equipment or to get a consultation on any audio-related issues. Glad these guys are nearby and I don't have to drive way out to Monrovia anymore! read more

I found Audio Element on Google Search. Called the first one that popped up. Spoke with Ian - what a gentleman! He told he how to get to his store from Irvine, in detail. I told him a little bit about my story - he invited me to come in any time from 11 am - 5 pm Tues - Sat. I hopped in the car and went in right away. I was greeted by another young man - Sean (?) I believe. Couldn't have been sweeter. Helped me get my turntable into the store, helped me get my 93 year old Momma in the store. By the time I got her comfortable, my turntable had already been repaired. NO CHARGE! I had purchased a used LP - he played the song I requested - it was not the song I thought it was - and the album was FILTHY. He cleaned the album for me - I INSISTED he charge me SOMETHING - so, we agreed on a price (not nearly enough) and they both then said for the price of the bottle of secret cleaner stuff - I could bring ALL of my albums and spend the day using THEIR equipment. The store is gorgeous. The restroom is IMMACULATE! The equipment is state of the art. And their Momma's raised them to be gentlemen. It took me all day and night to get to this store and back, and it as worth EVERY MINUTE on the road, just for their hospitality. When I need anything else - I will not hesitate to make the drive from Irvine, CA to Pasadena, JUST to see these fine young men again, and give them whatever business I can afford to. WHAT A PLEASURE. If you need anything - these young men are the ones to go to. I see from the picture above that there are two other people who also run this store - unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of meeting them. I am sure they are just as well mannered, helpful, courteous, kind, skilled, knowledgeable, friendly, talented, and I am running out of accolades here, folks! It has been four days now, and I still can't get their sweet nature out of my mind. read more

Our daughter flew in to town and having heard good things about Audio Elements wanted to check it out. We all visited and were greeted by the most friendly and helpful people I have EVER encountered in a audio shop. I have since been back multiple times for purchases and advice. Every time I have been treated with the same kind of service. A good selection of vinyl and equipment from entry level audiophile products to ultra high end gear. The atmosphere is to make sure you are having fun...not to show how stuffy and knowledgable they can act. A refreshing experience!!! read more

This place is fantastic! I'm just getting back into listening to records and music like it used to be and the folks here, particularly Brian are great. They are super knowledgable and helpful. I bought my amp from them and when I set it up I discovered my old turntable wasn't working. Brought that over and Brian fixed it right before my eyes. Love these guys - and they sell vinyl too! read more

Great experience at Audio Element. I first met Brian more than a decade ago and happily bought both a great amplifier and pre-amp from Brian and his father. This summer, we planned a move from Pasadena to Massachusetts and knew my music equipment simply wouldn't fit into our new home. Brian happily came to our house in Pasadena, picked up the used gear and arranged to sell it for me at a very fair price to be credited against a new purchase. He advised about options for a new system that would work well in our new home in Massachusetts. Brian has carefully curated the inventory and knows how to mix and match to get the best sound. After pleasant discussion, we decided on components that were sent to Massachusetts. We are delighted with our system, which sounds absolutely fantastic. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Brian and his staff are passionate about pleasing their clients. I wish that all transactions were this enjoyable. read more

I've been to many high-end record shops throughout Los Angeles. This is by far the best of all of them. There is no high-fidelity /vinyl shop that has someone with the knowledge and passion that Brian Berdan has. (Brian is Brooks Berdan's son, a store that still exist in Monrovia that get's it's business based on the reputation of his father while he was running it). If Brian lived four hours away from me I would feel lucky that someone of his level of expertise lives a drivable difference. Brian isn't someone who will try to sell you gear for the sake of the sale.He is passionate about music and wants to give the customer the absolute best equipment and set-up possible to suit their musical needs. I recently had my table set up sat at another high-audio shop and was happy. I needed a minor tweak and Brian spent hours setting up my turntable, also giving me a very formative education.I felt like I received a $5000 upgrade based on his adjustments. Whether you are looking to get the best sound from headphones, speakers, turntables, or tube amps,etc within your budget this is the place to go. Anyone looking into getting better audio equip(from entry level to very high end), or or set-ups, there is no one else who compares. The shop is beautiful as well. For all Audiophiles in LA we are very fortunate to have someone of the expertise of Brian Berdan and his amazing staff. read more