Didn't get installation done here, but instead purchased a McIntosh amplifier and some Goldenear…read moretower speakers from them. I'm quite a bit younger than a typical hifi store's clientele but Cary greeted me well and helped me listen to whatever I needed. I appreciated they don't try to sell snake oil speaker cables, and Cary was a pleasure to work with while I spent nearly two hours before pulling the trigger on the system. I could not recommend these guys more highly if you're in the market for mid to high end audio gear. The selection isn't huge but they have great gear in stock.

I bought stereo equipment from these guys almost 35 years ago, when we moved to San Francisco in…read more1990. You don't stay in business as a small retail outlet for nearly 50 years without doing something right. I'm currently in the process of upgrading to a fantasy-level McIntosh amplifier and working with Barry is just such a pleasure. I'm writing this review in advance of taking delivery of the equipment, because I don't have any concern that there will be any problems. My parents ran a successful retail music and record store in St. Louis, Missouri for over 40 years, starting in 1942. So understanding what personalized service is is built into my DNA, having watched them do it, and having worked there as a teenager. It may sound hokey, but I get a warm feeling every time I drive by that shop and think of how rare it is to deal with a business where you know people personally for decade after decade, who will always make you feel welcome when you stop in, whether you're there just to listen to amazing equipment and buy nothing, or drop tens of thousands of dollars. Thanks, Barry O'brien for carrying on a tradition that is sadly fading in our society: first-class personalized retail service, and in-depth knowledge of rarefied equipment.

Music Lovers Audio & Video is exactly what its name promises, and Spencer Giel is exactly the kind…read moreof person you want guiding you through one of the most rewarding and dangerous journeys you can embark on as an audiophile. I came in as someone just getting into the high end audio market, surrounded by gear I could only dream about, and Spencer never once made me feel unwelcome or out of place. I've visited other stores where you can feel judged the moment you walk in based on your wallet size. That was never the case here. As someone around my age with the same passion for amazing sound without millionaire budgets, he got it immediately. He worked with me from start to finish, helping me build a system that punches well above its price point. The result was a carefully curated blend of tubes and solid state that created a synergy I didn't fully appreciate until I heard it all together. He helped me select my Paradigm Persona 5F speakers, Audio Research LS27 preamp, Parasound A21+, AudioQuest Niagara 3000, and interconnects. Each brand chosen with intention, Paradigm out of Toronto, Parasound originally based right here in San Francisco, Audio Research from Minnesota, and AudioQuest from Irvine CA. Respected names with solid reputations in the audiophile community that fit my budget without compromising on quality. Any system I was curious about I was able to audition without any pressure or hesitation. That kind of access says a lot about how they treat customers. And it doesn't stop at the sale. They helped with three moves of my audio gear, something regular movers simply are not equipped to handle with equipment this precious. They also helped connect my system which is a level of service you just don't expect from a retailer. That kind of relationship goes well beyond a transaction. The store itself is filled with incredible gear across some of the most coveted lines in the industry. McIntosh, Audio Research, Boulder, Anthem, dCS, and speakers from Paradigm, KEF, Wilson, Sonus Faber, and more. They also specialize in home theater if that's your thing. Just be warned, every visit is a little dangerous to the wallet. And don't overlook their preowned section either, it's where real bargains hide. That's how I picked up my Audio Research preamp for half its original price. This place is a "Music Lovers" dream whether you are just starting out or building your end game system. Ask for Spencer Giel, he's the real deal!

Great gear and great staff! This store has a wide selection and fantastic demo rooms. The staff are…read morevery knowledgeable and friendly. Spencer was very generous with his time and spent a good 45 minutes discussing speakers, and amplification with me. He also allowed me to demo a bunch of my favorite tracks. I will definitely be back next time I am in town!

What a find! City Car Radio came highly recommended by my SOMA auto garage to replace a blown…read morefactory speaker on a 2000 Toyota Camry, yes, a 26yo car. Sprague might as well be the "speaker whisperer" because he quickly diagnosed the issue, came up with a novel solution to save me money, and spent just an hour or so making the repair. I drove off thoroughly satisfied that I found a very affordable solution for my budget. Plus he's a character and a pleasure to talk with -- he made me laugh more than once during our interaction. Highly recommended.

Sprague was fast and efficient. Installed a radio in a classic car from the 70s which required some…read moreminor metal work and interior trimming. One of the only shops in this part of the city that can do this type of work.

Antonio and Randolph are the real deal. Even if you don't spend four- to five-digit numbers on…read moreaudio equipment. Randolph helped me pick stands for two B&W speakers that I already owned, and even though they were from a different brand, they fit my speakers perfectly. When I noticed at home that the color didn't fly with me 100 percent, I called to check if they were available in a different one, which they were, and I could exchange them without any issues. When it was time to replace the cartridge on my Rega turntable, Antonio not only gave me good intel on available ones and the one he'd recommend for my purposes and turntable, he even installed and adjusted it free of charge. Never have I experienced any upselling here. Besides, if I'd want to spend, say, $500 on something and for $100 more there's a substantial upgrade to be had, I'd be thankful to know about it. Audio equipment lasts for a long time, so paying a bit more is a no-brainer in the long run.

High-end gear, low-end hospitality. I should have read the…read more1-star reviews first. They describe a specific, repeatable pattern that I experienced firsthand. I came in to audition Devialet Phantoms, intending to support a local store rather than a big-box retailer. I was immediately told demos require an appointment and a $150 fee, credited toward a purchase within a month. That unexpected barrier set a cold, unwelcoming tone from the start. The experience deteriorated completely during a demo of YG speakers paired with Goldmund amplification. I offered a neutral listening impression: the soundstage was excellent, but the bass sounded strained to me across multiple tracks. Instead of treating this as a discussion point or setup variable, Randolph (who identified himself as an owner) became defensive, questioned my "reference," and implied I didn't know what I was hearing. As a former Goldmund owner, I tried to engage technically--asking whether power delivery or buffering might be a factor. He was dismissive and uninterested in dialogue. When I clarified that I was describing my subjective experience, not asking to be convinced, the interaction became argumentative until he eventually walked out of the room. That ended any intention I had of purchasing here. In hindsight, it's entirely possible the bass character I heard reflected the voicing of the YG Sonja 3.3 speakers combined with the unforgiving nature of the Goldmund Telos 800--not a flaw, just a presentation choice. High-end audio is a relationship business built on trust and collaborative listening. This shop operates on ego and gatekeeping. If you want to be told what to hear, you'll be fine. If you expect a professional, consultative environment that respects the listener's ear, look elsewhere.

Peter is an amazing technician when it comes to repairing Vintage Music equipment. I brought…read moreseveral pieces of Vintage gear to him and he was always able to find parts somehow and repair them for a reasonable cost. He is especially skilled at working on Hammond organs and Leslie speakers. Highly recommended

They wanted $200 "deposit", immediately got defensive/hostile when I tried to clarify what that…read moremeant. It turned out to mean down payment. Deposit implies I would get money back (say, if they could fix my gear in one second or quickly see it's unfixable, etc.) The word choice might be forgivable but the hostility made me feel like I was talking to a swindler. If they have so much business that they're actively trying to repel people, respect.

I'm so glad that I made my way in to Future Sound. Peter Lee is top notch and really took the extra…read moretime explaining to me what I was inquiring about. He also has a bundle of knowledge about everything and anything in the component world. He's a very experienced guy to talk to. I don't have a big knowledge base in this area and he didn't make me feel like I was above my head. This is where you're gonna get this type of service and I will no longer be going to Best Buy or a Magnolia for my future purchases. You don't get that type of one on one service at stores like that. Peter take much pride in his craft and it shows! Thanks for all your help again Peter and I'll be back soon to keep building the set up that I've been looking for that works for me and my budget...and of course with your expertise!

Carlos M. I have…read morebeen a costumer of future sound for about 10 + years when their installer Ken was around (RSP) but now the owner Peter has taken the sale and installing equipment. Around April 2026 I visited the shop in South City Ca. I was looking to upgrade my receiver he went right away and suggested a NAD receiver, also went on to demonstrate it with all his sophisticated gear, we decided to purchase and Have Install By him but he said I had to do some cable fishing thru my wall for him to run cables? He installed the receiver but at the same time wanted me to buy a remote valued at$2,050.00 (?) since I refused and return it now he does not answer my calls,Emails,text. Since the system needs tweaking. I will never buy a thing from him again,! On tap he charged me for install by the hour. Rip off.... Ps. Did not give me manuals nor equipment to set up speakers levels if needed.

My son was having trouble with his sax and thought it was an air leak. Our normal repair person was…read moreout but Bronstein Music was recommended to us by his band teacher. After a few minutes Ron quickly figured out there was nothing wrong with the sax and it was actually the way my son was playing. Ron then kindly gave my son a free lesson on how to properly blow the sax. It was eye opening and such a nice thing to do! We will definitely come back again and recommend Bronstein to others. Thank you Ron!

Be Warned. I also had an extremely rude experience as another Yelper posted. I took my Vito alto…read moresax in to have the low C fixed and to get an estimate for pad replacements. The serial number places it from the Yamaha factory in Japan in the early 70s. They said that it would be inspected and I would get a phone call about an estimate. They did not review the horn with me. It should have been my first red flag. A few days later I get a call informing me that 'the instrument needs a complete overhaul and that when they put a light in it it was just full of leaks everywhere and would cost $1500 in labor and $200 in parts and that it wasn't worth it because of the value of the instrument' in an arrogant judgmental tone. When I picked up the horn, I was again told about leaks. This told me everything I needed to know because I too have put a light down my instrument to find the leaks and know exactly where a 1972 vintage alto that's never had it's pad replaced is leaking. And it wasn't were he was pointing to. I don't know who hurt you or which horn you're confusing mine with but I felt like I was being lied to. If you didn't want to do the work, simply let me know. Telling me my instrument isn't worth fixing is unacceptable. I determine the value of my horn, not you. And being rude about it is even more unacceptable. I guess with the closing of AG Music in Oakland and abundant USD student rentals, there's no space for the community musician in their shop. Be warned when you cross their handyman-grade aluminum threshold.

Audio Symphony updated the sound in my old school Tacoma truck. The new speakers sound a million…read moretimes better than to stock speakers, and the installation was fast. I made an appointment, dropped the truck off, and picked it up at the end of the day. They are COVID conscious and are respectful of personal space, so you don't have to worry about your space being invaded during a pandemic. The construction out front is a bit confusing, but they have their own private driveway / access to their shop just off of Pine Street behind the gas station. They used the existing, original speaker space to install the new ones, so everything looks the same, but the sound is MUCH better! They also insulated inside the doors, keeping the sound inside the cab. I use the truck for off road adventure, and they assured me the connections would be solid and not come loose. They also made it known that they stand behind their work and product and would address any future concerns should they arise. All in all, a great shop - These guys have been around for years and years and I highly recommend them.

I never thought to write a good review for them till now. I…read morepurchased a blue tooth Pioneer Audi with Back up Camera in Feb 2018. I noticed that lines of the back mirror is more triangular than square. So I called them if there is a software update available for the unit. They said it's adjustable by setting. So I went the shop last Saturday. And they showed me how I can adjust the line the way I want. I feel their customer service is outstanding and highly recommend if you want to install a blue tooth backup camera for your vehicle. Quite often sales people are nice when you try to buy something. But after you buy a item, most salesman don't care about the service. But they are different. Hatch took care my issue. He is excellent. Thank you very much.