They basically took my money and ran. Looks like they are out of business now. Obviously don't send them any money

This company is a long scam setup. They list items which are not in stock, with little to no chance of being in stock, take your money for them via Shopify and then cut off communication with you. I had to have my bank issue a chargeback against them which then let you see the owner's true nature. When you provide your contact details for an order you don't expect the vendor to breach industry PCI rules and use them to verbally attack and threaten you. The owner has some kind of issues that they need to deal with before being allowed to interact with members of the public. Allen Fox called my phone and left an abusive voicemail and then followed up with a bunch of hate filled emails. It's not often that I've encountered a vendor that has led me to have to contact the BBB, Texas Attorney General and my own lawyer because of how unstable the business owner is. See the attached images below to understand how this business owner likes to operate. read more

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I purchased a few albums from Direct Audio at the Florida High End audio show in Tampa. Unfortunately one of the records (Limited Edition Melissa Ethredge Red) was damaged. I contacted Direct Audio a few weeks later and advised them about the problem. It took a few weeks but the young lady at Direct Audio was able to find me another sealed limited edition album, thanks Direct Audio from Vic M. read more

I should have read reviews before ordering, I guess. Looks like I'm not alone in paying for an order that never materialized, with zero communication, and no response to my inquiry about the order status. Ordered in July of 2021, followed up in October 2021 (I'm pretty patient!) to no response. You win some, you lose some. Hope they're putting my $60 to good use! To be clear: don't order anything from directaudio.net. read more

I don't usually leave bad reviews. I have no idea who runs this business, they must be on sick leave. I can't get a hold of anyone to get my vinyl. It's been almost a year, please hire a customer rep. FYI - ORDER 196323 read more

Called in to confirm a time frame for my order since they were incompetent to respond to my few e mails. I was met by a rude condescending worthless jerk off on the phone Me: I wanted to confirm when my order will be shipped? Douchebag: WELL I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOUR NAME?! How can I get your order if I DONT KNOW YOUR NAME?! Me: Usually people in customer service will simply ask for a name or e mail (How hard is it to ask their customer for their contact info?) Douchebag: ok let's get your order here so we can cancel it, oh it's out of stock?! It doesn't ship out till August. (I'm aware it's out of stock but I wanted a time frame of when it will ship out, not asking if it's in stock or not) Me: Ok cancel it Douchebag: Smart guy (in a prick like tone) Basically don't hand your money over to this poor excuse of a business, and feces. read more

Update on my previous review: this company finally shipped my package last week after not responding to atleast 5 of emails and numerous calls since March. I gave this company more than enough time to provide and update but they never responded. This was the response after I left my review. Stay away from them! read more

Direct Audio - Electronics Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Emailed them twice asking about estimated ship date for a vinyl I ordered. Instead of responding with an update, the owner called my cell phone and left multiple condescending and rude voicemails, calling me a "f***ing a**hole". Then after I left a 1 star review he sends this email (see pic). Luckily I was easily able to find the album elsewhere that provided an estimated ship date without issue. Obviously this business is incompetent when it comes to customer service. I'd suggest spending your money somewhere else that actually appreciates their paying customers. read more

Direct Audio - Terrible customer service. - Electronics Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Ordered two records in January of 2021 - one was in stock, the other backordered. I received the in stock one promptly which was very much appreciated. Fast forward to October 2021, having not received my other record I emailed to get a refund as I found it in stock on another website. I was informed by Lisa that their website was recently re-done and the fastest way for a refund was to provide my Paypal which I did. It is now May 2022 and I have followed up in a very courteous manner multiple times in getting this refunded. No responses. Sure, it's only $25 and I'll survive - but the lack of customer service and general bad business tactics are disappointing. Hoping others read these reviews and steer clear of getting their money stolen from them. read more

Rip off alert. Google states they are in stock on a record. Processed payment and called to confirm order. Man said to call back the next day and assured me they were in stock. Called the next day and he said I was 17th in line. Liars. Refund has not been posted and it is the next day. Horrible experience. read more

I had an amazing experience working with Allen, owner of Direct Audio. After some research of my own for new speakers (which included 3 wasted trips to Best Buy, what a joke), I decided upon Wharfedale LINTON speakers. I live near Forth Worth TX and If I want these wonderful speakers, I need to contact Direct Audio in Tyler TX. I called and spoke to Allen. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He is truly an audiophile with a love of the industry. He is an encyclopedia of knowledgeable when it comes to the audio industry. I am pretty knowledgeable myself so I knew, he knew, what he was talking about. He confirmed the Wharfedale LINTON were amazing speakers for the price and a good fit for my needs. Now here is the amazing part, he drove the speakers himself 130 miles to my home. Who does that? I'm not saying he delivers all orders, I sure he does not but it's an example of how far Direct Audio will go to make a customer happy. Oh, and the delivery included some free stuff. Bottom line, I would recommend Direct Audio to anyone who is looking for quality HiFi equipment, accessories, or music (not the cookie cutter crap at Best Buy). In my long experience being an audiophile myself, you cannot go wrong talking to Direct Audio about your home HiFi needs. Especially if you need expert advice. 10/10. read more

DO NOT PURCHASE FROM THIS COMPANY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! These people are literal thieves. Almost two years after placing my order, I am no closer to receiving my items. In clear contravention of FTC rules, they immediately charge your credit card for "backordered" items. Given it is 2 years later, there is no way they had a reasonable belief that such items were going to be sent out in 30 days. My order even included an item that was labelled as "in-stock"-- I did not receive that item either. If you have an outstanding order, contact your card company immediately for a refund. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR 120 DAYS HAVE PASSED. read more

DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS SCAM COMPANY!!! Terrible experience. I got totally scammed, like so many others. A year ago, I bought a Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness vinyl on backorder for $130. After a few months of not receiving the vinyl, I emailed to inquire about the status. I got no response. A month later, I wrote an email to request a refund. No response. Have called and emailed many times since, with no response. I even opened up a case with the Better Business Burrow, which was closed out because the company wouldn't respond to them. I don't know how this company is even allowed to stay in business. read more

Long story. Please read if a vinyl lover! Ordered a first press of tash sultana because price was best I could find and few options were remaining. 5 days later I had to contact the company (allen fox... owner) responded that the album was out of stock and i should take a downgraded version because they were going fast but it was going to cost the same. I reluctantly agreed. Had to reach out 4 days later because I had recieved no notification of shipping. He emailed saying I was being impatient and irrational. I had missed my opportunity for the first press because of him. I asked for refund. He replied with vulgar unprofessional emails asking if I wanted to kill his dog and perform sexual acts on him. This guy is a joke! He told me that he was so influential that I would never be able to buy vinyl online again. His emails were full of vulgarity and unpleasantness. This is the worst online shopping experience I have ever had. Still waiting for my refund to show on my card. Contacting credit company soon to dispute the charge. STAY AWAY FROM DIRECT AUDIO!!! The email talking about dropping a pallet was meant for another customer who wasnt happy with his services. read more

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I pre-ordered vinyl from them on 8/3/21. It has been 7 months and the album was released 3 months ago. I have emailed them several times, to no avail and several phone calls go unanswered at the store. Pure garbage. read more

I recently ordered a very hard to find Pro-Ject Beatles Yellow Submarine turntable from Direct Audio. Many of the other online and brick and mortar stereo stores displayed the item as sold out, and others had them at really exhorbitant prices. Direct Audio sold the item at a fair price, and their communication is the best I've ever received from any retailer. Allen Fox continually kept me in the loop with when the item would be shipped, and with follow up when it was received. As far as the item is concerned, it was easy to set up. My phono connector was very high quality, but alas, too short for my use. I plan on switching it to my former Pro-Ject turntable, that I'm giving to my 14 year old. The Sonar cartridge is a lot heavier that I'm use to, but the sound quality is excellent. The slipmat for the platter is really low quality, but the Beatles offer enough assortment of slipmats that I could change them every day of the week. All in all, a really nice transaction and item. I attached a stock item for those interested. Thanks for the great job! read more

Direct Audio - Electronics Near Me - Tyler, Texas

I can't recommend Alan and the Direct Audio team enough. I like them so much, I had to break this review into two parts: Business - Alan has the knowledge and relationships in the industry to procure just about any record ever pressed. As an important addendum to all negative reviews: **some albums are very hard to get!!** The only people who had a negative experience with this company didn't speak with anyone from the team and did not manage expectations. Alan has been the greatest resource imaginable sourcing and shipping unique and niche albums I have been looking a long time for. If you're trying to get a 'hard to find' album, call the company, talk to Alan, and he can get it done. That, and their prices are beyond reasonable. I'm extremely thankful that they're in business and that I have them as a resource now. Personal - I called to confirm they had or could get several albums I had been looking for, and over the course of the next two days, talked to Alan on the phone for roughly two hours! Five or ten of which may have been business, and the rest just genuine, genial conversation. He's got a great life story, and what's even better is you can tell that this man has found his passion. I've never met someone with a deeper knowledge of music, vinyls, and the industry as a whole than Alan. I can't wait until Covid is over to take a trip down to Texas and make a special stop at his store and meet him and the team. By the end of the process, it didn't feel like I was taking to a business, it felt like I was buying from a friend. I cant recommend them enough. My advice to everyone is: 1.) Call the store! Talk to the folks there, see if they have what you're looking for in stock, or get rough estimates on when they might be able to get the items for you! 2.) Be patient! If you're looking for special albums that won't be at your local record stores, these things can take time! This isn't Amazon Prime, you can't get rare limited pressings delivered in 2 days, so know that if you really want a certain album, these are the folks who can get it for you, and they'll work hard and as fast as is possible to get it done. Thank you, Direct Audio! read more

DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM DIRECT AUDIO.COM !!!!!!!! This company is very incompetent and/or dishonest! From what transpired I question whether they even had the advertised discs in stock! I wish I had done some research prior to ordering from them. This experience seems to be how they do business. Below is my personal timeline dealing with this company. I assure you I will NEVER deal with them again! July 22 and July 30 paid for two separate orders totaling $209.86 for seven SACDs Aug. 10 sent an email inquiring what the statues of orders were. I got reply from "Lisa" that they were pushing to get order shipped. Aug 17, 18 and 19 sent additional emails asking what was the hold up. At this point I was feeling like they were ignoring me. Aug. 20 I finally got a reply. I was told they had problems with website and postage but told me they were going to ship out that day. Aug. 24...still no confirmation that my orders where shipped. I received an email, the same day, telling me the orders were shipped. I emailed them back stated only four of the seven SACDs were shipped. Aug. 25, 30, 31 and Sept. 2 Sent emails asking why everything wasn't shipped. Sept. 2 I received an email from "Lisa" stating they couldn't get the remaining items. I was refunded via my Paypal account that day. read more

These guys are a complete scam. Do not even bother. Bad customer service, shady as all hell. Attempted to pull a bait and switch. I purchased a record for $35. After over a week, I sent an email, and called and left messages to check the status no avail. Finally when I got ahold of the owner, Allen, he canceled my order. He claims it was an accident, but did not allow me to place the order again. Later on he claims that it was because I pissed him off because I called 14 times. Answer your phone and provide customer service. I called during business hours with the intent of receiving customer service. The owner hung up on me and blocked my number. He called once I left my reviews. I thought maybe he was trying to make things right, but instead called me the 4 letter c-word for female genitalia. Either way, after canceling my order, he repriced it on his site for $75. I would consider this a bait and switch. He says that his terms of service allow him to do this. Fine. But that is not a business practice I agree with and I have the right to warn other potential future consumers so they do not make the same mistake I did. I attempted to remedy this entire situation by letting him make it right and sell me the record for the original agreed upon price. He has refused and has been a belittling bully. See the photos accompanying this review. He has quite a colorful vocabulary and is clearly not a person one would want to do business with. Turns out he also uses homophobic expletives to his customers. He also admitted to me in an email that his business is a scam. (See photos) He has now begun to threaten me with legal action for my reviews. I will stand by what I have said. I am being truthful and this was a complete waste of my time. He also falsely accused me of using stolen credit cards to buy the record on my review on Google. This guy is a piece of work. read more

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Worst experience ever. Ordered back in March and never received merchandise. I called and emailed with no response. Now I'm trying to get a refund from my credit card company since we are now in June and I still have never received anything. Don't order from them! read more

Apparently I'm not the only one to have a bad experience with this seller. I politely asked for a refund for an item that clearly was going to be out-of-stock for longer than they made it seem, and they never replied. A month later I disputed the charge with my credit card company and then I received a harassing phone call from the seller telling me four times "that I need to learn how to read." I can read quite well - especially the confirmation e-mail I received when I placed the order stating "we're getting you order ready to ship. We will notify you when it has been sent". In short, it looks like this seller is going to have to pay a fee from his bank for this ineptitude - and he totally deserves it! Wow. Stay away from this place! read more

I wish that I had read these reviews prior to placing an order, because it seems that a lot of people have had similar experiences to mine. I purchased two vinyl records from them. Sixteen days after placing my order I sent a friendly email asking for a status update. I got a response asking what name the order was under. Since then, I've received one record. I sent three unanswered emails. Eventually I asked for a refund. Since they refused to respond to me, I finally decided to open a dispute with my credit card company. When contacted by my credit card company, they responded with the following lies: 1) I had been notified that the order was taking longer than expected 2) I had agreed to the delay 3) I never gave them the opportunity to offer a refund. They also begged the credit card company not to penalize them. Don't they realize that I am the one being penalized? I gave them money in good faith and have not received the item I purchased. I'm sorry that I have to write this negative review, but I feel like I must alert others to their unsavory business practices. These people are rip off artists and liars. Do not do business with them! read more

These people suck. They are not to be trusted. I ordered a record 30 days ago that was "in stock". I have not received the record, and have had no communication form them whatsoever in response to my inquiries as to the status of my order. It appears this is their MO reading the other reviews. I am left with no option than to do a chargeback on my card to get my money back, unless I hear from them. Do NOT give them ANY business. You will regret it. read more

BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE !!!! You will be Ripped Off by Allen the owner. Placed an order for an album and was told would be shipped in 3 days. After two weeks called and found out Allen blocked my number. So you order, you pay, then he blocks your number so no further communications. Don't fall into this goon's trap!!!! read more

Would like to rate this company as zero stars. I am lucky to have done a quick Google search before making an online purchase today. I have seen literally the worst customer service out of Allen (owner), that I have ever seen. I am thankful that I did not order from here, or I would have potentially received damaged vinyl or been verbally abused by the owner who obviisly does not care about any customers. suggest doing a quick Google search before considering a purchase here. on the bright side this big, huge business definitely does not need the business of a little customer like me. read more

I preordered a rare record two years ago. There was some back and forth for the last few years, saying that it wasn't released yet and so I patiently waited. Finally they explained that they weren't able to get it, and promptly provided me with a refund. I'm so relieved because after not hearing back for a bit I was worried that wasn't going to happen. I'm sad I couldn't get the record but very happy they refunded me. read more

I would not recommend ordering vinyl from this business. I checked their website which showed a record I was looking for as in-stock, then I e-mailed to confirm inventory, and got Allen's (the owner's) response that they have many in stock. I'm thinking that's great, so I go back to the site to purchase, and the item's price is now $40 more than it was listed for previously, and says "(Out Of Stock) Pre-order." Can't trust this place. All the other reviews about the shadiness of this place are true. Steer clear and buy your records elsewhere! read more

Rude staff. Emailed inquiring about a vinyl which appeared to be In-stock on google on their google listing when searching for the product. I contacted them through email in order to double check the product was in stock because it was out of stock everywhere. I got a timely response by Allen but responded in a rude manner. The listing was wrong on google and when you click into their website it then shows the product is out of stock. I've worked customer service for years and they have no idea how to respond to customers in an appropriate manner. No wonder this place has only 3 stars. read more

Direct Audio - Rude email sent to me by the owner - Electronics Near Me - Tyler, Texas

My experience with Direct Audio started a few months ago when I ordered an ELAC subwoofer from them. I spoke with Allen after ordering the wrong sub (my fault) and he presented me with my options for returning/exchanging. He also presented me with his opinion on the subs in question and encouraged me to actually give the incorrect sub a shot. I did some research on it and noted some good reviews so I did decide to give it a shot and was glad I did as the sub sounds awesome. After that, I placed another order for a couple of bookshelf speakers and a center speaker - all also from ELAC. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, ELAC had several things on backorder, my speakers included. But, every time I checked in with Allen he was very open with me on what was going on and he kept me well apprised of my order. It did take a few weeks longer to get my order but I can't fault anyone at Direct Audio for ELAC's backorder situation. Given the situation, Allen was a total pro and a gentleman all the way. I have nothing but a positive experience to report and, given the customer service, I would do business with Direct Audio again in a heartbeat. Allen could've tried taking advantage and tried to upsell me at any point, especially after I told him I ordered the wrong sub but he didn't. Instead he gave me his honest take on everything and encouraged me to do my own due diligence, which I did. So, they get 5 stars from me. read more

I wouldn't recommend this business to anyone. I ordered a record and waited for 2 months with no communication from the store. I called the store twice in that timeframe hoping to give them the benefit of the doubt without cancelling my order . Each time I called in I was told "we don't make the records" (obviously a professional) When I finally called in the cancel my order, the man who answered the phone told me they just received the order but it was too late because he canceled it. read more

I had placed an order for an expensive l.p. box set and another for a hard to find l.p.. When I inquired about the shipping status several days later and criticised the tracking app that I had to download which mines information, my order was abruptly canceled along with a nasty email from the owner. read more

So, after writing my review... which I felt was honest and fair, I got this little Gem of an email from the owner. Suffice to say I won't be buying from them again... Don't recommend it for anyone else either. F*CK YOU ERIN! The manufacture delayed the shipping, how is that our fault! direct audio allen@directaudio.net http://www.directaudio.net 903-617-4977 read more

Thank your for coming through and getting the vinyl picture discs for a very hard to find game soundtrack that no one else had in stock. My son purchased this with his Christmas money, and he is ecstatic now that it arrived! read more

Called for an update on my order after sending out two emails with no response and the owner proceeded to shout obscenities at me. Take your business elsewhere. read more

Ok. A friend of mine (who lives outside the US) ordered a Pulp vinyl for me for Christmas. It took a very long time to get here (California) AND the post office didn't deliver it to me -- they made one attempt then returned to sender. I was annoyed and baffled. Turns out my friend had messed up my address, adding an extra word and putting the street number after the street name. Anyhoo, I called this place, explained my situation, they resent it to the correct address at no charge (and insured), it was the right record, packaged well and all is well that ends well. read more

I messaged Allen twice in regards to 2 LP's I have been looking for that are really hard to come by that he had listed in stock on the website. I literally had to send him the titles twice and a screen shot of my cart on his own website and he had absolutely no idea what I was asking for, told me I was unclear. Shouldn't you know the products you're apparently selling? I'm not hitting send money until it is confirmed that you actually have what I am looking to purchase. All i wanted was for you to tell me if your website was updated. It shouldn't take you 4 days when you responded to my first e-mail in 10 seconds to tell me I was confusing you. read more

I had the BEST experience buying my turntable here. The staff was friendly, very knowledgeable and they always kept me well informed on the status of my order. I would buy from them again in a second. read more

I was wrong. I left a scathing review because I could not get ahold of the company, and was certain they were ignoring my phone calls on purpose. I received a voicemail from the owner who refunded my money. I'm grateful for the refund. He promised to contact me if the Madlib Medicine Show special edition vinyl does ever print, at which point I would like to try being a customer of Direct Audio again. Once communication with the company was re-established my experience was as good as can be imagined. read more

I ordered two items on July 23rd. I emailed to get an update on August 8th. I wasn't in a hurry was just trying to get an update because the conformation email was pretty vague. Allen Fox responded quickly and told me he would check it out tomorrow (Monday). I waited Monday and he never reached back out, so I reached out Tuesday and asked if he was able to get any information to which he responded with two worlds "Hang on!" I waited two hours and after not hearing back I went to check the conformation email and see if anything had maybe changed. Well the website was "unavailable" so I reached back out and asked if he could have someone from customer service contact me because it would be faster to handle it that way then to keep doing the back and forth over email. Allen did call me quickly but it was clear he was upset and angry. He kept interrupting me when I was trying to speak and give him my information, his words were "I haven't heard back can you wait, can you wait till I hear back?" I told him after reading the BBB reviews and since the website is not working I just didn't fell comfortable and ask for a refund. He wasn't happy when I mentioned the reviews. Allen even said "i don't even know who those people are, Yelp and BbB are not good you need to go off of the Google reviews". he proceeded to refund me some of my purchase money so I tried to speak and let him know it was the wrong amount to which he just kept interupting me and saying "MAMA" "MAMA" "MAMA". At that point I was done being treated that way when I am a paying customer who had no problem other then asking for an update on the items. I replied to him "I'm not being rude to you but you are being very rude to me and this conversation is over, thank you for refunding the full amount, good bye". Allen Fox unfortunately has no customer service skills. My suggestion would be to hire people who can be polite to your paying customers before you run this business to the ground. If you keep speaking to all of us the way you do you will run us all away real quick. In this day I hate to see anyones business that I'm sure they worked hard for get run to the ground because of bad attitudes and pour customer service. I wouldn't trust this company with anything of mine. I've already put in a complaint and will be making sure they have no right To my information that I unfortunately gave them when making the purchase. read more

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Do not order from this company. I just received my order from 7/12/21- todays date is 1/20/23. This company even made a typo on my address -luckily i have nice neighbors who dropped it off when they received by mistake read more