I like Mike, he is a nice guy, knows his thing and has a good collection of new and used products. He does carry some truly exotic products as well as more reasonable priced High End brands. Also has a lot of records. Whenever I get a chance to go by, I always pick up a couple of LPs, or more, have a talk with him and listen to his stuff. I've spoken about Mike and his store with my audiophile friends. We all agree it's a very nice place to go in. read more

Don't "borrow" moving blankets from him. I've probably spent about 20 grand with this dude...It wasn't enough.. Audeze LCD-3 Focal Celeste Mytek dacs. Rega planar 6 Harbeth speakers. I bought some JBL L100 Classic floor models. Dude didn't have the box, to he said I could "borrow" moving blankets..I came back some time later, First think out of his mouth...Where are my blankets!!??" I'm not sure what a couple of moving blankets are worth , but it cost you a nuisance of a customer I guess.. I've been taking my business elsewhere ever since, but this never sat well with me. If you like to get the best stuff you can afford, go elsewhere!!! If you have 100+k to spend on great gear, go here I guess..otherwise f off. read more

Excel Audio - Early Excel audio - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I walked into Excel Audio nearly nine years ago with a simple question about a tonearm--and walked out with something much bigger: a place I trust with every hard-earned dollar I spend on audio gear. Since then, I've picked up multiple speakers, amps, turntables, and a ridiculous amount of vinyl. And let me tell you--there's no one I trust more than Mike Rose when it comes to building the perfect setup. The guy knows high-end audio, jazz, rock--you name it--better than anyone I've met. But it's more than just knowledge. He actually listens--not just to the gear, but to what you want out of your system. No sales pressure. No gimmicks. Just straight-up passion and expertise. I moved out of state a few years ago, but every time I'm back in town, I make it a point to stop by--whether it's to pick up an album (or a few) or to grab more gear that he can drop-ship to me wherever I am. My latest visit reminded me of something important--it was long overdue to leave this review. If you care about killer sound and honest advice--do yourself a favor and visit Excel Audio. You won't find a better place or a better guy to guide you. read more

Excel Audio - Clearaudio Turntable, REL Sub, D'Agostino Amp, Luxman Phone Stage, and lots of vinyl courtesy of Excel Audio and Mike's expert advice. - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Had a wonderful experience at Excel Audio. It is a very cool, modern, spacious hi-fi showroom with an extensive vinyl shop. Michael, the owner, was very gracious in welcoming me and a guest visiting from out of town. My guest, being a Wilson Audio owner, wanted me to hear the benefits of this desirable audio stable. Micheal kindly played us three set-ups, with demos using vinyl and digital. They were incredible sounding, and the accompanying hardware was impressive. We never felt rushed and always welcomed, a great sign of an amazing host. My friend will buy amps with Michael at one stage, so this is the start of a great relationship. read more

Excel Audio - One of ultimate set-ups on display - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Mike Rose, the owner is a nice old(er) guy. The first few times I went there, I was just looking around. Didn't buy anything. Mike would patiently answer any and all questions. Whether I was asking about a 20 dollar record or a 5 figure phono stage, I always got a no BS honest answer. Fast forward about 4 months and now I've dropped a little over 10K there. My last piece was an Aurender N10 streamer. I upgraded from my N100H. No comparison. Just like Mike promised. Prior to that, I picked up a ROSE all in one amplifier, dac, steamer for our living room. The perfect one box solution. No messy wires everywhere. Anyhow, if you're looking for a new record or a 6 figure 2 channel system to play it on, Mike is your guy. His selection of records is great too. A little bit of everything. Every time I'm there he has just received a new shipment of vinyl. Great little spot. read more

Excel Audio - Love the new Aurender. Thanks Mike. - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Not all proprietors of high end audio stores know how to put together a good sounding system. You can't necessarily tell by the brands that they carry. I've found that it's actually pretty common for equipment that should sound fairly good in theory to be matched together in a way that lacks synergy. This results in audio systems that frankly might not sound all that great. The price tag for a system isn't a good gauge of its sound quality and musicality. I've probably heard more systems costing over $20,000 that don't sound great than systems at more reasonable price points. Seeking "perfection" in certain aspects of sound quality can result in compromises in other aspects and produce music that can sound cold and analytical, but not engaging. Even more uncommon is the ability for store owners to know how to tune audio systems to suit different musical genres and/or individual sound quality preferences. Michael, the owner of Excel Audio, was excellent on both counts. The system that I was auditioning sounded superb for orchestral music and opera, but wasn't quite as good on the jazz and acoustic vocals music that is what I most frequently am listening to. Michael knew which equipment in the system to change to make the sound quality better suit my preferences. Here's another cue that tends to indicate that a proprietor of an audio store knows how to build a musical sounding system. They'll have a substantial display of vinyl records displayed prominently in the store as you walk in instead of having expensive audio equipment "jewelry" placed front and center. I found a limited-edition record that I thought I missed out on buying last year when it released. I was looking through Excel Audio's substantial number of records on display for sale and there it was! What a nice surprise! Excel Audio is worth considering when shopping for audio equipment and also worth a stop to find new record releases. read more

Excel Audio - Listening area - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Love this place for the great vinyl record selection. Was hoping for the Yelp closing of 6 pm on a Wednesday but was so disappointed to find it closed at 5:15. read more

This store is great. Owner is super helpful and always takes the time to help you out. Great audio gear and album selection is fantastic. read more

Wow, just wow. I live in Huntington Beach and don't get to that side of town too often, but that store is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I had a nightmare experience trying to purchase a pair of KLH Model 5's from an online store. Four months after I made the purchase and I was still waiting for a ship date. During my seasons of wanting, I stayed patient, but found an alternative to the KLH's that I thought I wouldn't regret. Enter the Wharfedale Lintons. I thought the cabinets for the KLH's would be beautiful, but the Wharfedales are like fine furniture. The wood grain on the Mahogany is breathtaking and the craftsmanship in unparalleled. But, this isn't a Wharfedale Linton review, this is an Excel Audio review... I got on the Wharfedale site to find a dealer and low and behold, Excel Audio is right up the street. I called the store and Mike answered the phone on the first try. I told him what I wanted, he confirmed stock and I came in within an hour. Mike was just the greatest. He had his demo Lintons already hooked up and ready to play for me. Even had the color I wanted. He played a couple of tunes and they really sang. He He obliged my request to blow them up a bit and I was extremely satisfied with the sound and the look of these retro baby's. He swiped payment and dug out the boxed ones from the back and loaded them up for me in my ride. Not before wifey picked out a couple of vinyls from Mike's incredible record supply to break in these bad boys. While pursuing his records, his stock is just as impressive as his Audiophile equipment. I've never seen so many Mofi records in one store. So let me sum this up for you... Great stock of audio equipment. Great stock of records. Got a great deal. No hassles. Excellent customer service. Mike Rose is a great guy and has a great shop you have to stop by. Bruegger Bagels and Starbucks next to his shop. What a great way to spend your day if you're into music. read more

Excel Audio - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Decent selection of quality brands . If you want tube or solid state ....whatever ....I would recommend calling first if you want to listen to anything before you walk in . If you are on a modest budget this might not be your best place . Everything is high end but the record selection alone is a great reason to check out the shop either way. read more

Excel Audio is an audiophile's dream come true! A beautiful space packed to the gills with high fidelity gear from all the top names. I went in wanting to check out a couple of loudspeakers from Wharfedale. The owner, Mike, was happy to set them up for an audition. I explained that I was looking for a small room setup. He recommended a pair of tiny Harbeth speakers that pack a huge wallop. Stunned by their performance I was happy to take them home with me. Mike is easy going and very knowledgeable. As an added bonus, Excel Audio has one of the best selection of audiophile vinyl I've come across. Will be coming back very soon! read more

Excel Audio - TOTL HiFi gear available at Excel Audio - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Newport Beach, California

An amazing collection of vinyl for the connoisseur. To find the complete modern Fidelity catalog was amazing. I found four copies of some vinyl that I have been hunting for and the price was really fair. Mike is the real deal. read more

Incredible shop filled with hi-fi gear and audiophile record pressing. I spent an afternoon there digging and came up on some great AAA jazz reissues. This little gem is tucked away next to the airport away from any major shopping destinations but it is worth the trip read more

Amazing high end equipment and an excellent vinyl selection. Mike is a great guy and extremely helpful. He gives accurate assistance with no pressure. read more

I walked in to Excel today just to kill some time, and now I believe I'll be a dedicated patron! Their vinyl collection is something dreams are made of--especially if your tastes are more 60s/70s leaning. Not to mention the staff was very kind. Thank you Excel, you guys rock! read more

I purchased a full-on system from Excel Audio and owner Mike Rose was patient with me for about a year as I weighed my options. He worked within my budget when I did buy it, then he personally delivered and set up an incredible sounding hi-end system that amazes my and my friends. He is knowledgeable and won't put a sale before your needs. I've seen him give a lot of time to lookie-Lou-types knowing they will never buy anything but he doesn't walk away when he sees them coming. He still will educate and stand behind what he sells. Great selection from modest to super high end Nagra, Wilson, and many more well known brands. read more

This review is about my experience with the store a year ago. About a year ago, The needle of my turn table was damaged. I found Excel from Yelp and contacted them. Someone called me back shortly. I thought I needed to change the cartridge, but the guy told me that I didn't need to spend a couple hundred dollars to do so, and instead I could simply buy a stylus online and replace it myself in 5 minutes. I was so impressed by such an honest business they are running. They are awesome. Of course, just like the guy said, I replaced the stylus myself. read more

Mike Rose is an awesome guy! His recommendations are spot on, and he really ensures customers have good quality auditions. His store has a ton of equipment and an audiophile's candy place literally! I picked up my Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 and Wharfedale speakers from here - totally happy with his recommendation to go with this integrated. I definitely recommend Excel Audio and hope to be back soon! read more

Absolutely the best local shop for high quality audio equipment. A huge selection of new vinyl. Very knowledgeable service.

I love this place! Mike carries an incredible selection of vinyl (the jazz/blues and audiophile selection is second to none!) Their audiophile equipment selection is amazing! Mike will happily take the time to explain, teach and get you what you want and keep you on the price range you're looking for. Many of these places try to pull the hard upsell and sometimes it feels like you're bothering them, looking down their nose at you. This is NOT that kind of place. Mike really cultivates and cherishes the business relationship, which is working well because I sure keep coming back here and giving him my money!! Excel Audio is the BEST! read more

This place has lots of equipments and good selection of products, i recommend a visit. He has alot of vinyl selections, but very low quality recording, mostly reissued and newly released. Looks good on the outside covers, but once you bring it home, the records are low quality. I don't recommend buying vinyl from this place! read more

I have been a customer of Excel Audio (Mike Rose) for several years. I have purchased amplifiers, cables, vinyl, cds, a cd player, turntables, dac(s), music streamer and speakers from Excel. Mike understands my tastes in music and equipment and every recommendation he has made has worked out perfect! I have multiple systems in my home. Each one is a little different and each one is tremendously satisfying. read more

The best audio store in Socal. Lots of good stuff the owner is very friendly and knowledgeable.

For audiophiles, Excel Audio is the Toy Store. I thought I had a pretty good 2 channel system, then I auditioned the systems Mike Rose had assembled. I ended up with an audio system for a lifetime! The owner, Mike Rose, is friendly, extremely knowledgable about equipment, music. and audiophile vinyl. He has put together beautiful sounding systems from modest priced tube or solid state amps, speakers, turntables, streamers, to the exotic and truly aspirational. He guided me to Harbeth speakers, Line Magnetic tube amp, Feikert turntable, Koetsu Black Gold cartridge and Nordost cabling. Like I said, a system for a lifetime. All I can say is that I've found my audio guru and musical bliss! read more

I purchased a set of KEF R7 speakers at Excel Audio. Mike Rose is very knowledgeable and down to earth. Excel Audio has a great record selection of all different genres such as Jazz, Rock, and classical. read more

I stopped into Excel Audio a few months ago. I've been into high end audio equipment for 30+ years and recently got back into vinyl. I echo all of the positive comments about Mike Rose (owner) and he is the most honest and knowledgeable audio salesman/owner I've ever met. He has a fantastic selection of new vinyl- mostly audiophile quality pressings. When I go into his store I feel like a friend visiting rather than a customer. The equipment he sells is high end and not cheap, but if you want quality and honesty go there... if you want consumer mediocre stuff go to Best Buy. Please help support local business owners like Mike. Don't be one of those guys that goes into stores to look/listen then order on the internet! read more

I don't give out 5 stars like candy, that said Id give Excel Audio 10 stars just for showing up ready to play with an impressive selection top flight audio gear. The price tags aren't for the faint of heart but if you have the means (disposable income) Mike will help you make the most of it. This is a haven for high-end audio buffs, lovers of audiophile vinyl pressings and anyone striving for the very best sound reproduction one can achieve in their own home. Worth the effort to get here--you wont be disappointed. read more

Mike Rose knows more about audio equipment than anyone I've ever met. He is honest and thorough. Customer satisfaction is paramount. I can't say enough good things about him. The equipment available to audition is impressive. The vinyl selection is great. One very happy satisfied customer... read more

I came across Excel Audio by accident and was in for a great surprise. This simple audiophile store is one of the best hi-fi stores I've been to and the owner Mike Rose is one of the friendliest and humble person you'll ever meet. Mike knows music too and was kind enough to suggest new reissued Blue Note Tone Poet Vinyl. I was fortunate enough last night to attend Excel Audio's demonstration of the new Wilson Audio Chronosonic XVX and what a classy host Mike was. This store sells only high quality Vinyl and a select choice of audio equipment worthy of the "Audiophile" classification. I would definitely be coming back to Excel Audio !!! read more

Would give 10 stars if I could. Excellent customer service! I accidentally blew a tweeter on my older Wilson Audio speaker. My bad! The speakers were purchased from another dealer in a different state. Now, I live in OC. Mike immediately shipped it out to Wilson for repair. It came back within 2 weeks - looking brand new. Mike was gracious and supportive throughout the process. His showroom has some pretty impressive audio gear. All is copacetic! read more

Great customer service, very knowledgeable and helpful. Excellent vinyl selection is a nice plus.

I've purchased two systems from Mike. He knows his industry and knows how to balance the components to create a great system. He took plenty of time with me and isn't just trying to sell a "big" system but instead the "right" system for the room it will be played in and the budget of the buyer. I wholeheartedly recommend him. read more

Poor customer service experience. Staff was not knowledgeable of gear and products on hand. Didn't know how to operate the equipment to audition anything. read more

This review is long overdue. My first experience working with Mike Rose was in trying to trouble shoot an issue I was having with my Clearaudio tonearm. Mike was informative, helpful and offered several options. Long story short, I ended up purchasing a significantly better tonearm with a better performing cartridge. After nearly two years and countless visits, demos, listening sessions, vinyl browsing, etc., I've built two sound rooms in my home and added well over 60 new vinyl records to my collection. As one reviewer stated earlier, Mike makes you feel like a friend and not a customer. I wish I had met Mike many years ago, as I probably would have made better decisions in purchasing higher end audio. If you're in the market to invest in top quality audio and want great advice on how to build an incredible system, I highly recommend Mike at Excel audio. Or, if you want a great place to start building or adding to your vinyl collection, Mike has a great selection of music. read more

This year I have purchased new Wilson speakers, a new Line Magnetic Amp, Brooklyn bridge streamer, and a Stereo Rack. He allowed me to try different streamers and amps in my house. Things just sound different at home than in the store. All the equipment was excellent but I selected at my value points based on his guidance. He never rushed me and made me feel comfortable. He was genuine and in a field of numerous choices and prices he pointed out what he calls 'crazy good'. Keep an open mind and let him introduce you to value high quality sound. read more