I had a fantastic experience with Music Lovers. Will was attentive and spoke to me as though I had a fluent vocabulary in audio equipment, which I appreciated. It is all too common to enter a place and feel condescension cascaded on you by employees--especially if you're inquiring about entry level systems. Not so at Sound Lovers--Will spent a solid 40 minutes with me talking about my transition into speakers and analog systems. He sat with me in their amazing sound sampling room and played some Coltrane and awesome local musicians. The equipment really shone, and I was sold in no time. I'm happy to say that the equipment has been consistent since I set up at home, too--the room we auditioned the system in was treated well but not excessively. Will didn't try pulling any crazy sale tricks from his sleeves and I felt no pressure to buy all the accoutrements under the sun. I will underscore that there is a no-return policy, so it is crucial to make certain you want what you're buying. Will helped me load my car up, but in making the numerous trips he forgot to load the anti-static brush I'd bought. When I realized the omission at home a few hours later I called in and Will was quick to admit he may have forgotten the brush and he had it on the counter and good to go for me when I got there 20 minutes later. What's more reassuring is that he immediately asked where I lived, and was willing to ship the brush on his dime if I had not lived close. You get what you pay for, which is excellent high-end audio equipment, but what the old platitude doesn't mention is that at places like Music Lovers you get meaningful attention, too. Eat your heart out, Fry's. read more

Excellent service and knowledgeable stafff. As a "low end" customer ( spending only @ $1300 on an integrated amp) I recieved as much time and attention as if I had been spending thousands more. Don't let their high end reputation put you off, they have something for every budget as long as you are looking for better gear than the commercial, plastic junk that you find in the big box stores. They also offer the kind of personalized and dedicated service that is just not available from Internet retailers. Of course their high end equipment is the best, as well. read more

I had a great experience with Will and Graham. I'm building an entry level system. Both men took their time with me and explained things in detail. Not once did they make me feel like a jerk for not going more high end and neither of them tried to up-sell me. I bought a pro ject turntable and love it. A pair of Paradigm Monitor speakers are next on my list. read more

Yesterday I came into Music Lovers Audio to start to shop to replace my system. I was with my friend who is familiar with and own very high end equipment and has a discerning ear. I was in the range for a nice system, but did have a budget as I have 3 kids in college. We were helped by Harry. He was kind, courteous and attentive. Most importantly, he listened to what my needs were. He was informative without being condescending. He spent at least 2 hours with us, explaining everything in detail and presenting options for me. The experience was wonderful. I will be buying from Harry at Music Lovers Audio as soon as I have can. There was no pressure at all. I do not understand how anyone could have had a bad experience with Harry. I recommend him completely. You will not be disappointed. read more

I bought a pair of headphones. Not a particularly expensive pair relative to what they sell. The salesman that I talked to was knowledgeable and took the time to help me get the product that I wanted and work with my budget and let me listen to things outside of my price range as well. All in all a great experience. read more

very good service.. bought headphones and got to listen to 5 models including one way out of my prixe range just for fun. good price, as low as any website. very helpful service. read more

I went it yesterday looking for a low profile amp. Harry helped me. There is something about this guy that rubbed me the wrong way. Now, granted that I was looking for something at the very lowest end of what they sell, I can see that he might not have been all that interested in my potential as a customer. But, in fact, he spent a lot of time with me. So, for that, thank you. Ok, so my experience was not good and in many ways mirrors what others have said. There was a feeling of condescension. It felt like I could not have a two way conversation with Harry. When he demoed an amp for me, he had me sit down on a couch and then sat directly in back of me - it just felt really weird. Finally, he seem to be on edge the entire time. It is altogether possible that I will buy a system from Harry in the not too distant future, but the guy needs to seriously work on his communication skills. I hope this review helps, as that is my intention. read more

I benefited from a very courteous and professional demo of one of their Wilson speakers. I didn't buy from them but have nothing but positive feedback for the experience. Thank you guys. read more

What a TERRIBLE experience! The worst customer service I have ever seen. We have had our amplifier fail three times and each time we were treated like it was our fault. Their service techs don't work past 4pm during the week because it isn't convenient for them and, of course, they don't work on Saturdays at all. If you want a service appointment you have to rearrange your work schedule to fit them. Twice we stayed home from work for a scheduled appointment and they never showed. When they did show up for an appointment they were always late. Never an apology. Always an excuse as to why it wasn't their fault. Dealing with these people was a HUGE mistake. Beware. read more

I recently decided to upgrade or replace my old stereo system to a much better quality system. I also have had problems with the quality of amplifiers bought at big box stores. So I did some online research and located Musiclovers in Berkeley. I went there to find out what they had to offer. It turns out that they demonstrate and sell audiophile level equipment from entry level clear up to the very top of the line in such equipment. I met Grant Davidson, the assistant manager at the Berkeley Musiclovers store and I immediately liked his easy, low-key and knowledgeable approach to addressing my concerns. I told Grant that I wanted to put together an upgraded stereo system on a budget. Grant explained that Musiclovers had spent time researching a wide range of equipment that they sell and had put together a system that delivers the most performance for your dollar for entry-level audiophile listening. Grant set up a demo of the equipment for me and asked me to bring in favorite vinyl, CD or other format music tracks that I liked most, which I did. We played that music at the demo and I could not believe the sound. So I bought the components that were in the demo system. It turned out that the amplifier I purchased from them was in the same price range as the "upper" level amps available at the big box stores, and yet I was purchasing a hefty, quality, audiophile level component designed to play for years that just looks like it means to perform exquisitely, which it does. In addition, Grant informed me that by buying from them, they would provide service and support for that equipment. I like working with people who are genuinely interested in what you are doing with your equipment and really are into quality music. Anyway, the sound that I got out of my new system right from the first record I played was just amazing. My new stereo system plays music better than any system that I have owned before, and plays and sounds so well, that I find myself playing music for one or two hours when I intended to listen only for a half hour or so. I will say that Musiclovers is an audiophile store and if you want to upgrade your stereo or home theater system to that level of listening the components in the store are more expensive than you may be used to buying, but it is worth it if you really want to get great sound. I would also like to say that I had a great experience with all of the staff that I met at the Berkeley store including Graham, Andrew and Harry among others, in addition to working with Grant. read more

That there are only 4 reviews this year to date, and no social media presence, for Music Lovers is a bit of a shame. They have a great store, a wide variety of brands and price points, and excellent staff. Glad to at least see that the majority of reviews note these same things, and call out Grant, in particular. He set up a demo room for me on short notice a month ago when I called about the Peachtree Audio nova300 integrated amp I had been reading about. And then he spent time auditioning the unit's capabilities on a selection of songs that matched my input about musical preferences. In fact, one song that he played--Bill Calahan's One Fine Morning--was so good that I had to go home and buy it immediately. I showed up at 3:50 and stayed until their 5:00 closing, and at no time did I feel any pressure to do anything other than experience the music as fully as the equipment permitted (and boy did it!). Even though I ultimately had to purchase directly from Peachtree, I conveyed that he was a great help, and they gladly credited the store with the sale of my amp. I joked with Grant that my wife would be mad if he sold me speakers in addition to the amp I was there for, but in reality I would be glad to give them my business when I decide to upgrade my Sonus Faber Concertinos. The fact that this high end-leaning audio shop is named Music Lovers underscores that they get it--the equipment is a means to an end. And they help you get to that destination. If I could encourage them to host some local meet ups for Hifi Audio Streaming or Audiophiles on a Budget (two facebook groups I'm on), I bet it'd be good for their business, and I know it'd be great for us. read more

I wanted to purchase a center channel speaker from the Berkeley store. I wanted to compare a Paradigm with a new top of the line Polk speaker which I brought with me. The theater room was set up for the Paradigm. So far so good. But when I asked to increase the volume of the Paradigm to distinctly hear its characteristics, I was refused! Additionally, when I wanted to hear and compare the Polk, I was again refused! The salesman would not switch the audio cables (a simple two minute procedure) and allow me the purpose of the visit which was to compare speakers! The excuse? The system was not sufficiently calibrated to substitute the Polk for the Paradigm and the comparison (in the salesman's head) would have no purpose. What a load of crap. I could still hear the differences of the speakers had he let me do so. How could i decide to buy the Paradigm (which I was inclined to do prior to the visit to the store) when the store would not let me compare the two speakers I settled on to purchase. The salesman focused on HIS interest (demonstrating a minimum 5 figure speaker system). I just wanted to decide which speaker to compare and then buy. IMHO this is no way to run a business. I know I will never walk in there again and I suggest that no one else does either. They may know audio equipment, but they do not understand customer relations. Too bad because their equipment is high end. It is just their customer service was low end crap. read more

I went there on 12/26/14 at about 2PM to inquire about having them set up my VPI Aries turntable. That is installing my JMW arm and Lyra cartridge on the table all of course for a fee. They said if I didn't buy it there then they couldn't do this for me. What's really odd is I went there because they sell VPI and Lyra products so they would be familiar with them. Furthermore, these were my items owned for years not like I bought recently from some competitor. What's sad is for almost any high end audio shop that sells analogue components this is very easy to do. Again I was willing to pay of course. So while there and awaiting my inquiry the sales rep was dying to get me to audition some of their various equipment. This never happened nor will it ever as he and the store lost out on the opportunity to acquire a long time audiophile looking to get reinvigorated about the hobby again. I'll find someone else who will help me and take my money for their efforts and wants to establish a long term relationship. Sorry Music Lovers you lost out! read more

Music Lovers Audio is easily the best High End Stereo / Home Theater store in the greater Bay Area. I bought a complete home entertainment system (a very big investment for me!) and the service from soup to nuts could not have been better! Graham, the store manager, is extremely knowledgeable and has the perfect skill set for helping customers that may have an idea of what they want but perhaps not the technical expertise to design their system. Graham is patient, an excellent listener and will help tailor your system to your needs. There's no "hard sell" at Music Lovers. My system required some minor tweaking after it was installed. Graham and his team were accessible and scheduled a prompt follow up visit and my system is now working perfectly. Graham's employees / installers are professional and friendly and true experts in the high end stereo / home theater industry. I could not be happier with my new home theater system and the service I received. Professionalism is the exception these days (unfortunately), so I'm happy to call out a business that truly excels at what they do. Kudos to Music Lovers! read more

Music Lovers is a gem! It is a calm oasis in the midst of high pressure, cold "big box" retail stores. I went to Music Lovers after reading its reviews and the experience was better than expected. Everyone was friendly and made sure I was comfortable until a sales person was available. Harry Ngo was the sales person who assisted me. He listened and answered all my questions and, more importantly, he asked me questions to determine what system would work best for me. Also, he never used any "hard" sell tactics to get me to buy components I didn't really need. Harry exemplifies the best of customer care. He spent a considerable amount of time explaining the differences among several possible options and he seemed genuinely concerned about making sure I was satisfied with my purchases. I ended up buying the Sonos playbar system, which is perfect for what I need. Harry followed-up with phone calls to find out if I had any questions and if I was happy with what I bought. Harry is terrific and Music Lovers Audio is the only place I will go for any audio products read more

very expensive systems that are unstable and inadequate. definitely not worth it. totally unbelievably BAD.

I took time to visit music lovers on a recent vacation. I was excited about getting a chance to hear the many hi end brands they have. I was in particular interested in a phono stage that cost about $1200. In short Harry the salesman showed reluctance in letting me actually hear the phono stage. He also made it clear that I was not going to hear anything that day. He tried to tell me that this phono stage don't come up used very often (not true at all) and tried to pressure me by saying he had one and it may be sold at anytime so I should buy it without even hearing the piece. My big problem is I went to an audio store and got to hear no music on any system at "Music Lovers". Lets face it if I am not even going hear a product I might as well save money and buy used. It was absurd that they wasted my time. Also if he would not have been so lazy and I got to hear the phone stage I would have most likely purchased. The store was empty as it was Thursday and Harry could not be bothered to let me listen to anything. I am sure they are great to local customers but beware if on vacation don't waste your time. Harry made it clear that he sell $$$ phono stages, speakers and turntables. I guess my $1200 was not worth any effort. I guess selling nothing and twiddling your fingers is more important then helping a customer. It also happened to be my Birthday and I was defiantly planning on buying as I had researched the Musical Surroundings Phono Stage extensively and not able get it back home. I guess if I am not going to hear it I will BUY USED on AUDIOGON. read more