The wealth of knowledge, from the years of experience the owner possesses. If he can't figure out the issue no one can.

My vintage receiver was getting a bit crackly, so took it to National Sound for repair. Picked it up a few weeks later, took it home and plugged it in. The burned out light bulbs had been replaced, so it looked great. And sounded great. For about a week. Then the crackling and crunching sounds started again. I took it back, and it was good for another week or so. Then one channel stopped working altogether. Other than replacing the burned out lights, I don't think Paul did anything. A waste of money. read more

After having purchased a turntable from National Sound many years back when they were on Queen Street West, I decided to give them a try at fixing my turntable's auto-return after being previously told it could not be fixed. Since it is located far into the west-end, I eventually went one day when I was going out that way, hoping to take advantage of their offer of $10+parts of it can be fixed right away. Well to start with, it wouldn't even get a glance that day; I was told I would be called in about 3days. It was only after 6days that I received a message that it could be fixed for $40, so I called back to say okay. I must admit that it was one of the worst 'customer service' calls I ever had; the guy who answered the phone didn't seem to know what I was talking about, and the other person in the background yelling at him didn't help. The turntable was ready the next day, but apparently they had lost 2 of the bottom screws, so 2 of the feet were loose. Not a problem I figured, that I can fix easily. Unfortunately, the so-called 'repair' did not make it from that Friday through the weekend before it started giving trouble again. I went back the following Monday only to find that they are not open on Mondays, although their website clearly says Monday to Saturday 12noon-6pm. At that point, I decided not to waste another 2 hours travelling there and back. AWFUL experience in every way!!! read more

If you own a record player, something will eventually go down. This guy is the only one you need to know. Sure, he is not a charmer. That said he's always been super friendly to me. I've been 5 or 6 times. You just need to be direct with him. He's German (or Austrian?) its in his nature to be curt. He once wore a shiny shirt, so that was a fun trip. He has done 3 needle repairs (I only paid for the needle, not repair) he has restored a TT for me in addition to selling me another for a gift. Every single time I have left there amazed at how cheap his services have been. Ive never been in there longer than 30 minutes. He gets 4 stars because nobody's perfect. read more

Wow! I Just left National Sound and I have to say that I was extremely happy with the experience. The owners name is Paul and he was knowledgable, kind and fixed my turntable while I waited. He also took the time to educate me in how to use the turntable and he set it up at no extra charge! I can't recommend this place enough. Sweet man. read more

This is pretty much the go-to place for my electronics needs. After being disappointed with the Bose minimalist sound (and you need a pre-amp to play your turntable through the Bose speaker), I went back to a traditional hi-fi set up. Two speakers, a proper receiver, and whatever you want to play through that receiver. I have a cassette deck, 8-track player, CD player, turntable and iPod all playing through this thing. The equipment I bought at National Sound was quality: made in Japan Yamaha receiver and a pair of made in USA Polk Audio speakers. The sound is amazing. The proprietor even refurbished an old 8-track player I brought in just for kicks. The prices are reasonable even though the components are used. When I wanted to purchase a new needle for my turntable, the proprietor tested my old needle and fixed it for next to nothing, saving me a needless expense. He knows everything about electronics and is honest. What else do you need? You won't find too many places like this around anymore. read more