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!

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.

Audio Vision is an excellent resource for Hi Fi audio. These guys are great and will steer you…read moretowards the right components for your system- not necessarily the most expensive. I auditioned several floorstanding speakers with my existing amp. I ended up with an excellent set of speakers I wasn't initially looking at but worked perfectly with my system and were below budget. Win win. They have an excellent selection and are great at system matching/maximizing synergy. 5 stars. -PM

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.

I have been reaching out to Barry to come back to our home to finish a project. It's been close to…read morethree months since he was last at the house. He said he'd be back within a week. That was October. It's been one excuse after the other. And for the past 2 months we've had radio silence. So if you're looking to start a project or looking for support do yourself a favor - look elsewhere. Given the price point of these services, customer service should be worlds better.

The sound system here is seriously impressive, and the atmosphere is great when the place is…read morepacked. I ended up looking into AI noise reduction and music/noise removal tools https://noisereducerai.com to clean up the recordings, including Noise Reducer AI. It was useful for reducing some of the unwanted background noise while keeping the main audio more understandable. Overall, a really fun venue if you're there for the music rather than trying to capture perfect recordings on your phone.

I walked in this summer genuinely interested in getting into analog, and left having been told I…read morewasn't the kind of customer this store sells to. The owner didn't ask what I listen to, what I own, or what I was hoping to build. He told me he typically sells to people with the "means" and the "space" for an analog setup, and that he couldn't help me. That was the whole interaction. For context: I already run a KEF LS60 system with two KC62 subwoofers. The KC62 is roughly the size of a shoebox. Neither means nor space was ever the issue, and one question would have told him that. I don't know what he was actually reacting to, and I'll never know. What I do know is that a dealer who sizes up customers on sight instead of asking them anything is bad at the job. Plenty of shops in this city will take your questions seriously. Go to one of those.

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.

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 ve had great experience with MLA in the past. Graham of MLA in the East Bay would bring items…read moreout to my home and put them in my system to evaluate. Then if I I chose to I could buy or return without any obligation on my part BTW, I've done business with both stores and found their sales & service to be excellent.

Found as I walking by. Went in, it's a very nice shop! I was not looking for anything in particular…read moreand just browsed around. Employees were nice and let me look and spend some time in the shop. Can't speak to price or anything didn't inquire about anything.

good vibes very nice store great service very fast mikes the best I will recommend thanks.read more

Mike provided fantastic service at a very good price. We came willing to buy a used iPhone but he…read moreshowed us that our 5c was repairable despite some scary looking colorful lines displayed on the screen. Highly recommend!

Amazing photography store here in San Francisco! The staff were helpful and genuinely cared about…read morefinding the right gear for me. Excellent customer service and top-quality products--definitely my new go-to spot!

it's been quite the journey for camera shops in the bay area. there aren't many left, but i'm so…read morehappy that jcx is still standing! came to grab a backdrop before a shoot and the staff was so helpful and kind. really impressed by their selection of backdrops in store. will definitely be back!