I recently visited Common Wave Hi-Fi in LA, and my experience was absolutely fantastic. Wes and…read moreDmitry are true professionals--incredibly friendly, welcoming, and equipped with an extreme wealth of knowledge regarding hi-fi equipment, system synergy, and proper setup. They generously spent a significant amount of time with me, allowing me to audition various systems, including multiple versions of the DeVore speakers I was interested in. What truly stood out was the completely pressure-free environment. There was zero rush to buy or make any decisions on the spot; their primary goal was simply to help me find the right sound. I eventually purchased my beautiful DeVore O/96 speakers from them, and the entire process was a joy. I am already looking forward to working with them again as I plan to invest in a preamplifier and a power conditioning system in the future. Additionally, Common Wave is expanding into a beautiful new space that is going to be spectacular to visit once it's finished. Thank you, Wes and Dmitry, for all your outstanding help!

Took my girlfriend's early-80s turntable in because the needle needed replacing, and this place…read moreabsolutely blew me away. It's tucked away, but once you step inside, you're surrounded by some of the most incredible sound systems and turntables--it honestly feels like a hidden gem for audio lovers. The staff couldn't have been nicer. They checked out the turntable and let me know the needle was just dirty, then cleaned it for free. No upselling, just genuine help. They did recommend upgrading the turntable down the line, which I'm definitely considering after my trip. If you're even remotely into stereo gear, this spot is a must-visit. It's basically the Amoeba Records of high-end audio. 10/10.

Simply the best place for audiophiles in San Diego!…read more Great place to drop crypto profit!

5 stars! Huge…read moreshoutout to Jesus and Brian. I recently went to a friend's house for a hi-fi listening session, and when I came home and turned on my own system, I realized something had to change. After a deep dive of research, I landed on the Wharfedale Lintons, and Audio Element was the only place where I could actually hear them in person. Brian was incredibly helpful and patient as my wife and I worked through some favorite tracks to make sure they were the right fit. Needless to say, we walked out with the Lintons. Once we got them home, it quickly became clear our amp wasn't up to the task. More research led us to the perfect pairing: a Rega. Jesus happened to have exactly what we needed and was kind enough to hold it while we rushed down to grab it. The result? Spine-tingling, goosebump-inducing fun listening to music again. Our system finally feels alive. The service here is top-notch. They genuinely listen, guide you without pressure, and clearly care about helping you find the right setup. Safe to say, Audio Element is now my go-to for all things hi-fi.

Outstanding Service and Support at Ahead Stereo…read more I purchased my McIntosh turntable from Ahead Stereo and recently ran into an issue with my stylus. I reached out to Brian, and he immediately went above and beyond--contacting McIntosh on my behalf, walking me through the options, and ultimately helping me get back up and running. What stood out most wasn't just the solution, but the care and integrity Brian showed throughout the process. He didn't treat me like just another transaction, he treated me like a valued customer. That kind of support is rare, and it's exactly why I'll keep coming back to Ahead Stereo. If you're into high-end audio and want a dealer who stands by their customers, this is the place. Highly recommend.

It's is increasingly difficult to find retail operations that give the time to customers looking…read morefor guidance. Today during my visit to ahead stereo I was looking for an education in creating a future home stereo system, I'm not up to date on all the options, but have a general idea of what I'm trying to achieve. These folks seemed interested in selling me a consultation for a couple hundred dollars rather than trust helping me and winning my trust, it seemed they were concerned if the helped me understand what would be a good solution I would leave the store and buy online. That was not the plan and once I figure out what I'm looking for I'll probably be back to buy local, as I'm a big supporter of that concept. My suggestion in the future is customer comes first, build the trust and loyalty will follow.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury - *sigh* - I'm just a boomer. Your modern Home Theater systems…read morefrighten and confuse me. I come from a simpler time with simpler equipment. Multiple remotes accessing multiple menus and sub-menus cause me to hyperventilate and yearn for my plug-n-play 2-channel days. Thankfully, Larry was able to come to my place and, within a minute, solve the problem of my two (and only two) speakers playing the side channels of whatever movie I'd be trying to watch on this newfangled audio-video system. Now, if I could just find a good set of rabbit ears for this whatchacallit flat screen tv...

I was looking for new KEF speakers and found Monaco through KEF's list of authorized dealers. Ian…read moreand Larry were very knowledgeable and friendly. They gave me a great deal on a speaker/stand/amplifier combo. Even though orders were delayed due to the COVID semiconductor shortage, Ian kept me up-to-date on my order. After I received my equipment, Ian gave me tips for getting the most out of them. Will definitely go back for whatever audio equipment I need in the future!

I called to ask about a repair on a portable Bose speaker. While they were unable to help with this…read moreparticular task, Jason kindly pointed me in the right direction by referring me to another place that might be able to help. Jason's honesty, kindness, and willingness to help were especially notable. If I have any issues with my home audio in the future, I'd definitely come here.

Load of tech- from in home setups to IE earbuds and headphones, all of which were great to test…read more It's known for having many of these devices for a reason, and the workers were generally pretty nice aside from making you feel that you don't know as much as you do when you go there. But that's their job and I had an enjoyable experience testing their audio- Will definitely look into visiting again.

This is another follow-up review on both the Legacy Focus SE speakers that I have had for about a…read morehear now, but also how outstanding James has been on being helpful on a few technical questions that have come along since my purchase in Oct, 2019. First, the speakers. They are awesome; like no other, with an amazing soundstage. I just marvel at the stage where the music I enjoy is coming from the center filling the "stage" on each side (Yello anyone?). I have had new listeners compliment me on how great my center channel is (Legacy Marquis XD), and after they have listened for awhile and complimented me again on the great center side, I love telling them that it is not playing- that is the amazing sound stage of the Focus SEs. You have to listen to the Focus towers (mine are the SEs) to get it. If you decide you love them, then make sure James sets them up for the maximum sound stage benefit. And also be sure and get the optional additional feet as they made a big difference- and the cost was so small I forgot how much. Plus, I almost forgot the CODA electronics which are amazing and well worth it- and substantially less than many "names" you see in the high end stereo mags. Then I want to say just how helpful James is with follow-up questions after the initial installation, which he did. I have reached out to him three times, twice due to Cox Cable gear that was performing poorly and he gave me an approach to improve it. Then when I had to move my gear for repositioning, I forgot to measure the locations, separation, and angle. He knew immediately and guided me through it as I wanted to restore what he did. Want to dazzle your friends? After you get a pair of Legacy tower speakers, model will not matter and only get better up the price curve, don't tell them that your center is off. Great fun to see the expression on their faces. Then sit back and just love live music.

James at Destination was a pleasure to work with. Very generous with information and his time…read more Great place to audition Legacy speakers. Altogether a great experience.

I called someone else on Yelp in Montebello for a quote on fixing some speakers with the…read moreconnections ripped out. My mistake. He was not being cooperative and wanted too much money for a job that would take 20 minutes. I can't solder and don't have the equipment I offered to send him a picture but was pretty condescending to me, it's a simple job. I can fix some electronics and computers, but I wasn't even going to deal with his rudeness. I moved on to Don Ramon. I called and talked to him. He wanted a picture of the problem and I sent it. I forgot to follow up with it, but I did and I went over and he took care of it under 20 minutes for three times less than I was quoted for Montebello speaker while I was in my car listening to the Dodger game. He works out of his garage. No big deal. I'll definitely go back for issues Ike this again.

Not open when they say they are. It's literally a dude's…read morehouse. Called before I drove over, answered the phone and said he could fix my speaker no problem. Get to his house and No one is home and he won't answer my calls. Knocked on his door for at least 10 minutes. Shitty...

Chris was awesome! I called about an issue with my receiver. He explained over the phone that i…read moreshould first check for a blown fuse. I opened it up and he was right. Replaced the fuse for $4 and fixed it myself. I really appreciate that he helped me figure it out without him coming out. I'll definitely be calling Chris again with any more audio equipment issues. thanks!

I recently got an 80's Sanyo stereo system, knowing nothing about it but needing help getting the…read moretable to turn, sound to work, and needle replaced. Chris stayed on the phone with me for 2 hours (I am not local) and was able to guide me through set-up, care for my system, and even noticed that the red cap from the needle broke off and needed to be removed (pictured). He gave me recommendations on how to get it out, waited for me to try them, and sent me a link for the correct needle replacement. Im able to listen to the radio and my tapes now, just waiting for the needle and I can finally play my records. His ability to walk me through the set-up and minor repairs, without even touching the system, is a true testament to his knowledge and skill. Thank you!