Empire answered my inquiry looking for a media room service provider promptly on Yelp and were able…read moreto work around my less than spectacular schedule as a teacher to find a time that was suitable for me that would NOT require me to put in for a hard to find these day substitute teacher.
When the plans for the proposed install of a replacement for my 4 zone audio system and relocation of the hub, was determined that it wouldn't be an easy rework, based on their inspection of existing speaker wiring, they were able to suggest an easier solution, while still giving me a choice of a more involved and expensive alternative to reroute the existing wiring to a new room I had originally planned. They installed a new Sonos system 3 amp setup I had ordered from Amazon, to replace an existing HEOS Drive 2. Even though they do a lot of HEOS installs, and could have provided me with a replacement instead, unlike other potential services, they were happy to install the Sonos system and shared with me their thoughts on the merits and benefits of it versus the HEOS system it replaced.
They walked me step by step through the setup of a Sonos account, naming the amps and pairing of the amps to the app on my phone. They made sure that everything connected easily, worked properly, and showed me how to use the amp to turn on each of my zones, and operate them separately and in combination with one another.
They made sure I was happy with the connection and sound quality in each of my 3 zones.
I also needed them to fix the LED backlighting on my 110" screen in my media room- it had been flickering when it did turn on, and frequently not turning on at all in response to the programming on my MX-780 universal remote. I had even bought a string of replacement LED light strips to replace this evidently malfunctioning one, as I was sure the were toast after 5 years. Instead of just replacing them, they troubleshot the existing set, determined it was merely a busted power block and cord, and then replaced those items only with supplies they had on hand.
They also noticed that my universal remote still had AT&T Uverse programmed on it and not the Direct TV I've had for the past 3 years. They suggested I could update it and get rid of the extra Direct TV remote- and although this was a no-brainer in hindsight- I was so preoccupied with the other two projects that I hadn't even thought of how annoying it has been to have to use a 2nd remote to watch games! Picking up on my needs and doing what's best for the client, even without being asked, and fixing something that would have been more expensive, taken more time, and ultimately made them more money, if they had followed my instructions and just replaced it, were two hugely impressive displays to me of the integrity, honesty, and commitment to excellence these guys provide for their customers.
When all was said and done and the time and work for the install ended up being much less they their original online estimate based on the information I provided them, they informed me it may take a few days to refund me part of the difference from the deposit I had prepaid prior to their visit. I was so blown away that they felt they owed ME money and with their attention to detail, polite service, intuition on addressing needs I had not even considered, and the quality and care of fixing all that I had requested, that not only did I tell them to keep the full deposit, but to please go ahead and charge me the remaining balance and the full amount of their original estimate.
Although I am just a teacher on a pretty meager budget, I recognize the value and quality of what Empire was able to do for me, and I was already prepared to pay a bit more- as estimates online based on client info and sight unseen, can only be so accurate. So, getting everything completed, slightly different than I had originally imagined, but still in a manner that reflected my needs for this install, plus saving me money on another task and including additional unrequested but very welcomed related service, all in a helpful and polite manner, is rare these days and in my opinion a bargain for my original estimate. I paid what I expected to pay, and ended up with so much more- definitely exceeded my expectations!
I can't recommend a better business to service your home theater, home sound, or audio/visual needs! If only Empire had done this install originally when we built this house 5 years ago instead of the crummy, corner cutting outfit that worked with our builders that we were forced to use.....
I am looking forward to using them again in the coming weeks for similar MX-780 repairing and replacement for my in-laws for a project they've been needing help with for the past few months. Empire was amazing!
