Whetsone is one of the few Harbeth speaker dealers in Texas so I drove down from Dallas just to hear some. The owner, Brian, was very patient and spent almost 2.5 hours with me. Yes, it is recommended to make an appointment. But this isn't like dropping by local electronics big box store. If you're in the market for the type of equipment Brian sells, audition appointments are very much the norm. And, it's not like its a pain to set up the appointment. Brian was super responsive in our communications. I've been to many audiophile shops throughout my 20+ years in the hobby. Brian, runs one of the best. It's a relatively small shop and just runs it himself, so he doesn't carry a ton of options. But the main reason for that is that he has carefully curated a list of offerings he know will make you a happy based on his decades of experience in the industry. I'm pretty confident I would be happy with just about anything he sells out of his store. He's super approachable and isn't belittling or snobby like many audiophile sales people tend to be - he actually makes it fun to shop for audiophile equipment. He's also very patient and not pushy at all. Just a great experience. Super happy I made the trip down to Austin to visit Brian's shop and will definitely be spending my audiophile budget with Brian from now on. read more

I've been loitering around Whetstone Audio for a couple years. Brian is very helpful and has a lot of obscure, extra cool gear. I've bought a Dynavector phono cartridge and Devore Fidelity speakers from him. He really takes good care of his customers. First rate experiences. Highly recommended. A+ read more

I purchased an Innous Zenith Mk 3 from Brian at Whetstone. He provided excellent service and lots of demoing. It had to be ordered and arrive just prior to a weekend. I was able to pick it up at Brian's house. I've also purchased a nice Dynavector cartridge for my turntable and Brian set it up perfectly. I highly recommend Brian's shop and his excellent customer service. He has a very good selection of outstanding brands. read more

I had an excellent custom experience. Brian spent the time to get to know me and understand what I was looking for, even though I didn't know what I was looking for ;) He helped me pick out the perfect setup for "me". I really like the whole appointment setup, because you get 100% focus. I'd highly recommend Whitestone if you're looking to make an investment in high end audio equipment. read more

Caveat Emptor. My experience with the owner Brian was very negative...contacted him regarding purchasing a power conditioner he had for sale. Should have known from the get go that he was an unreliable individual. His slow email responses and lack of follow through regarding information requests was another sign. After two months back and forth and trying to arrange logistics of delivery and him sending me an invoice, he emails me that he no longer wants to sell the item to me. I send him an email telling him he not a man of his word and reflects poorly on him as a business owner. He responds telling me that if I arrange the details of the shipping he would honor the sale. I email him agreeing to his previous sales terms. Two days later he emails me that the item was sold locally. I understand that a seller has the right to do what he wants until he gets cash in hand. However, if one doesn't live up to his word or even having the decency to convey his intentions, we would have no basis for civil transactions. Brian Difrank fooled me twice , hope he doesn't fool you. read more

This is the single best Hi-Fi shop in Texas. Everything Brian has in his shop is handpicked because it sounds great. I've been driving from Houston to Austin to visit this shop for the last six years, ever since I first discovered it. Brian is knowledgeable and super helpful. If you're looking for REAL hi-fi equipment (not the crap they sell at Best Buy) this is the place to shop. read more

I've been shopping for some decent stereo equipment over the past few weeks. Figuring out what I'd like to buy is difficult. I quickly learned that trying to research audio equipment on the internet is a mess and started looking for a retailer. Whetstone had good reviews so I stopped in and talked with the owner, Brian, for an hour today. The store is fun, comfortable and laid back. No sales pressure or high-end retail pretension. Brian didn't seem to care that I have no budget worked out and I can't buy anything in the near future. I'm just learning about this stuff and he seemed happy to show me what's good. He also had a vinyl copy of "Tonight's the Night" by Neil Young on hand for listening. We listened to different systems and I got a great sense of what the different manufacturers' quality and price points are, tubes vs solid-state etc.. It was great to just talk with a guy who knows his stuff and listening to different super-duper audio equipment is a blast. Within an hour I figured out what kind of money I should expect to spend and what types of components I'm looking to buy. Whetstone's prices seemed good - as good as you can find on the internet. This is where I will spend my money when I'm ready to buy. read more

Whetstone is a really great hi-fi store. The best thing is that an average person can walk in and not feel at all intimidated by the imposing atmosphere that most hi-fi stores seem to relish. Both Brian, and the store, are very laid back. You can go in and just shoot the shhh and hang out and he'll help you out in listening to some components or speakers and won't try and push anything on you. I took a turntable I bought online there and he helped me set it up for a small price. I also bought a dynavektor phono pre-amp from him and his old VPI cleaning machine. That's all - I highly recommend Whetsone to anyone looking for some new audio gear! read more

As a newbie to hi-fi, I'd been doing some research on equipment for a couple of months, but I really needed to find a place where I could listen to a few different systems and get some SOUND advice from someone with experience. Whetstone was a perfect place for me in this regard. The owner, Brian, was quick to answer questions and was candid in his qualifications when comparing components. There wasn't any pressure to buy anything while I was there; just a serious appreciation for music. That being said, perhaps the best thing I walked away with, after a couple grand worth of equipment, was a humbling reminder, particularly for an industry that's seems to be fraught with big egos that claim to know what "sounds best": in the end we're interested in listening to music, and the system is just a means to that end. If it sounds good to you, it doesn't matter whether it's tube or solid state, a $20k system or something you're soldered together from components off ebay. Enjoy the music, and as you develop the hobby/practice you'll ultimately refine your tastes, which will drive further changes to your system and listening experience. I know I'll be back when I'm ready to upgrade. Philosophy aside, the store has a great vibe, and, though I didn't completely follow through with the suggestions made on their website, I would strongly suggest bringing a couple of records or CDs along with some good beer/wine to really get into the music. Support a local business and rock on. read more

I've been a Whetstone client for over 10 years, and I've always been more than satisfied with the products and service. I don't have a lot of money, so I've consistently shopped in the low end of what Brian has on offer. He's always given me the care, attention and friendly attitude you would expect if I was spending thousands of dollars. The store is a really fun place to hang out. Brian has excellent taste in music, so there is always some amazing record playing on some ridiculously good sounding set up. I've discovered a lot of my favorite records by walking into Whetstone and saying "what is this we're listening to?". There is also a nicely curated selection of 'for sale' vinyl, and I rarely leave without buying a record (sometimes right off of the turntable!) The selection of gear is really interesting, as well. It's all stuff Brian is personally excited about, and he's usually been to visit the factory where the stuff is built. You can be sure that when you buy something at Whetstone, you're getting as good an item as is available for the money you have to spend. read more

As a loyal Rega owner, I was attracted to Whetstone by it's "British Hi-Fi" title on google maps. What I expected was another blase home theater store trying too hard to appeal to the audiophile community. What I got was an excellent sound shop with very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable service. The stocked equipment, vinyl, and accessories make Whetstone an ideal destination for sound quality needs. read more

Let me begin by saying that Whetstone Audio has been one of the most significant retail outlets in terms of providing merchandise that has enhanced my quality of life. I first walked into Brian's shop when he was located on the Drag. His personable, easy-going style made me feel welcomed as he offered to introduce me to the world of audio fidelity i could not have known before such an experience. He was never pushy. He doesn't have to be because this experience sells itself if you are someone that values clear and full audio rendition as a luxury you do not want to deny yourself. About two years after that initial listen (with funds finally in hand) i came back to Brian in his new (current) location where he set me up with an all Rega system, including the P3 turntable with Ortofon Blue cartridge, Mira 3 integrated amp, R5 loudspeakers and the stunning Saturn CD player. I am not a hi-fi geek but if i was i think i would strive to possess the level of knowledge that Brian has, with a finger on the current pulse of high fidelity products and top brands he represents. He steered me toward the most performance and value for the price point i could afford. If anything the Con is the same as the Pro when i say that "you get what you pay for": it isn't cheap, and neither is the amount of music i have been compelled to purchase in the last three years i have owned this system. But, of course, the delight and curiosity of exploring the wondrous details in recordings old and new makes such a treat worth it every time. thanks Brian read more

I love vinyl. Records sound so much better than CD's. Now imagine hearing your favorite records on a super hi-fi system that makes them sound even better! Heaven on earth for me. You'll hear all sorts of nuances on your albums that you never heard before. They'll take on a whole new meaning to you! Whetstone Audio makes that gear available to you, and the owner is friendly and knowledgeable. He sells only British made gear, and won't try to sell you some trendy brand that he doesn't trust. The shop also sells records, so it's a great place for all you vinyl junkies to check out. read more

My husband's birthday is coming up and I thought getting a better turntable would be a great gift. Ours was RadioShack brand and didn't work too well anymore so it was definitely time for an upgrade. Enter Whetstone Audio. We stopped by to see some turntables in person after doing some research online and Brian was very helpful. We told him our budget and he showed us the Rega RP1. After going through all the components and how to work it, he put on a record for us to hear and we were sold! After a quick set up at home we were able to really start enjoying our record collection. read more

Brian at Whetstone Audio runs a first class high fidelity salon where great equipment, great music and the most practical knowledge is available in a relaxed, cool vibe hangout. Solid state / tube equipment, separates, integrateds, accessories, pre-owned gear, LP's, US and European manufacturers......some of the best that Hi Fi has to offer is here. Brian, thanks for the insightful advice during my electronics and speaker search. You were very patient and helpful during that 3 month period. The Natural and Open Sound of each component has me listening all over again. read more

Whetstone Audio is like a temple. Vinyl is always spinning with staff and patrons staring in deep meditation at the blissful sounds pumping forth. Completely no pressure sales. I can understand how some can see the staff as aloof or "too busy" to help but this is just not true. If you have any questions you will always receive a kind patient answer even if it is a very basic question just don't be too shy to ask. Last time I was in the owner put on some Mingus from his private stash because I asked without a hint of annoyance; they always seem a little excited that you ask to hear music in the store. The selection of LPs is not vast but what is in store is always top notch but not overpriced. I haven't seen anything over 20$ in there. I usually dig for 2-6 dollar albums and always come out with Treasure weather it be jazz, classic rock, punk; it's all there. If you are an audiophile get your @$$ down there! read more

Brian agreed to a price, then a few minutes later when ready to purchase would not honor the office he agreed to. Bad business practice

I am sorry to say that I called this guy about 4 times to try to find a good time to come in and buy vintage stereo equipment. I didn't sound cheap or obnoxious in any way- honest! He either wasn't in, wasn't available and didn't suggest a good time but mostly didn't return phone calls. At least when I called (about 2 years ago), they were only open part time, so it isn't like you can just drop by anytime. We ended up going somewhere else and bought some great equipment in about 20 minutes. (We were easy!) I don't think he acted this way on purpose, I just think he may not be that great at making customers feel like he wants their business. Or some weird coincidence. It was frustrating though! read more

I first went into Brian's shop a little over a year ago to check out some records and to gawk over some new HIFI equipment. When I asked to hear the Rega P2 turntable outfitted with the Ortofon Red cartridge thru the Rega Brio3 amplifier, Brian was more than happy to change up his rig and oblige to my request. What happened next was something that I never expected. Brian dropped Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery's "Dynamic Duo" on the spinner and everything I had heard in life seemed insignificant to the clarity of Jimmy Smith's organ and Wes Montgomery's tasteful counter melodies on guitar on the opening track "Down On The Riverside". I immediately went to Antone's Records and purchased a VG+ used copy for $10. Since that day I've been back to Whetstone on a few occasions where I've picked up some Rega speaker cable, a few LPs and had some wax cleaned for dirt cheap via his inhouse mack-daddy record cleaner. Each time I visit Brian's store we end up having wonderful conversations about the state of the HIFI industry and music in general. I knew I liked the guy once he played me that "Dynamic Duo" record and I discovered our mutual interest in the band Wilco, but the fact is Brian is a stand up guy who runs his shop the way it should be. He's very informative, a music lover first, values customer service and wants to share his passion for HIFI with anyone who is interested. Whetstone Audio is the only place I would ever consider purchasing any HIFI equipment and the only place I recommend my friends to visit when they're ready to join our hobby. Do your buying research online, buy a 6 pack, go to his store, share a beer, ask for Brian's opinion, listen to his products and buy from his shop. You'll be better off for it and you will have a flipping ball at the same time. read more

I bought my Rega turntable from Brian at Whetstone, and it is absolutely killer in every way. The shop is relaxed and fun, there is a ton of great vinyl on hand, and Brian is super helpful about anything hi-fi related, even if he didn't sell you your system. (He gave me good ideas about how to set up my system, and I get compliments on it constantly when people listen to my home rig.) I just wish I had a bigger budget to buy more components from Whetstone, though to be fair, the store is full of moderately priced gear as well as "dream systems", so just about anybody on just about any budget can get something there. Even if you are not in the market quite yet, but just want to pick up a great record you can shop for vinyl at the store, and listen to it on a system that will optimize the sound and inspire you to start saving up for an upgrade to bad ass British hi-fi components. read more

I called for help and he was pretty rude, then hung up on me. I felt less than valued as a potential customer.

A friendly shop with high-end hi fi without the high-falootin attitude. The owner is a music lover first and foremost and is great at tailoring a system around the customers' listening habits. Whetstone is a laid-back, fun place to find the perfect audio setup (and they sell records as well!) read more

Came to look for a Rega Turntable and found this small comfortable store was the perfect place to find it. Not only did they have all the models available to listen to but they were also in stock. Brian, the owner, is a very knowledgable, fun and personable person to do business with OR just hang out. If you are looking for any HiFi audio, you MUST give him a shot! read more

EXPERT SERVICE WITH A FRIENDLY SMILE!! So I bought a Turntable on craigslist... got a great deal for what I was buying BUT it was missing the cartridge/needle! I did some research and found exactly what I was needing! I was anxious to get this baby running ASAP so I did a local search and found out about WHETSTONE AUDIO... Called up Brian and he had it IN STOCK, met up at his shop and he installed/balanced the new cartridge/needle!! Got it home SOUNDS AWESOME! Couldn't be happier! Brian you are the man! looking forward to my next trip out there... Thanks a million! -Ramon read more

I spoke to Brian on the phone before going to Whetstone Audio because I heard that their hours sometimes change without notice. I was a twenty minute drive away and he told me that they would be closing soon but to come in regardless. When I arrived Brian was friendly and accommodating and not the least bit put-out that I showed up near closing. He cleaned my precious, very dusty, and Jay Farrar signed vinyl of Uncle Tupelo's Anthology 89/93 to immaculate perfection. When I asked him if I could buy new sleeves as the old ones were dirty, he replied, "Well, that's kinda part of the deal." I also told him about a turntable I had just purchased at The Sound Gallery and he complimented their business, just as The Sound Gallery had done before I went to Whetstone Audio. No "tsk, tsk" attitude from him, just complimentary respect for another hi-fi business. Isn't this the way it should be?!? While he was cleaning my records, I browsed his choice selection and found a new 180-G copy of Heatmiser's Mic City Sons for $20. Total out the door for the cleaning and album was just under $25. Will I tell all my friends about Whetstone Audio and give them business every time I return to Austin? Hell yes, I will. read more

If you're into hi-fi or curious about hi-fi, this is the spot. Nothing else like it in Austin. If you're a music lover you owe it to yourself to check it out. read more

Been shopping (or mostly just gawking at equipment) at Whestone as long as I've been in Austin, about 9 years. Very happy with everything I've picked up from there. Brian obviously puts a lot of thought into curating his selection. I like that he doesn't try to sell a lot of frills and does an amazing job at finding really interesting price point items. I managed to put together a super classy, unbelievable sounding system on a student budget. read more