I have been a lifelong customer. They have installed all my video and audio equipment. Super service oriented, locally owned and not pushy. And their install team is first rate. read more

I'm getting back into quality music playback after being away from it for a long time. I'm amazed at how great all the shops I've been to are. Chelsea Audio is no exception, and Ford is a great guy. Good and interesting selection of gear. Now with all of these places, it makes no sense for them to cover lower end gear. Between Best Buy, big box and Amazon, the commodity end of the market is handled. So it's understood that these types of stores are dealing with a very small segment of the market. And each time I've entered they have really tried to understand my needs and my time frame. As someone who tries to buy quality once and hold it for as long as possible, I'm slow to make a purchase of this sort. I've been clear about that, and Ford's main concern was to help me in that process while building a relationship. At the moment, all I needed were some new cans. After having my last pair for about 15 years, it was time for something fresh. In the end, I went with a line of cans that Chelsea didn't carry, but that was after a long and careful review at four stores. I hope that for my next piece that I'll be able to do business with Chelsea Audio. It's a great shop, very elegant, and a really nice array of equipment running up from the mid-level up to the stratosphere. They are really great. read more

I purchased some audio equipment from CAV a few years ago and knew that when it came time to replace the tv that I would return. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff, not at all pushy, and superior equipment. Made an appointment over the phone, then met with Kyle. We decided to go with a Sony 65 inch tv and Sonos Arc (soundbar) with a sub-woofer and made an appointment for delivery and installation. Installation went smoothly. Unfortunately, we developed some bugs with the tv communicating with the soundbar, but CAV handled it like champs, sending out two technicians to work on the problem. Turned out to be a faulty HDMI cable. Everything works great now. My only problem is trying to decide whether to add a second sub-woofer, lol. The mark of good customer service is not how a business reacts when every thing goes right but rather what they do when something goes wrong. In this case, CAV provided superior customer service, and I really appreciate all the time and effort they put into correcting the problem. Highly recommend. read more

I'm sure the audio equipment in there is solid and the people know what they are talking about. Unfortunately, I visited on a Tuesday afternoon. Only person in the store with two associates. One was on the phone and the other ignored me. Hung out for about 5 minutes with nobody acknowledging me. So like I said. I'm sure their stuff is good but doesn't seem like any reps gave a crap to talk to me. read more

Not only do they carry the best brand of speakers... B&W if you didn't know, but they also have a great sales person. Of course we only really worked with one so I won't personally vouch for the others. Adam help us through many decisions, he was never pressuring, understood we had a budget, and let me ask him a million questions. He was very knowledgeable about his products and the competitors and would explain the technology without being a 'typical salesperson' i.e. talking down to you. They were able to send us home a couple of times with loaner speakers (with a deposit) which really helped us make the right decision. Their delivery people also get high marks for being professional and courteous. (unlike some other places we have worked with) read more

I came here based on my parent's recommendation (apparently they've been going to Chelsea for quite some time). When I turned 30 I decided to "class up" my place and get a real sound system. They have the top of the line equipment but also have gear in different price ranges and totally worked in my budget. The best part is that everyone who works here really knows their stuff and have a passion for all things audio video. I love that it's locally owned and very friendly. Best Buy scares the shit out me and gives me vertigo when I walk in there. read more

I am only recently delving into the world of hi-fi audio and discovered Chelsea Audio Video as I explored. I stopped by their shop to audition brands that one can not find in big box stores such as Best Buy. I arrived in pretty casual, non-name brand clothing and I am fairly young (low 30's but am almost always told I look like I am in my early to mid-20's). In other words, nothing about me was screaming "This guy has money!!!". I was promptly greeted as I entered and the sales personnel were happy to answer my questions and set up a listening room in the configuration I wanted to hear. I told them up front I was only there to listen and had no intention on purchasing anything that day but this did not diminish their service at all. Given the way I was treated, I find it hard to believe the negative review posted recently. I am not sure why he is butt-hurt but the tone of his post and his use of all-caps make him look like the problem rather than the sales team. I would not hesitate to do business with them myself. read more

Go Ford!!! (the junior, not the senior....though I"m sure he's great too!). This was our first trip to Chelsea A/V and will definitely go back. Earlier posting regarding the staff's passion for A/V is evident and Ford seems to be an expert in this regard. He is personal, laid back and seemed eager to help meet our needs. Clearly their equipment is high end (we smashed our budget with a single set of speakers) but it is well worth the investment. We were able to be honest about our plan to purchase some items elsewhere but he was able to provide advice about that equipment and how it would blend with what we were purchasing. And although we blew our budget with the speakers, all else was fairly easy to keep within our budget range (cables, accessories, etc). And....they have some bang-up deals on their center tables!!! Definitely worth a look and expect to spend some time exploring the options available to you in this techno-geek playroom. Thanks Ford for a great experience! read more

These guys are so great! We've purchased all our audio equipment from Chelsea Audio over the years and they are always excellent to work with. They really know their stuff and are so friendly and professional. It's nice to have a company that you know you can count on to treat you right. And special thanks to Ford for helping me get my DVD player working again. Your advice was exactly right. I really appreciated the help - especially at closing time! read more

I called my favorite Audiophile store in SE close to home and asked if they had an Oppo UDP-205 available to audition. I was told yes but none on display and would have to wait until the owner arrived for an answer about the audition. I explained I didn't want to wait and was told too bad. I gave him my phone number and explained I was ready to purchase today, he said I had to wait. I said ok fine I'll go elsewhere and the salesman ignored me. I point out all the obvious reasons this sale failed. I called another location in NW and was told they didn't have a 205, to go with the 203. After reading about the 205 and comparing specifications I wanted to check it out. We chatted and the salesperson agreed the 203 didn't have what I wanted. I called Chelsea, yes they had one but someone else was auditioning in the room and could be for a while. I said Ok with me, was on my way, happy to wait and put me on the wait list please. No problem they said. The salesman went out of his way to call me several times with updates on the room availability. I arrived and the room was clear. I brought in CD's, headphones, a HDD and digital audio player. I had to adjust the speakers because of balance and soundstage issues and the salesman helped me, then he got me a monitor to access the visual display features and then left me alone. I spent at least an hour listening to the Oppo through an amazing tube system. I have been shopping and buying audio gear around Portland since the 90's. This is the second time I have been out to Chelsea and by far one of the best shopping experiences I've had around town. Even if I regret the purchase someday, the reception, excitement for service, honesty about audio and ability to step back from a sale allowed me to feel comfortable in a very opinionated community. That's the way to do it! I bought the Oppo from Chelsea. read more

This company is the finest around. I've been using their services for well over a decade. They treated me like a VIP when I spent an amount of money that was a lot to me several years ago (about 2500.00 on a system). No service call, no small purchase (headphones, sacd player) since, has been without VIP treatment. A decade later, I moved to a new home and spent around 40k. The service, the quality, the education.....all unbelievable. Of note, Kyle Grimm, their longstanding salesperson, is the best you'll ever experience. Peter, an installer, and an employee there for years, is amazing. This company and these "people", get it! I've never been more pleased with products and service, in the way I am with this company. read more

This is the best company we've met since moving to the area. I will never work with another AV company in my life. These guys are the best ever and follow through with professional and perfect communication. We bought a house and had a TV and audio system that just looked a mess ---- but they came out and got everything back in place, keeping as much as could be kept (saving me $$$). I can't speak highly enough of Kyle and his team. read more

USED TO BE A QUALITY SHOP. NOW THEY'RE A BUNCH OF ARROGANT ASSES! I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN!!! Several years ago I lived in Seattle on Lake Washington but had been in their Portland store. I liked the customer service and education I received from a young salesman named "Nathan"and decided to do business with them. He and I talked about quality stereos and he shipped me several high end stereos at no cost to try out for a week or twoat a time. Talk about great servive!!! We finally ended up with me happily spending thousands on Nakamichi's high end line including their top PA-7A 200 watt power amp incorporating Nelson Pass' Stasis design, their top of the line CA-7A preamp,the ST-7 tuner,and the legendary Dragon, 3 head casette deck which is now a collector's item.) I also bought high end component cables and accesories but had Magnolia Hi-Fi in Bellevue put the whole system together with flat cables under the carpets, ADS Speakers in the master bedroom and bath, etc. Recently, I moved to Portland to take care of my 89 year old mother who passed away 3 months ago and decided to unpack my stereo eqiuipment. I am living in her house in Laurelhurst and decided to put a set of my 200W speakers in the living room and dining room along with a subwoofer. I discussed the application with a young man named Kyle who recomended 150 ft. of AudioQuest 14 AWG, CL2 speaker wire and suggested I try a "volume control" directly out of my amp" instead of adding one of my spare amps with a high quaity attenuator. He was quite nice. I then went on to the internet to research alternatives and find ouy how this wire was rated ( I have had several pairs of AudioQuest cables and they are good, but not the best I have used). About 1-2 hours later I called back to inquire which specific AudioQuest wire they were recommending and the salesman I got said Kyle was busy and he didn't have time to talk to me. I asked if he could have Kyle call me back later in the day but he said they were busy and the best he could do is put me in Kyle's voicemail. I thought about it for 15 or so minutes and asked myself if I was dealing with the same Chelsea Audio... I called back and asked for the owner or general manager as I remember dealing with him years ago. A guy named "Ford" came on the line. I tried to explain my proposed configuration and ask him specifically which AudioQuest wire they would be selling me for $225 and if there were better alternaties for thisapplicaton. He was very curt and rude and said he didn't have time for such menial questions at 3:00PM on a Monday afternoon (I'm sure they were swamped!!???). This must be Ford Jr. as the owner I originaly dealt with was customer oriented. He asked my name so he could look me up in the system to see how much I had spent with them. I told him my name and told him, better yet to Google me as I retired from corporate finance when I was 45 and am not lacking for funds. Ford and his boys are arrogant turkeys! They not only lost some accessory sales but potentially a complete audio video system job after I sell this house and move back to Seattle. Think up your best response to this review Ford. You are an arrogant ass and have deluded yourself into thinking you are a businessman. Quite the contrary. Go to Chelsea. If you flash $10K-30K in front of them (which I am very capable of) they will suck up to you. Otherwise you will find a bunch of arrogant asses!! Big shots in a little town like Portland.....LOL!!! read more

Kyle was excellent to work with. Very friendly, and not pushy at all. Never tried to up sell me on items i didn't need. He also took the time out of his day to come to my house and help me understand and setup some of the more advanced features of the receiver i purchased. He responds promptly to my text messages and emails, even if its his day off or after hours. I won't hesitate to recommend Kyle, and Chelsea Audio Video to any of my friends or family members, and they have earned a customer for life. read more

TL; DR: Overpriced with terrible customer service. Price gouge central. I've used them for a $10k+ job including a URC remote not purchased through them. Their lack of technical prowess in cooling systems has burnt up my PS4 and reset my Marantz receiver on more than one occasion. Furthermore, to add salt to the wound, the additional labor to "setup" / stoppage of sharing the URC software is not URC mandated. Now, they can't commit to servicing a new remote procured outside their organization in a timely basis. Meaning, I called on Friday and have yet to receive a confirmation of "Let us charge you $80+ per hour to flash your remote". Small company? Nope, take a look at the yearly catalog they provide and it's not a "Portland" specific shop. Keyword: Chain store with different names. You want some purchasing power? Don't look here. Want top of line equipment at exorbitant prices? Look here. Want good customer service post 1st go around? Don't look here. Want actual service 1-2 years from purchase date? Don't look here. read more

These guys carry fantastic gear and can accommodate any budget. I have worked with Kyle on several occasions and each time he has been the consummate professional. He helped me with a very modest system that fit my needs and budget at the time. I have returned time after time to Kyle and Chelsea Audio over the years and have always been greeted with a warm smile and "Can Do" attitude. This is the place to go for good advice and no BS. Highly Recommended! read more

I worked with Kyle and he was outstanding. Super helpful, efficient and didn't oversell me on items I didn't need. The installer they sent was on time, efficient, and very professional. You've just made a lifetime customer. read more

I can't recommend Chelsea Audio Video enough. Kyle and team provide excellent customer service. We had our original system installed with a leading Portland company and not only felt that customer service was subpar but also that they were ridiculously expensive having marked up the equipment at an excessive rate. read more

We worked with Chelsea on home automation and AV system. We could not be happier. Kyle, our project manager, was responsive, efficient, and pay attention to detail to our questions and requests. They worked with our budget and timeline. Every single staff were great to work with. We highly recommend them. read more

We had a great experience with our new stereo purchase, we were in and out in less than an hour with a stereo that fit our budget and blew our expectations out of the water. Thanks Chelsea Audio! read more

I wanted to write a review on my experience with Chelsea. I just bought a new home and wanted to finally get a media room setup done the right way. When i walked into Chelsea i was greeted by Kyle who took the time to show me the different options they had and a demo of their setups. Of course i wanted my home to be like the 100k room they had with the awesome speakers but that was out of my budget. Kyle worked with my on my budget and offered me a quote via email and had the model numbers listed. I did my research and actually found a the same type of screen at Best Buy for a few hundred cheaper, once i mentioned this to Kyle he didn't have a problem honoring the match. I wasn't ready to pull the trigger on the home theater yet so i had to wait a few months, but when i came back and was ready to buy. Kyle came out to my home, did all the measurements and provided me a quote. The first phase was getting the speakers installed in the ceiling and having my existing TV mounted on a wall. Chelsea came out and did the speakers and TV, in about 4 hours. When we discussed the labor rates i didn't realize it was X2 guys on site, so be sure to ask how many people its going to take when they quote you labor on a job. The install was done very well and clean. No issues at all. On Phase 2, Kyle worked with me on the projector and screen. Even AFTER i paid Chelsea IN FULL for hardware and services, i changed my mind on the screen, and Kyle was able to match the same price. I am a little bummed after a week later Kyle called me back and said they have to go with a smaller screen due to projector placement, and heat etc, even after they did a second measurement of the room, but id rather it be installed the right way the first time instead of the projector blowing up. i did request if i would get a credit based on the different screen size, and Kyle said he would work that out and get back to me. Im hoping it is fair, considering i agreed to go with the smaller screen. In nay case, i would recommend these guys to anyone, they know what they are doing, and once you get through the pricing and product selection, you will have the right system for your budget. read more

Chelsea Audio Video is a long established dealer in Beaverton. We have been dealing with Chelsea for many years and have found them consistently excellent in all respects. Kyle Grimm has partnered with us over the years and is simply delightful to work with. We have tackled many problems together and Kyle always has great ideas and unceasing interest in our projects. Ford Montgomery (the father) and Ford (his son) have also been supportive and helpful. Scott, Matt, Mark, Peder, Brenda, and the whole crew all feel more like friends than staff at this point. Chelsea is without a doubt one of the premier McIntosh dealers anywhere. They have a comprehensive range of speakers as well, with the peerless Bowers & Wilkins leading the pack. If you are looking to set up a truly great sound system, looking for a new flat panel television, or a full on home theatre system, Chelsea is a wonderful place to shop! read more

I can't comment on the quality of the equipment or the knowledge of the sales people because I could not get anyone to talk to me! I walked in the showroom and must have stood their looking like an idiot for 10 minutes. Not one person said a word to me the entire time, so I walked out. Now, I will say it looked like the salespeople were all helping clients, but I wasn't expecting anyone to drop everything to help me. A simple, "Sorry sir, we're all busy right now, but we'll be with you as soon as we can" would have been perfectly fine and I would have happily waited. But I was COMPLETELY IGNORED. Very disappointing. read more

Horrible service. My husband and I called this place and asked if we can see a 3D demo on their JVC projector. They were hesitant at first but agreed to "try to set it up" and will call us the next day. They called and informed us the projector was setup and were welcome to go to the store. My husband, sister, brother-in-law, and I arrived to the store and were told we need to work with "Junior." Before even entering the theater room, we were addressed by this "Junior" asking if we were in the market for a projector. We told him we already own one but were in the market for 3D capabilities. Junior then refused to demo the projector because we did not purchase the projector from him and stated "you are stealing from me." We told him again that we were interested in the 3D emitter and glasses but he said "I'm not interested and you wasted my time." We couldn't believe it. We were all appalled and have NEVER been treated that way. High end products or not...service was horrible. Too bad for "Junior" he missed out on sales...guess we will buy online. read more

I bought several B&W speakers and a McIntosh power amp from Chelsea Audio Video and had a terrific experience, all in all. Before deciding to do business with them, I shopped around a lot and am therefore able to compare and comment on the different experiences I had with the various sales people. At Chelsea, I worked with Kyle, and he was, without doubt, the most knowledgeable and helpful sales person I met. He was attentive and responsive both over email and in person, where he worked tirelessly for hours, swapping cables back and forth dozens of times while we tried to decide between McIntosh and Classe and auditioned both. I remember asking him many detailed questions and am yet to find one where I didn't get a straight or credible answer (a far cry from the other sales people I had met). Finally when we decided on the equipment, Chelsea also tried the hardest to compete for my business and gave me the best price I could find in the area. The story doesn't end there ... I live pretty far away from Chelsea, and so Kyle was nice enough to drive to my house and set everything up for me - not the easiest task as these speakers and amp weigh hundreds of pounds. Here I was super impressed by the care and gentle touch he brought to the whole setup process. He handled my beautiful new speakers like they were his own, and frankly I cannot imagine myself being more careful than he was. The true test of customer service is when things go wrong, and they did for me - pretty horribly. My B&W center channel was raspy and the McIntosh amp developed a fault within a couple of days. At that moment of panic for me, Kyle was remarkably responsive over email - even though it was from his own home, on his day off, at 11 pm at night. We must have exchanged 20 emails or so trying to troubleshoot the problem. When we were unsuccessful, Kyle was able to replace my McIntosh with a brand new device over the next few days with absolutely no hassle. For the problem with the center channel, Kyle arranged for new drivers (midrange and tweeter) from B&W. Since I lived far away, Kyle took apart his own speakers so that he could write down a detailed list of instructions for me to perform the swap of the new drivers he shipped over to me. When I felt a bit overwhelmed at the delicacy of the task, Kyle offered to do it for me when he was next in the area to save me a trip to the store. All through the replacement phase, Kyle's responsiveness and attention to my case was remarkable. I really felt like I was the only customer in his life and all he did was look after me. Now my system is up and running and it thrills and delights me each time I turn it on. There aren't too many people or places out there that have provided me this level of service AND turned out to be the most competitive on price. Thank you Kyle, and thank you Chelsea Audio Video! read more

We have worked with Chelaea Audio for more than 20 years. In each and every encounter, we have been impressed. The staff--no matter who--is knowledgable, friendly, and worked within our budget. We ONLY go to Chelsea for any audio purchase. read more

I worked with Mark Muusse. I wanted to replace a 17 year old system that still works good but is just to outdated.I was not real up to date on all the technology advances in today's surround systems and wanted to be educated to be able to buy a good system for my new house. I had visited some of the "big box" stores in the area and looked online. In the stores if I could get help they just wanted to oversell. Online was challenging without good knowledge upfront.I finally decided to check out Chelsea Audio Video. I am really glad I did. It was the best customer service I have ever received. And at 62 I have dealt with a lot of different experiences. Mark was very knowledgeable and actually down sold me on the receiver and suggested better speakers. I spent just a little more than planned but ended up with a better sounding and more balanced system. Mark was very happy to help me with my set up questions and did not offer to send the "Geek Squad" at an extra charge. So if you want a pleasant shopping experience with an honest friendly upfront sales staff check out Chelsea Audio Video. Dave R. read more

You know, I came here some 15 years ago and told myself I wouldn't come back. Came back this time to see if things have changed... nope... the customer service is as arrogant and poor then as it is now. I went in with my wife to spend literally thousands on a new theatre system. Here's what peeved me a tad bit... the guy comes into the a theatre room that my wife and I are sitting in. I ask him in a very enthusiastic and polite way, if they do demonstrations here. His response: "whatta you mean?" Okay... so, at that moment I'm thinking to myself either this so-called "sale's person' is being sarcastic or he really doesn't know what I mean. I mean, we're in a freakin' room with a theatre screen! What else could I mean! Did he think I wanted him to do a pole dance? Geez! Here's the thing... I truly HATE condescending and sarcastic people. I've been in business for many years and I ALWAYS make the customer feel like king, even if the question sounds stupid. There is a way to approach a potential customer and I have to say, a lot of salespeople truly don't know how. This is also the reason so many shop on-line and so many brick and mortar places are going out of business. People are sick and tired of shitty experiences. Period. I honestly don't know how this place got even several good reviews. It's beyond me. In any event, I will be purchasing all my NEW equipment online saving myself time from going in and dealing with a guy who either hates his job or thinks his shit don't stink. read more

I've had an exceptional experience with Chelsea Audio Video. I would give them a ten star rating if it was possible as they have made my wishes come true with my dream home theater. The cornerstone of my relationship with Chelsea has been with Kyle Grimm. With countless emails, store visits and demos over the past six months, Kyle has been exceptional at every step along the way with his technical expertise, savy advice, plus he's a great down to earth guy who has been a absolute pleasure to deal with. Whenever I've had a question or an idea about anything, Kyle is always prompt in responding, sometimes very late into the night if necessary! My wife and I purchased our dream home which is brand new 2 months ago, and I've always dreamed of having a unbelievable home theater. During the install process, Chelsea's installers and programmers were always prompt, friendly, courteous, professional and highly efficient with the scope of work that needed to be done. They treated our brand new home with respect and took the utmost care in ensuring everything was installed perfectly. After the install was complete, Kyle made several trips back out to our house to ensure everything was looking great and operating perfectly as well. Chelsea's commitment to their customers is clearly apparent as they go above and beyond every step of the way and that continues even after the installation is complete. My family and I couldn't be happier with the end product. From the first day I stopped in the shop 6 months ago and having Kyle do a Dolby Atmos demo for me in their showcase movie demo room, to all the correspondence and visits. Now having our own reference grade Dolby Atmos home theater superbly installed by Chelsea (which I strongly feel rivals any commercial movie theater :), my family and I couldn't be more pleased with the pride and sincere professionalism we have received from Kyle and and the staff at Chelsea Audio Video. In my book Kyle gets bonus points because he helped win my wife over on "our" home theater project. I brought my wife and kids in for a demo at Chelsea. While keeping the kids busy with kid friendly movies in one room, my wife was being wowed with a Mad Max Dolby Atmos demo in their main theater room. It was all high fives from there with the wife! Do yourself a favor and go pay Chelsea Audio Video a visit. I can guarantee you they will impress you and broaden your horizons. I give them my strongest recommendation. Now back to the theater room! read more

Chelsea did absolutely fabulous work for us earlier this month. Theirs is a wonderful team: professional, competent, prepared, courteous, exceptionally detail-oriented and, well, even tidy. My husband and I are huge fans. read more