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    Lunchbox Audio

    Lunchbox Audio

    (5 reviews)

    I'm a huge proponent of supporting locally owned businesses, big or small. So, I was excited to…read morediscover this company through Google, as it's challenging to find individually owned shops that make cameras or production-related items. However, I first called around 9 a.m. No one picked up. They indicated a faster response over email, so I complied. I inquired about the return policy in case their item wasn't compatible with mine (it's online, and pictures only do so much). At this stage, I just needed to get my hands on the item and try it (proprietary design versus proprietary design). The response was similar to what you'd get from a Los Angeles DMV service; unmotivated and passive-aggressive like an ex. While expected from a tired, understaffed customer service representative, this came from sales, haha. It made me snicker; This person is unhappy with their life choices. At the very least, they could've copied and pasted their return policy, but that was too burdensome. **No Google Page = RED FLAG. It's an attempt to hide bad reviews, and it all makes sense now** I'll go with Adorama or B & H because they care about fostering relationships. I'm a Union Cinematographer who owns gear and knows plenty of people who do. I would not recommend them based on their weak service.

    Amazing! I was a little worried ordering from their website--because let's face it, ordering any…read moreexpensive equipment from a tiny website in the year 2024 feels like taking a 50/50 risk of being scammed--but Lunchbox Audio was fantastic. I needed to order a pretty niche keyboard stand, one that basically all of their big-box competitors offer only on special order with 2-4 week shipping, but Lunchbox Audio got it to me in less than a week and at a better price than any of them to boot. Highly recommend!

    Nuts About Hi-Fi - Focal in-wall speakers

    Nuts About Hi-Fi

    (13 reviews)

    $$$

    My audio journey started about a year ago when I upgraded my TV. Ever since my brief time working…read morein the industry, I've always gotten my TVs ISF calibrated, so when I searched businesses that offer it, Nuts About Hi-Fi came up. When I stopped in. I was greeted by Matt, who was pretty surprised by the request, as it's been a dying service for years. He asked what kind of TV I had, and when I told him, he was intimately familiar with the model. He mentioned that my model was one of a few where the manufacturer hand picks the panels and calibrates the image out of the box, and that with a few tweaks I could do on my own, I could accomplish 95% of what a calibration would and save myself $400. Nice! Since I was there, Matt asked if I wanted to check out the store. I had a little time, so I agreed, and he took me back in to their listening room. I immediately recognized Focal and JL Audio. I run both of those brands in my car and know their excellence. This was my wheelhouse. Matt had me sit and listen to a pair of the Focal Scala Utopia speakers, and they were epic. There was also no way I was going to afford them! He asked what I had for equipment currently, and I shared my system, that they probably wouldn't even use as a door stop at this place, but Matt did not belittle my equipment. He simply asked if I was happy with it or would have any interest in upgrading. A few months later, I had some time, so I stopped in again. Matt showed me the Focal Aria Evo X line of speakers, explaining that they were a redesigned line that represented one of the best value points in the Focal lineup. Listening to them, they sounded great. Night and day difference from what I was used to at home. These both looked and sounded like they should for the price. When I was ready to start my room project, I figured I'd check in and see if Nuts sold TV wall mounts. Sure enough, they carried the same one I was looking at and matched the sale price from a reputable online dealer. Matt then mentioned the Aria speakers were on sale. The sale was technically over, but he said if I was ready, he could get Focal to honor it for a couple more days. I liked that I had the opportunity to go home and discuss with my wife, and that ended up being the difference maker. I knew Focal rarely does sales, so I decided to pull the trigger. Now, it was a race to get my room finished. I decided that I wanted to replace my existing bookshelf surrounds with in-wall. I was tearing out a fireplace and replacing carpet and baseboards, so it was an optimal time to take on the project. Matt gave me a good deal on some Focal 300 ICW6 in-ceiling/in-wall speakers that use the same cone and tweeter material as Aria lineup, so they pair perfectly with the front stage. For subs, to fit my budget and space constraints, they recommended a pair of the JL Audio Dominion 10" subs. I wanted a symmetrical setup for aesthetic reasons, and I was stepping down from a bulky 15" sub. Even though I was a big JL fan already, they still let me demo the Dominions as much as I needed to feel good about the purchase. I then ran into my first problem: The ICW6 speakers were too deep for interior walls. They are mainly used in ceiling applications, but they work in walls with 2x6 studs. Interior walls are usually 2x4. Jim told me to bring them back for a full refund, no questions, and he offered me a similar discount to upgrade to the 300 IW6 units that were in-wall only. Problem solved. Michael, one of their install techs, was extremely helpful, talking me through placement of the speakers - how far from the ceiling, rear walls, and between which studs, since my walls were not mirror images of each other. Most places would probably leave you high and dry on a DIY project, so I appreciate that Michael was willing to walk me through this job. Going on 12 weeks, my room was finished, but no Focal speakers. At this point, I'll admit I was a little frustrated, but I understood that we were all at the mercy of the manufacturer. Then this happened: Jim asked if I'd like to borrow some equipment until my order arrived. WHAT?! Who just lets a random customer borrow equipment? Of course, my Aria towers showed up just a few days later. I then finally unboxed my subs to find another problem: One was covered in hairline cracks. The box looked perfect, so I'm guessing it was a manufacturing defect. I brought the sub back in, and the next day, I had a call saying they had a replacement. They also had my second in-wall speaker. Eric's follow up on everything was on-point. After another couple weeks, I had my center channel, and all was right in the world. Yes, some components took a lot longer than expected, but the savings, communication, and loaner equipment made me feel like family, even though I was a first-time customer. Don't be afraid to stop in here. Don't let the $100k speakers in the showroom scare you off. They've got something for every budget.

    If you are in the market for excellent audio and video components this is the shop to acquire your…read moredream equipment. They have product for all financial needs. The knowledge of the staff and variety of product should solve your questions on filling your home with great sound and sights. Jim Lee, owner, Matt Silberstein, manager and installer Michael provided us with excellent customer service. If you visit the store be sure to ask for a sound experience in the audio room..!! We love our Focal speakers..!

    Olson's Hi Fi - (1/2) Right MartinLogan Dynamo 12. Olson's tech tried to scare me into $8,000 of completely unnecessary upgrades.

    Olson's Hi Fi

    (14 reviews)

    I have been researching KEF speaker models and own a pair of LS50 Wireless IIs that sound stellar,…read morework flawlessly (though do need to be directly connected to ethernet hardwired for maximum highres via streaming if not using a connected DAC/Streamer FYI), and look beautiful. They took the audio world by storm a few years back and after intense comparison research I bought a pair with matching stands in red - so cool. I searched for Hi-Fi in the greater Seattle/Bellevue looking for the new KEF LS60 60th anniversary speaker model and found Olson's Hi-Fi in Lynnwood WA. For me, having been familiar with Hi-Fi locations in Bellevue and Seattle since the early 70s, Olson's Hi-Fi looked like an unknown gem. I decided to visit for a listen on the drive back from Olympia the Monday after Easter. Olson's is tucked away in their amazing showroom on North Aurora/Highway 99. They specialize in audiophile stereo, mid level and highenbd systems, muscial reproduction platforms/technology, and complete ARV home theatre/cinema systems and installation. There was so much more there than I expected, with an incredible selection of demo systems to experience and hear in person. Everything there was a delight, The brands, the systems, the platforms, the cinema room and above all Ben and Dom. I had a blast listening to my some of my favorite music and sharing my knowledge about the art and science of the audiophile journey. The cinema room is incredible. Ben's detailed knowledge, passion, and expertise was a joy to experience along with his home cinema system design and installation expertise outlines - he made it so enjoyable and explained his approach - the sound of his systems speak for themselves. He and Dom are so fun to talk to! I will be designing my next system(s). with the team and incorporating Roon, Plex, Qobuz, and KEF to name a few of my next systems elements. Olson's is both the destination and journey for stellar home multi media. I can't wait for my first delivery.

    I asked for help. Olson's asked me not to write a review…read more I've had a very strange and poor customer experience with Ben Olson and Sam of Olson's Hi-Fi. This review was written without anger or exaggeration. I wish I could have read a similar review before engaging this company, as I would NEVER have asked them into my home. I called Ben because I moved from a 600sqft apartment to a house with a large Great Room, and didn't understand why my 10" subwoofer (MartinLogan Dynamo 800x) sounded weird. I didn't know you pick a sub based on the size of the room it's pressurizing, not by model. All I needed was to upgrade to paired ML Dynamo 12s and have them delivered and set up - an easy $3.5k sale. Ben knew the size of my room, but came over to diagnose the "sound issue". I thought he was going to bring a laptop and mic, equipment to test the room's acoustics, etc. He didn't. What followed was consistently unprofessional behavior and boundary issues, a lack of understanding about the equipment he sells, undertrained employees who require payment regardless of outcome, fear-based upselling, and a lot of wasted time. Ben came over 3 times for 7 hours total, Sam was here for 4 hours, and neither succeeded in proper setup. From minute one, Ben spent more time talking about his 'spiritual journey' than about audio. Look, he thinks he's a nice guy, so I chatted along to be polite, but he would NOT take a hint. Ben repeatedly pushed me to become part of his social circle, asked irrelevant (and invasive) personal questions, and later asked me twice to hang out with him. (I declined.) He insisted on taking my old sub to consign without discussing financials or giving me a receipt - I asked multiple times before I received an amateurish version lacking terms or the sub's serial number. (I eventually had it returned.) He promised free installation "as a favor" because 'he liked me', which he seemed to take as permission to work only at his convenience. Later, he gave out my contact info without my consent. (Admittedly, his intentions here were good; still a privacy violation). Ben also made a big deal about giving me 15% off, making it seem like a special just-for-you discount, but I soon found the subs were marked down the same on ML's own site. Why the subterfuge? One bright spot is he left me a loaner 12" while ordering my subs. That was helpful. When I finally asked Ben to let me pay for a tech, he raised his stated install rate by 40%. I asked if he had misspoken, and he agreed to honor their "old rate". (Ben said $250 flat on 2/16, and $175/hr with a 2h min [$350+] on 3/11... 2 days after I turned down his invitation to a jazz show. Coincidence, or was he mad I wouldn't be his friend?) I did end up paying his tech Sam to come out. Sam told me my setup would never sound right, that it was "underpowered", my front speakers were "power hungry", and later said I'd need $8,000 in upgrades for it to sound good. I have run this setup for six years with no issues whatsoever, thoroughly loving the audio quality - only the subwoofer needed to be upgraded, and they have external power. I also clearly told him everything already sounded perfect in the new house except for the deep bass, but he ignored that. Sam blamed the material construction of my house, the crawlspace, the closets, and the carpet for the problems. I did pay the $250 he required 'for his time' before he would release my 800x, but everything was the same when he left as when he arrived. (Sam asked for personal payment instead of sending a shop invoice - I asked why, and he said Ben thought I wouldn't pay. Insulting, and an irregular business practice that lacks a paper trail.) And then Sam asked me not to write a review. (I declined.) The ONLY problem was the subs were not broken in. Now that I've heard the difference, it's obvious. It can be heard when a subwoofer's suspension is restricting the cone's movement - the deep bass is less powerful and less smooth - just like it's possible to hear when a tweeter's clarity is muffled by dust. Why couldn't these "experts" hear that? Why didn't they suggest I let the subs break in before making a decision on new equipment or fearing my room's acoustics were uncorrectable? Sam did mention the break-in period, but only once, as an aside, and otherwise repeatedly tried to scare me into spending more with Olson's. I got my system to sound perfect on my own by going against everything Ben and Sam suggested. Ben got the hardware correct. All their other settings - room correction, volume, crossover, cabling - were wildly incorrect. Ben treats customers as captive audiences for his personal life stories rather than clients paying for expertise. Neither understands what they're hearing when they configure an audio system. It baffles me that their other reviews are positive... or maybe the others like me were also asked not to write reviews. (I anticipate an unprofessional response.) Please do not trust this business.

    HifiHandyman - hifi - Updated May 2026

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