I don't usually write reviews but I had a pretty good experience with Holm Audio and don't mind sharing. I think it is important to support brick and mortar hi-fi stores because they provide invaluable help and support for creating (or upgrading) a home sound system, either 2 channel or multi-channel, that you are unlikely to find at a big box store or an online source. Even experienced, long time enthusiasts like me appreciate help navigating the sea of new products and technologies that are constantly headed our way. In my case, I was looking to update my sound with new speakers. Over the course of several weeks I was able to listen to and compare different speakers and audition the ones I liked at home. This is essential because all speakers interact with the acoustic environment of your listening room. If you haven't heard a set of speakers in your room, then you haven't really heard what they sound like. This proved to be the case with the speakers I had chosen. Everything I had read lead me to believe that the pair I had selected would be perfect for my set-up. Getting them home revealed that they didn't quite sound like I had hoped. Disappointed, I brought them back. Mike suggested I try a different speaker model of the same brand. Voila! This pair integrated into my room much more seamlessly. Even though they were very similar speakers in most important respects, the sound went from just OK to fabulous. Now Mike had no way to know that one pair would sound better than the other pair in my room. But he did recognize that the PSB speakers I liked had the overall traits I was looking for and more importantly, he understood that sometimes a little trial and error goes a long way. He and my salesperson Neil were both patient and helpful and got me to where I wanted to be. That is good customer service. I should also mention that I drove all the way from Hawthorn Woods in Lake County and would happily do it again. Very highly recommended. read more

I have been doing business with Holm Audio for a number of years, and I simply won't bother working with anyone else than Mike Holm and his crew. Even though I have moved away from the Midwest (I now live in Boulder, CO), I continue to use their knowledge base for upgrades to my system. What first sold me on Holm was the way they run their business model. There is no pressure, no "you must buy now or the sale will be over" crap that other stores tend to use to push their merchandise. They simply supply you with the best current information and the chance to listen to your music on an amazing array of high end stereo brands (Manley, Joseph Audio, Bel Canto, etc.). If you are into tubed audio systems, this is the place to go in the Chicago suburbs! The first time I ever went to Holm Audio, I spent an entire day listening to my favorite music on a number of great systems. Every time I wanted to switch a component, Neil or Bill would simply make the switch and let me continue listening. That day was one of the best days of my life! Since then, I have used Holm Audio to keep tweaking my system and moving up the chain in quality of audio components. They have a very generous trade in policy, especially on components which were originally purchased from them. Consequently, they have a large supply of used/demo items for folks just starting down the audiophile trail. For many components, they will allow you to test the item at home, which can be critical in making an informed decision In conclusion, I would whole heartedly agree with another reviewer here on Yelp who stated that it is "important to support these brick and mortar hi-fi stores" before they go away!. If they go away, we will all lose an important link in the knowledge chain for informed buying. No one does it better than Mike and his crew! read more

Holm Audio is an amazing hub for Audiophiles and novices alike! It is a " True Oasis " for equipment consumers who are truly lovers of music and the equipment needed to bring them as close to what it's creator wanted to convey within your desired budget plan. While they are dealers for many different brands, rather than push any brand or it's level of product, they actually listen to you and do their best to fit you with gear that truly meets your needs! Every member of Holm's staff is a knowledgeable salesman who has been in the industry long enough to help you understand the ever-changing audio and video industry. They even sponsor events like Axpona and tonight's special showcase of tweaks and components by NAD, Nordost, and PSB speakers!!! It was very informative and the different demonstration run by the representative for Nordost , was an amazing and comprehensive display of what different tier cables and tweaks can do for your system. The best thing about Holm, and what separates them from the rest of the big box store and salons, is that they allow you to take just about any component and accessory home to audition in your setup before purchase!!! Just to be sure that the component or accessory is right for you!! Now that's integrity!! Holm Audio is more concerned with giving YOU, the consumer, the best possible experience than making a profit!! You tell me, how many dealers have YOUR best interest at heart? Kudos to you Mike Holm and staff for all you do!!! read more

Only gave Holm Audio five starts because they did not offer six. Best place to go for audio and video. Top end products with knowledge of products to match. Mike and his team are wonderful NO BS. Neil is the best. Chris is right up there too. Very honest and will not suggest a product just for a sale. Match up what you want with the best possible set up. The sale is not important to Holm, your satisfaction comes first. I have everything in my set up from Holm. Take it home and try it... I did, from power source, to CD player, speakers, power cords...one by one, step by step...I am a lifer with Holm... If you enjoy real music with tremendous sound...this is your home...HOLM AUDIO!!! Just stop in and say HI! Hang around, walk around and listen, LISTEN to the music! They love and enjoy music and the sound of music more than i do...and this is saying a LOT! And to make this even better, i have a bootleg cassette from 1983 from the last show ever from a group called the ODD at the thirsty whale. Talk to Mike that i would like to somehow have this downloaded and share with all my ODD fans from almost 40 years ago...he was more excited than i was...he is in process of cleaning it up and to his best , perfecting the show for me...just another small example of why HOLM IS A GREAT PLACE!!!! read more

I'll admit it, I love stereo stores. From the first time I walked into Soundmasters in South Bend's Scottsdale Mall in the 70's to my most recent purchase of a music server, the obsession for great sounding gear has never waned. Which leads me to Holm Audio. I've never really lived close to this store, but I've always enjoyed my visits there and consider myself a regular repeat customer. The store is a modern-day throw-back to the stereo-store days of the past with product and accessories ranging from reference-level audio/video, to used equipment, to everything in-between. There are multiple listening rooms. They take trade-ins! The store is fun, the staff and owner are friendly, knowledgeable, personable, and ready to answer any and all of your audio/video questions. I purchased a HiFi Rose audio server with the help of Mike Holm, the owner. While it was a little more than I wanted to spend, some trade-in gear helped to offset the price, and the server I purchased is the most musical device I've ever had in my system! I have ZERO buyer's remorse! Kudos to Mike and his team for his store's success and longevity! Far too many audio stores have disappeared over the years. read more

OUTSTANDING service, knowledge, attention and quality. For reference, I attended a listening event with no prior knowledge (or interest) in audio equipment. Upon greeting, we met with the owner Mike who asked a few questions to establish what might interest us. To say he and his staff were helpful is an understatement; we were kindly instructed on all things audio, patiently answered on all questions and when we decided to purchase a few items, were given excellent instructions for set up and use. They spent three hours with our questions and never faltered in excitement. We decided on a few pieces and noted that they treated their most entry level items with the same enthusiasm as their top of the line items, which really made one feel comfortable with purchasing. Our 12 year old daughter was with us that day and we all agree that our visit to Holm audio was exciting and entertaining- establishing customers for life. Special thanks to Mike and Chris who make you feel like you are the only customers in the store. Juliette says hello! read more

I bought a used pair of B&W speakers from a fella on Facebook in Feb of 2024 that was local to me. I told him I was looking to possibly upgrading my amp, pre amp to something newer since mine was 40 years old. He told me about Holm Audio at the time and highly recommended them. After months of research I determined the Hegel H590 was what I wanted. I went in to Holm Audio in June and met Mike and his crew. He had a used Hegel for sale and gave me a great price on it. He made sure that I had all the correct cables and wiring for it and treated me like a friend. I greatly appreciated that Mike and his staff making sure I had everything I needed. The integrated amplifier is night and day difference from what I had before. Mike has a customer in me for life. Big thanks to Mike and staff, and Molly the Poodle. Elmer J. read more

Dang, These guys know their stuff! They have a great selection of really top audiophile quality gear at all price levels, and excellent expertise. These guys know more about the audiophile world than anyone I know. I didn't have a huge budget, and with their great guidance, I have an incredible rig (Hegel Amp, Hegel DAC handling Rega transport input, and Bluesound digital streaming input, and all paired with incredible Tannoy speakers). I could not be happier! Bring in your favorite music and Steve, Neil, and their pro crew guide you through some impressive listening. (Note: I clicked "pricey" on the price range category, because let's face it, this ain't an inexpensive hobby. I found Holm's prices to be very competitive, with some downright "steals" on some of the pre-owned gear. But, if you are looking for a cheap sony DVD player, with a Bose surround system, this is not your store). read more

I know nothing about the products they sell, but what I can review is their electronic repair service, especially with ancient stereo equipment. I had a 70's-or-early-80's-era Sony turntable with a bad speed servo and an even older Sansui receiver with a bad tuning knob and in desperate need of cleaning and servicing. On the recommendation of a friend, I came here. In both cases, I could not have been happier with the results. $30 diagnostic fee, plus whatever else the repair cost--I don't think the prices were at all unreasonable. For having a working hi-fi system again, at any rate, it was much cheaper than buying brand new equipment; and, let's face it, they don't make this kind of stuff anymore. I will definitely be bringing more of my old stereo equipment here for repair and servicing. And you should too! read more

Great store for 2 channel audio enthusiasts! I bought my very first "real" hifi speakers, cables, and amplifier here around 2002. I was a kid just out of college, just got my first job and finally had some spending money. I remember staying there all afternoon demoing my CDs on their amps and speakers. They treated me like a real person and I had a blast that day! Super nice and super knowledgeable sales staff. Later on I bought my first tube amps through Mike and crew. Still buying stuff from them today and they are who I turn to first when I get the upgrade itch. I live in the Cincinnati area now and they are the only hi-fi store I deal with in the Midwest, period. Check them out if you are in the Chicagoland area or their website if you are not. read more

Holm Audio has a very helpful and very professional staff. They are knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. I have been buying from them for six years and have mainly dealt with Neil, Bill, and Mitch. They were always very nice and patient with me. The merchandise may be pricey, but it is worth it when considering you are buying items of higher quality and getting excellent service. I would recommend them to anyone looking for high end audio equipment. After hearing the Sony HAP-Z1ES digital audio player going through some high end tube systems and out into the Joseph Audio Pearl 3 speakers, I was convinced to buy the Sony. Now if only I could afford the Josephs, Manleys, Rogues, et. al. read more

I have been dealing with these guys for years now. There are so few stores like this where you can listen to whatever you wish and when you find something you like you can take it home to try it in your system. Try that at Best Buy! The guys there are very helpful should you have any questions about equipment or setup. It's a very relaxed atmosphere with no pressure sales pitches or phony product hype; They tell it like it is. So bring some of your tunes, look around then park it for a while and listen to some of the best sound in town. read more

I've been a customer of Holm Audio for more than 30 years now. I have been an "Audiophile" for most of my 74+ years and have long since stopped very much shopping around other shops for my HiFi gear. I've always been treated fairly and enjoy all the in store product events that they have. I spent my career as a sound engineer, and an adjunct Professor in the sound department at Columbia College in Chicago. I have been able to construct and reconstruct a great reference playback system at Holm Audio for a long time. read more

I've been an audiophile for most of my 65+ years, and have been a professional sound engineer more than 30 years. Holm Audio has been my "go to" source for a very long time now. Very well chosen product lines, even plenty of things that are quite affordable. It's always fun to explore the used gear room as well. Last night (11/30) there was a great "demo night" event. Stunning presentations from Nordost cables, NAD electronics and PSB speakers to name a few. I've never been let down or disappointed at this place. read more

brilliant customer service!!!!! a friend who came down from Minnesota in need of a system upgrade had his eye of some crown amps and Mike was kind to let us take them home and demo them so we could see if they fit our needs. we loved them and drive back the same day tp pay for them. the whole team is extremely knowledgeable and helped figure out what was needed. they get tp know customers on a personal level. love the store and the whole team I will be going back frequently read more

this little store is big on audio past and present. they have intelligent staff and the latest products plus some of the sweetest vintage gear. a very generous trial policy (take home and sample) plus better prices than many internet sites. Mike (owner) is a passionate music lover who loves his clients. I wish there was a sixth star I could give. a must see for any audiophiles, gear collectors or someone ready to take the next step on their HiFi journey read more

5 stars to Chris at Holm Audio. It was delightful being in the company of someone who is honest, passionate and knowledgeable about music and audio. Audiophile stores can be intimidating, but not with Chris at Holm. Exceptional customer service that felt like someone giving me a tour to an endless array of musical opportunities and experiences rather than someone trying to "sell" me something. I will look to Chris and Holm first, in my audiophile journey. read more

Whether it's your first, entry-level high end system or a rig that costs more than some cars, Holm Audio is the best dealer I've ever dealt with. I've purchased Manley, PSB, Rega, Joseph Audio, Sony ES, PS Audio, Quad, Bel Canto, and other brands of gear here over the last ten years and have been 100% satisfied. And Holm's installations of home theater are prompt, courteous, and highly skilled. A++++ dealer. read more

Went to Holm Audio this weekend. What a great experience! From the Owner to his staff they were friendly and knowledgeable. I was able to trade in an old piece of equipment and got a surprisingly good deal on a new piece. I will definitely be going back when I need more audiophile gear. read more