I asked for help. Olson's asked me not to write a review. 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. read more

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

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I have been researching KEF speaker models and own a pair of LS50 Wireless IIs that sound stellar, work 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. read more

Olson's Hi Fi did 3 projects for me ranging from traditional TV and sound bar wall mount to complex surround sound movie room design and installation. They are very creative, high quality and great value crew. Ben, Travis and his team are very knowledgeable and can find solutions for very difficult situation. Despite challenging holiday season, Ben was able to deliver on time, perfectly on budget and I was really impressed with his knowledge of complex Audio and Video gear. And at the same time, it did not cost me an arm and a leg - his prices on equipment beat everyone and very reasonable on labor. Even more importantly, quality of work and attention to details were superb. Not only I'd recommend Olson's Hi Fi to anyone, but I have another project in mind and will be returning customer! read more

Extremely professional and friendly service from Brian, Sam, Dodd, and Ben! I'll be a customer for life! read more

Ben is awesome! Olson HiFi is the best place in Seattle for beginners and audiophiles alike - Period! They have great equipment for all levels and Ben and his team are very knowledgeable and friendly. I must have spent hours and hours listening to different speakers. No pressure to buy! I started with an medium level system and then got a full home theater installation done for an 7.2.4 Dolby Atmos setup. This included Monitor Audio speakers, Marantz Receiver, Emotiva Amp and Rel subwoofers. And all the in ceiling wiring and installation. Ben took care of everything and I am all set for a long time to come - hopefully! Ben also has the best prices and a generous return policy. read more

Ben, Brandon & crew are well informed and masterful in the domain of today's audiophile and surround offerings. And as well, able to navigate all levels and budgets bringing the same expertise to bear. They are generous with service and follow up beyond what a big-box store could offer. For example, a neutral-line failure at my home caused voltage spikes which blew my Klipsch sub woofer (which they didn't sell me) and put my new Marantz amplifier (which they did) in to permanent safety mode. Ben gave me a loaner Marantz and shipped my unit in for service AND hit me up with a loaner sub woofer to try ( I'm sure he'll provide another to sample if needed). A visit to his shop is like an audiophile candy store - invoking a desire to save my pennies or win the lottery ;-) Highly recommend this family business! read more

What a find! Amazing gear and excellent professional advice from real audio enthusiast Mardi. Man, did I get an education! You will benefit from decades of Mardi's professional experience in the audio field. He lives this stuff. I was getting back into playing my album and CD collection and I needed some help as things have changed a lot over the years. I have a sales/marketing/advertising background, and I never felt like I was a prospect or any pressure. Really. Mardi set me up with a really good amp, guided me through the set up process, and was very available to answer all my questions. I also picked up a second set of speakers to add variety to my listening area. Now my living room is alive with astonishing sound! Sometimes I just sit and listen, shaking my head in amazement that I have this level of quality audio in my home... and it didn't break me. I couldn't be happier. My friends tell me that my stereo is the best they have ever heard. Wow. I still need a CD transport, and you can bet that I will buy it from Olson's. I hope this review doesn't sound obsequious, but Olsen's did me right and I appreciate that. Your audio equipment is a long term investment, and you don't want to buy the wrong stuff. If you have huge dollars or a modest budget, Olsen's is the place to go. They also do home theatre, networking, and security, and I can't see how you could make a mistake with these guys. One more little thing: Steve M's review seems like such an outlier that I would disregard it. Thanks so much, y'all!!! read more

Ben is one of the nicest, most knowledge guys around. He spent HOURS with me on multiple occasions, just talking and listening to different speakers. For a newbie like myself, this was invaluable. When it came time to purchase, the manufacturer had a trade in deal. I did not have speakers to trade in, but Ben found speakers for me. Talk about unbelievable service. Ben carries a multitude of product lines, for which he is an authorized dealer. I can't adequately describe how pleased I was to find him and to work with him. Highly recommended. read more

I have had great experiences with Olson's. The people there are earnest and give patient and useful advice. Their follow-up was great and I am very pleased with my purchase. They offer a good range of equipment and can put together a nice system with you. read more

I was looking around online to find an authorize dealer for anthem. Affordable Home Theater was listed and when I called, Ben picked up the phone right away. After speaking with him and telling Ben what I was looking for he was able to help place the order and get it in time for Christmas as it was a gift to my husband. I felt comfortable enough to pay for it all up front over the phone and Ben set the expectation of when it should arrive and it was met. I got my brand new receiver two weeks before Christmas. My husband was very happy. We will continue to work with Ben as we build on our home theater system. read more

Ben is an amazing guy, super helpful and goes out of his way to ensure customer satisfaction. I have bought speakers as well as amp from his store and his prices are much lower than online prices ! I wish more businesses were this good. read more

I have been buying hifi gear since Magnolia was actually in Magnolia. I have purchased equipment from a few other high end dealers, both locally and online. I recently upgraded my surround speakers. After shopping all of the above. I ended up working with Ben at Olson's. His knowledge, service and pricing is second to none! If you are looking for high end speakers don't waste your time going anywhere else. Plus, he has in store demo speakers that other local stores can sell but only if you order them. If you are going to spend lots of money on audiophile gear it really is nice to hear it first! read more

Completely disappointed by lack of follow up and false promises. Ben, Jerrick, and Brandon are not organized, nor seem to have the capacity to do work on a timely basis. Ben did not want new business nor truly apologized for dropping the ball when he failed to schedule an installation. Jerrick was great, did all he could to fix the situation, to which Ben fumbled again with a poor follow up call. They recommended another installer, and I agree with them. read more

I took advantage of the last trade up to get the P85's. I loved them so much, I had to get the 55C! Then, well the old Rotel had to go replaced by anthem MRX 720. If you're looking for an awesome home theater and you don't go to affordable home theater, you will kick yourself. anthem amps and paradigm speakers in my mind are the best products you can buy on the market for the money. Paradigm is giving you 20% off to bring any speaker up as a trade-in! Ben is a great guy and one of the most down to earth sales people you'll ever meet. He is very knowledgeable and will sell you the right system. Enough said. read more