High end shops in London

[hifikontoen]

Hi

Do you know of any high-end hi-fi shops in the heart of London ?

I am going to travel to London later this year, and want to visit some shops.

 

[Steve Williams]

lloydelee lives in London. Send him a PM

 

[defride]

There are a few left, and this is just off the top of my head. KJ West One in Cavendish Street, they've recently changed hands I've not been in since the change, and Walrus Systems in Quebec are the two in central London that spring to mind. Oranges and Lemons were just off Totenham Court Rd but have moved to Battersea/Clapham. Slightly North you've Graham's Hifi and going South, O'Briens Hifi in Wimbledon, Absolute Sounds - Sonus Faber/Magico/Devialet/Dartzeel/Wilson/ARC and many more are also based at the O'Briens address though I don't know if they have demonstration space or even what exactly the connection is as O'B don't carry exclusively AS products.

 

[MylesBAstor]

There are a few left, and this is just off the top of my head. KJ West One in Cavendish Street, they've recently changed hands I've not been in since the change, and Walrus Systems in Quebec are the two in central London that spring to mind. Oranges and Lemons were just off Totenham Court Rd but have moved to Battersea/Clapham. Slightly North you've Graham's Hifi and going South, O'Briens Hifi in Wimbledon, Absolute Sounds - Sonus Faber/Magico/Devialet/Dartzeel/Wilson/ARC and many more are also based at the O'Briens address though I don't know if they have demonstration space or even what exactly the connection is as O'B don't carry exclusively AS products.

What about AudioFreaks. Remembering going there in what Surrey?

 

[defride]

What about AudioFreaks. Remembering going there in what Surrey?

Not a shop, doesn't demonstrate, and wouldn't take kindly to an unannounced visit, a visit is an experience if you do get an invite

 

[MylesBAstor]

Not a shop, doesn't demonstrate, and wouldn't take kindly to an unannounced visit, a visit is an experience if you do get an invite

Hmmmm....has it always been that way? Of course last time went there was 1999 or 2000

 

[defride]

Hmmmm....has it always been that way? Of course last time went there was 1999 or 2000

As far as I'm aware, was it run out of his house when you visited?

As far as general enquiries go it's his web sales list and take it or leave it in recent years, if one was interested in something really big I guess there might be an exception. As far as I'm aware Midland Audio near Birmingham and Audio Consultants in Hants are the main sources of equipment he imports. I'd heard he's begun to wind down but don't for sure that's the case, might be just a reflection that Avalon jumped distributors.

 

[MylesBAstor]

As far as I'm aware, was it run out of his house when you visited?

As far as general enquiries go it's his web sales list and take it or leave it in recent years, if one was interested in something really big I guess there might be an exception. As far as I'm aware Midland Audio near Birmingham and Audio Consultants in Hants are the main sources of equipment he imports. I'd heard he's begun to wind down but don't for sure that's the case, might be just a reflection that Avalon jumped distributors.

I don't think so but I actually am not sure. Do remember the Avalon/cj/Kuzma system he had set up at that time

 

[defride]

I don't think so but I actually am not sure. Do remember the Avalon/cj/Kuzma system he had set up at that time

I'm sure you'd have remembered if it were his current premises.

The system I heard was later, Kuzma XL4, don't remember the tonearm, prob airline or 4 point, would have been a Benz cart, Zanden phono, Zanden 4 box, CJ pre, Karan KAM1200 (maybe 2000s) and Isis all hooked up with Cardas. A formative memory! He can certainly put a great sounding system together, even at shows, something I felt his dealers never quiet mastered to the same extent

 

[LL21]

Hi

Do you know of any high-end hi-fi shops in the heart of London ?

I am going to travel to London later this year, and want to visit some shops.

In addition the ones mentioned here...KJ being very central and Walrus as well...there is a new one opening up funded by an investor in Crystal cable...all new brands I am told. I know some of the guys who will open the store this summer. About 3 blocks from KJ.

 

[Bill Hart]

Have any of you visited Definitive/Living Voice? I gather it is a couple hours outside of London, and recall an old 6 Moons review of the factory~ assume, but not sure the dealership is in the same location. If it is, my bet it would be well worth a visit by appointment. Old Edwardian era factory, lot's and lot's of cool stuff. They not only make those oil sheik horn speakers, but had a battery power source that could support an entire system, and a good assortment of vintage stuff as part of their collection of odds and ends.
It's been years since I shopped for hi-fi in London.

 

[LL21]

Have any of you visited Definitive/Living Voice? I gather it is a couple hours outside of London, and recall an old 6 Moons review of the factory~ assume, but not sure the dealership is in the same location. If it is, my bet it would be well worth a visit by appointment. Old Edwardian era factory, lot's and lot's of cool stuff. They not only make those oil sheik horn speakers, but had a battery power source that could support an entire system, and a good assortment of vintage stuff as part of their collection of odds and ends.
It's been years since I shopped for hi-fi in London.

sounds interesting...never been. There is also the Audio Note UK guys and Metropolis (both outside london somewhere).

 

[defride]

In addition the ones mentioned here...KJ being very central and Walrus as well...there is a new one opening up funded by an investor in Crystal cable...all new brands I am told. I know some of the guys who will open the store this summer. About 3 blocks from KJ.

Sounds interesting, any more details on what they're planning to offer?

Have any of you visited Definitive/Living Voice? I gather it is a couple hours outside of London, and recall an old 6 Moons review of the factory~ assume, but not sure the dealership is in the same location. If it is, my bet it would be well worth a visit by appointment. Old Edwardian era factory, lot's and lot's of cool stuff. They not only make those oil sheik horn speakers, but had a battery power source that could support an entire system, and a good assortment of vintage stuff as part of their collection of odds and ends.
It's been years since I shopped for hi-fi in London.

I've not been but quiet a few friends are regulars, I understand Kevin is very hospitable, knowledgeable and holds a staggering amount of Kondo/LV demo stock. May be appointment only / or at least call to ensure someone will be there but it is run as a dealership along with manufacturer.

sounds interesting...never been. There is also the Audio Note UK guys and Metropolis (both outside london somewhere).

Metropolis are no more, John Jefferies retired and the business was reborn as 15 Audio, they were based in Lewes near Brighton however they've popped up a new website in the last few weeks and are saying that they've a new demonstration facility coming in West Sussex.

Not sure about AN and customer visits, would think they're possible by appointment. Down that way there are a couple of dealers I'm aware of, Marble Arch and Hifiguy/Brighton Hifi Exchange.

 

[LL21]

Sounds interesting, any more details on what they're planning to offer?.

Unfortunately not...meanwhile you've clearly done your homework on London! Enjoy your audio adventures!

 

[Brian Walsh]

Not a shop, doesn't demonstrate, and wouldn't take kindly to an unannounced visit, a visit is an experience if you do get an invite

I don't know about the latter, but yes he is out of his house. Strange guy.