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June 2024 by John S
I swung into Hawthorne Stereo for the first time in a few years to scope out some sale and used items I saw on their website, and everything is still top notch.In an age where you can get opinions on everything under the sun online, there's still no replacement for good, honest and kind in person conversations to get the best equipment mixed and matched for your price range.The folks at Hawthorne will treat you with respect no matter what your needs are, and this has always been the case going back years.Wanted to say thank you again for all the patience you've shown with me, and can't wait to come back down the road when the time is right.
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May 2024 by Jordan Haber
Gave my old turntable a wonderful spa day. Super thorough maintenance, and helpful at recommending a new cartridge!
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May 2024 by Lester White
Out of town for work. Was looking for something to do. Stopped by to see what they had. They carried Harbeth speakers. I have read reviews on these but had not had a chance to listen . The got a pair out for me to audition. This is a great place .Very friendly staff. A look of different equipment, new and used. Wish they were located in my home state of MA.
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May 2024 by Brian Roberts
I was looking for a specific turntable that's currently in very short supply, apparently. Pretty far down the results page I came across Hawthorne Stereo, who I wasn't at all familiar with but showed the turntable I was looking for in stock.Full disclosure, I did a little investigating to make sure they existed, and more importantly to be certain this was their actual website. I mention this because there are a surprising amount of fake retailers you'll find on search engines, and that includes ones with sponsored ads.After ordering the same turntable from two different online retailers, one being fairly large and well-known, only to receive emails the next day telling me they didn't actually have it in-stock and wouldn't for months, I decided to email Hawthorne before placing my order. Within minutes I got a response, from an actual person, telling me they absolutely had the turntable I was looking for.While that would be great customer service under any circumstances, it was past 2am central time, so after midnight their time.I placed my order immediately, and the next day (actually later the same day I guess) I received a notification that it had been shipped. This probably goes without saying, but I received the turntable and couldn't be happier.I certainly plan on making more purchases with Hawthorne Stereo, and if they have what you're looking, I recommend you do the same. While I can't promise they'll email you back in the middle of the night, I'm confident you'll receive great customer service and have an excellent all-around experience.
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May 2024 by Ossidian Ossidian
I've been a discerning and satisfied customer of Hawthorne Stereo for many years. The entire staff is wonderful to deal with and I'm always made welcome even if just to come by to shoot the breeze. Whether you're a long time audiophile or making your first foray into the world of high end audio, you owe it to yourself to check Hawthorne Stereo. You will not be disappointed.
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April 2024 by Anant Bhargava
Excellent equipment and range. Really passionate people, take time to ensure you get full experience
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April 2024 by Yanni Z
Incredible store and staff, no upselling, honest answers to questions, great to talk to and get advice.We are very fortunate to have such a store in the Seattle area, not many left anymore.John and crew are great ?
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March 2024 by Eric S.
10/10 experience. Available to ask questions. Had refurbished products available at healthy discounts. Came to ask questions, left with some hardware. A joy of an experience.
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March 2024 by Amy Vonk
Super helpful, friendly, and informative employees. No upselling whatsoever. They patiently answered my novice questions, recommended a few receivers and speakers and set up a listening room so I could compare the equipment options. I walked out with a receiver and speakers and they even quickly answered my follow-up email questions when I was setting everything up.
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March 2024 by Robert Waldsen
if you want help out with Stereo equipment, please check this place out very good and honest on dealing with audio equipment
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March 2024 by Mark P
Fixed my 1974 pioneer amp. If you are looking for vintage or new highend gear, this place is a must.
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February 2024 by Phoebe G.
First, even if they sucked, you need this business, which is why you're on their yelp, right? And who else in the world dare try to sell not just high end audio but also used? That's some D&D, Tolkien, Magician dedicated shit. These people are so real. So you pass through the door, and while the setup is modest compared to other "we only sell audio" shops nowadays (referencing my experience in San Francisco... looking at you Music Lovers) these guys are keeping it accessible. As a business owner myself, and now a customer, I am impressed by: (1) This business's total dedication to getting people great music. New? Used? Budget? Doesn't fucking matter. Vinyl? Tape? Digital? All solutions available. But let's be clear people (I'm speaking to you reader) you do NOT have the set up you need, and when you start interacting with these folks, you are gonna unlock a part of your human sensitivities you haven't felt before. You're gonna know where that money is going. Stereo not fucking obsolete with bluetooth and Spotify. We are humans and we have sensory receptors you will rediscover, and be inspired by. (2) You can actually purchase used equipment with their imprimatur. I have a hard time (personally) with the amount of great equipment (and the fleeting interest of consumers) going to the dump, only for me to purchase some new crap that doesn't even do it as well, for the same price, etc. Blah blah the fate of the human race... I am sure, very sure there is little or negative funds for Hawthorne to deal in used equipment but their willingness to do so underlines their commitment to the trade. These people are true professionals. [Rant over] Highly recommend. At the very least, worth a drive or a ferry ride to visit. Will be back when it's time to upgrade the amazing, used, Advent speakers I'm enjoying right now as I write this review. Thank you Hawthorne for being an outstanding example of a small business.
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January 2024 by Danny Quaranta
Very friendly, knowledgable staff give the the customer respect no matter their price range/prior knowledge.I recently broke my cartridge on my turntable and I'm kinda happy about it because it means I have an excuse to go back to Hawthorne and talk to the staff
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January 2024 by Trevor Gilmore
I feel lucky to have Hawthorne Stereo as a resource in Seattle. I know enough to be dangerous with vinyl but get lost in the online reviews. I went in, explained what level of audiophile I am, what my rough budget was, and I was in great hands. Not only did they set up my new turntable with me, they even helped me load everything into the car! 100x better than trying to do this all online by yourself. Highly recommend!
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December 2023 by Daniel Spencer
Incredibly helpful staff that worked with us to build a great turntable sound system on a relatively modest budget. Personal and patient, we learned a lot and had a great experience shopping here. We’ll definitely be back when it’s time to upgrade!
