Just outside Oklahoma City, Reference Analog has been a haven for true audiophiles for over a decade. Specializing in two-channel audio systems, Reference Analog is the brainchild of Jeff Harris, a passionate audio enthusiast with decades of experience.

Operating by appointment only, Reference Analog offers a unique and personalized experience for those seeking the pinnacle of sound reproduction. Jeff’s journey into the world of audio began in his childhood, dancing to records with his sister. His father’s love for music sparked a lifelong passion that led him to open Oklahoma’s premier reference-level high-end audio shop. Conveniently located near the airport and easily accessible from Dallas, Reference Analog is a must-visit for discerning audiophiles.

As the name suggests, Reference Analog is dedicated to the purity of analog sound while also offering digital components that meet their stringent standards. Their profound appreciation for analog has honed their ability to identify digital systems that deliver a similarly rich and detailed sonic experience. Their meticulous approach ensures that every client receives expert guidance and tailored solutions.

Reference Analog proudly offers a handpicked selection of products from esteemed brands like YG, Rockport, Boulder, Audio Research, MSB, REL, HRS, VPI, and Brinkmann. The store features a dedicated demo location with small, medium, and large rooms, each designed to showcase entry-level to world-class reference experiences. It’s the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the magic of these exceptional systems.

Their dedication to superior sound quality and customer service has earned Reference Analog a loyal following and a reputation for excellence. Jeff’s commitment to his customers is unparalleled. “We collaborate closely with our customers, crafting the experiences they envision,” he says. “We build strong connections with them, taking the time to ensure their experience exceeds expectations.” Their willingness to spend hours discussing the hobby with clients, even long after the sale, speaks volumes about their dedication. “Our time is given freely, which is rare in the industry,” Jeff notes. “Investing time in our customers is a core part of our approach, setting us apart.”

Reference Analog has achieved significant recognition within the industry. The company has garnered multiple awards, including the prestigious VPI Reference Award, and has earned “Best of Show” honors at major events like AXPONA. Their expertise and commitment to delivering unparalleled audio experiences has cemented their status as leaders in the field. For the Southwest Audio Fest’s inaugural event, Reference Analog had not one, but three rooms featuring different brands. Look out for more exciting initiatives on the horizon.

The Emotion in the Music

At the heart of Reference Analog’s philosophy lies a simple yet profound motto: The Emotion in the Music. Jeff explains, “This comes from our desire to bring emotion back into people’s listening experiences.” This passion fuels every aspect of the business, from the meticulous selection of brands that deliver this emotional connection, to the expert set-up skills that bring the systems to life.

Reference Analog is more than just an audio store; it’s a destination for those who seek the ultimate in audio performance. With Jeff at the helm, this Oklahoma-based company continues to set the standard for excellence in the high-end audio world. Whether you’re an analog purist or a digital enthusiast, Reference Analog offers the expertise, products, and personalized service to elevate your listening experience to new heights.

Moore, OK 73160

By Appointment Only

Phone: (405) 795-3462

Email: info@referenceanalog.com

Web: www.referenceanalog.com

By Seth Snyder 

Finding an experienced advisor for your hi-fi needs can be a daunting task. The number of unique and emerging technologies in audio is ever-growing. Although it’s fun to navigate those waters, the sheer volume of information that’s available today can be overwhelming at times. That’s why it’s so important to have a trusted confidant at your side when deciding what gear is worth your investment.

Ray Benza has been making music “work” since the 1970’s. His current shop, Entertainment Technology, has been serving the greater NYC area for the past 25 years. As the world of audio evolves, so does the portfolio of brands at ‘ET’. Wilson, McIntosh, Dan D’Agostino, Sonus Faber, and dCS are all available to audition at his shop in Mount Kisco, New York. With four separate listening areas and a full theater, it’s easy for an audiophile to lose track of time. Make sure to spend some time with their new Mcintosh 75th anniversary system. The system includes Wilson Audio Alexia V’s driven by the flagship MC2.1KW mono-amps from Mcintosh, wired top-to-bottom with Valhalla 2 cabling and QBase AC distributors from Nordost. We are thrilled that with all his experience over the years, Ray and his team have recognized that Nordost make these products perform at their best, and recommends our cables and AC distributors to his clients.

One of the wonderful things about New York City is the availability of absolutely anything you could possibly imagine. The city, and it’s surrounding area, prides itself on providing the unrivaled best of everything. Be it fashion, fine-dining, or the arts, it’s all here. Ray and Entertainment Technology are no exception. If you find yourself in the New York, Tri-State area looking for the best in hifi, Entertainment Technology is worth your time and attention.

Make an appointment today!

Entertainment Technology (914) 242-8881

309 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549

By Jacob Goldwax

Have you had the chance to explore the new Hanson AV showroom in Dayton? If not, it’s a must-visit when you’re in town. Hanson has recently unveiled its new showroom, a true marvel in Dayton, Ohio. Whether you’re in the market for a complete smart home setup or a top-of-the-line Hi-Fi System, Hanson has it all. What’s more, their meticulously designed displays and demos are sure to leave you in awe. 

But it’s not just about the impressive aesthetics. Hanson boasts a team of exceptional, knowledgeable staff who are true experts in their field. This, combined with their top-notch installation pros, strategic brand partnerships, and world-class displays, creates an unparalleled experience. Each showroom follows a comprehensive approach, ensuring that no matter what your dream system is, Hanson is ready to make it a reality. 

Hanson has been servicing the southern Ohio region since 1999 and has become a high-end audio and integration staple. They combine the best qualities of your local Hi-Fi shop and the shock and awe of the latest Luxury Integration technology. You get a sense of the Hanson team’s passion for their profession every time you meet them.

“Hanson’s primary objective is to help you select the optimum solution for Home Theater, Hi-Fi Audio, and Smart Home Automation in your home or business.” – Hanson

The Hanson team talks the talk; you better believe they back it up at every step, every time. 

If you find yourself in Dayton or Cincinnati, I cannot recommend stopping by for an audition enough. 

Denver, Colorado

By Mike Marko

Professional Service and Selection Meets the Front Range

With over 50 years in the audio business, Soundings founder, Mr. Rod Thompson, has dedicated his career to building music systems with care and dedication. He also provides proper video entertainment solutions as well. The wealth of experience Rod has enjoyed has served him and his clients well over the years.

Soundings was started nearly 40 years ago in the Denver area and recently opened their brand new location in Greenwood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver U.S.A. Most relationships with customers are decades old and the current staff of professionals led by store manager, Jess Engleking, are certainly leading the way for a new generation. Most store personnel have over 20 years experience each in high-end audio and video design. 

Top Brands

The selection of brands that the store carries is much more than just a “product of the month” club. Lines sold by Soundings undergo a stringent selection process that ensures longevity and true value in servicing their customers needs. Artisanal offerings are sought out that offer unique, reliable solutions for all clients. 

Soundings has carried Nordost’s Reference Odin 2 cables for many years, along with the likes of stellar brands such as Boulder amplifiers, Rockport Technologies speakers, Linn, Acora, Kef Reference, Dr Feichert and Primare. You are assured of a competent system including ‘white glove’ delivery and set up. 

The Master Set Process

Rod and crew have perfected the system of interfacing sound systems in real rooms with a scientific process that is implemented with passion and talent. This results in a widely sought after system integration that properly designs systems for the rooms they are in, while taking in to account the whole family’s needs and desires.

Soundings

9625 E Arapahoe Rd Unit L, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Phone: (303) 759-5505

www.soundingshifi.com

By Bjorn Bengtsson

Join me in welcoming one of the newest high-end stores in the world, HiFi Hub! But don’t be fooled by its recent November launch date, there are definitely no newbies behind this massive undertaking!  

Henning Morken and Øystein Hasnes are two incredibly well-seasoned HiFi professionals with 30 years in the game between them. As with many in this industry, their journey into hifi started with a genuine interest in music: Henning’s interest relates to his background in the music industry; for Øystein, this means years of actively playing in various big bands and marching bands. The two met at one of Scandinavia’s biggest HiFi stores, where they worked together for 13 years. Recently, however, they decided to fulfill their hifi dreams– opening an establishment of their own. 

True to form, the duo fulfilled their dream with an “all or nothing” attitude and started HiFi Hub with a BANG! When you visit HiFi Hub, you’re met with a three-story villa, outfitted with five, beautifully furnished and fully equipped listening rooms. One of the great things about having five listening rooms at your disposal is that you can listen to various levels of components so that you can match your desired sound experience with your preferred price point.  

HiFi Hub is conveniently located 10 minutes from the Oslo Airport and 20 minutes from the Oslo city center, so it is easy to visit. However, Henning and Øystein completely understand the importance of auditioning audio gear in your own listening environment. To aid in that, they offer extensive opportunities for home visits to ensure well-educated equipment purchases.

By Bruno de Lorimier

There’s an impressive, new destination for audiophiles and music lovers that you may not have heard of in the city of Ottawa, Canada. That’s because they only officially opened a short while ago, in the summer of 2022. If you’re in the market for some serious, high-performance, hi-fi gear, you have to add Bliss to your list!

Bliss Acoustics is a labor of love for Dragan Reljic, a lifelong audiophile and music lover. His home-based business is located in an area referred to as “The Glebe”, situated near The National Historic Site and the Rideau Canal. His mission is to provide one-of-a-kind, personal experiences while representing some of the finest audio brands on the market. His collection of beautifully crafted, impeccably designed, analog and digital components includes both well-established and up-and-coming brands that share one commonality: changing the landscape of the musical experience. 

I first met Dragan in person last summer when Nordost VP, Michael Taylor, and I traveled to Ottawa to perform our two-day intensive Certified Nordost Specialist training, during which Dragan received Nordost’s highest level of intensive product training. Both Michael and I were greeted with a warm welcome and given a tour of the facility. Up until that point, I had never seen such an impressive and extensive in-home setup. In no less than four, very tastefully designed listening rooms, Dragan had an impressive number of products on display, hooked up and ready to be demonstrated. All the hits are waiting for you to hear when you visit Bliss: Nordost, Alluxity, AudioNec, Audio Vector, Aurender, ClearAudio, Dynavector, Focal, The Gryphon, Harbeth, JSIKORA, Karma, Kroma Atelier, Leben, Luxman, Magico, MSB, Nagra, Naim, Pilium, Shindo, Riviera, Vivid, and more!

Even though he is a relatively new hifi dealer, he is far from a novice to audio! Dragan has been around music from a very early age, and he will impress you with the knowledge he has cultivated over the years. Throughout high school and university, Dragan DJed at student clubs and alternative venues. Initially, he was a guest DJ and volunteer, doing it for the love of the music rather than the money. Then, as a side project, he started making “First Date Tapes” which developed a cult following. Those soon evolved into Encore Tapes of The Comedy Cafe, the second-largest standup comedy club in London, that he enthusiastically started managing during his studies.

In the beginning, despite his love for music, Dragan pursued a different career path. Born in Sarajevo, he began studying veterinary medicine and earned his first degree as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He subsequently moved to the UK and completed his masters in London at the Royal Veterinary College. Then, about 30 years ago, he moved to Canada where things became a little more academically and politically complicated for him to pursue his Ph.D., encouraging him to take a different path.

With his experience bartending, DJing, and managing clubs in his youth, Dragan figured, why not do the same here? A new era began when he started running a very nice brewpub in the 90s, followed by an Italian restaurant in the ByWard Market, Mamma Grazzi’s, which he ran for over 25 years. As a side business, he also began investing in real estate, renovating, renting, and selling properties…all the while never losing his passion for high-end audio. 

Dragan had often entertained the idea of procuring personalized high-end experiences for music enthusiasts in the nation’s capital, and it was thanks to the amazing support and the blessing of his wife Anastasia, a devoted music lover in her own right, that beautiful Bliss Acoustics was founded in the summer of 2022.

If you are a hi-fi enthusiast, please give Dragan a call and make an appointment to visit him. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Bliss Acoustics

20 Third Ave

Ottawa, ON

K1S 2J6

Phone: (613) 415-4475

Email: info@blissacoustics.com

Web: www.blissacoustics.com

Curating Audio Excellence Since 1977 in Buffalo, NY

by Amy Hansen

In the heart of Buffalo, New York, there’s a place where music enthusiasts find solace—a haven called Speaker Shop. For over four decades, this establishment has been more than a shop; it’s a testament to a passion for sound and a commitment to delivering the best audio experience.

Established in 1977, Speaker Shop has been an integral part of Buffalo’s audio landscape, evolving alongside the ever-changing world of sound technology. Stepping into Speaker Shop isn’t merely stepping into a store; it’s stepping into a legacy—a legacy of expertise, knowledge, and an unwavering dedication to quality audio.

On my recent visit, I stepped into a vibrant retail space alive with constant activity. Customers continuously coming and going, assisted by engaged staff, creating a bustling symphony of activity.

Speaker Shop curates a collection that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. They’ve got you covered with brands such as Wilson Audio, Magico, MSB Technology, Aurender, Luxman, Hegel, McIntosh, Nordost and more. 

What sets Speaker Shop apart isn’t just the impressive array of audio equipment but the passion and expertise of its staff, Guy, Ed, Paul and Mike. The team comprises enthusiasts deeply entrenched in the nuances of sound.  Whether you have a cherished pair of vintage speakers that require repair or you’re seeking something new, Speaker Shop is dedicated to meeting your needs. If you’re a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer seeking advice, their enthusiastic team is ready to assist you by sharing their expertise and aiding in the discovery of a sound setup perfectly tailored to your preferences.

For those in Buffalo seeking to elevate their sonic experience, Speaker Shop isn’t just a store—it’s a destination. It’s where music aficionados find their sonic haven, where every visit promises an exploration of the endless possibilities of sound.

So, whether you’re on a quest for the perfect speakers or simply looking to immerse yourself in a world of audio bliss, Speaker Shop stands ready to be your guide on this melodious journey.

www.speakershop.com

Speaker Shop

3604 Main St

Buffalo, NY 14226

716-837-1557

By Dennis Bonotto

In the heart of Østerbro, arguably Copenhagen’s most relaxed and refined neighbourhood, and only a few blocks away from the city’s largest park, Michael Winther has reshaped Top Sound into a haven for audiophiles and music enthusiasts. This renowned audio dealer has been making waves in the Danish capital, offering a splendid range of audio equipment and exceptional listening experiences. Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of coming back to Top Sound with Erik Hansen, our Danish distributor, who together with Michael invited listeners for an evening demo of Nordost’s recently launched QB8 MK3, QSine, QWave and QB10.

Top Sound is truly a hidden gem: once you go through the narrow entrance, the store unfolds into several spaces with plenty of gear to cater to all tastes, creating an environment that encourages customers to explore and appreciate the world of high-fidelity audio, most notably analogue/vinyl, clearly the local specialty, alongside some great, fresh coffee from their own machine.

Our demonstration went ahead with a full house in the main listening room, allowing clients and visitors to get up close and personal with our newest product, which played with Wilson Audio Sabrinas, powered by an Audio Analogue Absolute integrated amplifier. We streamed through an Auralic Altair and our own QNET, powered by the QSOURCE. The whole system was cabled with a Tyr 2 loom.

Danes are clearly passionate about music and sound, and very knowledgeable when it comes to HiFi, which made the experience much more interesting, as we showcased the full potential of the audio equipment on display, allowing the audience to lose themselves in the music, to experience every note, every detail, and every emotion.

Copenhagen is constantly ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world and it certainly helps when when you’re able to experience the combination of such a welcoming environment, a curated selection of top-tier audio equipment, and the great hospitality of Michael and his staff.

If you find yourself in Copenhagen and have an appreciation for good music and cutting-edge audio technology, a visit to Top Sound should be on your itinerary. It’s a testament to the power of sound and the joy it can bring to our lives. 

By Seth Snyder

In the audiophile community, it is becoming increasingly important for the most enthusiastic of us to act as spokespeople for the pursuit of great sound. Michael Bovaird has been preaching the good word from Florida since 2015. You can find this shop in Sarasota, Florida, where he and his team have both the gear and the expertise to impress even the most ardent audiophiles. 

When you schedule an appointment to visit Suncoast Audio, you will be treated to three different, spectacularly appointed listening rooms, designed to help you choose the best components for your own personal system. Michael and his team have access to countless prestigious brands for anyone to choose from. For speakers, Mike has chosen a wide variety of technologies and prices from well-known brands like Bowers and Wilkins and Focal, to beautiful and unique brands like Clarysis Audio and Avantgarde Acoustics. When it comes to electronics, you will find gear curated to blow you away. Looking for a new processor for your theater from Trinnov? Or a new Block Audio amplifier with enough Class-A power to drive cattle? Whether it be a streamer, processor, DAC, or amp, the team at Suncoast is ready and waiting to exceed expectations with the best brands at any price. And of course… they can furnish any system with the best of Nordost’s cable and power solutions! 

For the past four years, Suncoast Audio has been giving audio enthusiasts the opportunity to experience world-renowned gear at the annual Florida Audio Expo. Shows like these are where the audio community comes to listen to both brands they already know and love, as well as the newest emerging brands breaking into the industry. It’s so important for smaller companies to prove their merit among the giants of our industry in venues like these. For “industry insiders” like us, it’s where we come to meet old friends and share stories, favorite albums, and advice about the gear that we love. Michael not only seeks to meet the expectations of his Suncoast Audio customers, he pushes our industry forward with all the work he does outside his shop as a co-owner of shows like the Florida Audio Expo. 

If you find yourself in the Sarasota, Florida, make it a point to schedule an appointment with the team at Suncoast Audio: 

7353 International Place 

Unit 309 

Sarasota, FL 34240, USA 

Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, EST 

Or visit them at the 4^th annual Florida Audio Expo on February 16^th-18^th 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Visit their website www.floridaaudioexpo.com to plan your trip!