> overview

Music Lovers Audio was established as an East Bay High End Stereo store in 1989. It was a small boutique-style shop dedicated to making the highest quality audio reproduction possible. The core philosophy of the owners, Jae Wheeler and Hugh Fountain, was that High End Audio required a new evolutionary development, one that was driven by the quality of sound rather than a hierarchy based solely on brand names; one that was based on the satisfaction of the customer over the long term; and one that held in high regard the emotional response which takes place when listening to music. This idea fueled the store in each of its endeavors, even as the High End Audio world changed drastically, Music Lovers remained securely fastened to its philosophical roots. After only a few years Music Lovers became one of the first Bay Area High End Audio and "Video" stores by embracing a then fledgling notion of Home Theater.

As former customers of Bay Area Audio shops, Jae and Hugh perceived a need which was not then being met, that need was for an exact match between the customer and the system they owned. Each room would be equipped with a complementary and appropriately matched set of components for any given system. The hope was to cater to the needs of individuals, each possessing a different set of tastes and desires. This vision of how a store should interact with a customer meant that each room would have many possible configurations. Switching devices, while making the job seemingly easier for staff members, would only get in the way of the true sonic nature of each component. So switching devices would never be used at Music Lovers. Coupled with a competent, informed and friendly sales staff, customers could have their needs met exactly based upon empirical listening sessions and punctuated by feedback given and questions answered. Few customers would have the same system, but all would leave the store with the same high level of service.

This service would not end when the customer left the store, it would continue long after the purchase was made. Any time a client had a question about possible upgrades, Music Lovers would provide an answer. Any time the equipment required service, Music Lovers would provide that service. Our unique knowledge of the customers likes and dislikes would allow Music Lovers to point the client in the right direction. A relationship would be built with the customer. Just as a person might have a plumber or a dentist or a family doctor, Music Lovers would become the audio equivalent, providing the client with the tools and service necessary for an enjoyable and emotionally stimulating platform for the love of movies and music. To this day, Music Lovers still fosters this relationship with its customers, many of whom have been shopping here since the store opened its doors.

Our current location at 1995 El Dorado Avenue, North Berkeley, features six rooms, each capable of displaying two channel stereo and home theater systems alike. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have the space necessary to meet whatever requirements you may have.