West Coasters

Posted by: Harris V on 30 January 2002

Following a recent work move I find myself sitting here in California without my Naim and a girlfriend (trying to decide which is worse

Can any of you local boys give me the names of some decent Hi-fi shops in either LA or SanFrancisco, i will be travelling between the two for a year or so.

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by SaturnSF

I live in San Francisco, and the answer is practically "no". There is a dealer in the city who carries some Naim. He also carries those chrome "pod" speakers and (mostly) furniture. Don't bother. Music By Design (in Marin) is run by a fellow who seems knowledgeable and nice; he runs it out of his home. I've never been there. Access to Music (also in Marin) seems to be the only place around that can set up an LP-12, don't even bother with the place in the city. Luckily, I already had most of my hifi before moving here.

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by herm

the missionary route

Well, Harris, temporarily you may be without a Naim and a woman to enjoy the music with, but admit it, you are a lucky son of a g*n. The West Coast is probably the best place on earth, so enjoy yourself!

Herm

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Mark Gilbert

I second the recommendation to look into Gene Rubin Audio. Since they're in Ventura they will be right in line with your travels between LA and San Fran.
The "store" is in the home so it is a more realistic venue than most places offer. By all means visit the web site www.generubinaudio.com. I haven't been there myself but I had a very good conversation with Gene and have a very positive impression. Good luck.

Mark

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Keith Mattox

With regards to naim only, NorCal is a "wasteland" with an exception to Peter Litwack's Music by Design store. Give him a ring - he's listed in the naim USA dealer list (he's also a forum member) and is a straight-up fellow.

Access to Music, as mentioned above, is a great store - but it's a Linn shop. Only one in the Bay Area worth visiting. I've helped put the owner's kid through college

Cheers

Keith.

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Harris V

Thanks for the tips. When i get a hi-fi and a life i'll invite you all round for tea and scones.

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Dr. Exotica

Echoing what others have said, Gene Rubin in Ventura is one of the best Naim dealers anywhere. He gives honest and good opinions and has a very long track record in the LA area (this says something given all the insane recording industry people, etc.).

Erik

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Steve Shochet

I want to highly recommend Peter Litwack (Music By Design). He is a terrific dealer, and an interesting guy. He can demo by appointment in his Marin home. You can find his contact info on the www.naimusa.com website.

Steve

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by JohnS

Just adding my $0.02 worth - Peter Litwack of Music By Design is a great dealer, who is also a wizard at setting up SBLs. He always delivers and sets up any equipment you buy and makes sure you're happy with it - he has good taste in music as well. And of course, the sales tax in Marin is less than the sales tax in SF

Peter used to have a store in Sausalito and I was riding my CBR1100XX around one day, exploring. I saw the store and went in - he didn't blink an eye at the biker gear, just asked me what I was interested in and then set me up with a CD3.5 demo. Needless to say I walked out having ordered a CD3.5. I wouldn't recommend trying that with his new place... if you can find it that is!

I have heard good things about Gene Rubin, and in fact I bought a FlatCap from him on eBay - it was a good transaction.

-John

Posted on: 30 January 2002 by Barratt

I have had made several purchases from Gene. He is a man of honesty and integrity.....give him a try. All my transactions were by email/phone/UPS. They were flawless. He recommends calling for an appointment when visiting the shop.

Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Keith Mattox

quote:
Originally posted by Harris Vallianatos:
Thanks for the tips. When i get a hi-fi and a life i'll invite you all round for tea and scones.

So Harris, wassup?

Cheers

Keith.

Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Charles

I've dealt with Gene Rubin since the early 1980's. He sold me my LP12 which I still have today.

Truely knowlegeable and trustworthy.

He won't steer you wrong and can work with your budget.

Chuck
Los Angeles

Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Stewart Cooper

Harris,

Peter Litwack.

Stewart

Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Eek

Hello
Being from the Midwest i'm proud to say I buy most of my Naim from the West Coast,yes from Peter & Gene,they are both outstanding Naim Dealers who not only care about you,but building you the best system whatever your budget is!
They are both very,very honest and thrive on making people happy and earning your repeat business!
Why do i buy from the west coast? because i usually can get the gear from them before my local dealer returns my phone call!

Posted on: 06 February 2003 by Wolf

I eighth the vote for Gene. got me started with some used gear which was wonderful of him. Pleasant drive from LA to Ventura and sit in his living room and relax. Just call ahead and try to avoid traffic times tho you'd probably be opposit of that.

glenn

Posted on: 07 February 2003 by achandoke

I would also like to second Gene Rubin Audio. I have bought from several Naim Dealers, and he is the best. I may also mention ProMusica in Chicago. They are strong as well. Both are good dealers, though I just bought a second system from Gene less than two weeks ago. Great GUy .

Posted on: 07 February 2003 by Scott Ryan

Ditto the thumbs up with Gene Rubin. I've purchased several components from him, and I live in the SE United States, nowhere near a Naim dealer. He's honest, reliable and easy to work with. I recently purchased a 202 preamp (an incredible piece of gear, btw) from him and will continue to shop with him in the future.

Posted on: 08 February 2003 by smiglass

Just met Gene Rubin for the first time when I picked up my Quad 988's today. He is a Great Guy! And he knows his stuff. He was generous with my trade-in and had very good suggestions for future upgrades. You can't go wrong with him!