08/20/09

Completely Unprofessional

by MMSS

brought in my tape deck to be repaired in March. After FIVE MONTHS of calls not returned, being hung up on, being told to come in and pick up my tape deck when it was not ready (and it's not like I live nearby), and being repeatedly told that it was almost fixed but that he just hadn't gotten around to finishing the job, I was finally informed that my tape deck could not be fixed. And, hey, maybe it can't be, but I would have appreciated a little more honesty about that three or four months ago.

You walk in there, and there are literally hundreds of pieces of electronic equipment waiting to be fixed. I was constantly being offered "loaner" tape decks--where they come from, I don't know. I just know that if you want your personal belonging to disappear for months at a time, Northwest Audio is the store for you.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Poor customer service, took five months to NOT fix my deck.

07/17/09

Great honest service!

by nuzurevu

Brought my 80's JVC boombox in for repair, and found that it just needed a little cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment, which he did on the spot without delay, and also gave advice on maintaining it. Only cost $10, and anyone else could have easily charged way more for unnecessary work. Very friendly and honest. Highly recommended for new or vintage electronics.

• Pros: Prompt, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, reasonable
• Cons: None

12/17/08

Great Audio Repair Shop !!!

by jbllover

The most honest repair facility in Seattle that I have ever been to!!! John's knowledge of Reel-to-Reel Tape Decks is just amazing!!! I can always count on a fair assessment when it comes to repairing my equipment and I would highly recommend this estabishment without hesitation!!! The shop brings back memories of the good old days of stereo when units were made with quality and would last a long, long time!!! The owner's out-going personality gives you immediate comfort the minute you walk into the door! Just be prepared to listen abit cause he loves to talk! It was sure nice to see someone who loves his work and has continued to run his business for so many years, especially since now-a-days most repair shops no longer exist!!!

• Pros: Honest, Trustworthy, Fair, Technical Knowledge,
• Cons: Very Busy so sometimes turn-around time is long!

08/20/08

Don't even think about taking your audio repairs to Best Buy or Magnolia

by llgar98

John is extremely knowledgable, honest, and friendly. His rates are very fair (he doesn't charge any bogus diagnostic fees - he just gets right to fixin' and doesn't charge bank for it). And, contrary to some of the other reviews here, John had relatively quick turn around time (3 days to repair my CD player). He doesn't accept credit cards, but he gave me the option of mailing him a check...AFTER I had taken my repaired CD player home. Now that's old school customer service that I haven't seen anywhere else. If all your audio equipment is working perfectly, I'd recommend breaking something just so you can have the pleasure of doing business with John.

• Pros: Friendly and fair service
• Cons: Limited street parking. But there's parking around back.

06/30/08

Consumer audio repair? LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

by that60sguy

I've lived in Sea. 25+ yrs. and coming from an electronics background with an emphasis on broadcast audio/music, I can HIGHLY recommend John's work.

He is fair, competent, knowledgeable (just ask!!) and very well connected and respected throughout the audio community.

The new location works well for me (living in the N. end), Be sure to approach from the south, as he's on the east side of Aurora where it's split w/divider - one blk. N. of PCC - Across kitty-corner from MOTO INTERNATIONAL

• Pros: I've had NO 'returns' to him
• Cons: Does n ot do DAT's - but will recommend where to take them.

05/23/08

THE place to go for vintage audio repair

by Yggdrasill

John is an exceptionally knowledgeable, generous and accommodating individual. He works on all kinds of vintage audio, and unhesitatingly shares his knowledge. Beware, though, he'll talk your ear off if you give him the chance! I've asked his advice many times on what to look for in particular pieces of equipment. His rates are very reasonable.

There is only one minor downside. First, he has a lot of work so don't expect a quick turnaround. My stuff has usually taken a couple of weeks, but I'm never in a hurry. And for all I know, he may be faster than other audio repair places.

05/21/08

Best audio repair service

by lovley

John's audio repair service is the best, I can't say enough good.

I'm gratefull there is a place like this for me to bring my hifi to. Six stars!!! Thanks John!

• Pros: Best service,nice people!
• Cons: NONE

03/25/08

Best and most competent repairs in NW

by bungelowed

I found NW Audio and John after searching from Portland to Seattle for a good Teac reel to reel repair service. John started by repairing in 1 week a R2R that had sat for one year at another repair store without diagnosis.

Since then I have brought a wide ranging collection of vintage audio equipment in for repair. Never have I been overcharged, made to wait an unreasonable amount of time for repairs, or felt the repair could have been done better.

John is simply the best I've run across in >30 years of audio collecting. Matter of fact, I've got some new components that need John's magic touch.

• Pros: Expert, fast and friendly
• Cons: Will ignite latent desires to collect old audio gear!

05/22/07

Best Vintage Audio Repair (Northwest Audio)

by johns2use

I have used northwest audio numerous times. John, the owner is honest and fair. They work on all makes and models of stereo equipment. I just had my nakamichi tape deck repaired and it works like new again. I have also had pioneer receivers, technics linear turntable, marantz receivers repaired there. A good place to do business.

Also a heads up. He has moved his business from downtown to up by greenlake. The address is 7614 Aurora Ave. He still uses the same phone number. 206.728.0369

• Pros: More convienient now that he is not all the way downtown. The owner is the repairman.
• Cons: parking is a little tight but if you can not park out front. Park in the back