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January 2024 by Matt Atkinson
Great place with a chill atmosphere and helpful staff
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December 2023 by Greg Matysik
Greatly appreciated Chad and Ben's help in creating the first new audio system that I've had in almost 20 years. Whenever I had questions Chad was available to help. Loving the Control4 remote (which also has an app for controlling my new system from my iPhone!) The NAD receiver with BluOS has been a wonderful way to experience music digitally. Thanks so much!
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July 2023 by Andrew S
Limited headphone selection but they have a whole secluded living room mock-up dedicated to trialing equipment. Was able to try on the HD 600s with multiple amps and I purchased them.
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April 2023 by Matthew Freeman
University Audio recommended and installed five built-in speakers, a subwoofer, and receiver for my office. I was nervous going into this because I'm pretty picky when it comes to quality sound systems. That said, I'm really blown away by the quality of the audio. I'd highly recommend them to anyone in a similar situation.
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March 2023 by CJ Wessel
Locally owned and knowledgeable. Highly responsive to questions when had.
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October 2022 by Jason Lassen
What an awesome hidden gem! I randomly came across this store when looking for a Sonos component and found them online. All other retailers were sold out and these guys magically had one in stock. I had the pleasure of working with Ben, the owner. Ben was very ethical, extremely knowledgeable and professional. Their selection of audio equipment ranges from entry-level to high-end and rivals that of any other store I’ve ever seen. I strongly recommend you check the store out, not only if you need audio equipment, but also if you are building a home or remodeling.
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August 2022 by Timothy Burns
7/3/2022There were plenty of "Audio listening Rooms" in the late 1970's and 80's.You know, that darkened, specialized room designed so you could select your 'high end' stereo equipment free of distractions and with the help of your personal sales guy.The problem was that your initial excitement was dampened because it never sounded the same when assembled in your normal home environment.The 80's saw a reduction of these places as digital and phone apps and ear buds bloomed and boomed to to obliterate this older traditional way of listening, and specialized places disappeared.Most went high end portable tech. Many of us vinyl people went with the flow, packed away the LP's, stored the turntable, and became part of the more accessible but less personal and more detached portable music scene, foregoing that sacred home space that was the refuge room for listening.We became accustomed to the blue tooth portable sound, but knew, deep down, unlike the newer generations, that we had audible memories embedded by experience that had opened us to a world that many of this newer generation never knew existed, that could take us to a sounding stage and private place and listening space that was a world away, customized to our own auditory senses and creation.With the imposed solitude of the past two years, I wanted to rediscover that which I had lost in storage and forgotten in time. My $300 phono turntable of the late 70's had suffered in abandoned storage. My 1990 speakers were ok, but I also knew there might be better.Where to begin?I went to my computer and started reading. I discovered that the world of audio had gone internet, and that I could find a zillion places to buy and hundreds of opinions, a multitude of pricing, but NOWHERE to hear, to feel and judge with my ears what might be a good choice. I almost made an emotional purchase decision tied a familiar historic American named speaker brand, reputable in the past and renewed in production with a midwest address. They sell direct. Great reviews. Solid tradition. Friendly sales people by phone. Then I discovered, after asking questions, that they ARE in a small Indiana town, but everything in production and replacement is in CHINA. They are essentially the way station. Fine if that's (pardon the expression), "your cup of tea". Not mine. Not for the kind of expenditure and no ability to hear the product.I reside, let's say, in the boonies. By choice. Unfamiliar with current urban choices, another internet search of, " Madison, WI, Audio Stores", brought me to,"UNIVERSITY AUDIO"...Would this be another glitz, sales slick, suit and tie specialized sound proofed, adjustable lighting, myriad-ed postered, colorful brochures festooned enclave of super- duper rabbit hole-bottomless dollar pit maze, that would try to dissect me more than I wanted to dissect them, place??No.I met Ben. As straight forward as the plastered walled rooms with a couple of chairs to listen to any number of audio choices so that you could find your ears matched to equipment and technology that your brain could hear, and to which your soul could relate. I really did rediscover 'The Sound of Music".(That a bit too trite, but truisms often are.)We got it all home now. It sounds true to what we heard and better, because it's in our listening head space, our room.My suggestion is: If you are going to take the journey, or rediscover the journey, take the road trip, not the internet trip; especially if you value experience over expeniture as your guide. University Audio may be justly, the education your ears need. TB a real fan. A real customer.
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July 2022 by Tim B.
There were plenty of "Audio listening Rooms" in the late 1970's and 80's. You know, that darkened, specialized room designed so you could select your 'high end' stereo equipment free of distractions and with the help of your personal sales guy. The problem was that your initial excitement was dampened because it never sounded the same when assembled in your normal home environment. The 80's saw a reduction of these places as digital and phone apps and ear buds bloomed and boomed to to obliterate this older traditional way of listening, and specialized places disappeared. Most went high end portable tech. Many of us vinyl people went with the flow, packed away the LP's, stored the turntable, and became part of the more accessible but less personal and more detached portable music scene, foregoing that sacred home space that was the refuge room for listening. We became accustomed to the blue tooth portable sound, but knew, deep down, unlike the newer generations, that we had audible memories embedded by experience that had opened us to a world that many of this newer generation never knew existed, that could take us to a sounding stage and private place and listening space that was a world away, customized to our own auditory senses and creation. With the imposed solitude of the past two years, I wanted to rediscover that which I had lost in storage and forgotten in time. My $300 phono turntable of the late 70's had suffered in abandoned storage. My 1990 speakers were ok, but I also knew there might be better. Where to begin? I went to my computer and started reading. I discovered that the world of audio had gone internet, and that I could find a zillion places to buy and hundreds of opinions, a multitude of pricing, but NOWHERE to hear, to feel and judge with my ears what might be a good choice. I almost made an emotional purchase decision tied a familiar historic American named speaker brand, reputable in the past and renewed in production with a midwest address. They sell direct. Great reviews. Solid tradition. Friendly sales people by phone. Then I discovered, after asking questions, that they ARE in a small Indiana town, but everything in production and replacement is in CHINA. They are essentially the way station. Fine if that's (pardon the expression), "your cup of tea". Not mine. Not for the kind of expenditure and no ability to hear the product. I reside, let's say, in the boonies. By choice. Unfamiliar with current urban choices, another internet search of, " Madison, WI, Audio Stores", brought me to,"UNIVERSITY AUDIO"... Would this be another glitz, sales slick, suit and tie specialized sound proofed, adjustable lighting, myriad-ed postered, colorful brochures festooned enclave of super- duper rabbit hole-bottomless dollar pit maze, that would try to dissect me more than I wanted to dissect them, place?? No. I met Ben. As straight forward as the plastered walled rooms with a couple of chairs to listen to any number of audio choices so that you could find your ears matched to equipment and technology that your brain could hear, and to which your soul could relate. I really did rediscover 'The Sound of Music". (That a bit too trite, but truisms often are.) We got it all home now. It sounds true to what we heard and better, because it's in our listening head space, our room. My suggestion is: If you are going to take the journey, or rediscover the journey, take the road trip, not the internet trip; especially if you value experience over expeniture as your guide. University Audio may be justly, the education your ears need. TB a real fan. A real customer.
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January 2022 by Neal Kotlarek
I received excellent service from Andy and he really made my purchase experience exceptional. He was so helpful on the phone and he shipped my items right away and packed them expertly. Don’t hesitate to do business with University Audio!
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January 2022 by William Paulos
I’ve been working with Ben and his team over the past 15 years to build and refine my system! They are always willing to demo all their products so you can make the right choice for your taste and budget! Very enjoyable environment to learn and grow your knowledge on great audio devices! Thanks for doing it right!
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December 2021 by Nataraj Hauser
Surviving decades after other hifi shops closed, University Audio is the place for high(er)-end audio equipment in Dane Countyand the surrounding areas. The staff is welcoming and informed, and when they don't know an answer, they find out rather than making one up. They don't carry everything, but their product lines are established and trusted (i.e, NAD, B&W, Audioquest, Golden Ear, and more). I trust their advice, and they don't constantly push to upsell. Recommended.
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September 2021 by AJ Ankenbauer
Amazing service and great selection. Highly recommend. Ben is fantastic and takes the time to make sure you are happy with your purchase and get everything you need!
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September 2021 by Mikael Snitker
Very grateful for the friendly and professional help.
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August 2021 by Joe Brashi
I’ve been shopping here for years and I always appreciate the Excellent Customer Service and selection of high quality audio. Highly recommend! A+++
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April 2021 by Phil Hughes
What a special spot - I picked up my first speaker pair/receiver here recently. Elton spent almost two hours with me talking with me about my music goals and sampling different combinations to make sure I had the right sound at the right price point. He made me right at home to ask even the most basic questions. It was a great experience and origin story for what has already been some excellent hardware! Another madison gem.
