The Hub: News, events, gossip - Sound by Singer to close


For the last quarter-century, there has been no high-end audio dealer in the world as well known as Andrew Singer, of Sound by Singer in Manhattan. From the junk-bond era through the last burst bubble of the markets, the megabuck systems sold by Andy Singer reflected not just the extremes and excesses of the high end, but of Wall Street itself.

On the 6th of August, Singer informed his vendors that "despite our best efforts, Sound by Singer has lost its lease and will be shutting down its showroom at 18 East 16th Street, New York, NY in mid-September." He did not state specifically that the company was going out of business, only that the company would "ponder our next move" after the completion of a clearance sale on August 21st.

Attorney Andrew Singer began his business more or less as a hobby in the late '70's, demoing systems in his mother's living room for a hardcore audiophile clientele. Singer left the practice of law in 1978 with the opening of the first Sound by Singer store on Lexington Avenue between 34th and 35th Street; his first employee was Steve Guttenberg, now well-known as an audio writer, reviewer and blogger.

From the '80's on, Singer's bearded visage became a common sight in full-page ads in audio magazines, most notably in Sterophile. Singer's advocacy contributed to the success of many brands, including Krell, JM Labs/Focal, and VTL. Perhaps more than any other well-known dealership, Sound by Singer was viewed as an extension of its owner, and that owner evoked strong reactions in those who knew him, and those who merely knew of him.

Singer's verbal facility, combative nature, intolerance of fools and imposing physical presence made him the subject of endless stories, some no doubt apocryphal. We may never know, for instance, if an amplifier really was shot full of holes following a dispute with its distributor.

The audiophile community is familiar with stories of Singer's alleged arrogance; the industry abounds with tales of hard-dealing and tough terms. Many who worked with and for Andy, though, are fiercely loyal.

"I think he was a great businessman," said Steve Guttenberg. "I was with him for sixteen or seventeen years, on and off, and always got along with him well.The thing most audiophiles don't realize is that retailing audio is hard work, and we worked hard there. The bulk of the time, I worked my ass off; every day was a race to get things done, and they just didn't all get done."

Guttenberg noted the changes in clientele that came as Sound by Singer grew from an audiophile hangout to a destination for the rich and famous: "in the early days, the customers really were exclusively audiophiles. In the last ten or fifteen years, I'm guessing three-fourths of the customers were rich people, not necessarily audiophiles."

John DeVore of DeVore Fidelity knew Andy Singer both as his boss and as one of his dealers. "I started in sales in '96, and worked there until about 2000, and tapered off as my company got up and running," DeVore said. "I always liked Andy, and still do. He was my biggest dealer, and when he called to tell me about the closing--well, that wasn't a conversation I wanted to have."

Strong opinions seem to follow most of Singer's actions, and they've followed the news of the closing of his store. Posts on an industry forum on CE Pro were less than kind; high-end legend and founder of The Absolute Sound Harry Pearson said the closing was "a fate richly earned and deserved."

What Andy Singer will do after the doors close for the last time at the familiar storefront on 16th Street, and he ponders his next move, remains to be seen. Some say that health issues and age mean retirement is likely; others speculate that Sound by Singer with adapt to the demands of the virtual marketplace and reappear as an online business. Efforts to talk with Singer have proven fruitless.

John DeVore offers a comment that will encourage some, and dismay others: "Hi-Fi is really in Andy's blood. I'd be surprised if he didn't come back."

Our next entry of The Hub will discuss still more changes in the world of audio retailing. In audio, as in the rest of the world, the only constant is change.


UPDATE

Sound By Singer has moved, and is not closed. Please see their new location here: SOUND BY SINGER,LTD. 242 WEST 27 STREET,SECOND FLOOR NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10001
audiogon_bill
They had a lot of expensive gear on display and I noticed not all of it in good working order.

I suspect avoiding damage to expensive gear by customers just looking to be a big motivator for a shop like that.

I can think of two other larger recent NYC shops with similar practices of locking customers out of rooms with high end equipment. One of those also went under in recent years. I have not noticed that practice though in other smaller high end shops in otehre areas I have been in though FWIW.
i have no reason to doubt the many horror stories about this retailer, but remain confused as to how it could possibly have remained in business for 15+ years. who, specifically, is the market for haughty attitude and hostile service? is there some sort of nyc soup-nazi thing where it's considered kitschy fun to get some abuse with each purchase? inquiring minds want to know...
"Chaz: uh... Right. Thanks for the interesting comment. I'll mention it to Peter next time I see him!"

Bill, I'd love to hear his response! You should chk out the documentary 'Cocaine Cowboys', a fascinating tale that not only sheds a glaring light on the drug trade but is also a primer on the amazing growth of S. FL. from a sleepy gigantic retirement village to what it is today (good AND bad!). If you chk out the video you'll see how, at a time when the rest of the country was hurting financially, S. FL. was booming! Interviews with high-end jewelry, real estate, & car dealers clearly show how they were making incredibly huge amounts of money during this time. If McGrath didn't make profit, he'd have to be the ONLY high-end merchant that didn't! Plz don't misunderstand, him and all the rest weren't doing ANYTHING illegal by selling their goods, but the truth can't be denied.

Be forewarned, this movie makes 'Scarface' look like a Disney cartoon!
Thats what makes these sight so invaluable.
No bs here.
If it does not sound good, or theres no bang for buck, you won't find it on Agon.
Hate to hear about it, end of an era :(.
Pep21

Pep21....I noticed you just joined the site this month.Hang around a bit,I think you might change your mind!!!
Mapman, I would have no issue with a salesman lurking around to make sure I did not break anything. I'd do the same thing. But I would simply remark that I am there to answer any questions you may have, and heck, since there are no other customers around, if you want to hear something, let me know. That lets me just look around, does not piss me off, but gives them the piece of mind nothing will be broken. Win win.