Hi Cinci-philes,
I know Audiophiles in Cincinnati like to complain about the lack of hi-end dealers locally. Even if you take a drive to Columbus or Indianapolis you may not get a chance to see/hear much audiophile 2-channel equipment.
Anyway, a couple of months ago there was a post on the A-goN forum by "Krell_man" saying he was coming to the Cinci/Dayon area over the weekend and wanted to know if there were any good shops around. The usual suspects were recommended, but Chuck "Krell_man" had already been to Audible Elegance and Progressive (Columbus) during past visits.
To make a long story short (sorry, too late), Chuck ended up at Hanson Audio Video in Dayton and he was extremely impressed with the folks who worked there, with their philosophy regarding "how to audition equipment" and with their selection.
Here's part of the e-mail Chuck sent me after the visit to Hanson Audio Video:
"Reubent,
I listened to the SimAudio Super Nova CD Player and I-7 Integrated Amp because they were the closest components to mine. They then switched between the Dynaudio C-1's and the JMLab Micro Utopia Be because I was wanting to see what other monitors are in the same league and might work in my system.
They have put together a unique and fantastic way of auditioning pieces that you need to experience for yourself. They have all of their pieces in a separate room. You pick out whatever setup the you want to listen to (they'll help you with it if you want them too), and they'll set it all up in the listening for you. There's not this system over here and that system over there.
I really appreciated that because Friday night I went to the new Ovation Ultimate in Indianapolis to listen to the Piega and Magnepan speakers. They had them hooked up to $1,000.00 Cambridge Audio and Arcam pieces. My CD Transport and DAC are $11,000.00 and my Integrated Amp is $8,000.00, I couldn't relate to anything that I was hearing because of the difference in the level of electronic gear.
It was really nice just talking to them too, I'm terrible remembering names, but I talked to the owner and the general manager. The general manager turned me on to Michael Hedges too, I bought that CD that very night. The GM has a degree in music from the Univ. of Dayton and the owner grew up in his Dad's stereo store. They has a wealth of knowledge together.
Chuck
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FROM: Krell_man (a member)"
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Sounds like an outstanding local shop and I was totally unaware of their presence in the market. BTW, I've heard the JMLabs Micro Utopia BE speakers (thanks Scott) that Chuck mentions in the e-mail. They are fantastic and if Hanson carries equipment of this quality, they are way ahead of most shops I've visited!
So, anyone know these guys? Anyone visit there shop? Anyone think we should contact them and arrange a "Cinci-phile" gathering at there shop?
This has been a public service announcement from your friendly, local audiogeek!
Enjoy,
TIC
