The Audio Connection

If you need Hifi equipment and advice this is the place. Yes it’s a quirky old school place but that’s what’s amazing. No hype just honest advice from an expert.

Audio Connection which is owned by John Zimmerman and has never disappointed me yet .
I have two tube power amps which were bought from his store in 1993 and they have intermittently come in for service over the years and he has never failed to fix them .
Not many places would still stand behind products after 23 years have passed.

5 Stars doesn’t do it Justice! I’ve been dealing with John for the last 25 years. John has never steered me wrong on any problem I have had with my stereo system. The components I have bought from him have been very high quality and will probably last a lifetime. Your one stop shop for stereo and mono audio components.

This is always my first (and usually only) stop when I’m looking to burn money on my crazy audiophile hobby. John is incredible in his knowledge, patience, and customer service. I always gives you a fair price. It’s one of those shops that you didn’t know existed anymore in the world of Amazon and online retail. It makes you realize the benefit of that personal connection when making a purchase.
–Trevor

I stopped in to Audio Connection a few weeks ago to see if an old turntable was worth repairing (it wasn’t) and ended up buying an ideal replacement thanks to the knowledge and patience of the manager, John. We walked through all the options and features, and when I found a suitable selection at a good price from their extensive inventory, they set it up and calibrated it for me. I got it home, it worked great, and a few hours later, John called to make sure everything was ok. This was not only by far the best service I’ve ever received in any stereo shop (been an audiophile for 30 years!), it was some of the best service I’ve received anywhere. If you are looking for turntables, amps or other equipment, give this place a look. It is one of the great small businesses in Seattle and deserves your support.

Both my husband and I have had fantastic experiences here. John loves his work in a way that I’ve rarely seen. He is incredibly knowledgable and helpful in guiding you to create the set up you want in your budget.

John is simply one of the best in his field! I recommend John first to all my budding audiophile friends! He simply has the best interests of the customer in mind at all times, he will not sell something that you do not need. Additionally he is patient and knowledgeable taking the time to explain how things work and what will sound good with items you already have in your system. The Audio Connection receives my highest recommendation!

John is the best. If you are in Seattle and need anything for your turntable call him.

I went to this place a few times and each time was very educational. John the owner was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. If you are a serious audiophile, you wanna check his store out.

I called Audio connection because I needed help, and thought they would not be able to help me, but maybe could lead me into the right direction. I read the reviews on Unilocal and they all were fantastic about customer service and I agree. I spoke with John on the phone and asked if Audio Connection would do music system installs for a commercial property (yoga studio). He listened to my concerns and said right away that he could not help, but could recommend someone. He provided a recommendation and a great description of the person he recommended me to. I appreciate the customer service and support for someone who was not even a customer.
Cheers to you John!

I wanted a new turntable. I have a little Crosley that played the couple records I own. I never expected it but my collection started to grow. That along with the nice amp and speakers I just bought made me realize I needed to get more out of my records.
Step One: figure out what you have and what you want. I am not an audiophile and doubt I can really tell the difference between an entry-​level and a more professional set up. I want something nice but don’t want to break the bank, especially when it may not be worth it to me.
Step Two: Research! Where to begin? I came across some entry-​level tables that seemed nice: Audio-​Technica AT LP120 and Music Box USB-​1. These tables can connect to your computer and transfer your vinyl to mp3s. Not something I really care about but it seems pretty neat. Upon reading reviews of these I came to realize that if I spent a little more I can get a better product that audiophiles would approve of (of course, we are all in search of approval). This is where I came across the Pro-​Ject Carbon and Pro-​Ject Debut III. Both got rave reviews about being great entry level tables where the Carbon is at $ 400 and Debut III at $ 300. The problem is the Carbon replaced the Debut III but, from what I understand, the Debut can still be found but mostly online and I, for one, would rather buy it from a local retailer.
Step Three: Take the leap and listen to what you’ve been researching. We can research as much as we can but it takes talking to someone who really knows what they are talking about to get some solid information. I knew I wouldn’t find these tables at the big box stores and I would prefer to buy local. Now only if there was a website that can connect me to a lot of local home audio stores that carry good equipment. Oh yes, Unilocal!That is how I found Audio Connection in University District.
I ended up calling Audio Connection asking if they have the Pro-​Ject Debut III and John, the owner said they don’t have it but they do have the Carbon. Before I expressed interest in the Carbon he went on to tell me why the Carbon is not a great turntable and at that price ($ 400) I should spend a little more and get a Rega RP1 because it is a better product.
Before I can explain that $ 450 was more than I was willing to spend for my first turntable, he told me that they do have the Pro-​Ject Essential for $ 300 and at that price it is a steal. He then went into detail on why it is a good product and why it should be a good contender for one’s first turntable.
So what did I end up doing? I ended up drinking because my coworker friend and I both had the day off and that is what you are supposed to do. But you can bet your ass I went over to The Audio Connection when I sobered up.
When I walked in I realized they were going to close in 10 minutes. But the owner, who is one of the most enthusiastic people I’ve met, greeted me. We talked a little more about the turntable and after realizing I could spend a long time «thinking about it» and doing more researching I knew this was a great deal I couldn’t pass up. I said I would buy it and John said, «I am so excited to hear how much you will enjoy your new turntable.» I paid for the turntable and he said it will be ready by 1 o’clock the next day. You see folks, you don’t just open the box and start playing. You need to actually put it together and if you don’t do it right things could get messed up. Today I picked up my new turntable, hurried home and started to listen to my vinyl like they should have been listened to.
Five stars for (1) not trying to over sell me, (2) being very knowledgeable, and (3) enthusiastic about your products. That goes a long way and you will be rewarded with a positive Unilocal review.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!
*UPDATE* Been playing this all day and it sounds great! John just called me asking if I was able to set it up and if I am happy with it. Really? This guy really cares about his customers and his business. That is how you run a business!

In 2009, after 40 years of buying audio equipment, I ran across John and The Audio Connection when I was looking for a particular brand of amplifier. I ended up buying a few items from him at the time, and never had a more pleasant Hi-​Fi purchasing experience.
Since then, every audio purchase I’ve made, with one exception, has been from his shop. I didn’t plan it that way, but he always seems to have just the item to fill my upgrade needs. I do a lot of research, and am pretty selective, so it says a lot about the product lines he carries. And I’m not talking about expensive gear, he carries a number of high value brands. In addition, I’ve found prices here are competitive with even online stores.
Over the years I’ve developed a few friendships in the hobby, and John seems like another friend that you can have an audio conversation with, and who will let you listen to his stuff, or even borrow it to take home for a listen, and then buy it at a fair price if you want to keep it. A few days after I bought that first amp from him he loaned me a set of speakers for a few days to try it out, with nothing more than a promise to return them. Another time he loaned me an equipment rack for a few weeks while I waited for the one I had on order.
I very recently sent my sister down to see him to get her first ever decent audio components, and to access to the experience of quality audio reproduction. I think she’s in good hands.

I would love to leave the Audio Connection the review that its owner John deserves, but my laudatory skills are insufficient. Simply put, the Audio Connection sets the gold standard not only for hi-​fi but retail in Seattle (his closest competition would be Red Bird Sports). The Audio Connection is set apart by John’s expertise, attention to detail, and love of music and hi-​fi. He will happily offer you a less expensive option if he thinks it is the better product. As other reviewers have attested, his set-​up and restoration services are second to none. If you put yourself in John’s hands you can rest assured that you will have the best sounding system that your dollar can buy backed up by the most knowledgeable and nicest guy in the business. John makes good on his promise that the Audio Connection opens a new world of magical fascinating entertainment!

I was introduced to John at Audio Connection by a close friend in 1998. At that time I had spent countless hours auditioning audiophile gear and learning what I liked and didn’t like. I visited nearly every store in the Seattle area and spent tons of time listening. I also visited John a few times. After he put together a modest system (3k) for me (Ruark Talisman II, Rega Planet, and Cary SLI-​30 integrated tube amp), I bought it on the spot. I had listened to everything up to 200k systems (insane, I know), and this humble setup grabbed me emotionally and still does today.
Over the years I’ve had John update my little integrated amp, and remarkably, to this day, he still remembers me and what I like to hear in my music!
Great local experience by a no nonsense guy who knows his gear, helps you find what your ears enjoy at a reasonable budget.
I’m about to upgrade my gear, and before I do, I’m definitely going to see John and tell him what I’ve been listening to and let him recommend the next step.
In the unlikely event I can get a more involving emotional experience with my music, it’ll likely be by auditioning something at Audio Connection.

This place is great! I came upon it while looking for a place to buy Nitty Gritty cleaning fluid, and the proprietor asked me who had set up my turntable/​cartridge. I had done it myself, which I mentioned, and I thought I had done a pretty solid job. He offered me a great deal to have him take a look at the alignment, since I was experiencing some sibilance on certain records, so I went ahead an brought it in. Turns out that I was way off on a lot of little things, which he fixed while I waited (and asked questions here and there). When I brought it home and plugged it in, I was blown away by the difference his truly professional set-​up had made.
Bottom line: go to this place if you ever need your turntable set up (or need fluid for your Nitty Gritty).

I’m usually pretty good at keeping up with quality small businesses, but I stumbled into Audio Connection by accident. I was ambling around the U-​Dist when my (admittedly cheap) ear buds died. I was dismayed, as I figured I would have to postpone the thousandth listen of a popular yet embarrassing song til tomorrow.
A herd of schoolchildren began to push past me and I panicked, running into the first door I opened, and found myself in a small, interesting foyer slash workshop area. I inquired about ear buds and before I could utter the word ‘gigahertz’, was testing out quite a few options.
I chose some really fine in-​ear buds encased in wood, which were great until I realized they were hurting my ears. John returned them for me without a hassle, which was much appreciated.
I was also treated to a tour of the facilities, which boasts a listening room that feels very homey. I love finding places like these. Maybe I’ll get distracted and find myself in a blacksmith shop next?

Disclaimer: I am not a aficionado audiophile but I love to sit in the evenings after a long stressful day of work and listen to my music: jazz, vocals, classical and old rock.
The first time I ever ventured into Audio Connection was about 2004 when I needed to replace my 15 year old NAD receiver that had gone bad. Audio Connection’s show room is more like a home living room in a 1910 house. John let me listened to several used receivers and CD players with my own CDs.
Audio Connection was not my first place to stop that weekend. I had gone to Magnolia Hi-​Fi, Definitive Audio and a few other places in Seattle and Eastside. I am not dressed like a big spender and at those other places the sales people were not interested in helping me. But John was very helpful and talked about my listening preference and type of room where the equipment would be in. After about 4 hours I walked out with a Jolida 502B for my Christmas present.
Today it was time to add sounds to my small home office and I needed a new pair of speakers. John spent a couple of hours with me on speakers (brought my Jolida to the show room). Bought a pair of used Vandersteen for the living room and will move the Tyler reference to my office. Another great Christmas present that fits well with the Jolida tube amp. Am sitting here listening to Santana and it feels like I am sitting in front of the band… I can hear each instrument with very nice mids and acceptable bass.
I will keep going back to Audio Connection because of the expertise John has on his equipment and no pressure sales style. And Bill is awesome to watch and speak with as he fixes equipment. Good sense of humor to listen to those two banter.
My next visit will be to upgrade on the Jolida tubes for my birthday in a couple of months. Then perhaps a Rega Apollo CD player to replace my Sony SACD player for next Christmas.
I highly recommend Audio Connection and John Zimmerman for your listening pleasures.

In honesty I’m not a turntable guy. I don’t plan to ever become one, I’m digital age all the way regardless of what disappointment that may be to the audiophile community. That being said I was referred to Audio Connection to hear some Epos speakers. Upon arriving I discovered a truly hole in the wall place, but if that isn’t the vintage boutique shopping experience I don’t know what is. So, after he finished up with his current customer, I asked him about the Epos line. He said he didn’t have any in at the moment, but he’d like to hear what I was looking for. I gave him a budget and answered a few questions about intended use (I appreciated this as part of the process, most just seemed to offer flagship speakers) after which he undershot my budget by a bunch with the Era D5s telling me I didn’t need anything else more he could sell me, even if he’d like to sell me more. After a listen I was shocked to discover he was probably right. I could barely drag myself away from his listening room which really is a feels like home thing, and he was very personable the whole way through which just contributed to the relaxed atmosphere. I just barely liked a speaker set at another shop more, and as they fell in budget, I wanted to do it right in one go. But do yourself a favor and stop in if you’re in the market for some new speakers. I did the listening to everything for a day, and I think at this point I can tell you I probably would have been just as happy just stopping at his shop, though alas I needed to know it.

First of all, let me preface this review by saying that I have been a customer of The Audio Connection for the past 20 years and have become friends with John Zimmerman, the owner, over time. In this day and age of chain stores and impersonal service, John’s store is a welcome anachronism. This is the store to go to for 2-​channel sound (although he does carry a couple surround sound receivers now). And he’s one of the few stores with expertise in turntables and tube components. For those who don’t know, tube equipment sounds more musical than solid-​state and is actually MORE reliable. He even has his own in-​house curmudgeony service technician. From the outside, it looks like a little hole in the wall. But when you walk into his listening room, you instantly feel at home.
John has a refreshingly low-​key approach to selling. He finds out what the customer is looking for, sets up a system, and JUST lets them listen rather than talking a bunch of sales hype. He’d rather let his customers decide for themselves than telling them what they should be hearing. That would explain why most of his new customers hear about him through referral. His lines of products represent the best deal for the money whether you’re buying an entry-​level, mid-​end, or high-​end stereo. It’s a shame that most people have no idea how good a stereo can sound and just rely on slick sales people and heavily marketed brands. The companies John represents manufacture reliable products and have been in business for years. His top-​of-​the-​line speakers are Chapmans. They retail for $ 7500 a pair and smoke speakers costing 3 – 4 times more! And on the other end of the spectrum, John can put together an entry-​level system for $ 2K that sounds surprisingly musical. Do yourself a favor and audition a stereo at The Audio Connection before buying one from a big name stores. I can almost guarantee you’ll end up buying your stereo from John. You’ll have an excellent customer experience and will be taking your friends there after they ask where you bought such a good sounding system.