Hi-Fi In NYC - Audio Emporium

Lyric Hi-Fi in NYC has closed. Perhaps you read the article written on p.122 of the May 2021 Stereophile?

The writer was a former employee. He comments on the store selling MIT speaker cable for $12k in 1998. A month later they brought in NBS which sold for $22k. The writer says he learned to sell hi-fi by saying, “this is good, this is better, this is the best, in increasing order of good $#!& content. Will that be cash or charge?”

Really?!

I don’t know about you, but… I’m not a fan.

I started Audio Emporium in 1977. The fun of the hobby for me has always been the mix of great sound and understanding a fair amount about the gear that brings it to us. Literally all of my customers share those interests. They’re not about to be sold on “this is the best.” Nor would I want it that way. I want to PROVE I have great gear, and I’m happy to describe WHY it’s so good.

I love to demo equipment. I want to share the experience with my customers that I had- when I was won over by a particular product. Way back in 1977 it was a thrill to see someone light up when he heard Linda Ronstadt sing “I Will Always Love You” or “Someone To Lay Down Beside Me” through a pair of Magnepans. Invariably, it was the most realistic they had ever heard it. How great… to be able to ask Linda to sing at your house, like she’s standing right there- on command!

Apparently some stores were proud of throwing people out, or just asking, “Will that be cash, or charge?” I smell a distinct air of… the less time I spend with someone, the better. Just buy it already.

If you visit Audio Emporium, you won’t get out the door so fast. I’ll chain you down to hear products I hope will interest you. And… of course, I’ll explain the strengths of what I offer and how the product got to be what it is.

We all know, it’s a competitive market place. There are lots of great products. I can’t carry them all. The fun of the biz is trying to find and determine WHICH are the best for the money. It insults all of us to proclaim, “this is the best. Will that be cash or charge?”