A good HiFi specialist in Kent/SE London?

[DandyCobalt]

Can anyone recommend a good dealer in West Kent/SE London that focuses on Hifi (rather than Home Cinema) where I can demo a good range of dedicated music kit ?

I have a 9.1 home cinema setup (see my kit list), which I'm very happy with for cinema/surround and I THINK is good for stereo, but many other forums here speak about how people don't know good Hifi sound till they've heard it (eg the one about why they don't make an a/v amp that is also good for stereo). I can't justify upgrading anything now (front LR speakers/ dedicated CD amp etc) unless there is a really demonstrable difference to the boss of the house, and at domestic sound levels.
I listen to a broad range of music (Beethoven through to Tinie Tempah, via Richard Thompson and Slash). But am I really missing much, and what would be the priority to upgrade?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Living in Kent myself there's a few stores I'd recommend - Sevenoaks (you can chose from Sevenoaks, T Wells, Bromley or Maidstone - all have some great hifi guys in store), or Home Media in Maidstone. I have dealt with them all for several years, and would be happy to suggest any of them! Was there anything in particular you were after?

Best regards,

 

[Big Chris]

You could give 'Billy Vee Sound Systems' a call.

They're on Lee High Rd, Lewisham.

I've done a bit of browsing there in the past.

There's also 'Musical Images' (I think that's what it's called) on Beckenham high street.

Don't forget the multitude of Sevenoaks dealers around. I bought all my old stuff at Sevenoaks Bromley (and Richer Sounds is virtually bang opposite)

 

[plastic penguin]

http://www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/store/london/bromley/default.aspx

http://www.citylocal.co.uk/cities/Kent/business/Hi-Fi+Shops/0/

 

[bay24]

Big Chris:
You could give 'Billy Vee Sound Systems' a call.

They're on Lee High Rd, Lewisham.

I've done a bit of browsing there in the past.

There's also 'Musical Images' (I think that's what it's called) on Beckenham high street.

Don't forget the multitude of Sevenoaks dealers around. I bought all my old stuff at Sevenoaks Bromley (and Richer Sounds is virtually bang opposite)

I would second Billy Vee, always very helpful when I have been in there!

 

[DandyCobalt]

Thanks guys.

I was in the Sevenoaks (flagship?) branch of Sevenoaks S&V earlier this week, and was underwhelmed by the choice of dedicated Hifi (I'm sure they used to have more), so I'll try Billy Vee.

Perhaps my next upgrade is front speakers to replace the Q-Acoustic floorstanders (a £400 speaker pair but got lots of stars when they came out, on the VFM front), so have been looking at reviews of floorstanders like B&Ws, ProAc, Spendor etc. (I think I'm in the £1,000+ bracket for the next step)

But maybe first I should look more towards the CD player and amping side of things? The Cambridge Audio 650BD is a great jack-of-all-trades, but am I missing out on sonic stereo heaven and not knowing it?

 

[Big Chris]

If you listen to B&W CM8s (£1250), I'd love to hear your opinion.

 

[DandyCobalt]

They're on my list too, Big Chris. This sounds like a Christmas mission for me to escape from the outlaws.

 

[6th.replicant]

bay24:Big Chris:
You could give 'Billy Vee Sound Systems' a call.

They're on Lee High Rd, Lewisham.

I've done a bit of browsing there in the past.

There's also 'Musical Images' (I think that's what it's called) on Beckenham high street.

Don't forget the multitude of Sevenoaks dealers around. I bought all my old stuff at Sevenoaks Bromley (and Richer Sounds is virtually bang opposite)

I would second Billy Vee, always very helpful when I have been in there!
Sorry to be a party-pooper but back in the summer, while looking for new speakers, I had my worst-ever demo experience at Billy Vee.

I used my Arcam CD37 and their A38 - BV's portfolio includes Arcam and Naim - during the demo. I'd barely sat down before the fella started slagging off the CD37 and saying how both the Naim CD5i and CD5 XS were far superior and much more "musical" etc.

Hmm, well thanks for that, mate, but having demo'd said Naims, I beg to differ - horses for (SACD) courses etc.

He also became very indignant/borderline stroppy when I said that I preferred the Spendor A5 to the A6 when playing rock/pop/soul etc. (Although, IMHO, the A6 was/is a peach with classical and jazz.)

Needless to say, I took my (Amex card's) £2k budget for speakers elsewhere.

On the other hand, I've always had a good experience at Sevenoaks Bromley - be it demo'ing, useful advice or getting them to price match - which is why in the past few years I've bought a CDP, two amps, a pair of speakers and a TV from 'em. (Just watch out for the local traffic wardens, who are mega-zealous.)

 

[El Hefe]

I had a good experience with Soundcraft Hifi in Ashford. Not sure whether thats in West Kent geographically.

 

[Anonymous]

Home media in maidstone

A wealth of knowledge, 2 demo rooms and loads of tea and biscuits what more could you ask for..

 

[Anonymous]

I use both Home media and soundcraft both very good dealers and the only ones i personaly use

 

[Macspur]

Hi,

,Highly recommend Billy V, been using them for about 20 years and never had a problem myself and they're always happy to give a home demo without taking your money first too.

Sugden A21L amp, Naim CD5XS CDP, Chord Cobra i.c. and ProAc Studio 130 speakers.

 

[Richard Allen]

DandyCobalt:

Can anyone recommend a good dealer in West Kent/SE London that focuses on Hifi (rather than Home Cinema) where I can demo a good range of dedicated music kit ?

I have a 9.1 home cinema setup (see my kit list), which I'm very happy with for cinema/surround and I THINK is good for stereo, but many other forums here speak about how people don't know good Hifi sound till they've heard it (eg the one about why they don't make an a/v amp that is also good for stereo). I can't justify upgrading anything now (front LR speakers/ dedicated CD amp etc) unless there is a really demonstrable difference to the boss of the house, and at domestic sound levels.
I listen to a broad range of music (Beethoven through to Tinie Tempah, via Richard Thompson and Slash). But am I really missing much, and what would be the priority to upgrade?

If you are looking for the type of specialist HiFi dealer that isn't interested in box-selling, try progressive audio in Rainham Kent. Telephone number 01634 389004. Ask for Dave.

 

[DandyCobalt]

Thanks all!