Audio Republic Ltd - Gateshead

Rebecca S.

Andrew was recommended to me by a Michell dealer in Leeds when I was searching for someone local to assist with servicing and reassembling my Dad’s old Gyrodec turntable, as well as some new speakers. I had a modest budget and limited space at home, the brief I gave Andrew was to ensure I did the existing equipment justice, but without breaking the bank. The advice was to fit a new tonearm more suited to a complete novice like me, and that the cartridge would almost certainly need replacing in the not too distant future. There was never any hard-sell, Andrew’s knowledge is vast, and he offered several options at various price points, taking the time to explain what each component would bring to my system. I opted for a pair of ProAc speakers, Rega tonearm and AudioTechnica cartridge, which were all meticulously set up at my home by Andrew. After spending many hours listening to my improved system over the past few days, I am very impressed with how everything sounds. Each component works seamlessly, with the new additions offering exceptional value for money. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Audio Republic to anyone, and will certainly be using them again when the time comes to upgrade any components. Thank you!

Tanya G.

Having the expert guidance of Karl from Audio Republic was absolutely invaluable when choosing the ideal setup for us. There's no hard sell and he really takes the time to understand what works for you and helps you get the most you can from your budget.

We spent about an hour and a half in the shop listening to different setups and I'm so glad we had that opportunity because it allowed us to appreciate the difference in turntable performance and know how much power we needed from the speakers for our space.

Karl gave us a very competitive quote for the setup and even came over to set everything up for us. We didn't hesitate in trusting his recommendations and we couldn't be happier with the setup we have. We're now rediscovering all our records and are extremely happy with our investment.

Owen B.

I've recently resurrected my hifi after about 25 years of inactivity due to my work profile. Needless to say not all of it was happy about being awoken. I have an Arcam 170.3 transport & an Arcam Alpha CD player which the loading drawers would not open, also an Audiolab 8000 CDM & DAX which randomly muted. I spoke to Michael who said to bring them up & he would have a look, 2 days later I got the call to say all was sorted out, however the DAX was beyond economic repair. He suggested that I replaced the DAX & I could go up and see what was in stock. I replaced it with a pre-used Chord Hugo TT, there was no hard sell or pressure in my options. Needless to say the Hugo sounds superb in my system. They've also had my Kuzma turntable & Nakamichi cassette deck in recently for servicing & repairs. I can throughly recommend a trip if you need help or equipment. Many thanks guys.

james D.

Inimitable Customer Service , Knowledge and Experience.

I first discovered Audio Republic after searching for a HiFi Retailer to service my Linn Sondek. That initial contact has resulted in me making several visits to Audio Republic in Gateshead and the experience has always been fascinating due to the depth of knowledge of Andrew ( the owner).

I discovered I first met Andrew in the early 90s when I bought a Musical Fidelity MVT pre amp from Lintone Audio , he auditioned the Preamp for me and I bought it.

Quality HiFI "specialists" are a rarity these days and I believe they are to be treasured. There are plenty of "stack them high sell them cheap(er)" outlets, what sets Audio Republic apart from the others, is their depth of knowledge of HiFi equipment spanning decades, their genuine interest in myself as a customer and their ability to match / recommend equipment that will suit the type of sound you prefer as opposed to offering you something that's 'hot' this month etc.

I have just had my Musical Fidelity A370. Power amp, Musical Fidelity MVX Preamp and my Linn Sondek serviced at Audio Republic. Everything sounds beautiful. I have also bought a replacement cartridge for the Linn ( Dynavector XX2) and a new (to me) DAC/ CD Player all from Audio Republic.

If like me, you value high quality service where someone will take the time to understand what you're really looking for and also provide you with a relaxed environment to listen without any pressure , then Audio Republic should be your first port of call.

I had the opportunity of listening to the CD player I have bought, in my own home, so I knew exactly what sound I would be getting if I were to buy it- which I have. Andrew brought the DAC/ CD player to my home so I could listen and make my own decisions.

At the end of the day, listening pleasure is what it's all about and the reason why we have a HiFi system in the first place. So why go somewhere where the environment isn't as relaxed , or the environment/ setup is different to your own? You're not comparing like for like. For me personally, there is no where else like Audio Republic, inimitable they are indeed.

Guy E.

Exceptional Value / Excellent Service:

Having an existing system which has served me well; except with one caveat - having spent a few hundred on each element, I remained conscious that spending a bit more on the speakers 15 years ago, would have given me a more detailed / fuller sound - but three kids / pets / activities and holidays placed more of a demand on my budget ... so, I had what I felt was an alright system... And I certainly have enjoyed it over the years. But, time to upgrade...

Talking to Andrew gave me a reference point, he was aware of my rough budget, and he explained that spending around three times what I’d spent originally would yield the results I was after. Approximately £1000 instead of the £300 on each source - he advised focusing on the amp and speakers, and upgrading the turntable that I’d already purchased. This is within what I had thought myself to be reasonable, so I went along for a listen to some suggested kit, some new, some ex-display / second-hand.

I took along some favourite records, and expected a fuller, more bassy sound; but I wasn’t prepared for how much improvement I could hear! Very familiar recordings sounded suddenly fuller and more transparent - I could hear details and perceive things I’d never heard before… the whole experience was enhanced… it was an extraordinary revelation… This was my introduction to true High End Audio reproduction, and it was like being born again!… I know how cheesy I sound, but it’s true! It really is a transformation on what I had become accustomed to!

Andrew’s relaxed manner and quiet enthusiasm for his subject enabled me to put to rest a number of perceptions that I think a few people may share, which he helped me get rid of completely:

• High-End = High priced
• You need to be a ‘specialist’ / specially trained to hear the difference
• It’s all highly complicated and not for ordinary mortals

Andrew Oliver is the proprietor at Audio Republic and his service, knowledge and expertise gives the lie to all of the above! He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful - proving that all the above myths are just not true - and what’s more, he gives accurate advice and support in a way that suits your individual needs, tastes and budget. His store favours particular brands, because he knows their qualities and can mix and match superbly to more than match expectations…

Andrew’s advice to me: focus on the source - improve my recently purchased turntable, matching this to an appropriately matched amp and speakers. Upgrade my existing CD player to one with a DAC; and add a streamer to replace my ailing Pioneer. To keep my budget within my parameters he sourced me a mixture of new and ex-display / secondhand equipment, and in every way exceeded my expectations!

Having lived with my new system for some weeks now, my initial enthusiasm remains undimmed, and I remain thankful that I took the plunge into this specialist realm; and this is really the point of my review… if you are someone to whom music is important; and if you have ever wondered why people go to the lengths of having separate equipment the whole point is for the quality of the experience… your enjoyment will be enhanced, you will hear more in the music and you will genuinely feel closer to what was originally produced - I can’t describe adequately the thrill of even 50 year old, familiar recordings that I am now experiencing as if for the first time…. Utterly mind-blowing! My experience shows it doesn’t have to be eye-watering amounts of money to get that High End experience… I’m not going to be someone who is endlessly chasing the next piece of equipment / nor do I seek any Holy Grails of Audiophilia;) … but I am confident that with Audio Republic’s help I now have a system that I can keep for the next 25 years (at least!) and gain a huge amount of enjoyment and satisfaction from … Thank you is all I can say, I cannot recommend Andrew and Audio Republic highly enough 🙂 🙂 🙂

Jonathan T.

Always absolutely superb. Have been a customer since the early days in Leeds. Andrew's expertise is unsurpassed. Always excellent advice, and always mindful that it isn't about the kit, but the music.

Mike C.

My wife and myself were wanting to treat ourselves to a new hi fi system.
After much research ,reading reviews etc, we decided on a REGA system because it was good quality and British.
We found that Audio Republic are a dealer and local to us. Andrew invited us to visit his newly opened Gateshead showroom.
Both Andrew and David listened to our requirements and put together a REGA system that was suitable for us.
Andrew came to our house to set the system up and ensure it was working properly and we were happy with it.
They didn't decry our original suggested budget,as some of their competitors had, but effortlessly convinced us to increase our buget to obtain a system that we are proud of and will last for many years.
We are very pleased with the service from the lads at Audio Republic and are confident that if we have any problems they will be around and willing to sort them.
Thanks.

Peter W.

I cannot recommend Audio Republic more highly. Andrew seems to be in such high demand for his abundant knowledge, insight and experience - yet he is so generous with his time. I walked into the shop knowing I wanted a turntable but with knowledge of little else. Andrew patiently and honestly went through all my options. I left not only with a new turntable/amp/speakers, but with a renewed passion for music. I love my new setup and I’m in a constant state of giddiness when listening to my vinyl. Thank you Andrew!