Reviews of Loud & Clear. (Appliance Store) in Edinburgh (East Lothian).

Loud & Clear

56 Reviews

50 Comments

Appliance store

Audio visual equipment supplier

Commercial Quay, 94 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LX, United Kingdom

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Description

Information of Loud & Clear, Appliance store in Edinburgh (East Lothian)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Reviews of Loud & Clear

D. H.

Fantastic store. Super friendly, enthusiastic and informative staff. Originally bought a Rega turntable a few years ago and finally a new amp! Chris helped me this week with purchase of Rega Brio amp. Was more than happy to field all my questions and give clear advice. Really appreciate how welcoming store always is and how much time spent to help. Commitment to this despite me being at the total novice / lower end of the audio spectrum keeps me coming back! Really shows the value of buying local. After care and further support if required is second to none too.

N. A.

I took my Sugden Masterclass CD player - of which I am extremely fond - to be repaired by Hubert Aniolek at Loud and Clear Edinburgh. Hubert investigated and offered three options; a repair of the fault by replacing the analogue output amps and cleaning and lubricating the instrument; replacing the internal audio wiring; thirdly, all of these and replacing all the capacitors. I chose the latter and the result is that I now have a machine that is frankly even better than when I bought it - the player picks up every minute detail from the CD; in fact, I hear things I had never heard before. I can't believe my good fortune in finding a technician who has the expertise, sensitivity to and respect for the mechanics of the machine and who has somehow managed the alchemy of improving on the quality of the original. My strong advice/recommendation: if you own very high quality kit in the first place and it is showing signs of age, don't consider going anywhere else for immensely skilled and sympathetic restoration/repair/servicing. I will be taking more of more my kit to Hubert without hesitation.

D. A.

I first came across Loud & Clear in 2017 as the dealers in Newcastle didn't stock the brands I was interested in having a listen to, to replace my speakers at the time. The listening facilites are great at the Edinburgh shop and I've always had a warm welcome and excellent easy going advice from Iain and the rest of the team. The after sales service is great too and plus it's a nice day out! Since then I've upgraded the the cd player, amp, pre-amp and recently the dac so overall I'm delighted with the system and service, highly recommended.

A. T.

Over the life of Loud & Clear in Edinburgh, from Hamilton Place to the Music Mill and now to Commercial Quay, I have had tremendous advice, service, friendship and fun. John, Iain, Simon, et al. have been far more to me than retailers of superb hi fi equipment. They have guided me with empathy and good sense through the slow development of my system to the Moon Evolution and VPI based pleasure-giver that I now have (pics attached). It is always a joy to be in the shop, and to get their up-to-date thoughts on new brands, products and innovations - as well as an excellent cup of coffee! I must have taken up in aggregate dozens and dozens of hours of their time checking out their latest considered recommendations on equipment and music to listen to. I solemnly promise them that one of these days I will eventually acquire the larger listening room that will allow me to buy the beautiful floor standers I so badly crave! In my view you will not find anywhere a finer emporium of any kind than Loud and Clear provide to their eternally grateful clientele!

N. R.

Loud & Clear – A Buyer’s Review There comes a time to uprate your system or to add to it. Why? You may have been suffering physical failure of your equipment or wondering how that would sound if it was played through a more modern, up to date version of speakers or amp or player or record deck. Set a budget, give yourself some wiggle room. There isn’t a problem with reading up on what stuff is out there. It will give you an indication of current pricing in the market and what you get for your money. Review your budget. Time to go to Loud and Clear. Write down the manufacturer and model of all the equipment that you currently have. Have at the front of your mind, what music you listen to, the range of types of music, you like to listen to. Also which room you listen to your music in, a rough size and shape will help future discussions. What are you thinking of buying and in what order. E.g. new speakers, then a new amp. Enter Loud & Clear, relax, all the people are friendly. Don’t worry about the absence of prices on equipment. Have a browse, when you’re ready link up with one of the team, who are there to help. They have an excellent range of equipment at varying price levels. Have a chat and exchange of views on equipment and types of music. Don’t lose sight of that it is all about the music. It is not about showing off your new ‘car’. It is about getting the best out of your music medium into your listening space. Accept the help, knowledge and guidance of the team. Listen; not just to what they are telling you but when you get the opportunity to listen to the outputs from the equipment that they set up for you. Listen carefully and ensure you can hear the differences from one bit of equipment to another. We are all different and what you may hear will be different to someone else. There is no point in buying a case of wine that an expert said had 20 different aroma and tasting notes, when all you can taste and smell is a wine with a delicate aroma and a very delicate taste. You wouldn’t pay an extra £20 a bottle, so treat your ears the same. If you can detect an improvement in sound, then follow it and take it to a point where your ears match your budget. Spend as much as you can to achieve the best sound in your listening space without breaking the bank. It will be worth it. The Loud & Clear people won’t hassle you or pressurise you. They’ll provide as much information as you need and leave you to think about things and to stimulate your auditory senses via the listening experience. My main contact has been Iain Dewar who has been a pleasure and delight to deal with. I had (almost) no qualms about parting with the money, I was so relaxed, knowing I was buying great equipment and that if there was an issue, I would be helped. The rest of the team have also been excellent to deal with, John Carroll, Simon, Chris & Hubert (Technician). The equipment I’ve bought, plus the leads, cables, plugs (don’t forget them for your budget) and some necessary maintenance; have all improved my listening experience. I am often astonished as to the quality of sound that comes out of the system from both vinyl and CD. I have heard things on records that I’d never heard before, even though I’ve had the record for 40 years. Sometimes it is as if the artist/band are in my front room. The soundscape created is just wonderful and it is all due to those helpful souls at Loud and Clear.

P. A.

I have built up my hifi system slowly but surely with Loud and Clear. The experience has been admirable. The advise, guidance, help and energy of the team is second to none. I know if I need help I can get it anytime and that includes coming to my house to assist (I am a bit of a Luddite at times!). Every upgrade I have made on my hifi system has taken me further into music bliss. Loud and Clear is my investment for a long time to come.

A. M.

Always a pleasure to visit Loud and Clear Edinburgh. I may not always be one of their bigger spending cutomers but I do always feel welcome and that my custom is valued. Here's me getting one of my LP's cleaned with their ultrasonic cleaning machine (told you I was a big spender!) and me doing some headphone auditioning.

N. F.

I just wanted to say thank you for the great service. Bought some vinyl yesterday, arrived this morning at other end of the UK. Now playing and it sounds glorious. First time that I have bought for you, but I’ll definitely be back to buy again.

F. H.

Needed a repair to my vintage sony record player, brought it to the guys at loud and clear, who are both very helpful and friendly, and they repaired it for me to a first class standard. I would highly recommend them for repairs and also Hi-Fi equipment, as they have a wide range, which I will be looking to purchase in the future. Thanks again Chris and Ian.

A. M.

Fantastic staff and superb choice of audio equipment

C. S.

Dealing with Iain was a real pleasure. His advice was sound and nothing seemed like too much trouble. Despite thick snow, freezing temperatures and travel difficulties, Iain carried on providing an excellent service and dispatched my order when safe to do so. I’m absolutely delighted with my Fyne speakers and felt like a teenager again when hearing the clarity and weightiness of the sound. The cables that Iain put together have definitely helped with the overall package. Will definitely use again for any HiFi or audiophile needs. A first class service and very deserving of 5 stars!

S. D.

I'd like to thank Jamie, Iain and the rest of the team at the Edinburgh store. I have bought my first proper turntable system and was quite unsure about what I needed. Jamie and Iain were so helpful and friendly. What would probably have been quite an intimidating experience was made fun and easy. I really couldn't be happier with how everything has turned out!

P. M.

Excellent service ,well done Iain. Knowledgeable,helpful and very professional. Helped me out by fitting a new cartridge to my Clearaudio Concept which has now reached a new level. Would highly recommend. Peter.M.

M. F.

Loud & Clear changed my life. The best decision that I've made in the last five years has been to walk through the doors of Loud & Clear. That started a conversation with Iain about turntables, which lead to a blissful session in the listening room and a re-awakening of my enjoyment of music. After years when I only listened through iPhone headphones, or a car stereo, time spent in the Loud & Clear listening room reminded me how much more there is to hear if you're using the right equipment. Which in turn reminded me how much I love music. There was a moment when I closed my eyes and I swear the band was right there in front of me, so real was the sound coming from the speakers. Over the last couple of years, and with Iain's help, I've put together a system that makes me very, very happy. Loud & Clear helped me to navigate the endless options available and the result is that I have a stereo that has both the purity of an old-school hi-fi and the convenience of a modern networked system. I am delighted with the results and I highly recommend Loud & Clear to anyone who loves music.

S. H. 6.

I had dealt with other shops in the past but I wanted to move to Rega and the Rega website pointed me in the direction of Loud and Clear as an authorised dealer closest to me. I sent off an email, which seemed to be about 200 pages of questions, to the shop in regards to a Rega Planar 8. Within the hour I had heard from Iain and my questions were immediately answered and then some. I decided to proceed and Iain was nothing but helpful through the entire process and answering my many calls and emails as if I had been shopping with them for years. Today I went in to pick up my new Deck. My current cartridge was fitted and the deck setup and tested while I was out at lunch and then, in a safe and socially distanced manner I was given a clear and concise demo of my new table. I even picked up a couple of fantastic records at a great price. I look forward to dealing with Loud and Clear for my next purchase or just bit of advice. Thanks so much to Iain and the shop.

A. W.

I’m happy to add to all of the other positive reviews of this fabulous dealer. As a walk in customer at Christmas this year I couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome. Despite having a relatively modest budget, I never have had any sense of being less valued as a customer than those further along their Hifi journey than myself. Cade and Iain both provided excellent advice, were unsparing with their time and Cade’s recommended system is perfect for my needs. Having such a well chosen system has transformed my listening habits and ability to enjoy my music. Given the current lock down this is appreciated even more. My advice for those starting their Hifi journey is to go straight to Loud and Clear - you won’t regret it!

C. T.

In my experience, Edinburgh has some good hi-fi shops, as befits a large city. But there were none that I could find that did repairs in-house, except Loud & Clear. My venerable Rotel CD player had stopped working. So Hubert took it in, repaired it, and suggested, given its age, it would benefit from re-capping, and could be upgraded with new op-amps. Given the cost of a replacement CD player of similar quality, once the work was done, and what I paid for the Rotel originally, it was a no-brainer - it all cost only a little more than the original £300 I paid nearly thirty years ago. The upshot is a fantastic sounding CD player - rather better than the good original! Then my NAD amp stopped working! This time, the kit was not economically repairable, so it was in to the shop last Saturday for a listening session to a couple of likely replacements - both made by Rega (Brio, Elex-R). Iain and Hubert had prepared the excellent listening room the day before - all sanitised, given the current COVID-19 pandemic, and set up the hi-fi. Then, I had as much time as I needed to listen to a wide variety of music through both amps, with CD and vinyl sources (there was a nice coffee too!) Iain and Hubert could not have been more helpful. There was time to discuss what I was looking for, within the budget I had - no 'hard sell' - and I came away very happy with my choice (the Brio). Suffice to say I actually think the Brio sounds every bit as good at home as in the L&C listening room. I really like the way these guys work. The atmosphere is relaxed, they're not going to try and sell you something you don't need or can't afford, but will find you something good, and they're keen to make existing good kit work well again - or even better - where this is a reasonable/sensible option. Reviews are always a personal thing, and in some senses, subjective. But I feel I can thoroughly recommend Loud & Clear if you're in the market for good, serious hi-fi, even on a budget, or have something good worth repairing and/or upgrading.

S. C.

Iain and the team have provided excellent service and advice over a 20 year period and will most likely do so for the next 20 years. It is always a pleasure to visit and be inspired by the next step and the excellent coffee. I have just returned from the store with my latest upgrades. I received the same superb service and commitment as ever and it is always a real pleasure to visit and Iain is always happy to chat through plans and aspirations. Hubert also did a terrific job on my cd player earlier when it was acting up.

D. W.

To me Loud & Clear Edinburgh (L & C) are rather like my extended family of music enthusiasts - all of them. I’ve “known’” them since their first premises opened on Hamilton Place in Edinburgh in early November 1999. You can now simply go into their premises in Commercial Quay have a coffee and / or a chat and ask for advice, informal or otherwise. And also have a laugh. For example, I had the misfortune to unknowingly mute my Naim Nait 5i amp. In my defence no “mute” display appeared on the frontage of the Naim. Took it back to L & C to say it was broken and was told, much to my financial alarm, that the minimum Naim charged to even look at the amp was in the region of £400 - ouch! Fortunately, my now music mentor, Iain D checked the amp over and came back with a huge smile on his face - but - unfortunately for me all staff members, even John C, were present when he came back - I’m now fondly referred to as the “Mr Mute Button Man” anytime I walk into the shop. From my reliance on vinyl and then somewhat belatedly CD for my music I have been totally converted to the streaming experience. I’d read about a forthcoming product from Sim Audio - the MOON NEO ACE - and chatted to Iain D about it. “We have a pre-production one in the shop at the moment would you like to hear it”? Yes please. It transpires that L & C were and still are involved in development of the Moon Mind App which is very reassuring to know. Needless to say I ordered one and think I was the first person in the UK to own a MOON NEO ACE. Once you’ve heard the MOON sound I doubt anything else can better it - apart of course MOON products further up their range. I’m now the delighted owner of the MOON 390 streaming preamp, MOON 330A power amp, MOON 260 CD transport and Dynaudio Special Forties speakers. And yes I still listen to vinyl via a Rega RP8 turntable fitted with a Dynavector MC cartridge. The sound is amazing and at the moment keeps improving as the system beds in. Each element of my system complements perfectly the others and the system itself can simply disappear and you’re left listening to a wall of sound full of power and delicacy with each little nuance clearly audible. But you can read detailed reviews of all these products. I would not have reached my perfect musical nirvana without the guidance and professionalism of L & C staff. They never push you into a purchase but look to enhance your musical experience by striving to seek out and understand what “you’re after”. From my experience that is the real benefit of being a member of the L & C family. In my opinion and after several years of “engagement” with them - wrong word I know but can’t think of a more suitable one - L & C deserve 5 out of 5 for openness / friendliness / professionalism / knowledge of their products / customer service and of course their excellent coffee. They also follow up any purchase to confirm that it fully met your expectations. Great, great service.

S. W.

I cannot speak more highly of Iain and the crew at Loud & Clear - Edinburgh. I recently purchased a new VPI Prime Scout and fantastic new Dynavector 10X5 Mk 2 stylus (on the advice of Iain) and cracking Moon phono stage from the guys. You may think that it would be as simple as to walk into store and pick up a few boxes of bits and bobs? Indeed not. From first arrival to the store, I could not have been made feel more welcome and any more appreciated as a customer. First class service start to finish. Fantastic advice and excellent guidance on how to use and look after your new kit. I recommend Loud & Clear without hesitation to anyone who cares to ask! Thank you folks. Stewart Wilson

S. G.

Where to start.... my first visit was mid summer last year when advertised was the last pair of Kef LS500 in a stunning Red. Walking into the shop for the first time didn’t feel like a shop at all, it was like walking into someone’s house. It’s never felt like a shop and every time I plan to visit I actually get excited to see what’s new, as I know there will always be. There’s something about listening to music than touches all of us in one way or another. You can pinpoint certain times in your life to key pieces of music. From your earliest memories from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or any other era but I’m biased to say the 70’s and 80’s were the best. The speakers were the first purchase then quickly followed a Moon amp and CD Player from Simm Audio. My home system of Denon separates were duly put into storage to be given to my son one day. The service I received from John, Ian and Simon was outstanding and professional with absolutely no pressure to buy. I’ve been back on several occasions and last one was to hear the new Moon streaming unit with a new range of speakers from Fyneaudio that left me speechless. Hopefully I’ll be back soon to upgrade my system and with a bit of luck chocolate biscuits will be back in stock. 5 star service and I’ve tried the competition they don’t come close 🌟🌟🌟🌟🏌️‍♂️

L. R.

Had a vintage Trio amplifier serviced there recently. Excellent service. Really knowledgable and friendly team. Good communication from the off. I will most certainly be back for any other repairs and highly recommended.

D. C.

Order placed for a new turntable at 10:30 Wednesday it arrived 13:00 Thursday, now that and also excellent communication from Iain is what I call first class customer service, Will definitely use these guys again, hopefully even get into the shop, Thank you.

N. S.

Visited to purchase a new turntable, excellent service all round. Friendly welcome, fully covid compliant good advice and a nice bit of banter, what else do you need from a store. Will definitely recommend to friends and family. Cheers guys.

D. W.

Have used Loud and Clear now for nearly 15 years from Hamilton Place to Bonnington and now Commercial Quay I have always had excellent service and an invaluable continuity of staff members most of whom have been there from my first contact in particular Ian Dewar whose advice and product selection has been excellent. A first class service and the best products I wish I had more money to spend with them!

G. W.

Contacted Loud and Clear due to unavailable of HiFi in my Middle East location. They couldn't have been more helpful with the shipping and direct export. Their recommendation hit the spot and I am very happy with my purchase. Loud and Clear do what online purchases can't, real human enthusiast advice.

M. M.

Fantastic level of service and expert advice. Really helpful, taking time to explain in detail options pros cons of each. Delighted with my turntable, Cart, phono amp combination. Thanks.

V. J.

Excellent communication. They did everything to help me and make me satisfied. Despite Brexit makes everything difficult, they gave me all the facilities. Very good packed, fast and very professional.

S. S.

It all started with a phone call, and now I’m sitting in my house with my dream hifi system which is great, I want to single out Iain as he was very informative and listened to what I was saying about what I liked in music and then matching me with products that he thought I night like, the best day was using demo room to listen to products was great day only bettered by my install of my new kit great shop with people who love what they do easy 5 star rating top shop top staff

R. M.

Hubert sorted my unresponsive vintage B&O cd player and saved me a fortune. Top man!

S. F.

This place is fantastic. I booked a session and Iain walked me through the various stages of choosing a new turntable. 3 hours in one of their dedicated listen rooms. Can't recommend this place enough. Super knowledgeable and friendly people.

J. M.

Great professional service from highly experienced analog experts. Well worth a visit!

D. G.

Really helpful. Very knowledgeable and clearly music enthusiasts

D. H.

Been a customer for over 20 yrs John and Ian have an encyclopaedic knowledge of their products. They will always give good unbiased advice when choosing equipment and give you plenty of time to make an informed choice to get the sound your looking for. Fantastic dem room great range of products, pleasant and welcoming staff and they serve great coffee too.....Hi Fi Dealer Par Excellence.