Tone Of Music Audio

Thanks to Tim for helping me up my vinyl game in a big way. I wandered in one night before dinner recently and walked out w a Rega record player and a bellari tube phono stage that has my system sounding better than ever. Tim is extremely knowledgable and direct in his approach w clients and I really appreciated it. I wish that I had bought my amp and speakers from him instead of an sf competitor.

I’m a little conflicted about giving Tone of Music its first non-​5 star review. My audio system is a project I’ve spent a lot of time time on over the past several years, swapping out and tweaking components to change the sound as my taste has evolved. I recently decided to replace my old speakers, which worked really well with my last amp but less so with the one I’ve had for the past year and a half. Tim was nice enough to accommodate my audition at the last minute on a busy Saturday. When I arrived, he had the speakers I was interested in (Kudos X2s) set up, as well as another pair in my price range that he thought I might like. I brought a bunch of music with me, so Tim left me to listen to the speakers for a bit. Every once in a while, he came to check on what I thought of the speakers, and I reported my thoughts. Things were going well for the first 20 – 30 minutes, but then Tim came back into the room and started telling me everything that I was doing wrong. First it was the music I’d chosen to use to test the speakers («you’re using too many songs,» «I would never use this to audition speakers,» «there’s not enough going on here»). Then he asked me about the rest of my system and told me that all of the equipment I have — well-​regarded stuff like a Linn LP12 and Lyra cartridge — is terrible. Then he told me how much better his ears are than mine, and how I really should chuck everything I have and let him design a complete system for me.
As a customer service experience, this was pretty terrible, definitely 1– or 2-​star territory. But here’s why I’m conflicted: Tim’s right. His ears are better than mine, he’s heard more equipment than I have, and he’s won awards for the systems he’s built while I’m just a weekend hobbyist. He also really knows audio — he understands the way components work together, the importance of a room’s sonic qualities, and the type of overall sound that suits different musical tastes. I probably would have a better sounding setup if I sold all the components I currently own and let him build me a complete system. But for me, that’s not really the point. Half the fun I get out of my stereo system — and I don’t think I’m alone in this — is picking stuff out myself, auditioning different gear, learning about how different components sound together, and generally building up a certain amount of expertise of my own. What I really needed was for Tim to help me by sharing some of his knowledge as I try to figure this stuff out, not just to try to take over and do everything himself. I don’t think this is an unreasonable thing to ask, because it’s what I’ve gotten from pretty much every other high-​end audio store in the Bay Area that I’ve visited.
I think if you’re new to high end audio and are looking for someone to build you a system that sounds great, and you’re not overly concerned with learning about why it sounds great or how to make it sound even better on your own, Tim is your guy and you’ll have a 5-​star experience at Tone of Music. He really knows his stuff, he has an excellent selection of equipment at a range of price points, and gets that a good-​sounding system isn’t just about picking an individual component but about ensuring that things work well together. But if you to build your own system and upgrade it over time, and you’re looking for help in doing so, I would look elsewhere.

You honestly can’t say enough good things about Tim and his shop. Getting back into the vinyl world last year, I was referred to him by my best friend. I bought a Rega RP3, which I hooked up to my aging home theater system. While this was good, it was not amazing. So… enter the tubes! I paid Tim a visit yesterday and picked up a Line Magnetic tube amp. Mind you, I’m not loaded, and this stuff isn’t cheap. But… good equipment and good service is worth the money, and Tim’s is worth every penny. I pretty much knew which amp I wanted going in, and he was on the same page, but he spent a few hours with me listening to different amps back and forth, sampling a few different records to get an idea of how they perform. You know, putting in the time to make sure I made the right choice. Listening to some Zeppelin on the system as I write this, I honestly couldn’t be happier. Seriously, Jesus… this amp & player combo sounds awesome!
Tim is super helpful, and will work to help you find the right gear to suit your needs & budget. I’m not very versed in the world of hi-​fi, so again, Tim was super patient and helpful, taking the time to explain what was important, and why. Knowledgable, friendly, and most importantly trustworthy. I’ll be back for more as I upgrade my system, and will definitely refer anyone I know.
Thanks Tim!

I’ve been to a number of high-​end audio stores in the Bay Area and Tone of Music is one of the best retailers around. He is extremely knowledgeable and approachable and can appreciate all sorts of music whether it’s Daft Punk, Sade, or Tchaikovsky. His selection may seem small, but he has something for every price point.
What was humbling, or perhaps amazing about the owner, Tim, is that he has been able to pick out the best values out at every price point. So while other retailers might have a dozen speakers at the $ 800/​pair price point in terms of selection, Tim has picked out one $ 800/​pair speaker that sounds wonderful, far outclassing other audiophile speakers at higher price points. Of course, customers looking for a flagship Magico/D’Agostino setup can also be served by Tim.
While most of the high-​end audio stores have «good» customer service, Tim has «spectacular» customer service. At other places, there was still a general vibe of the upsell even though they were nice. Instead, Tim is very thoughtful and takes the time to figure out what is right for each customer. It is very clear that he values the establishment of a long-​term relationship with his customers and understands that happy customers lead to friends/​family referrals.
Highly recommended. A completely different experience from the other guys.

I’ve bought several pieces of equipment from Tim over the past six months, most recently a turntable, and I hope to buy a lot more from him in the future. He is extremely knowledgeable about his inventory as well as much of the high-​end audio equipment world in general. His approach, which I really appreciate, is about helping his customers get the most music out of their equipment, regardless of their budget. You can see this ethos present in every piece of equipment he offers from the entry level through kit that costs more than a new car.
As anyone who has auditioned audio equipment before knows, is not a quick process. Tim understands this and, when you set up an appointment to listen, he doesn’t rush you and you have the room to yourself. He has an extensive vinyl collection at the store, but you are encouraged to bring your own and take your time. I probably spent three or four hours over the course of two days listening to a number of options before making my decision. And there was ZERO pressure for an up-​sell. Tim completely respected my budget constraints.
Along those lines, once I finally made my decision and my purchase, Tim took close to an hour of his time to patiently show me how to set everything up and totally hooked me up with a few little extras! Seriously, the customer service at Tone of Music is above and beyond.
If you are looking for hi-​fi equipment in general and analog-​focused systems (turntables, tube amps, etc) there is no one better in the Bay Area.

The owner, Tim, is exceptionally knowledgeable and very good at explaining audio systems and sound quality. I couldn’t be happier from the equipment I bought from him. He’s also got a fascistic selection of records on sale. It’s worth stopping by just to experience the amazing vibe of his shop. I love this place.

If you’re at all interested in great, personal service on excellent quality gear, then you need to check out Tone of Music Audio.
Tim’s selection is small but well thought out and really first-​rate. Tim is extremely knowledgeable and really takes the time to make sure that you’re buying exactly the right thing to suit your needs and taste. In fact, on a couple of counts, he actually talked me into spending less on a component than I was intending. I totally love my Rega P6, the cartridge and the Harbeths that I ended up with. Tim predicted (accurately) that I’d be much happier with the mid-​grade Harbeths (better bass response, he said) and he was absolutely right.
Tim also provides first-​rate service, just to be sure that you are fully satisfied with your set-​up. He actually did a home visit on two occasions, to help me set up my speakers and also to help me re-​pack before a big move.
Overall, Tim’s prices are quite fair. You won’t get any bargain-​basement prices, but if you are really interested in a first-​rate system, then saving a few bucks is probably not a big driver for you if it means compromising on quality and service.
Tone of Music Audio is a great shop. I’m very happy that I found it!

A pleasure
Tim is very knowledgeable about his music and sounds
Listening to songs and records on his system is enjoyable and soothing
Would recommend his expertise to anyone
Thanks Tim

Tim is a wonderful guide through the audiophile world. He has got a passion and patience for helping you make the right choice for you. Great service and knowledge of high end audio.

Was looking to get into a Hegel 80 or 160, Tim had both and suggested i get the latter, to compliment my LS 50. It did take a bit long to arrive but it arrived in great condition, now i have to make time to set it up, hah hah hah after looking into an amp i got busy with my work and havent had the time to test it out. Tim is a very good audio guy and he is the best in the bay area bar none, When i have the time ll get my TT over to him for an overhaul. You can tell he takes care of his customers and thats enough for me, I was going to buy and try a few other amps but got caught up with work and now have a plethora of amps at the home.

I still haven’t done any actual purchasing from Tim’s store, but he’s 2 for 2 with the help he’s provided. I informed him that I had a pickle with my turntable stylus and he provided very clear advice on how to choose the right path and didn’t try to convince me that I needed to break the bank or jump on a decision right away, etc. He’s really just a cool guy to work with, so I do see my next upgrade possibly happening at Tone Of Music.
Thanks again, Tim — look forward to working with you on a future major purchase!

My old phonograph sounded horrible: dull and flat. But after 26 years what did I expect? I took it to Tim at Tone of Music. After a visual inspection, he told me that the turntable and tone arm were still quite serviceable. However the cartridge was way past its prime. He installed a new Ortofon, and the sound is better than ever. Tim could have sold me a whole new set up, but, as always, he looked out for his customer, me.
Thanks, Tim. Tone of Music is the only place I’ll ever go for stereo gear.

Tim is friendly, knowledgeable, and super easy to work with! He helped me figure out a problem I had with my existing speakers and went well out of his way to explain different systems and their benefits. When I am ready to finally commit to some serious audio, Tone of Music is the only place I’ll go!

Tim at Tone of Music was great. I needed a new cartridge for my turntable — Tim took on board the limitations of my current set up and recommended a cheaper option than a direct like for like swap of the Sumiko Blue Point that was damaged. He had the cartridge fitted and the truntable was returned to me in less than 24 hours, he did a great job at setting up the tone arm with the new cartridge to boot. I will be returning for sure when upgrading my amp — service like this is difficult to pass up

I went it looking for a complete system– one with a relatively low budget for my entrance into the hi-​fi world. Tim, the owner and sole employee was able to put together a complete system for me that sounds incredible and actually came in below my budget. After visiting most of the other shops in the city, systems that sounded this good were much more expensive, were made in China (was a pretty large priority for me to avoid this), were just not aesthetically appealing, or were sold by slightly condescending salespeople. Tim knows all gear out there, and what works well together. On top of that he is down to earth, patient, and listens to exactly what you are looking for. The in home setup was also a nice bonus. In the end I feel great having an awesome sounding system, and supporting Tim and his business. Would highly recommend.

Tim is a goooood dude. Friendly, helpful, attentive. Highly recommended.

Tim Nguyen knows how to design the right system for you. He listens carefully to what you want and he works with your current system. He explains what he is doing and understands how to match the equipment to the room. I love his low key approach. He has transformed our home theatre experience.

I have a studio monitor with a broken tweeter inherited from a past roommate. I called Tim to ask if he did repairs, and even though he didn’t, he took the time to ask me about the speakers and let me know that it would almost certainly cost more to fix than just buying a nice set of speakers. What a nice guy, taking the time out of his day to help someone who isn’t even a customer!

Was reading reviews on Tim’s work yesterday. Gave him a call today, as I am a complete neophyte regarding tubes and wanted some honest advice. Tim rescheduled his day and agreed to see me at his studio 2 hours later.
I showed up and he was ready to roll with some gear for me to demo. Within 2 hours, I was leaving with a brand new Cayin amp that I’ve already hooked up and is awesome. Tim saved me a ton of time and money and got me hooked up with something I already love.
Highly recommend giving him a call if you are in the market for some new audio equipment. Tim is legit.

I hired Tone of Music Audio for consultation of my entertainment room and our stereo system. Tim, the owner, came by my house and offered an extensive evaluation of what we need to do with the room and our sound system to maximize our listening pleasure. I explained to him what type of listener I was as well as my intentions, and based from that, he gave me honest recommendations. What I like about him is his honesty. I wanted to buy a very expensive speaker from him, but instead of just making a sale, he told me I didn’t need the speaker based from my objective.
I ended up going to his beautiful and very warm home where he displays some of his equipments for sale and where you could really see the overall picture of what you should do to your home unlike just going to a store where you can’t see the overall picture. He was kind enough to show me his equipments, and I ended up buying couple of items he recommended.
He did the consultation, the whole project, and with the few products I bought from him, it’s worth every penny!