Gig Harbor Audio

I’ve been here about a dozen times and I definitely love the layout, atmosphere and gear. Matt is very down to earth and knowledgable. I’ve been into hifi audio for years and I’m always buying new gear just to try things out. The hard part about this hobby is buying new and local. Audio gear just doesn’t hold value and with the online market being so much cheaper it’s hard to make a purchase through a local dealer. However, after spending so much time here I felt like it made sense to buy local and support the business. I was hesitant at first but Matt assured me if the products purchased weren’t satisfactory I could exchange for credit to get something different. Well that ended up not being the case. I bought a parasound dac and pre amp to pair with an integrated tube amp and a set of Klipsch Belles. The problem is that when the dac is connected there is a 60hz hum I can’t get rid of (I’ve tried everything). I called to see what I could do and just wanted to either exchange it or try something different, but I was told I couldn’t do anything unless I spent double in store to get a credit? I almost considered buying a new integrated tube amp but the prices were at least $ 300 more than online and I just couldn’t justify it. I’m pretty disappointed with the service after actually spending $ 1100 there. It’s just to bad there are not any local (Tacoma) audio shops that can satisfy the average buying in hifi. Unfortunately I haven’t been back since. It just makes more sense to buy quality gear online at a discount than pay full price for something you’ve never heard. At least you can resale to get your money back and try something different. I wish I could have given them more stars but it’s hard when I feel like I was told one thing but reality is $ over the customer satisfaction.

I have purchased a couple of pairs of speakers and countless albums from this little shop. Gig Harbor Audio is certainly the least intimidating of the high-​end audio shops in the Seattle area. This is not to suggest that the others aren’t helpful, but GHA seems to specialize at that low-​key, inviting environment that is perfect for newcomers to the hi-​fi hobby. They carry a handful of quality audio brands and have a healthy selection of vinyl, so they basically double as a music store for me. They are very customer oriented. Every time I have gone there they have given me some kind of bargain on my purchases (provided a sales price, thrown in a free T-​shirt, thrown in a couple of free albums, etc.)
Overall, I really recommend this place — especially if you’re an audio novice. If you’re interested in having a good sound system at an optimal price point, Gig Harbor Audio is your store.

Recently I drove up to Gig Harbor from Portland to compare a PrimaLuna tube amp with the Parasound integrated amp through Harbeth speakers, which I already own. I can’t express (although I’ll try) to describe how brilliant this little shop is! Without question, it’s the warmest, friendliest, most easy going experience I’ve had in a hifi shop. Ryan, the owner is incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and just fun to chat up. If I could have I would have gladly stayed longer just to talk about music. Plus, I could have spent an hour or more just checking out their great selection of vinyl for sale. Why doesn’t every hifi shop sell vinyl? It’s so brilliant! It helps to immediately create a disarming atmosphere.
Also, the mix of custom pieces, used, and new gear is incredibly well done. So far I’ve purchased custom speaker cables, and a really comfy American apparel Gig Harbor Audio t shirt which I probably wear too often. I look at their website (also beautiful and well organized) every day. At some point, I plan on buying a second set of speakers to switch out every now and again. I’m thinking ls50s or something vintage. I’d definitely drive up again to give them my business or order from them online.
If you’re in the market for audio gear then please consider buying from Gig Harbor vs spending $ online. A pair of Harbeth speakers and a nice amp will change your life. Seriously! It’s probably the best investment I’ve ever made. We play music about 8 hours a day and my wife and kids love listening to records together. The sound is warm and very easy to listen to all day.
I wish there were more places in the world like Gig Harbor. I look forward to my next visit!

I visited Gig Harbor Audio​for the first time yesterday. Eric and the rest of the staff were very welcoming and willing to spend time educating and demoing equipment. I went to purchase an integrated amp (which I did) and asked about a good match for speakers. They turned me on to a set of Vienna Acoustic Bach speakers and discounted the price. I wasn’t planning to buy speakers also and normally obsessively research everything before I buy, but I bought these after a demo and on their recommendation and have to say I was more than happy with their sound combined with the amp I purchased. They went out of their way to make sure the speakers were protected (running to FedEx to get bubble wrap) for my trip home and loaded them into the car for me. They also have a nice selection of turntables and vinyl and the store is very comfortable and «homey». Not your typical sterile showroom with pushy sales guys. Highly recommended!

They went above and beyond what was necessary to make sure we were satisfied. I cant even begin to tell you how much I love this place.

My first three pieces of vintage gear were repaired /​serviced promptly and expertly by technician George M.
However the fourth piece, brought in to GHA for a very specific intermittent output on one channel, helped expose the arrogant and condescending attitude of Eric.
When picking up my gear and asking what was done to repair the specific and documented symptom and so disappointed in the answer that I said that it was not going to correct the problem, Eric advised me…” to repair it yourself.“
Thus I paid Eric over $ 300 for a part (which may or may not have been required) and left insulted and angry.
When getting it home and plugging it in, within 5 minutes the original problem of intermittent output on the right channel demonstrated itself.
Moreover whoever «buttoned up» the piece fastened the control knobs down so tight that they cannot now be removed. Unfortunately, two of the multi position knobs were not set in the proper position so that they now must be set on the wrong function in order to obtain the correct function. Wow! All this for $ 300+ and an insult besides.
The best lessons learned can be expensive.

I saw an ad on Craigslist for a really nice deal on some classic Bozak speakers, I sent an email in to reply, Eric called me back within an hour and we talked about them. I went in on Tuesday and was immediately greeted by Matt.
The store has an amazing environment, not like a typical high-​end store, both Matt and Eric were more than willing to help me out and were very knowledgable in the equipment.
I don’t have a huge background in high-​end audio equipment, and Matt sat me down and walked me through listening to music and what I should be hearing, and allowed me to make an informed decision about my purchase, rather than pushing the highest most expensive thing.
A+ experience

Totally blown away. Great experience.
Super knowledgable, generous and most importantly they weren’t snobs whatsoever.
Will definitely be back for listening party.

Gig Harbor Audio is the best vintage and hi fi shop around. They have a pretty good selection of new and used vinyl and a wide variety of vintage gear from $ 100-​$ 6000. Their new shop is in a great location across from Seven Seas brewing and is a great place to relax and listen to some records. Eric is a great guy who has helped me fix old equipment and been very frank when something I brought in wasn’t worth fixing. Their prices are fair, turnaround reasonable and are very laid back and helpful. This shop is definitely worth a stop when in Gig Harbor.

I love Gig Harbor Audio. They always do their best to make sure the customer is happy. They take responsibility for any mistakes they make, and do their best to fix them. They understand that buying an album is like buying a piece of art, and that the customer expects it to be in perfect condition. I’ve never been less than happy with anything I’ve bought at GHA, and would recommend anyone drop by, even if you just want to say hi to them and check it out.

I have such an amazing experience every time I go in this shop. The two owners are very informative and encouraging in allowing you to be hands on with the items.
The space is very comfortable and I have spent probably half an hour just listening to the live shows they play on the tv. It feels like you are at the shows! I bought a beginning turntable and they set it up and tuned it for free! Who else would do that??? I stop in every couple weeks and get a couple used records! I also went to one of the Thursday shows and had a blast!
This is getting long… GHA rocks!

Eric and Matt have created such an incredible environment here in Gig Harbor! Catering to both the audiophile and those looking to learn more about how to get the most out of music and video. They have seamlessly integrated themselves into the community, hosting events, bringing in live music, wine tastings, celebrity guests, and clinics on equipment.
I encourage you to stop by this shop even if you are not looking to make a purchase. The couches and music will give you a wonderful break from your day. Peruse the selection of new and used records and talk with other customers about the latest in new music!
I cannot stress enough my admiration for what has been done here! This is a special place and a perfect addition to our community. Enjoy!