Full of Tunes!!! (Creative Audio (Shrewsbury))

Member Name: markbuk

Product:	Creative Audio (Shrewsbury)
Date:	19/01/02 (2001 review reads)
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About 15 years ago a small former church in the centre of Shrewsbury became a hive of activity.

Although no one really knew it at the time, the town was about to experience a new, specialist shopping phenomenon.

Thus, Creative Audio was born.

Helmed by Dave and Robin - two guys who between them have many years experience in the field of specialist hi -fi - Creative Audio has gained it's self an enviable reputation for friendly, knowledgeable and efficient service.

My first experience with Creative Audio came back in 1989 when on the hunt for my first CD player. I had what I believed was a nifty JVC hi-fi system and wanted a JVC CD player to integrate with this system. This would then also allow operation of the CD from the Hi-Fi's remote control.

My initial disappointment at learning the store didn't stock JVC was transformed in the next 90 minutes into sheer excitement when I realised the true depth, involvement and sheer listening pleasure that quality audio components could bring.

I returned to the store a week later with my hard earned cash and promptly walked away with a Denon CD Unit. Within 18 months, the JVC stacker was gone and had been replaced by a Denon tuner, Denon tape deck, Ion Obelisk amp, Linn Index speakers and a pair of Sennheiser headphones!!

Due to their approach of selecting their favourite components, they are sometimes overlooked by some hi-fi manufacturers for 'Authorised Dealer' status - happily some suppliers aren't so superficial and indeed over the past few years this seems to have improved greatly.

The guys are always friendly, approachable and willing to help and advise. Many times during that first 18 months (and long after) before I had my own car, I would spend time after hours in their Demo Room, auditioning equipment while waiting for my bus home. The guys were more than happy to let me do this. Both Dave and Robin are willing to spe
nd as much time as possible chatting and advising to their hearts content over your hi-fi issues. It's obvious that hi-fi is their life!

Such was and indeed is their reputation that I recall one instance a few years back, where a Swiss couple holidaying in the UK had travelled a considerable distance to visit the store having heard of Creative Audio back home.

As an aside, they ran a witty ad campaign in the national hi-fi press during the early to mid 90's including one memorable feature by special arrangement with Mars Confectionery, which showed (I think) a Linn amp with the cover removed to be full of packets of Tunes cough sweets. The tag line was 'Just as we thought!'. Their humour remains in the guise of their website.

The company has enjoyed massive growth since its inception and a few years back they were able to take another floor in the building. This allowed them to increase their workshop and storage space greatly. They are now able to carry out approved warranty repairs for a massive number of hi-fi suppliers. The increased stock space also has put them in the enviable position of being able to buy massively in bulk and then pass associated savings on to their client base. Creative Audio now takes some of the biggest hi-fi deliveries in the UK.

The range of services offered has grown in line with the business. As mentioned, they are now able to offer an extensive range of repair services, most with a 24 hour turn around. Bespoke equipment design is also available. For a small fee, they will even visit your home and set up your equipment. As the Home Cinema craze has boomed, Creative has also branched into this connected field.

A range of payment options is offered including interest free credit. Part exchanges are welcomed.


As you can tell, I cannot speak highly enough of Dave and Robin and the service they provide at Creative Audio. Sadly, other things have taken a priority
in my life (such as a mortgage and a family!) so the funds are no longer so readily available to spend on this passion of mine. Time constraints too, mean I rarely get the opportunity to visit simply for a browse or to say 'Hello' anymore.

However, I still know where to go when I need a new pair of bins, or when the time finally does come and the funds are again available to replace my separates.


Check them out: http://www.creative-audio.co.uk/

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