Upgrading your gear and where to buy high end audio in Canada

[ROSS.T.G.]

I thought it be cool to hear peoples past experiences upgrading their HT gear.

I live in Canada and it is so hard to find stores that sell high end HT gear at a reasonable price. I haven't purchased anything from a big box store in the last decade. Last year I bought my first house and my dream has been to have a dedicated theatre room which was daunting. My HT at the time wasn't dated but my equipment was entry level and due to the size of my room I new I had to upgrade. The first piece of equipment I upgraded was my BD player. I went from a Panasonic to Oppo 103 and purchased the region hack chip. A few months later I decided to ditch my 55 Panasonic ST30 for a Epson 2030. I thought a larger screen was more important than quality. I then started looking at Dolby Atmos AVR's and stumbled on the Gibby's Electronics Supermarket website and found some great flagship AVR's at half price. My AVR at the time was a Denon X3000 which was a great unit. It was my 3rd AVR in 5 years, before that I had Yamaha, and Onkyo. I called Gibby's and spoke with a sales rep names Shawn, he recommended I look at the Marantz SR7009. It was Bstock and sold for $1,200. MSRP was $2,600 here in Canada. I pulled the trigger on that deal. I was never really happy with the Epson 2030. The black levels were too washed out so I decided to purchase the Calman software and calibrate myself. It did improve color and greyscale but it was still lacking. Last February I decided to jump on a great deal and purchased the Epson 5030 which is the best display I have owned hands down. The last thing I wanted to upgrade was my speakers. I had owned my Paradigm Monitor v.6's for 8 years. I had my eye on Klipsch being that I only use my HT for movies, TV and gaming. I called up Shawn from Gibby's again because they had the Reference II line on sale since it was discontinued. He ended up giving me an incredible deal on the Reference Premiere line. I purchased the 440c, 250f and 240s. If you live in Canada and want high end gear I strongly recommend asking for Shawn and Gibby's Electronics.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Where in Canada? There are plenty of hi-fi stores, but not really any franchises/chains to that end. If we knew your location more specifically, we could guide you more clearly.

[ROSS.T.G.]

It's called Gibby's Electronic Supermarket. If you google it will pull up. They have amazing prices and will always work out a deal. They are located in Markham I believe.

[tezster]

I wouldn't really classify the equipment you listed as "High End" audio - they are more mid-level consumer electronic devices

Nitpicking aside, I've had positive experiences with many audio stores in and around Southern Ontario, online and over the phone.

I bought my Klipsch RP LCR speakers from Electronics 4 less for what I feel was a very good price - I think I got one of the first shipments in Canada, as I inquired about them immediately after they were announced during CES 2015.
OPPO-103 I purchased from Solutions AV (had a very smooth warranty repair experience with them).
My SVS subs are from Sonicboom audio
My refurb Denon X4200W is from Gibby's

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by tezster

I wouldn't really classify the equipment you listed as "High End" audio - they are more mid-level consumer electronic devices

Nitpicking aside, I've had positive experiences with many audio stores in and around Southern Ontario, online and over the phone.

I bought my Klipsch RP LCR speakers from Electronics 4 less for what I feel was a very good price - I think I got one of the first shipments in Canada, as I inquired about them immediately after they were announced during CES 2015.
OPPO-103 I purchased from Solutions AV (had a very smooth warranty repair experience with them).
My SVS subs are from Sonicboom audio
My refurb Denon X4200W is from Gibby's

I would classify my equipment as high end consumer products. My AVR is Marantz's Flagship model. Oppo with Darbeevision is as good as it gets for consumer BD players and the Epson 5030ub is best in class. I do agree that the Klipsch aren't classified as high end but I spent the better part of a year auditioning many brands the RP's can go toe to toe with high end speakers.

I shopped around at Electronics For Less and Sonicboom and Gibby's offered a better price. All great stores though.

[roar]

Thanks for the lead on Gibby's... I'm in the general area too and I am considering an upgrade. I've had my Integra 80.2 processor for a number of years now and with a basement finishing job on the horizon I'm considering a new processor. I just picked up a set of Axiom M80's and their M180 centre channel so my front sound stage is set, need to make some decisions on the rest.

I don't think someone can be wrong when defining what high-end is. What is high-end for one person may not be for another, I think it falls squarely in the court of opinion . As a matter of reference I don't consider any of my gear high-end.

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by roar

Thanks for the lead on Gibby's... I'm in the general area too and I am considering an upgrade. I've had my Integra 80.2 processor for a number of years now and with a basement finishing job on the horizon I'm considering a new processor. I just picked up a set of Axiom M80's and their M180 centre channel so my front sound stage is set, need to make some decisions on the rest.

I don't think someone can be wrong when defining what high-end is. What is high-end for one person may not be for another, I think it falls squarely in the court of opinion . As a matter of reference I don't consider any of my gear high-end.

No problem, it's a great place to shop. Ask for Shawn, he's really knowledgeable and is always willing to give a great deal.

I've heard good things about Axiom. If you're looking at a new AVR check out Gibby's Bstock, good warranty and you'll pay half.

[roar]

I've been spending more time on the Gibby's site and just sent them an email. They are actually located in St. Catherines, which is actually closer to me than Markham! Bonus! May need to make a trip out to see them.

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by roar

I've been spending more time on the Gibby's site and just sent them an email. They are actually located in St. Catherines, which is actually closer to me than Markham! Bonus! May need to make a trip out to see them.

I would call and ask for Shawn, tell him Ross referred you. He is off on Thursdays. I'm probably going to ordering another pair of RP 240s' for the surround rears and possibly their Atmos speakers.

[roar]

Originally Posted by ROSS.T.G.

I would call and ask for Shawn, tell him Ross referred you. He is off on Thursdays. I'm probably going to ordering another pair of RP 240s' for the surround rears and possibly their Atmos speakers.

We chatted yesterday... I'm pondering the Marantz SR6011 with 6 Paradigm H65R for the 4 height channels and 2 side channels. I'm covered up front with my Axiom's and have a pair of B&W DS3's for the rears. I'm heading out of town Thursday for a couple of weeks so I need to make my mind up sooner rather later. He did tell me the deal he offered me was only good for yesterday so I may be too late but I suspect that may have just been a little sales pressure tactics.

What Atmos speakers are you considering?

[roar]

I went and saw Sean yesterday. Got an Atmos Demo in the reference room... I need that in my life Watched the Mad Max scene from one of the Dolby Atmos demo discs and it was spectacular. I pulled the trigger on the Marantz SR6011 and 6 Paradigm in ceilings... I'm thinking about making some changes to my room so I may swap 2 of those out for in-wall but we will see how the room progresses, thanks a lot for the lead on Gibby's, I was pleased with Sean's service didn't try to oversell me when I was there.

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by roar

I went and saw Sean yesterday. Got an Atmos Demo in the reference room... I need that in my life Watched the Mad Max scene from one of the Dolby Atmos demo discs and it was spectacular. I pulled the trigger on the Marantz SR6011 and 6 Paradigm in ceilings... I'm thinking about making some changes to my room so I may swap 2 of those out for in-wall but we will see how the room progresses, thanks a lot for the lead on Gibby's, I was pleased with Sean's service didn't try to oversell me when I was there.

That's great! I have the Marantz SR7009 and love it paired with my Klipsch. I spoke with Shawn last week, he gave me a great deal on another pair of 240s for the surround rears. He's also going to give me a great deal on the Klipsch 140AS Atmos enabled speakers.

[stevo]

Is there not a Audio/Video unlimited franchise where you are ? I know there is one in New Market Ontario. They carry Paradigm , Anthem , Dennon , Marantz , Onkyo most of the leading upper end brands with access to higher end gear.

[ROSS.T.G.]

Originally Posted by stevo

Is there not a Audio/Video unlimited franchise where you are ? I know there is one in New Market Ontario. They carry Paradigm , Anthem , Dennon , Marantz , Onkyo most of the leading upper end brands with access to higher end gear.

I live near Ottawa and the audio stores in my area are pretty bad. It's like pulling teeth to get a discount so I have been buying only from Gibbys. Just last week my wife called my contact at Gibbys and bought me a pair of Klipsch RP 140 Atmos speakers at a great price for my birthday.

[gates70]

I live near Ottawa as well (Aylmer QC) and the only places I know around here are Stereo Plus (2 locations) and The Audio Shoppe. Not much else around that I know of. I've been told by the GM at Stereo Plus that I'm a dying breed, sadly (people aren't investing much in HT anymore I guess).

[stevo]

Originally Posted by gates70

I live near Ottawa as well (Aylmer QC) and the only places I know around here are Stereo Plus (2 locations) and The Audio Shoppe. Not much else around that I know of. I've been told by the GM at Stereo Plus that I'm a dying breed, sadly (people aren't investing much in HT anymore I guess).

Sad but true, out here in Vancouver the higher end Audio stores are dropping like flies ....in the last 5 years I have lost 3 of my favorites. Luckily I have found a little gem in the area that has a thrieving business going and has access to a lot of the higher end brands, Anthem, paradigm, Cambridge , Monitor Audio , Bryston , Sim Audio , Classe and many more. Plus 3 demo rooms ....

[gates70]

Originally Posted by stevo

Sad but true, out here in Vancouver the higher end Audio stores are dropping like flies ....in the last 5 years I have lost 3 of my favorites. Luckily I have found a little gem in the area that has a thrieving business going and has access to a lot of the higher end brands, Anthem, paradigm, Cambridge , Monitor Audio , Bryston , Sim Audio , Classe and many more. Plus 3 demo rooms ....

That's because people today are happy with movie rips and watching them on their stupid little screens (phones, iPads, ....)

[GreatGreg]

In the Ottawa area there is also Signature Audio Video in Stittsville.