HEADS UP Chicago based music lovers

A short time ago a new brick and mortar shop, Toska Audio, opened up in Mt. Prospect on 514 N Northwest Hwy. As a professional reviewer I'm always looking for shops that are owned by knowledgeable and friendly folks who care about getting individuals new to the hobby started on the right foot towards building a music system that's in their budget range. Peter, the owner, fits the bill, he's a good guy and has the knowledge to help someone put together a system without coming across as an "expert" trying to sell you something you don't need.

The store has excellent enter level gear such as Creek, Music Hall, Teac, and Cambrige. If you are looking for more reference level pieces the store in its "stable" has Hegel, Acoustic Solid TT, Wells Audio, Audio Physic speakers, King Sound electrostatic speakers, M2 DSD dacs, and tube based Purity Audio preamps and amplifiers. By the way Pete's room at the Axpona show made many lists as one of the best sounding rooms at the show.

Sadly,not to many brick and mortar stores have opened up in the last five years in the Chicagoland area. So, if you want to have an enjoyable time listening to your music in a friendly atmosphere and are just getting into the wacky world of audio because you love music or are a grizzled hard core audiophile I think you should make a trip to Toska and have some fun.