Suggestion for an Audio Store in London


Hi, I will be in London this holiday season and would like to visit a high end audiophile store. A place that sells tube electronics would be great. Suggestions?

Also, a large CD store that is not a chain.

Thanks to all,

==Mike
mendota98
Mike, Regardless of it being a chain, check out Tower Records at Picadilly Circus in London. It has a huge selection of CDs and other items.
Hi Mike. I was in London a little over 2 years ago. And there's quite a few higher end shops to my supprise really! It appears England in general is quite a Hi-fi friendly place from which to shop! ...or window shop if that's your preference. My suggestion is to pick up a local Audio mag while you're there(fi, etc), and or check the phone book!
I can't honestly remember the names, other than there was one REALLY high end shop down on Totentam Court(spelling), or whatever you call it. Anyway it was just north east I think of Picadilli Circus, up Totantam Court a ways. There are others there too, and in out-skirt cities as well. You might just ask around and you'll probably get plenty of info...those Brits are quite sociable and approachable that way.
Have fun...I did!
Like ForeverHiFi, I was in some high-end shops the last time I was in London, but forget where they were exactly. I agree, just ask.

If you have time to kill and you want to check out some modestly price gear (Arcam, Cambridge Audio, Sony, Mordaunt Short, Mission, the better Marantz, and quite a few brands not sold in the USA), you can also stop in a Richer Sounds outlet. They have mutiple locations around London and the UK as well.

Their website is http://www.richersounds.com/

You will find a lot of Cambridge gear, because owner Julian Richer is the general partner in Audio Partnership that owns Cambridge. He can sell the stuff for what would be wholesale in the US.

My earlier mention of Tower should be a must visit for classical listeners. The Picadilly Tower has the largest classical collection in one place I have ever seen. If memory serves, it took up an entire floor of the multi-level store. If you've ever wanted that rare CD that would be a special import in the USA; you can just pick it out of the rack there in stock.
When you get to Heathrow or Gatwick buy a copy of High Fi News/Record Review or What High Fi and look up the ads for high end dealers. I maybe dating myself but if Audio T or Thomas Heinitz/Music in the Home is still around they are worth visiting. I know Mr. Heinitz has retired but I understood the store was still there. Also there are often after holiday sales of 50% off or more so you should ask about that - it's traditional in the London shopping areas.