Audio-Ultra — Local services in Sumner

Once in a while, you experience a level of customer service that vastly exceeds any expectations My recent transaction with Audio-Ultra definitely fell into that category! Over the past 20 years, I have been constantly searching for the best match of audio components. The process has been interesting and somewhat frustrating at the same time. High-end audio is so much about synergy of components, room acoustics and other variables. I have experimented with dozens of brands of amplification, sources, speakers and interconnects.

My most recent endeavor has related to simplification - which would involve going from separates back to an integrated amplifier. I had previously owned many of the well known integrated amps in the sub $20,000 range and wanted to make sure I was not making a lateral move. Edward DeVito, of Audio Ultra spent a significant amount of time with me regarding the goals for my system, and frank discussions regarding what seemed to be the "merry-go-round" process that many audiophiles experience. He wanted to make sure that I was absolutely certain as to my plans for a) finding amplification that would pair well with my Stenheim speakers and b) meet the requirements of simplification of my system.

It should be noted that Ed made a special trip to my home last year to learn more about my room and gear at the time, so he was well qualified to provide advice about what I was hoping to accomplish. When I decided I wanted to try CH Precision gear, Ed arranged to ship a demo unit to my home for evaluation. This was done in conjunction with representatives from CH Precision who were able to explain the attributes of the gear I was to be receiving for evaluation. In addition, I also received extraordinary help and assistance from Ralph Sorrentino, the company's Brand Ambassador during the evaluation phase.

Once received and connected, I was not expecting the CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amp to perform as well as it did and while I was ready to order one within a few days (after doing A/B comparison with my existing set-up), Ed suggested that I take much longer to evaluate the demo unit - which ended up being weeks.

When I was ready to order my new CH Precision I1, the process was seamless and I recieved it quicky! This unit has replaced a pre-amp, amp, streamer and DAC - all with a measurable increase in performance and musicality. Mission Accomplished!

I have to say - this was by far the most enjoyable buying process of any piece of audio equipment I have experienced! Many thanks to Audio-Ultra for making...

Audio-Ultra is an amazing company. The owner has an infectious passion for music that is incredibly refreshing. Not once did I feel was being sold something; rather they were sharing a love of music and had some great tips on how to get to reference-level playback. The service was second to none and they were very accommodating of my girlfriend and I during a very generous listening session.

Audio-Ultra has a philosophy that one needs perfect power and stabilization of the source to achieve reference level playback. Brand selection of the source is also critical.

I am now a firm-believer in this philosophy. It was eye (and ear!) opening to hear the ultimate example of this reasoning in its full glory. One would be hard-pressed to find a better listening room.

The system I heard had used the following components:

CH Precision 10 Series with the P1 Phonostage and X1 Power Supply Kuzma Stabi R with 4 Point 11 and Kuzma CAR 50 Cartridge Dohmann Helix 2 with the Kuzma Safir Tonearm and Ortofon Verissimo Cartridge Critical Mass System Stands Magico M6 Speakers WADAX Atlantis Reference DAC and Server Audioquest Dragon Cables

The system I heard at Audio-Ultra is absolutely reference level and provides an experience like no other.  I would highly recommend anyone with even a passing interest in high-end audio take a visit to Audio-Ultra and experience what the finest in reference level playback has to offer. It is difficult to articulate just how incredible this listening room is, I have never heard anything so transparent to the source and beguilingly life-like. I guarantee that you have heard nothing like this and will walk away equally impressed with both the service...

I was looking to upgrade my speakers, and had heard Magicos once previously (at a factory tour!). I found Ed on the Magico website, and contacted him asking for an audition. While he didn’t have the exact speaker I was interested in hearing (A3), he did have the next in line (A5), and two higher end speakers (S5, M-series). Ed kindly hooked up my DAC to his (amazing) system so that I could hear my own songs through the speakers. We both listened, on and off, for nearly 4 hours, to the 3 sets of speakers, focusing most on the A5. I was able to hear the family resemblances among the 3 speakers and Ed gave me a realistic assessment of how the A3 would sound relative to the other speakers. Ed explained the service that he would offer should I buy a set of speakers from him (delivery to my home, set-up, and suggestions about how to improve the room acoustically). I strongly considered buying a pair of A3’s from him, but was lucky enough to find a lightly used set of A5’s that I purchased. Without the extended listening session and guidance of Ed, I would not have had the confidence to purchase such an expensive speaker. I could not be happier with my new speakers, and Ed was an essential element in making this choice. Ed has shown himself to be a true class act, as he has continued being in touch with me (even though I didn’t buy from him) offering further assistance. I cannot recommend Ed and Audio-Ultra more highly. If you are in the market for Magico speakers and live anywhere near Seattle, he is the...