Premium audio solutions with personalized service since 1975.
Expert guidance and sales of premium audio equipment from top brands like McIntosh Labs.
Personalized design of complete multi-room audio and home theater systems.
Skilled installation of in-ceiling speakers, components, and integrated systems.
In-store auditions of high-fidelity systems with your own media.
Ongoing technical support and problem-solving for installed systems.
“I bought stereo equipment from these guys more than 35 years ago, when we moved to San Francisco in 1990. You don’t stay in business as a small retail outlet for nearly 50 years without doing something right. I’m currently in the process of upgrading to a fantasy-level McIntosh amplifier and working with Barry is just such a pleasure. I’m writing this review in advance of taking delivery of the equipment, because I don’t have any concern that there will be any problems. My parents ran a successful retail music and record store in St. Louis, Missouri for over 40 years, starting in 1942. So understanding what personalized service is is built into my DNA, having watched them do it, and having worked there as a teenager. It may sound hokey, but I get a warm feeling every time I drive by that shop and think of how rare it is to deal with a business where you know people personally for decade after decade, who will always make you feel welcome when you stop in, whether you’re there just to listen to amazing equipment and buy nothing, or drop tens of thousands of dollars. Thanks Barry O’brien for carrying on a tradition that is sadly fading in our society: first-class personalized retail service, and in-depth knowledge of rarefied equipment.”
Wife and I had a great experience here. Walked in and was greeted by who I assume was the owner. He was very friendly and helpful and answered all of our questions and even let us demo a system with some vinyl we had with us.
Barry is a gem of a human--super knowledgeable and down to earth. I enjoyed listening to him passionately describe the equipment in Performance Audio's portfolio (which includes the best top end audio equipment I'm aware of, from McIntosh Labs in particular). Huge fan of their work. If I had the resources to have them 'take the reigns' on my home audio setup, I'd feel very comfortable doing so.
I have never had a better experience than dealing with Barry at Performance Audio. I had a problem with the input for one of the TVs they installed nearly 4 years ago and after numerous phone calls to figure the problem out Barry came to my residence to trouble shoot the problem.. They have a great selection and installers if you want them to put together a system for you.
The wife and I got an entire new system from Barry. From start to finish he guided us through with great information and distilled all the marketing hype from the things that we actually needed to consider. We wanted a complete multi room set up for music and home theater and we were not disappointed. From the myriad of components to choose from to the installation of the in ceiling speakers, these guys are pros. I would say that our experience before, during and after the install with them was A+. Thank you!
Performance Audio is a San Francisco institution specializing in high-end audio equipment and custom installations. For nearly 50 years, we've provided expert guidance on premium brands like McIntosh Labs, offering everything from stereo components to complete multi-room systems. Our knowledgeable team, led by owner Barry O'Brien, delivers first-class personalized service, whether you're auditioning equipment or investing in a dream setup. We handle sales, professional installation, and ongoing support for home theater and music systems.
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