Sevenoaks Sound & Vision Straw Poll

MauriceD

Hi All,

Firstly a big hello and well done to all on this forum !!! Great forum and lots of positive comments.

Firstly moderators I am not looking for business (well maybe in future!!). Anyway I am MD of Sevenoaks Sound & Vision Ireland, we have just secured rights for Ireland and are planning to open a Custom Install showroom in Dublin.
But after reading through various threads there seems to be need for good HiFi & video retailer in Dublin. We were not planning retail store but interested in as much feedback.... Maybe we could be persuaded !!!

Interested in your thoughts ...
Cheers in advance.

Maurice

aaf

Oh, you would be most welcome. I recently bought a couple of grands worth of speakers from SSAV Edinburgh because I couldn't source any of the speakers choices I had shortlisted in Ireland. Richersounds would be the only other Irish shop I purchase from. We need a quality showroom / retail outlet here. I just bought ALL of my AV equipment blind. I'm sick of reading threads over on avforums, where everyone is able to go to their local showroom and demo the brands that I would love to demo. I'm sure there's a big demand for it in Ireland, especially Dublin. How many apartments etc have sprung up around Dublin in the last five years, mostly bought by young tech savvy couples. The market is there.

Slaphead07

SevenOakes would indeed be very welcome here on the retail front... I've always found the guys in the UK (and particularly in Edinburgh) to be very helpful and genuinely friendly even though I made it clear I was a tourist and not buying.

That said a lot of traders have come and gone over the years and really only Cloney Audio remain. First because they stock real HiFi and secondly their customer service is very good. I never buy blind from them and regularly borrow stuff to demo. It's in their own interests!

MAJJ

I agree with the post by aaf - although in my case it was SSAV Nothingham.

MauriceD

Thanks Gents

Good to here positive feedback on SSAV Hope we can match same levels of service...

Will be watching for more feedback

The Ritz

Copied to here for wider interest...........


Ritz.

slavetothegrind

You would absolutely be welcome.
Currently the only place to see a home cinema projector in action is harvey norman. A choice of two models badly set up and nobody in the store with the technical knowledge to back them up.
There has to be an opening here, as a specialist retailer you wouldn,t need a high street outlet with all the outlay they command.
Enthusiasts would travel to a well equipped and well manned store to get what they need.
As quoted above Cloney audio is known countrywide by reputation, it is based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin in a non-descript off main street location.

Off now to drool over my next purchase........:D

MauriceD

The Ritz wrote: »

Copied to here for wider interest...........


Ritz.

Cheers Ritz.

Will keep you all posted but looking at 2 prominent sites in south Dublin had an option in Rathfarnham but fell through !!!
But can guarantee you all great service and of course some discount to board members !!!

MauriceD

joeclif wrote: »

You would absolutely be welcome.
Currently the only place to see a home cinema projector in action is harvey norman. A choice of two models badly set up and nobody in the store with the technical knowledge to back them up.
There has to be an opening here, as a specialist retailer you wouldn,t need a high street outlet with all the outlay they command.
Enthusiasts would travel to a well equipped and well manned store to get what they need.
As quoted above Cloney audio is known countrywide by reputation, it is based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin in a non-descript off main street location.

Off now to drool over my next purchase........:D

Joeclif

I was that soldier who trawled few stores in Dublin when sourcing product in previous years. I dont live far from Blackrock and know where Cloney are (good operators too) so I'm hoping to give you guys an alternative!!
Let you know location as soon as confirmed...

Batman182

Hi Maurice,

I think a big seven oaks store in one of Dublin’s retail parks would be great.

In a recent trip to a large Harvey Norman, I had to laugh at their attempt at a projection demo room and some of the advice i heard sales people telling people. I think a high quality (in all ways) av retail and custom install outlet is sorely needed. I'd like to see a demo room with a good quality projection set up, with recliners and all. It would wow people. If you going to do it do it big that’s what I say.

A lot of the Joe Publics out there are not aware of what can be achieved at home at a reasonable price.

On a side note I'd love to get involved in the AV industry, currently looking into Cedia courses. If you need any man power or help I'd be interested?.

John

Owenw

A good mid- to high-end hi-fi / AV retailer is long overdue in Dublin. Last time i demoed something before buying was in Hi-fi Corner - part of the Virgin Megastore on Aston Quay back in 2000. Now its a supermarket! Like others I've had to rely on AV Forums and buy blind from the UK. That's OK up to a point, but when you're planning to drop serious coin on a new piece of equipment you need to be able to demo it.

I don't think the store/showroom should be in a retail park where you'll have dad's dragging the kids in, making a racket and running around and bored teenagers coming in to break expensive stuff.

A smaller store in the city with a dedicated listening room would be more appropriate IMO. Something akin to Discount Electrical for example

Maurice would you be offering home demoing of equipment, if this goes ahead?

MauriceD

Owenw wrote: »

A good mid- to high-end hi-fi / AV retailer is long overdue in Dublin. Last time i demoed something before buying was in Hi-fi Corner - part of the Virgin Megastore on Aston Quay back in 2000. Now its a supermarket! Like others I've had to rely on AV Forums and buy blind from the UK. That's OK up to a point, but when you're planning to drop serious coin on a new piece of equipment you need to be able to demo it.

I don't think the store/showroom should be in a retail park where you'll have dad's dragging the kids in, making a racket and running around and bored teenagers coming in to break expensive stuff.

A smaller store in the city with a dedicated listening room would be more appropriate IMO. Something akin to Discount Electrical for example

Maurice would you be offering home demoing of equipment, if this goes ahead?

Hi Owen

I used to buy kit from Hi-Fi corner -great shop and knowledgable guys. We have handshake on a site in south dublin will know over next couple of weeks. I have another shop (different business)in city centre but have had a lot of trouble!! So one down road from house with an option to buy is attractive.. You will all know soon enough.

About home demos a little unsure ??? We were planning CI only showroom all you guys are persuading me to go retail also, so more pressure bigger product range!! Only worry with home demos is damaged product but we will have 2 dedicated sound rooms.
Keep you posted and look forward to your suppport.

Cheers
Maurice

Slaphead07

Realistically home demos could only go to trusted long time customers... otherwise it's leave a valid cheque or visa number and at the managers discretion.

There is a gap for a genuine hifi shop in Dublin (and indeed Ireland) with the only existing one being Cloneys - Harvey Normal isn't hifi or AV and if you doubt me just ask them a question... you might as well be in Dixons. Peats sell mainstream entry level hifi again with very little expertise behind it.
That said Maurice, hifi retailers have come and gone for various reasons and you'll have your work cut out for you!

MauriceD

Slaphead07 wrote: »

Realistically home demos could only go to trusted long time customers... otherwise it's leave a valid cheque or visa number and at the managers discretion.

There is a gap for a genuine hifi shop in Dublin (and indeed Ireland) with the only existing one being Cloneys - Harvey Normal isn't hifi or AV and if you doubt me just ask them a question... you might as well be in Dixons. Peats sell mainstream entry level hifi again with very little expertise behind it.
That said Maurice, hifi retailers have come and gone for various reasons and you'll have your work cut out for you!

Thanks Slaphead

As regards home demos this would be approach we would take. I am aware of competition I have bought product over years. As I said CI was our background and I own couple of other retail stores and am aware of isuues of other hifi retailers but still feel there seems to be a demand and there seem to be a few of you guys around so lets see...

PC

MauriceD wrote: »

Hi All,

Firstly a big hello and well done to all on this forum !!! Great forum and lots of positive comments.

Firstly moderators I am not looking for business (well maybe in future!!). Anyway I am MD of Sevenoaks Sound & Vision Ireland, we have just secured rights for Ireland and are planning to open a Custom Install showroom in Dublin.
But after reading through various threads there seems to be need for good HiFi & video retailer in Dublin. We were not planning retail store but interested in as much feedback.... Maybe we could be persuaded !!!

Interested in your thoughts ...
Cheers in advance.

Maurice

Hi Maurice

Absolutely delighted that you're thinking of setting up here. There is absolutely nowhere to go when one is thinking of going down this road.
I remember six years ago when I set up my first 'Home Cinema System' I spent hours online researching different equipment, subscribing to several UK magazines and in the end, had to ship most of it in from the UK (Panasonic Projector-Denon Dvd Player-Denon Amplifier-Qed Speaker Cable) having heard or seen none of them in Demo.
I remember at the time going into 'Peats' (the 'World of Eletronics') enquiring aboud Component Video cable...the guy looked at me as if I had two heads. He hadn't a clue what I was talking about. All we have now is 'Harvey Normans'. I would'nt buy a light bulb in the place. Ok we have Cloney Audio ...and they're excellent but a little bit on competition would be nice.

So Maurice I'll be upgrading to High Definition soon' and hope that you're around to help me make the right choices. Cheers mate!!!

Denon 3800 Dvd Player
Denon A11SR Amplifier
Panasonic PTAE-100 Projector
M&K LCR K7's x 3
M&K K4 Tripoles x 2
REL T1 Amplifier
Russ Andrew Silencer Block
Sony Playstation 3

Upgrading to...possibly...

Onkyo 875 or 905 Amplifier
Panasonic PT-2000E HD LCD Projector
Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Player

big_moe

lads, specifically PC,

Alliance Electric on Georges Street, Dublin sell everything you just mentioned (Panasonic Projector-Denon Dvd Player-Denon Amplifier-Qed Speaker Cable)

we also stock everything you're thinking of upgrading to (panasonic PT-AE2000, Onkyo 875 & 905, & DMP-BD50)

Also, the Onkyo 875 & 905 receivers are gone. The new 876 & 906 will be with us shortly.

if you're looking for mid to high end gear chances are we stock it, or can get it for you.

And we know our stuff

www.allianceelectric.ie

Adam

Slaphead07

That needed to be said Moe and as a long time customer I can assure you all it's very true. Peats and Harveys are joke shops when it comes to HiFi and AV and I'd like to see more choice for high end hifi (and so welcome Sevenoakes) but it's nonsense to say we're not well served now.

big_moe

Slaphead07 wrote: »

That needed to be said Moe and as a long time customer I can assure you all it's very true. Peats and Harveys are joke shops when it comes to HiFi and AV and I'd like to see more choice for high end hifi (and so welcome Sevenoakes) but it's nonsense to say we're not well served now.

thanks slaphead. and just to be clear; im not against sevenoaks, im looking forward to it!

but its weird to me that some people think we have peats & harveys and then thats it for AV stores.

adam

The Ritz

The thing I don't understand about Peats and Harvey Norman's is that they stock some decent enough AV equipment but seem to have sales men who know nothing about it and their demo facilities are hopeless. For instance, in HN they have three projectors simultaneously showing the same feed on three screens with huge amounts of light-spill in an area smaller than most living rooms - and they all look cack (including a top-of-the-tree JVC DILA projector !!) The jumble of speakers and amps doesn;t help either - it's 's impossible to figure out what's playing. The last time I spoke to one of their salesmen, he hadn't a clue what the difference was between the projectors, and struggled to tell me what source they were playing from (hustling around, poking various dvd players...... "Oh it's this one..."). Peats demo room is equally awful, multiple projectors, light spill all over the place, LCD/ Plasmas lighting it up like a christmas tree. I've never had the chance to find out what their "salesmen" are like - on the few occasions I've gone in there, the guy behind the counter stayed where he was..............

A bit of competition would be very welcome in the market, imo, provided someone can come up with decent demo facilities and salesmen who know something (anything !!!) about the equipment they deal in and have some small smidgen of interpersonal skill.........




Ritz.

MauriceD

PC wrote: »

Hi Maurice

Absolutely delighted that you're thinking of setting up here. There is absolutely nowhere to go when one is thinking of going down this road.
I remember six years ago when I set up my first 'Home Cinema System' I spent hours online researching different equipment, subscribing to several UK magazines and in the end, had to ship most of it in from the UK (Panasonic Projector-Denon Dvd Player-Denon Amplifier-Qed Speaker Cable) having heard or seen none of them in Demo.
I remember at the time going into 'Peats' (the 'World of Eletronics') enquiring aboud Component Video cable...the guy looked at me as if I had two heads. He hadn't a clue what I was talking about. All we have now is 'Harvey Normans'. I would'nt buy a light bulb in the place. Ok we have Cloney Audio ...and they're excellent but a little bit on competition would be nice.

So Maurice I'll be upgrading to High Definition soon' and hope that you're around to help me make the right choices. Cheers mate!!!

Denon 3800 Dvd Player
Denon A11SR Amplifier
Panasonic PTAE-100 Projector
M&K LCR K7's x 3
M&K K4 Tripoles x 2
REL T1 Amplifier
Russ Andrew Silencer Block
Sony Playstation 3

Upgrading to...possibly...

Onkyo 875 or 905 Amplifier
Panasonic PT-2000E HD LCD Projector
Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray Player

Hi PC

Thanks for positive feedback and hope to have some definite news soon on store location... Competition is healthy whatever the business and hope to offer better levels of service than currently available.
By the way nice kit and will keep you posted....:cool:

gman2k

Maurice,
Any update on store location/ opening?
Cheers

MauriceD

gman2k wrote: »

Maurice,
Any update on store location/ opening?
Cheers

Hi gman2k

Yep hot off press will be opening on Grange Rd, Rathfarnham- opposite Marlay Park, next door to Pharmacy in Lidl shopping mall.

Aiming for opening in mid November will keep you posted. Also let you know it will be a Custom Install Centre rather than pure retail store so will be featuring a lifestyle showroom rather than pure retail section.
We will feature some product and can have any Sevenoaks product delivered to our door in 2-3 days. Will have dedicated home cinema demo room and feature mood lighting and home automation.
So lots to see and will let you know closer to time.

Look forward to meeting you all.

Thanks


Maurice:D

RonanC

MauriceD wrote: »

We will feature some product and can have any Sevenoaks product delivered to our door in 2-3 days.

Good to hear of your impending opening.

Will you offer delivery anywhere in the country?

MauriceD

RonanC wrote: »

Good to hear of your impending opening.

Will you offer delivery anywhere in the country?

Hi Ronan

Yes I am sure we can look at this and again when we agree final details I will let all know of full list of products and services.

cheers

Maurice

sofireland

Thats great news, good luck with it.
I work in Rathfarnham myself so i now know where i'll be wasting my lunch break!

MauriceD

sofireland wrote: »

Thats great news, good luck with it.
I work in Rathfarnham myself so i now know where i'll be wasting my lunch break!

Thanks for that... Look forward to meeting you and dont forget to tell your friends and spread the Gospel

Cheers

MAJJ

Hi Maurice,

I live within 10 mins walk and am looking forward to the opening. Best of luck with the venture.

Cheers,
Majj

MauriceD

MAJJ wrote: »

Hi Maurice,

I live within 10 mins walk and am looking forward to the opening. Best of luck with the venture.

Cheers,
Majj

Thanks for that, need all support I can get from you boardies especially in these lean times. So see you all soon and when established will arrange specific offers for all members.

Cheers

MauriceD

gman2k wrote: »

Maurice,
Any update on store location/ opening?
Cheers

Hi gman2k and all boardies.
Just to let you know we are opening mid November with full CI showroom and some retail. All product can be ordered if not in stock .....
Goto site below for contact info or drop me line
http://www.sevenoaks.ie

Hope to see you all over coming weeks/months.

cheers

Maurice:D:D

coley

Excellent news! will have to pay a visit.

-Coley.

MauriceD

coley wrote: »

Excellent news! will have to pay a visit.

-Coley.

Cheers look forward to it and hope we can tempt you with all our new toys....:)

M

Slaphead07

MauriceD wrote: »

Cheers look forward to it and hope we can tempt you with all our new toys....:)

M

Hi Maurice,
Am I right in thinking that Sevenoaks does fairly mainstream hifi - the likes of Arcam or Cyrus rather than genuine "high end" gear?

MauriceD

Slaphead07 wrote: »

Hi Maurice,
Am I right in thinking that Sevenoaks does fairly mainstream hifi - the likes of Arcam or Cyrus rather than genuine "high end" gear?

Hi slaphead07

Sevenoaks cater for both mainstream and high end kit. The real benefit and reason for going with Sevenoaks franchise was their access to all brands and suppliers around world.... If there are specific brands you are looking for drop me a line and will chase up. I am new to hifi but have more experience in Custom Install market and will feature some nice systems in showroom ...

M

Slaphead07

MauriceD wrote: »

Hi slaphead07

Sevenoaks cater for both mainstream and high end kit. The real benefit and reason for going with Sevenoaks franchise was their access to all brands and suppliers around world.... If there are specific brands you are looking for drop me a line and will chase up. I am new to hifi but have more experience in Custom Install market and will feature some nice systems in showroom ...

M

Thanks Maurice,
I'm not too far away so I'll drop in for a chat at some stage.

MauriceD

Slaphead07 wrote: »

Thanks Maurice,
I'm not too far away so I'll drop in for a chat at some stage.

Look forward to it

M

cdb

Well done Maurice. Great to see SSAV are opening a store on the Grange road, the 'lifestyle showroom' sounds interesting!

In answer to an earlier post:

'you'll have dad's dragging the kids in, making a racket and running around and bored teenagers coming in to break expensive stuff'

There is an excellent place for children right beside you that might keep the kids occupied while the dads visit the store http://www.giddystudios.com/

MauriceD

cdb wrote: »

Well done Maurice. Great to see SSAV are opening a store on the Grange road, the 'lifestyle showroom' sounds interesting!

In answer to an earlier post:

There is an excellent place for children right beside you that might keep the kids occupied while the dads visit the store http://www.giddystudios.com/

Absolutely cdb great spot for kids... and hopefully we can tempt dads!

slavetothegrind

Passed your store tonight, lads and ladies feverishly working away!

Looking good if small! But then the best things....:)

Will definitely drop in for a chat when you open. Need a new amp. Yes wifey, NEED!

Best of luck with your venture!

MauriceD

joeclif wrote: »

Passed your store tonight, lads and ladies feverishly working away!

Looking good if small! But then the best things....:)

Will definitely drop in for a chat when you open. Need a new amp. Yes wifey, NEED!

Best of luck with your venture!

Cheers joeclif

yep burning midnight oils... Big enough when paying bills bekieve me.
See you soon hope to be open at weekend will let you all know by end of week.

M

sofireland

Do keep me informed, i'll defo pop out and have a look.

MauriceD

Dont worry will be shouting from roof tops and look forward to seeing you all.


Thnks

M

Spinnaker

Maurice,

Great to hear. SSAV will be successful, no doubt.

I believe that success can be multiplied in serving consumers who are now to converge disparate systems. You can see in threads here; efforts at creating multiroom systems using ipods, wireless networks and now video and projection and gaming. For me a suitable amp and quality speakers will always be THE centre of any home system

Richer sounds made it easy for the curious non-expert to buy by promoting discrete bundles in their stores. I'm sure you have considered this but maybe pay attention towhat people are trying to achieve with their digital sources across multiple rooms. If delivered in an educational way - with demo of course - herein lies a sales multiplier effect, methinks

Good luck
Spin

MauriceD

sofireland wrote: »

Do keep me informed, i'll defo pop out and have a look.

Just confirmed will open Weds 19th @ 11am. Hope to see you all soon.

Cheers

M

MauriceD

Spinnaker wrote: »

Maurice,

Great to hear. SSAV will be successful, no doubt.

I believe that success can be multiplied in serving consumers who are now to converge disparate systems. You can see in threads here; efforts at creating multiroom systems using ipods, wireless networks and now video and projection and gaming. For me a suitable amp and quality speakers will always be THE centre of any home system

Richer sounds made it easy for the curious non-expert to buy by promoting discrete bundles in their stores. I'm sure you have considered this but maybe pay attention towhat people are trying to achieve with their digital sources across multiple rooms. If delivered in an educational way - with demo of course - herein lies a sales multiplier effect, methinks

Good luck
Spin

Thanks Spin

Exactly model we are working off. Our showromm is basically a "Digital Home" rather than traditional HiFi store.
We hope to educate the public on what is possible with right cable and products...

Cheers M

sofireland

Excellent, i'll be sure to pop out and have a gander!

sofireland

Went out there during the week, the guys have a great set up, well done lads!

MauriceD

sofireland wrote: »

Went out there during the week, the guys have a great set up, well done lads!

Thanks sofireland for positive comment;) Glad you enjoyed experience been very well recieved overall ...still learning and interested in feedback.

Cheers

M

Idleater

MauriceD wrote: »

...still learning and interested in feedback

Maurice,

I called out there some time in the week or two before christmas, and while the shop is nice, there is not a great selection of HiFi equipment there. I know you can get stuff in, and I know it is more of a custom install/new build kind of slant (this is what the guy, not yourself, that was there at the time told me), but still, if you compare your equipment to what the ssav and your own website list there does appear to be a discrepancy.

Maybe it was just the time of year that was in it and you are still filling up the stock, but imo, you could have a few complete ranges of systems there.

I am sure that there would be some people interested in hearing different hifi options in different price ranges before determining what they are going to buy?

the 3 tv's that you had there could be 3 different sizes, with 3 different amps running 3 different speaker packages (the monitor radius' were in the little demo room when I was there)?

Purely my own thoughts, on what I feel is still a welcome store to Dublin, and I must admit I did like the artwork speakers, which I was considering getting before I saw the price which was outside my 3 year ago budget!

I will be in contact with you anyway in a month or so regarding a query or two I have on some power amps, which hopefully you can advise me on.

till then...
L.

MauriceD

nereid wrote: »

Maurice,

I called out there some time in the week or two before christmas, and while the shop is nice, there is not a great selection of HiFi equipment there. I know you can get stuff in, and I know it is more of a custom install/new build kind of slant (this is what the guy, not yourself, that was there at the time told me), but still, if you compare your equipment to what the ssav and your own website list there does appear to be a discrepancy.

Maybe it was just the time of year that was in it and you are still filling up the stock, but imo, you could have a few complete ranges of systems there.

I am sure that there would be some people interested in hearing different hifi options in different price ranges before determining what they are going to buy?

the 3 tv's that you had there could be 3 different sizes, with 3 different amps running 3 different speaker packages (the monitor radius' were in the little demo room when I was there)?

Purely my own thoughts, on what I feel is still a welcome store to Dublin, and I must admit I did like the artwork speakers, which I was considering getting before I saw the price which was outside my 3 year ago budget!

I will be in contact with you anyway in a month or so regarding a query or two I have on some power amps, which hopefully you can advise me on.

till then...
L.

Hi nereid

Thanks for your input much appreciated...
Firstly we are a Custom Install Showroom -that was our origional aim. We have been involved in CI for last number of years. Sevenoaks when it opened ies fdoors in early 70's was a HiFi store then evolved into multichannel and now developing into dedicated CI showroom.
So whilst talking on board your points we know have 4 home cinema demo systems, one 2 channel setup and plans to add another demo room.
Like any business we have to look at whats sells and what is profitable ...
Especially with current state of economy we are keen to keep stock tight and concentrate on volume sales which is Home Cinema. also there are some distribution agreements in place here in Ireland which make it difficult to trade in certian products..
So we have changed store layout and will continue to build ..we are only 6 weeks old.
So do drop in and hope we can improve.

Thanks

M

cdb

Hi Maurice,

I was in the area on Sunday and popped over on the off chance someone would be in. But no worries, I'll drop by another time.

Do SevenOaks stock B&W speakers in Dublin by any chance? Would love to hear the 683, 684 & CM7's or the XT range and anything else in this range.

Thanks and all the best.

MauriceD

cdb wrote: »

Hi Maurice,

I was in the area on Sunday and popped over on the off chance someone would be in. But no worries, I'll drop by another time.

Do SevenOaks stock B&W speakers in Dublin by any chance? Would love to hear the 683, 684 & CM7's or the XT range and anything else in this range.

Thanks and all the best.

Hi cdb

sorry missed you sunday we were open Sundays on run up to Christmas but 6 days a week is long enough.. Any help we are open late on Thursday till 9pm.

B&W will be featured in our showroom in near future we ware in process of finalizing with supplier and will be putting in another demo room with B&W product. Will keep you posted call in and can give demos on Monitor Audio and Kef also Mordaunt Short...

Hope to see you soon and thanks for enquiry.

M