Peter Familari

Review of Carlton Audio Service

Thirty years of audio-video reviewing gives you am...

Thirty years of audio-video reviewing gives you ample time to suss the truly great hi-fi stores from the gonna- bees.
In my opinion, Carlton Audio Visual is the kind of store I'd buy my gear from: huge range of ear-pleasing stock, best store location in Australia (nice and handy for a meal or a quick expresso), ample parking and staff passionate about audio.
And so I have bought a heap of equipment there.Over the decades I've been well served by the store's experienced and engaging staff. So much so, I'd rate CAV as a bit of a national treasure.
I was the Herald's Sun audio video editor for more than twenty years. A job that took me into the engine room of most Aussie Hi-Fi stores. Also providing the best of vantage points to assess the good 'uns from the sour.
I moved on to StereoNET as the audio editor. These days I labour across 4squaremedia titles including Soundmag, SmartHouse and Channel news as this outfit's national audio video editor.
In the meantime and as a point of transparency, my 26-year old son Nicholas applied for a job at CAV to help pay for his post graduate degree in Architecture. I should add, Rab and his wife Angela, and the CAV staff have given Nick a first-class audio education to compliment his passion for music.
In constant contact with the ebbs and flows of the industry, I take every opportunity to get to CAV simply to soak up the ambience. If I'm not in a buying mood, I enjoy an expresso in Lygon Street and enjoy the passing parade.
Point is, the welcome is as warm there for day-trippers like me as it is for committed buyers.
Take my word when I say, ''You'll enjoy CAV''.