EMBER Audio + Design

"I am overjoyed with respect and enthusiasm for Ember's commitment to customer service. Long story, short, I had an issue, where they weren't even the original seller of the equipment to me and they solved my problem with no fuss or begging on my part. Chris was Happy to help and completely resolved my problem for me. I highly recommend them. Great people and I will absolutely call them first with my next purchase."

"Chris is one of the most genuine and kindly HiFi guru's, I have ever met. His wealth of knowledge both in music, and especially gear, is unmatched. I was so impressed after after several e-mails and multiple conversations, I scheduled an audition even though he is 2 hours away. Chris also recommended looking at other Hi-Fi vendors when I was in the area. So happy to see mutual respect is alive and well, even with competing businesses. His auditions are the best bar-none I have experienced. Never felt pressured for time and he simply guided me through multiple speakers that best fit my listening needs. While I ultimately went with a different brand (that he doesn't carry), I will definitely be a future customer for additional equipment. For a first rate experience purchasing hi-fi gear of any kind, you cannot beat Ember. Thank you Chris!"

"If you love listening to great music, regardless of budget, you'll want to visit EMBER Audio & Design and speak with Chris. I have slowly built a great system (Hegel amp and Dynaudio speakers) over several years with Chris' help (including installation in central Virginia). His knowledge and passion is extraordinary, their sound room is a joy to test-listen. For each of my major purchases, I spent hours testing gear and discussing options with Chris. Accessories like cables -- Chris can help. Questions about how to integrate your stereo system into your home theater, Chris can help. Renovating your music room, that too. Absolute highest praise for a store where you'll get great advise with no pressure from really, really nice people. And, that've got a great selection of furniture in addition to stereo gear."

"Ember is the best dealer I’ve ever encountered, for a multitude of reasons. And I’ve auditioned gear in Miami, Seattle, NY/NJ, Chicago, New Orleans, St. Louis, Vancouver, BC, etc. Those near Ember are fortunate to have Chris and his showroom nearby. Call or go there and you will find an unassuming, talented audio and design professional operating his shop to a world-class standard of excellence. You will find him remarkably available, an excellent communicator, endlessly patient and willing to share his deep understanding of audio principles and system building. Also, you will not find a more consistently cheerful person who seems to genuinely enjoy dealing with the public (aka, customers). Please do not misconstrue my high praise to imply that those new to the hobby need not apply. You will not find a more down-to earth, welcoming audio shop. If you expect sales pressure or to be up-sold, you will be disappointed. Ha ha. If excellent sound quality can be achieved by spending less than you think, Chris will be the first to tell you how. If you don’t live nearby, call. I did. Chris evaluated where I was in audio and where I wanted to go. My first purchase from him came within four months and is still perhaps THE best gear purchase ever. He nailed it. A year later, I auditioned 3 pairs of loudspeakers in his shop. The in-shop demo was the most effective I’d ever had. No time constraints and great cappuccino. I came back the next day to hear the ones I liked best, again. Still no sales pressure. I did purchase them six weeks later."

"I have been dealing with high end audio stores for at least 40 years. Ember Audio is the most gratifying experience to date. Chris is very knowledgable, always available, and very easy to work with. Anyone who lives on the East Coast should give Ember and Chris a call. You will not be disappointed. Peter Bogart"