The Story of Audio T
It all began in 1966, when John Bartlett founded a Hi-Fi business with a difference. Originally named Audio Technica, it quickly became clear that the Japanese company of the same name had beaten him to it, so “Technica” was dropped, never to be replaced. With that, Audio T was born.
In the early days, John ran the business part-time from his home, placing adverts in The Gramophone magazine for “ex-demo” and “display” equipment. In truth, the products were brand new, sold under those descriptions because discounting new kit was not allowed at the time. It was an early sign of the rebellious streak that would go on to define Audio T.
By 1968, the business had grown enough to move into its first proper premises on the top floor of Dryden Chambers, tucked behind Oxford Street in London. The building itself had a colourful history, having once been a Victorian brothel, and even made a cameo appearance in Alfred Hitchcock’s Frenzy. Audio T operated from the rear of the building captured in the film.
Right from the start, the company was not afraid to challenge the status quo. If a product was not good enough, they would say so openly. They even had equipment independently tested and published the results, no matter how large the manufacturer. One famously public disagreement with Leak made headlines in the industry. However, this refusal to toe the line, combined with a genuine search for the best and most reliable equipment, often from small and then-unknown companies, won Audio T a loyal following.
That independence drew in some well-known names. Dennis Healey, John Williams, Terry Gilliam and Farad Azima, who later founded Mission, were among the early customers. Also visiting the shop were Stewart Tyler and Blue Sutcliffe of Celef, as well as Martin Colloms of Monitor Audio fame.
In 1972, the shop relocated to West Hampstead and continued its trailblazing path. It was the first retailer in Britain to offer direct-cut vinyl, five-year warranty options and full amplifier test reports. It also became known for its unconventional quirks, including closing on Mondays and holding infamous midnight sales. Audio T broke the rules, and people loved it for that.
Branching out, Audio T opened in Cambridge in 1971 and Windsor in 1974. Growth was paused when John decided to sell the business and devote his time to helping people with learning difficulties. The next chapter began under Tony Jones, who expanded Audio T and created AT Labs. Originally a servicing division, it became a retailer in its own right and traded in Enfield until 2023, just yards from where it all began.
In 1990, Tony joined forces with Oxford retailers Absolute Sound and Video, forming the Audio T group as we know it today.
Further growth followed. In 2002, we took over the three Jeffries Hi-Fi stores along the South Coast, and in 2008 we merged with Audio Excellence and Practical Hi-Fi, two companies that shared our ethos of honesty, passion and innovation.
Of course, the economic landscape has changed significantly over the years. Like many retailers, we have felt the impact of shifting markets and, more recently, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stores have come and gone, but our commitment to quality, service and enthusiasm for great sound has never wavered.
Over the years, Audio T has welcomed an extraordinary list of customers, especially musicians who appreciated our straight-talking approach and love of great sound. These include Emma Watson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Noel Gallagher, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, Paul Potts, Bonnie Tyler, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith of Underworld, Dr Karl Jenkins, Julian Mendelsohn, Jay Kay of Jamiroquai, Will Young, Russell Watson, Mark Potter of Elbow, Bernard Sumner of New Order, Mani of The Stone Roses, Joe Jackson, John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, Elton John, Keith Moon, Vivian Stanshall, Keith Emerson, Brian Davison of The Nice, Sid Vicious, Kevin Rowland, Ian McLagan of Small Faces, Russ Ballard, Colin Blunstone of The Zombies, Leo Sayer, Johnny Rotten and conductor Leopold Stokowski.
Famous non-musical visitors have included Jamie Oliver, John Motson, Graeme Hick, Rowan Atkinson, Nigel Benn, Burt Kwouk, Andrew Sachs, Matt Lucas and Sir Roger Bannister.
Today, Audio T is proud to be the UK’s oldest independent specialist retailer of Hi-Fi and Home Cinema, with ten stores across England and Wales. With 60 years of expertise, we are still run by four hands-on directors and staffed by people who genuinely love music and film.
We are not a chain. Each Audio T store is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, as well as anyone who wants straight, honest advice in a world of uniformity. We only stock products we believe in, across a wide range of prices, and we are here to help you get the most from your system, now and for years to come.