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. And 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 wasn’t 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 (it was once 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 wasn’t afraid to challenge the status quo. If a product wasn’t good enough, they’d say so—openly. They even had gear independently tested and published the results, no matter how big the manufacturer. One famously public spat with Leak made headlines in the industry. But this refusal to toe the line, combined with a genuine search for the best and most reliable equipment (often from small, 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 early customers. Also visiting the shop were Stewart Tyler and Blue Sutcliffe of Celef (which later morphed into Celestion and KEF), 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—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. But 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 that became a retailer in its own right. That branch traded all the way up to 2023 in Enfield, 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 in retail, we’ve 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 (The Darkness), Paul Potts, Bonnie Tyler, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith (Underworld), Dr Karl Jenkins, Julian Mendelsohn, Jay Kay (Jamiroquai), Will Young, Russell Watson, Mark Potter (Elbow), Bernard Sumner (New Order), Mani (Stone Roses), Joe Jackson, John McVie (Fleetwood Mac), Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Elton John, Keith Moon, Vivian Stanshall, Keith Emerson, Brian Davison (The Nice), Sid Vicious, Kevin Rowland, Ian McLagan (Small Faces), Russ Ballard, Colin Blunstone (The Zombies), Leo Sayer, Johnny Rotten, and even 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 largest independent specialist retailer of Hi-Fi and Home Cinema, with ten stores across England and Wales. With over 50 years of expertise, we’re still run by four hands-on directors and staffed by people who genuinely love music and film.
We’re not a chain. Each Audio T store is run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts—and for anyone who wants straight, honest advice in a world of uniformity. We only stock what we believe in, across a wide range of prices, and we’re here to help you get the most out of your system, now and for years to come.