Survey Info: Sound City


Sound City
89 Route 46 East
Denville, NJ 07834
Phone: 1-800-542-save (7283)
Phone: 1-973-838-9599
WWW: http://www.imall.com/stores/soundcity/soundcity.html
E-mail: Sales@soundcity.com Customer Comments:
Tuesday June 9 , 1998

Rude salesman!!! I was just asking him some questions and I told him I am going to call him back again. He ended up saying," You know what? Don't even bother!!". I was very surprised with his answer. I can guarantee that I will never do business with this company, because they employ rude sales people. By the way ,the salesman's name is JOE!
Monday June 8 , 1998

Had an excellent experience with Ron Mezak(?) of Sound City. Got his name and Extension from a fellow newgroup reader. Called him about a Toshiba TP55G90. He gave me a price of $1799!!! This is less than the typical TP55G60 price.

Only bad comment on the whole deal was that when they shipped the TV, the delivery service did not use a truck with a lift on the back, and only sent one guy, which meant I had to hurry home from work and help the guy lift the 250+ TV to the ground (5 ft drop), and lug it into the house.
Monday June 8 , 1998

I had purchased a pair of NHT speakers and a Denon receiver from them. At the time of theo rder, they told me that they had both in stock - a couple of days later, when I called back, theysaid that the NHTs were out of stock and the receiver had shipped. true enough, I got the receiver in a few days. I ended up deciding to return it and they were very professional about taking it back - I did get charged a 10% restocking fee, but they had warned me about it at the time of the purchase.

For the most part, I was satisfied with them.
Tuesday May 26, 1998

I still cannot figure out why there are comments on this board about Ray. I have bought over 3,000.00 in equipment from Ray, with never a problem. I just ordered a new sub from him, and although it hasn't arrived yet, I know when it does it will be new, factory fresh, and at a price I couldn't pass up. Ray always returns my phonecalls, makes sure my order is right, and hasn't lied to me. He even took back a previous sub I didn't like, and exchanged it for another, no charge. I would recommend Ray to anyone when looking for service, and a good deal.
D.Bonnell
IBDMan@prodigy.net
Saturday May 16, 1998

Bought from this establishment twice over the net from their website (don't know how they are in person or on the phone.) Excellent response time, with both deliveries being received within 3 days from the order - both were sent the very day after the order was placed. And, even though I didn't request it, double-boxing was standard. Great! The prices were nice, too.
Wednesday May 6 , 1998

I purchased a Demo Carver AV-405 from Sound City in April 6th. Arrived a week later Dead on Arrival, called and spoke to Greg and after much deliberation I decided to return the amp to SoundCity. It was clear that they were not thrilled about this but none the less they were willing to do it. But they did suggest that I attempt to get service from Carver first however I decided to return the amp to them instead of wait for Carver to fix my New amp. Their customer service rep. agreed to send a call tag and I thought all was well. But as of yet, UPS has not attempted to pick up the amp and over a week has passed. They had said it would be just a couple of days. It has now been a month and I have NO system, very unpleasent. I thought that they would handle the DOA amp a little better. I don't think I will use them again, there are just too many great inexpensive sellers such as One Call that have treated me better. I must say that I could tell that they were trying but my experiance with other sellers has been better.
Sunday April 19, 1998

I purchased some discontinued a/d/s auto speakers for an OUTSTANDING PRICE. ($300 off list!!) I was treated well by Ron and he said to make sure to ask for him if I ordered again. I feel this is a good company to deal with if price is your main concern. Living in the Midwest made me leary of getting any problems corrected. Thankfully, I didn't have to deal with that possibility.
Saturday March 21, 1998

I ordered an Denon ARV-3200 from matt and also talked to ray. The price they gave me was $XX (price removed at request of Sound City to adhere to Denon policy) that was the best price anywere!I place my order on a monday they sent it out that night.gave me a tracking no. said I would get the 3200 0n thursday. I did. Double boxed. I had it for a almost a week and have used it everyday.It sounds great.I only paid $20.00 for shipping.I would buy something from them again.I got very good service.The local price on the 3200 here in St.Louis is $930-$1000.00. $XX (price removed at request of Sound City to adhere to Denon policy) is a great price!
Thanks matt and ray.
Derek Leath
Tuesday March 3 , 1998

I have purschased from Sound City on more than one occasion and I have found their prices and catlaog of items to be superior. Peter Green was very cordial and the manager, Greg Rizzo, spent a lot of time with me to ensure I got what I needed for MY particular system instead of trying to sell me something overpriced.
I also took advantage of their offer for a free Chase HTS-1 surround sound decoder and I hooked it up and I just love that thing!
In addition, the speed at which they ship out merchandise is outstanding. All in all my experience with Sound City has been positive and I would purchase from them again.
Sunday March 1 , 1998

Placed several orders thru Sound City. Was very impressed with the FAST service I received. They deal in High Quality products not seconds or refurbs. I'd Highly recommend them,"Great Prices and Fast Service".
Sunday February 22, 1998

Maybe a year and a half ago I ordered a Thorens 180 turntable from them. When it arrived I discovered that the tonearm stand lockdown clip was broken. I was bummed because I really needed the turntable and couldn't afford the time needed to send it back for replacement. When I called Sound City on Monday morning to complain, the person who answered (can't remember name) quickly asked if I would be willing to install a replacement part myself. I said yes and he promised to have a replacement sent as soon as possible. On Wednesday I found the replacement part in my mailbox. I live in MI and the part was mailed from NJ by some other company which is a USA thorens distributor. It took maybe 30 seconds to fix my problem. I couldn't believe how fast they acted on my problem. The reason I am commenting now is I have dealt with enough shitheads (especially on the 'Net and on the East coast) to truly appreciate anybody who corrects a problem as quickly and with as little BS as they did.
Sunday February 22, 1998

I want the truth to be told. I do not sell A/V equipment. I am only a previous customer of Sound City. I did have to experience Ray! He is unprofessional and hostile if you do not buy at once. That is the truth! I did have Dan as sales person and he was acceptable, but Sound City needs to start treating customers with respect!! Not a piece of meat!When that starts to occur I will return as a customer!!
Monday February 16, 1998

To Whom It May Concern, This letter is in regards to a unsolicited bulk e-mail that was sent out on Friday February 6, 1998 by Sound City, Inc. We, at Sound City inc., were not aware of the severity of the "spam" issue and how it would affect the end receiver. We know that "not knowing" is no excuse but we are willing to admit when we are wrong. The last thing we want to do is annoy internet users. We wish to extend our sincerest apology for any inconvenience or any affront to privacy it may have posed. We can assure you that no further types of this mailing (unsolicited) will be sent to you or to anyone. Thank you for your time.

Sound City, Inc.
Monday February 16, 1998

I have seen a bunch of negative information about "Ray" from Sound City, and I just wanted to put my "two cents" in. I have worked with Ray a number of times over the past year. I have bought a bunch of home theater stuff from him, and I have ALWAYS had my questioons answered, and products received as advertised by him. I think a lot of competators know about Ray, and know they can't touch his prices, so they put up negative information on this forum. I know about price shopping, because I call all the other mail order places when I want to buy something. But I always end up coming back to Ray. Nobody, but nobody comes close to Sound City's prices. Example - I bought an Atlantic Technology 350THX system from Ray for $2,600 shipped!! All other mail order houses were at least 25% higher. I normally don't waste my time on these types of forum's, but I felt compelled to write because I think Ray is getting a "bad rap" from some bad people!
Friday February 13, 1998

Kudos to Soundy City for your shop on-line web site. I have been a Sound City customer for many years and was thrilled when I found them on-line. My "shopping trip" thru their site went quite smoothly..and here's the best part...I got everything I ordered on time, undamaged and at the price shown on the site. I only wish every other on-line order company had their acts together like Sound City does.
Friday February 13, 1998

I ordered the Atlantic technology System 350 from Ray the other day and I am absolutly astounded with the price and support I was given by Ray. He was quick to answer the few remaining questions I had and gave me an unbeatable price that no other dealer could touch. When the shipping department accidently overcharged me 25 dollars for COD Ray was very apoligetic and shipped me 100 feet of top grade monster cable speaker wire for free to make up the difference. It was over 100 dollars of cable that was shipped to my door for free. I don't understand why Ray has gotten a bad rap here before but I was more than happy with him and the company. I have already refered other friends to him for a stereo rack and they too were very pleased with the encounter. End result if you know what you want and you want the best price call Sound City and ask for Ray.
Monday February 9 , 1998

Received spam from Sound City. The only good thing about it was that it was brief. It also says "This is a one time mailing" but one has to wonder how many "one time mailings" they intend to send out.

Moderator note: Please see the Monday February 16, 1998 apology from Sound City.
Sunday February 1 , 1998

Was initially leary of the entire wholesale mail order buisness, after reading thru many of the comments. I was looking for "Atlantic Technology 250.1" speaker system. Sound City had the best pricw and delivery. I wanted to have the system shipped 2nd day Fed_X to to ensure they were really in stock and I would receive them in a timely manner. My sales person "Joe" convinced me there was no need to pay for the additional fast shipping and they would be there by ground in 2 days anyway. Well, sure enough they arrived in 2 days by 9:00 am. They were double boxed very well, were all in perfect condition, and sound excellent. Also, I would like to add that "Joe" was very low pressure, helpful and honest.
Friday January 23, 1998

I recently bought some Celestion products through Rick Hansen (Ext 714). He was professional, courteous and informative without being pushy. I would rate my experience with Rick as very pleasant and I would definitely recommend him. I stumbled across this web page while my stuff were being shipped so naturally I was more than a little bit worried, but my equipment arrived double boxed and factory sealed within the quoted time. I will definitely buy from them again.
Thursday January 22, 1998

Hello my name is Frank and i just ordered three products from sound city a B&K AVP3000 preamp a B&K EX4420 power amp and a B&K TX4430 and i am very very pleased with the equiptment and the service (when you call talk to Gret Rizzo!!!) he is a great guy who will tell you the best stuff and who is not out to cheat you i have called Greg several times after i recieved my products for help on them and he was very helpful he told me how to do everything with my amps and preamps i will definitely order from sound city in the future and when you call talk to Greg!! he is very trustful and helpful
Wednesday January 21, 1998

I wish I would have seen this list prior to ordering from Sound Cty. I ordered from the apparently a !!!!! man named Ray.. Ordered Dec.4th one of each 3 Carver amps 1 Carver pre-amp. Recieved 2 amps a week before x-mas. Backorded was 1 amp and a Carver THX decoder. WHAT?Called Ray and he blamed someone else. Said will ship now. Called a few days later and asked for tracking #. Told that they don't have a pre-amp and will call Carver, 2 days later called again and can't get one. So then settled on a B-K pre-amp. A few days later called again for tracking #. No number. WHAT!!! No 3rd amp. Backorded. Well when will you get one, on Monday.

Well after 5 weeks I have a complete system. And not exactly what I wanted. I will NEVER buy from these people again I was lied to, jerked around and decieved. I work hard for my money and do like to save money when possible. These people have great prices but I would rather spend more and be happy with the outcome. Do you see this Ray??!?? One Call, here I come
Monday January 12, 1998

I have had two dealings recently with Sound City, and despite the negative postings about this company, both of my experience have been quite excellent.

My first was ordering a multichannel amplifier for my HT system. I talked to Greg (Rizzo), who has helped me many times since, if only for advice. He's extremely professional, and KNOWS the stuff on the hi-end side of Sound City. After a little bit of discussing, I settled on a B&K three channel amp. It arrived as promised, double- boxed and brand-spanking new. I've talked with Greg since, and from his courtesy and know-how, wholeheartedly recommend him for anyone who's looking for a hi-end component, and doesn't know where to start. Thanks, Greg.

The other dealing was over the Internet, on I-Mall. This was a pair of component speakers for the car (Greg only deals with home audio - I already asked (wink)). Anyway, I placed my order that Monday, and that Thursday (sooner than I had expected), the speaker set arrived on my front porch, double boxed (I requested it) and in perfect condition. The box isn't sealed, but the speakers are unused, but the package had an added bonus. They (Sound City, I assume) included a flush mounting kit which the manufacturer says is an "optional" item.

In summary, my experience has been very positive, both with Greg and over the I-Mall via Internet. They've sent me their latest full catalog and I'm hiding it right now - if I look at it, I'll probably order something again.
Friday January 9 , 1998

I called several mail order companies (as advertised in Video Magazine) for the best price for a Denon AVR-3200 receiver. The best price I was able to get before I called Sound City was $899.99 plus shipping (around $30). When I called Sound City, the salesman asked me if I had ever done business with them before (no) and asked me the best price I had found so far for the receiver. He had me hold on briefly and when he came back he offered me a price of $880.00 and that even included the 2 day UPS Ground shipping if I was willing to place the order then!!! I had not yet had a chance to check out The Audio Mail Order List but I asked him if Sound City was an authorized Denon dealer and if Denon would honor the full warranty. He said yes, so I decided to "bite the bullet". While this salesman was a little on the "slick" side he certainly appeared to be nice enough and professional. He ended the call by giving me his "personal" number should I need to contact him for any reason. This all happened on a Friday night.

I checked out this fine site on the following Monday (this week) for ratings and comments about Sound City. While I was happy to see many Very Good and OK ratings, I was alarmed by the high number of Poor and Very Poor ratings as well. I read all the posted comments and the one recurring negative theme was to avoid this one sales guy named Ray or Rimon. When I got home on Monday, I checked my notes to see who I had dealt with and to my horror...it was the dreaded "Ray"; the guy who some advised to avoid at all costs; the guy referred to as a "liar" and a "slime" in these hallowed postings. Well, I thought, "That's what I get for not checking the almighty "list" first". The first thing I did was to call my credit card company to verify that the price charged was the price that we agreed on. After all, this was one of the many complaints posted. To my great relieve, the price charged was indeed the agreed upon price of $880.00. Another very positive sign was that it was not posted to my card until Monday which to me indicated that it was probably not posted until they actually shipped the unit. So far, this transaction appeared to be progressing in a surprisingly legitimate fashion. However, I would not be truly relieved until the unit would arrive (hopefully on time) and I could verify that it was new (not a rebuilt or demo model) and in excellent working condition. Well, I received the unit on Tuesday (as promised). Unfortunately, I had to wait until Wednesday since I wasn't there to sign for it. (Actually, that's my only complaint since when I asked Ray if I would have to be there to sign for it he said no, they would just leave it. This is only a minor complaint though since the unit was shipped on time and the required signature is a form of protection). When I unboxed the unit it appeared to be brand new and in excellent condition. So far, this seemed too good to be true but the real test would be when I would plug her in and give the beast "life" to see just what it would or would not do. Well, I hooked up all my peripherals and speakers to her last night and was finally ready to power her on! Would smoke and fire emerge as one cynical friend suggested? Well, I am happy to report that her display started to glow and she came to life without incident and happily awaited the required set-up procedures. I ran the unit through its paces and so far everything appears to be working flawlessly! Needless to say, I am quite relieved and satisfied. By the way, this is an awesome receiver for the money! Check out the reviews such as one appearing recently in Video Magazine.

So, either I was just extremely lucky with Ray or perhaps he has improved over time. I was extremely satisfied with my experience but I would be interested in reading further comments from individual experiences with Ray and Sound City in general before deciding to do more business with them in the future because as I said, maybe I was just extremely lucky. Also, from the previous comments that I have already read, I would have to question the customer service I might have received if I would have had to call about a defective unit. Thankfully (so far) it looks like the unit is in excellent operating condition so I hope I never have to know.
Friday January 9 , 1998

Got back in touch with Ray(Rimon) and he issued me a Return number and I am recieving full credit for my defective sony STRDE1015G receiver. I ordered the DENON AVR3600 receiver at a fair price and he is sendind it to me with no shipping charge to cover the hassle I had previously gone through with him. However, it did take a few phone calls to Ray and his boss to get things squared away. I really hope that with this internet posting service, companines and salespeople like Ray will understand how important it is to satisfy the customer. I have purchased from Sound City before (not a huge customer, but a repeat customer) and when I am treated right, I will tend to purchase more from a comany that can not only provide good prices but places an emphasis on good customer service. Ray - thanks for taking care of my problem, I will continue to shop at Sound City. Overall I am now a satisfied customer.

Message to Sound City owner - Just take care of your customer as if it was your money being spent over the phone lines. I can't emphasize this more, but treat your customer with respect and you will have very respectable repeat customers. I am sure you know that (and it has been proven) that it costs a company more to lose an existing customer, than it is to get a NEW customer. Please train your salesforce to understand this statement!
Tuesday December 23, 1997

I ordered a Sony STRDE1015G from Ray (Rimon - a lair and a slime). I got the receiver as promised with a shipping charge of $39 when he said it would be $29 - Still waiting for credit. I hooked up the reciever and it was defective (high frequesncy hum from surround speakers). I called Ray back and he said that we won't take it back he said "that's the risk you take when you mail order something." he told me to take it to a sony service center. I read the back of my invoice and it said that I could exchange the item if it was defective from 7 days from my reciept of merchandise. So I called back and after a very argumentative conversation he gave me a Return Merchandise number. I am mailing it back, hopefully I will get taken care of. If not I will place the whole purchase in dispute with my Credit Card company.

I don't know how these people stay in business.
Monday December 22, 1997

Exceptional prices, Ron (ext 706) is great to work with.
Wednesday December 17, 1997

Make sure you know what you want with these guys. I talked with a RAY who was a real jerk! I ended up with Dan who was O.K. When I complained to the sales manager about the abusive behavior of RAY, I never got a response. The prices are low but make sure they have what you want in stock!! I ordered a sony receiver they said would be in soon..... one month later... no receiver!
Wednesday December 17, 1997

The Sound City salemen are nothing short of a bunch of lunatics. When I ordered my pair of spearkers. The price was $349 which was published in Sterea Review. But my bill showed $398. I called for customer service and Ray (or Raymond, the same jerk) cut me off. I called him back and told him that it was rude to treat a customer like that. He said the magic "F" word to me!!
Finally I got through the customer service using their toll number. I was assured a credit back to my card. After a month, the credit never showed up. I called again and I was assured again. I am keeping my fingers crossed... I do not understand why Sound City is still in business. Its salemen are all rude and trying to cheat the customers whenever they have a chance. They are basically next to a mail-order fraud company. I will never do business with them again.
Friday December 12, 1997

stay awayfrom Ray... rude,liar,very dishonest just don't buy from this company they also cheat shame on you Ray
Monday November 17, 1997

Avoid like plague! Salesman called Ri Simon (Ray) is sweet and slimey enough to sell you the goods but promised goods dont arrive on time and are on "back order". Conversations with him suggests total dishonesty and unreliability. Still waiting for goods promised a week ago and my credit card has already been charged! This is a dealer that you can feel comfortable avoiding.
Monday November 10, 1997

HI
I have purchased a lot of car audio from sound city, like eveyone else said RON was the best at sound city,that's the main reason i went back there,one time i called and talk to one guy,dont remember his name but i remember his RUDE voice.
It was about MBQ speakers,he said we don't carry them,and i knew they do i said ok,called talk to RON he said what type do you want,i told him, i ordered them,my order took a while called to check on my statis ofMBQ,the same guy i talk to at first asnwered the phone said,how come you didn't order them from me? i said remember !! you said you didnt have them,any way i said can you tell me when should i receive them he said next month,i said really !! it is long story. i received my speakers the next day.
My dad use to tell me,he owns business still , a RESTAURANT. He sai you know,pple would forget a good food but they will never forget a good service...
Richard.
Saturday November 8 , 1997

I've been doing business with these guys for 5 years, without a hitch. Only one thing, Make sure you talk to Ron Mezick @ X706 (<- I think) because he's the only helpful and honest guy in the bunch. My experience with anyone else in the sales group (barring managers) has been rude and arrogant on the phone (one guy even told me that Ron didn't work there any more!) Mr. Mezick has always given me a great price, and no hassles.
Tuesday November 4 , 1997

staff went out of their way to check specs and dimensions on equipment as well search for products not in their current catalog but possibly still available
Saturday October 4 , 1997

I have dealt with Sound City for Car and for Home Audio And Home theater for alomost 10 years now. I feel that Sound City gives excellent prices and I have always been completely satisfied in every way with them.

I reccomend talking to Ron for car, or Peter Green for Home items.

I even purchased my Sony XBR Videoscope 61" Big Screen, from them... It arrived by truck and the convergence was perfect right out of the factory sealed box. i have ordered in excess of $40,000.00 from them for myself and my family over 10 years. I always keep my eye open for good deals, but 90% of the time I go with Sound City... they are hard to beat.
Friday September 26, 1997

Don't even thinking about purchasing from this dealer. I suggest you buy or call else where. The sale people are very rude and absolutely stupid.
Wednesday September 3 , 1997

No surprises. Delivered the day estimated, just beating the UPS strike. Talked to Joe who was very straightforward and polite.
Tuesday August 19, 1997

Ray sucks!, always ask me if i'm ready to buy which is irritating as hell. Ron Ext. 706 is cool, much better personality. They always give me the best prices. Call last if I have time, but trust enough to give only call.
Monday August 18, 1997

good pricing....qustionable answers to product and mfg. inquirys. i've had prompt delivery on several of my orders always received the prodects in fine shape. know what u want and know the mfg i'd highly recomend on the basis of pricing and prompt delivery...
Wednesday August 13, 1997

I've never dealt with Sound City via mail order, but I live in their area and I have gone to both their stores (the old Kinnelon store and the new Denville store) many times. I have always been very happy with the salespeople (relatively knowledgable and, in my experience, never too pushy) and their prices (it seems there's always room to negotiate). Added bonus - the new Denville store is gorgeous.
Tuesday August 12, 1997

Aside from having to call Aiwa about a product Sound City was advertising (got no help from S.C. or Aiwa for that matter) I went ahead and ordered an item from their "flyer/catalog". They said they'd have it shipped that same day and should take about 7-10 working days. I ordered on a Friday and got it on Monday. Not bad. The box was a bit banged up but the contents were in great shape. My first experience with them wasn't all that bad. We'll see how the next one goes.
Wednesday August 6 , 1997

Although the sales people can be rude at times, they beat every price I gave them. And, the equipment was at my house within 2 days every time Ive ordered (4/5 times).
Tuesday August 5 , 1997

I bought the MB Quart One speakers, advertised for $199 plus $30 shipping. I spoke with Joe, Ex 708. Well, when I got my credit card bill, I was charged $327.83, over $90 overcharge. I've called Joe & Sound City but they keep sending me to a tape recorded message. Over the past decade I had dealt with Sound City & had no problems. But I guess when you deal with some mail order houses, it is bound to happen. Luckily, it wasn't for an outrageous sum, though any abuse is outrageous. Fortunately, I waited before buying my speakers from Sound City!
Tuesday July 22, 1997

Good service and pretty good prices, although I did find a product I bought a little cheaper elsewhere. A friend of mine had a bad experience with them and I was hesitant, but all happened okay for me.
Friday July 18, 1997

Called and was handled by an extremely rude salesman. I asked price on Sony Car stereo equipment. The reply was "what's your best offer", my reply "what's your best price?". Then the rude "I don't have time for this... you going to buy or what?".

Bad service before the sale only points to worse service after.
Wed, 4 Jun 1997

Stay away from them unless you have absolutely no other choice! They will not help if you have a problem with damaged goods. Their attitude is that it is an issue between you and the shipping Co.(after charging me 20 percent of the item cost for P&H and Ins.) I have reason to believe the item was broken BEFORE it left Sound City.
Tue, 15 Jul 1997

One of my personal favorites. This company is authorized for all products they sell and have very good prices. They also run closeouts every month that can be super bargains. I have always been treated well at Sound City and would recommend them, especially if you know what you want.
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