Since 2005, MONACO has been delivering premier solutions from wireless audio to ultimate home theater and smart home automation to many Southern California homeowners. We’d like you to join our growing list of satisfied customers.
“Don’t be sorry, talk to us FIRST”
Hi Larry
Congratulations on your growing home entertainment electronics business. When I first opened THE GOOD GUYS! we decided to compete with the big impersonal chains by featuring only the better quality electronics, truly competitive prices and outstanding personalized customer service. Given how complex technology is today and how much worse the big chains have become, the need for this has never been more important than now. I am glad that your goal at MONACO is to carry on with THE GOOD GUYS! tradition in your good-looking new store in Pasadena. Larry, you were among the best of the best at knowing which products best met the needs of your customers and at offering your customers truly outstanding customer service. I know you and your team will make everyone proud doing the same for all your (and our former) Southern California customers. Best of luck!
Ronald Unkefer
THE GOOD GUYS!
Founder & Former Chairman
This review is in regards to Monaco helping build our Home Theatre and setting and fixing Creston for us
We recently built a new home in Arcadia, Pasadena, and we were shopping around. we were recommended by a friend to check out Monaco. During this whole process we were assisted by Larry. Him and his team were a great help and a very friendly group. Any questions you have, Larry will answer them and then give you more. Larry would also always recommend you the most fitting equipment for your home. He would not give you any cheap knock-offs or third-party compatible alternatives(which i will explain in a bit). He always provided us the equipment that would meet our needs. He is very forthcoming and honest with his opinion, nor does he sugar coat his words like many salesmen do.
With our home theatre, he helped us pick the audio equipement (KEF) which met our tastes and needs, and he made sure he met all deadlines, and kept in communication with us, letting us know if there would be any potential issues/delays. He was also very open with his opinions, letting us know, what he personally feels would be good for the home, but would not push us to do as he says. He leaves the choice up to us, but always lets us know his own insight. Also if we ran into any questions or issues, he would be there to help us and respond to us asap.
As for Creston, our home lighting system, we went with Czar to install Creston for our home system, in which we absolutely regretted. They were very sloppy and delayed. They told us they would have our system finished by November, but it was not complete until January. Also, after they did finish, within a week, we ran into a blackout, and our system ran into some issues, in which the creston lighting was not able to communicate with the main system, and thus would not turn on/off. When we contacted Czar, they came and just said “this is an IP issue, and not our problem. If you want to get this fixed, you need to call a Creston certified technician who will be charging 150 an hour”. Our home was JUST finished one week, and we had a blackout, and that was their response and left.
During that time, Larry was still helping out with our home theatre, and noticed the mess we were in, and told us that Czar has been giving us third-party alternatives instead of actually using Creston’s actual products for our lighting system. This was when we realized the improtance of Larry’s work and products in that, he would not give us these cheap alternatives just to save costs, but would give us plenty of headaches and annoyance in the future. And i feel for this, this is quite important and very great quality of Monaco.
In anycase, if this is what you’re looking for in Service, where they are helpful, and honest, and will give you their opinion and the best quality you would be looking for, then Monaco is the place to go.
Andrew C from Arcadia, CA
If you want a discount AV system go to Best Buy and overpay for cheap equipment. If you want high quality AV equipment, highly personalized serviced, and not to be overcharged or pushed into equipment that doesn’t suit your needs go to Monaco AV.
Monaco AV not only identified the best equipment for me, they came to my house and fine tuned the system, replaced any under performing pieces, and never hesitated to upgrade my system with no additional charges.
If you want anything better than cheap Best Buy equipment but don’t want to get ripped off at typical snobby Beverly Hills outlets of to Monaco AV and ask for for Larry or Ian.
Sean K from Pasadena CA
Just recently purchased the KEF LS50 from Larry and Allen at Monaco. Met them originally at the audiophile T.H.E. Show in Newport beach. Both were very knowledgeable and helpful–and fun to talk to. They were very responsive to my questions and let me spend several hours auditioning gear at the store.
Great selection and service. Great team!
Kevin B from La Crescenta, CA
It’s rare in this modern age of “big box stores” and online retailers to encounter truly stellar customer service. However, today I encountered just that. A little over a month ago I purchased a pair of Klipsch Hersey IIIs from Allen and Larry at Monaco, and about a week ago I noticed a problem with one of the tweeters. So today I boxed them up and took them to the store. I was expecting the standard run around and to end up having to ship my speakers back to Klipsch for repair.
What I got instead was one of the best customer service experiences of my life. Alan and Larry took my speaker apart, confirmed the problem and then, using the tweeter from their floor model repaired my speaker and sent me on my way. From the moment I stepped in the door to when I left 90 minutes later I was the most important customer they had. When you step up to the world of high-end audio, Klipsch, Martin Logan, KEF, you’re purchasing an elite product. So it is fitting that the customer service provided by Monaco is on a par with the brands they sell. I look forward to having an opportunity to do business with these two fine individuals again. Thank You again, Allen & Larry!
Chris F from Los Angeles
I was looking all over the place for businesses to demo some floorstanding speakers and everywhere I tried I couldn’t get anyone to answer the phone. I luckily found Monaco AVs number on Google and gave them a call to see when they closed so I could swing by and demo some speakers. When I called Ian gave me the best phone experience I’ve ever had from a business. He was so nice and helpful when I just wanted to know when they closed. He went out of his way to find out what I was looking for instead of just saying the time they closed and hung up like every business I’ve ever called before.
Once I got to the store they were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and extremely enthusiastic about the products they were demoing for me. Once they narrowed down the type of music I like and what I wanted from the loudspeakers I was looking for, Larry the owner of the company demo’d me a set of electrostatic speakers from Martin Logan. I’ve never heard of either the type of speaker and the brand. Regardless these things blew me away with what they could do. The soundstage was incredible as well as the overall tonal range it could deliver. After some more talking with the team there about the speakers I knew I wanted these speakers but I needed more time to think about it as well as look up some more information on speakers I demo’d.
I ended up coming back a few days later to demo them again because I had to be sure if I was going to end up buying them. Once I did I realized that I had to have them. We discussed the price and they were willing to work with me to help me stay around the budget I had to work with.
I would HIGHLY recommend these guys to anyone looking for Home Theater equipment or Hi-Fi equipment and service. These guys know what they’re talking about as well as have the enthusiasm you rarely see in this type of business anymore. I will always recommend anyone I know to them and I will always be using Monaco AV for any of my future Home Theater/ Hi-Fi needs.
Ryan B from Valencia, CA
I also highly recommend Monaco’s staff. I walked in with a group of people and was well greeted by Ian. What a super guy very knowledgeable. Ian was patient with me answered all my question demo every setup I asked for without hesitation, and what toped it off I didn’t buy anything and he still treated me as if I was his best customer. I told him I would be back, but I just need to save up a little more. About six months later I called and Ian remembered me as if it was yesterday. I made arrangements of what I wanted and when I got there all I had to do was make the payment, and that’s when I met Larry, now you will never meet an owner who is down to earth as him, what a fun guy he went into deep details of what I need and gave me plenty of nuggets. I explain the problems and concerns I had and Larry assured me his installers would do the job. I bought a Sony Projector.
Now the installers came out and did a tremendous job even helped me with my screen free of charge. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have had the pleasure of meeting a great staff.
I’m a Customer for life!
Lionel M from Perris CA
Looking for retailers to demo higher end (higher than big box retail) audio equipment is not an easy task, but luckily I found Monaco AV through KEF’s authorized dealer website. When I first called to inquire about listening to some KEF towers, I was greeted over the phone by a gentleman named Ian. Not only did he answer my initial inquiry, but he took the time and interest and asked what I listed to, what other equipment I may be using, and remembered my name at the end of the conversation. Wow!! Notice to all other retailers – It doesn’t take alot, but does take some effort to establish a relationship with a potential customer.
When I arrived for a demo, Ian was helping another customer, but Allen was available and assisted my wife and I through not only the demo, but demo’ed other speakers available. Allen was very accomodating and personable and when Ian was free we all were listending and discussing the various speakers attributes. It was THE BEST listending experience at a retail store. It was as if we were listening to music and speakers with friends that were very knowledgeable enthusiasts. I thought I would just go and listen to 1 or 2 sets of speakers, and ended up there for over 90 minutes listening to an array of options, because they were so accomodating and it was a very comfortable enviornment…there is an art to sell without being pushy, and letting the product along with the sales knowledge sell itself…and that’s what it was.
It gets better….I wasn’t exactly enthused with the original speakers I came to listen to (everyone’s ears and preferences are different), but Ian suggested I listen to Martin Logan Motion Series towers (same price range), and he was spot on with his recommendation.
It gets even better….I wasn’t initially looking to purchase that day, but when I inquired about a quote, they were very competitive, and they even carried the media console I was also separately interested in. Larry even went online to show current online pricing and showed his prices were competitive…that was an impressive move as we all know shoppers are always price checking online, and instead of ignoring or coming up with excuses, he cut all that out of the equation.
In today’s day and age of onlline e-commerce, Larry, Ian and Allen reminded me of how its still crucial to have an inperson discussion with fellow enthusiates who CARE about their customers, take the time to understand their listening preferences, take the time to curate a good blend of different options, take the time to take into account everyones different budgets, and take the time to find the best option based on those budgets.
EXTREMELY impressed on the focus to customer service, and will definitely recommend to others that I know for Audio / Video / Home Automation inquires.
KK from Torrance, CA
In the age of Best Buy and Amazon, it’s nice to know that some specialized boutique stores like Monaco still exist. Larry and Allen were fantastic people to meet and talk with. They helped steer me to a beautiful pair of speakers (KEF LS50’s) that, not only sounded great, but were within my meager budget as well. These two are really passionate about what they do, and will allow you to demo to your hearts content. I definitely prefer the level of service here vs Best Buy/Magnolia or any other big box retailer. Prices are also inline with every reputable big box & online retailer, and you don’t have to worry about the UPS guy throwing your multi thousand dollar equipment over your fence.
In Conclusion, Monaco is a 5-star boutique HiFi/AV retailer. Service is on another level vs big box retailers. Prices are inline with online stores (plus the instant gratification aspect). So why buy your HiFi & A/V gear anywhere else?
Richard C from Glendale, CA
I finally decided to buy some proper equipment to listen to music. I moved to Los Angeles from Germany 2 years ago and, only having my computer desktop loudspeakers, started to be seriously music-deprived. While I am used to the serious high-end equipment of my dad, I am no way able to spend that kind of money. But I hoped I could find a store to sell me some quality 2-way system for what I can afford. I tried Monaco in Pasadena.
Well, I only can say: I was very lucky to find a place like this in my first attempt. They listened carefully to what I wanted and walked me through the possibilities. They didn’t spare any effort to play different combinations of loudspeakers and amplifiers for me. They gave real expert advice (I did a lot of reading afterwards, and everything they said turned out to be well reasoned), and when the system I liked most (Parasound P5 and A23, KEF R500, MIT SL3/5, very balanced for piano and voice) turned out to be too expensive, they helped out with selling to me the system on display for a substantial discount. They really helped me to realize my affordable dream stereo.
No need to emphasize that they have a large range of fantastic systems in their store to listen to anytime. Their home theater section also look breath-taking, although I am no expert in this. If you are interested in high-end audio this is definitely the store to visit. They deserve everybody’s business and will have mine soon again.
Gunther W Los Angeles
I highly recommend Monaco’s. I walked in just as they were closing, and yet they spent 30 – 45 min with me. I didn’t know much about audio equipment and they were very patient, answering all my questions, and showing me various amps and speakers. I don’t live in the area, so they worked with me over the phone once I got home to set me up with a GREAT amp, a power conditioner and various cables. I would shop there again in a heartbeat.
Maria M from Kilauea, HI
Monaco is amazing! For me, it is the customer service that means so much. I am just not a very technically savvy person. The people at Monaco were so patient and helpful teaching me how to use my system and when I screw something up or have a problem, of any kind, they are always available to help me. I just call, they walk me through it, and I’m back on track. They are the best!
Gail H from Newport Beach CA
I would also have to highly recommend Monaco AV Solution of Pasadena. I usually do NOT write reviews, but felt that Larry and his team is deserving of this review. I’ve dealt with Larry and Ian who are very knowledgeable of the products they offer. Larry was wiling to work within my budget to help me attain my system. I am HAPPILY listing to “Skylark” by Ella Fitzgerald on my Kef 700, Martin Logan Depth i, and Denon AVR-x4000. If you’re looking to build, expand or rebuild an AV system they are worth your time. Glad they’re local!
Van P from San Marino CA
I strongly recommend Monaco AV Solution Center. I had a very good experience buying a pair of speakers there. Larry and Nick were very helpful and knowledgeable about the product. I had a problem with one of the speakers and they quickly had the manufacturer send me a new pair; they take customer satisfaction very seriously. After receiving the new pair, I have been enjoying the speakers.
Richard G from Long Beach CA
If you are looking for the finest AV solutions available, look no further. I run my own business (basipilates.com) and hold professionals to the highest standards. I admit I am difficult to please, especially when it comes to AV. After having Monaco install a system at my home, which not only met, but exceeded my expectations, I had them install a very elaborate system at my new Pilates Academy (almost 10,000 square foot of gorgeous space with sound, digital displays and conferencing). Yesterday I finally succumbed to installing a Martin Logan center speaker after being “blown away” by their towers for the past 8 months. It is incredible, a work of art!!! Every time the Monaco team do work in my home or business, they are respectful, professional, and extremely talented. In my opinion, they are the BEST!
Rael I from Newport Beach CA
Purchased Kef R series speakers here. The place was still setting up when I visited. Larry and Ian is very knowledgeable about their products, as well as other brands they don’t carry. Delivery of products was prompt, as promised. They were a pleasure to deal with. Would definitely go back for future products to complete home theater system.
KCL from La Habra CA
This is the best Audio Visual company hands down! Q Lopez is a super genius!!!!!! I will and have recommended this company to everyone I know. The best!
Pam from Los Angeles CA
We found this company through Bose website and will continue to use Monaco for any upgrades or new products. Their customer service is fantastic. We had a surround-sound system and TV put in throughout our house and outdoors. We worked with Larry and he was excellent when it came to getting back to us for questions or troubleshooting. If we’ve had any problem that he couldn’t help us through over the phone, he’s able to get someone out to us right away. In 3 years we have only had 2 minor problems. The system works great and Larry understands what good customer service is all about.
Eric J from Huntington Beach
Larry and Allen personally delivered KEF R900 speakers this afternoon as soon as they received them in their store. They set up the speakers for me to my PeachTree GrandIntegrated x1. The speakers sounded wonderful. Larry and Allen tell me that after about 100 hours of the break in period R900 speakers should sound even better. They were professional about ordering, informing me about delivery, and setting up the speakers. I highly recommend Monaco Audio Video.
Samuel L from Pasadena, CA
and growing more everyday
Please call (626) 395-9597 or visit our store to join our growing list of happy customers all over Southern California