Fred's Sound Of Music Audio Video Inc.

Our Customers Speak Out!  

I have a 10 year old Denon receiver. I started having challenges when I could not turn on or off the TV sound with my remote, but instead had to go to the receiver to manually turn it on and off. At about the same time, I received a DVD through Netflix that would not play in my BluRay. I returned it to Netflix with the assumption there was a problem with that particular DVD (which happened once before and the replacement worked). When I received the replacement (same movie), i had the same problem so assumed there was something wrong with my Denon. When I called Fred’s today, I conveyed this to Brad, who immediately knew what my problem was and helped me correct it simply by moving something on my remote. In this instance, the problem was both DVDs, not my Denon. I would not have been able to figure that out on my own, and i just had to send a note to relay how very much I appreciated Brad’s kind help. I worried that I would have to have my Denon repaired or replaced. Instead, I received wonderful help and got it fixed.
Thank you!  Pat L

I have to say that I am pretty impressed with your level of customer service and you and your staff's knowledge about your products. I was particularly amazed when after a few days of listening to my new Bryston Amp,I called with a question about it, and everyone remembered me, and could even recite what speakers and CD Player I had hooked up, even though I don't remember dealing with them personally when I bought the Bryston...that was just impressive. That showed me that you guys pay attention to details, and that's extremely important. Recently I have been noticing how other businesses and companies still don't have customer service right, or they have let it go in pursuit of just making the buck, but you and your fellow employees definitely got it right, and you should be commended.

Thank You, it's been a pleasure to do business with you. Ryan A

I was very impressed with the store and your staff! I especially liked the quality brands of speakers that you carry. Even though I visited your store on a very busy anniversary sale, the salesman was very helpful in helping me select the right speakers for my situation. I had originally came in to buy some outdoor speakers (which I also purchased) but I was also in the market for some home stereo speakers. You were very helpful in that you listened to what features I needed and helped me to narrow down my search. I knew that the speakers you carry have a good reputation and as I listened to them I knew they were the best choice for the money. They sound great!!

Thanks again.  Nick B 

I have to say that I have never had a bad experience in my life coming to Fred's….At first I was a little reluctant to go in 8 years ago, as I only needed a dvd player, or a speaker or two. I wish I had started going to Fred's way back. They have since installed all my speakers in my home, and continue to be the "BEST and #1" Resource I goto with all my audio/video needs and questions. They never pressure you into any one thing, they just tell you how it is, if you buy great, if not they are there for whatever your needs entail. Everyone of the associates there is top notch, you can trust they will steer you in the right direction. My latest purchases was the SONOS product when I was looking for a solution for wireless speakers, one word describes this product WOW! Thanks Bill W (Skip) for the advice to go this direction, I will continue to be a supporter of this great company and its people, whether you are just getting started or are building out a full scale theater room, these guys are by far the best. TOP NOTCH!
Best, Nick T

I'm relatively new to Portland, but I've been a fan of high-end TV and audio for years. I was looking for a sub-woofer for my speaker system and hadn't been able to decide on one. I asked your staff for help replacing blown tweeters for old Altec speakers, and I was impressed by their knowledge and follow-thru. When I came in, on a whim, I asked about subs and came across another very knowledgeable sales person. I felt the Paradigm was a good sonic match for my speakers and was a good value for as much as I wanted to spend. I've been very happy with it in the weeks I've owned this now…  I moved to Portland from the bay area and there were about 4 stores in that area that offered very high-end stuff and had the expertise to help one make the right choice. I was afraid there wasn't a place like that in Portland till I found your shop.

Regards, Jim R

I live in Roseburg, OR, and so needed to travel out-of-town to shop for stereo components. I had thus experienced several full days of mind-numbing hype and B.S. salesmanship by the time I arrived in your store. What a relief it was. Straight answers, useful suggestions, tremendous patience, and great components. My system sounds wonderful. Please let the fellow that helped me out how much I appreciated his professionalism, and that I'm very happy that I went with the DVD as my primary CD reader.
I'll Be Back--- Gary D

Just wanted to take the opportunity to complement you and your staff on an exceptionally well-run store. Over the past couple years, I've made several purchases, most recently a pair of the Paradigm Studio/40 speakers, which have performed to my expectations. Your staff were very helpful in helping me find a speaker which would fit my needs, and provided ample opportunity to test several different brands. Again, thanks. I'll be back.
Sincerely, Byron O

I recently received a letter from you concerning my purchase from your store. I am pleased with my new turntable and your sales crew were pleasant to deal with. Also, your technician seemed quite thorough setting it up and installing the cartridge. I am once again enjoying my record collection.
Thank you. Bill S

I am not aware of your reputation but should you wish a reference I am your guy. The equipment, listening rooms and, much more important, your people are outstanding. (They fulfill the five steps of the buying decision process.) I am not able, at this time, to purchase high end audiophile equipment, and despite this fact, You treated me with the low key-yet, gracious respect I have not experienced with other audio retailers. I facilitate sales training and market analysis for billion dollar companies and Fred's is a place people want to come back to. I am going to go downstairs now and listen more to the Paradigms and plot my next visit to your store.

Thank you!  Brian O

Many years ago I purchased a receiver at your store and I still have that receiver and it works! My experience then was good so that is why I came back. This time I had a positive experience also. I was looking for a speaker upgrade for my home theater. Your Salesman approached me and asked if he could be of some help. I told him what I was looking to do and gave him a price range I hoped to stay within. He showed me the three lines of Paradigm Speakers and explained the difference. I decided to listen to the 2 less expensive lines and compare them side by side. After listening to the different speakers I made my choice.  While we listened I talked with him about my Panasonic dvd player and how it was having problems playing some movies that my first generation RCA player worked just fine on, and the only problem with my RCA was that it didn't work for dts movies. He pointed out the Sony DVD player so I brought it home too! I might add that this is a lot of money for me to spend on sound and video. What do I have to say about the Sony....SUPER IMPROVEMENT!!! What about the speakers......I think I've broke in my speakers now and they sound AWESOME! All in all I'm very happy with the help selecting these parts of my system. I will tell anyone I know that is thinking about buying some electronics...do not go to "here or there", go to Fred's you'll be happier for it! And when I save up some more money I'll be back to purchase a nice preamp to go with my system.
Thanks again!  Don P

Thumbs up for your store and service! I recently purchased an integrated amplifier at your store, which I drove out to our place about an hour away. When I got to the house, I realized the wrong amplifier had been loaded into my car. Your salesman, who I had worked with on the purchase, drove all the way out to the house the following day with the correct component. Super job of picking up the ball. The people in the store were helpful and you guys had a nice selection of cables, plugs and jacks that I needed in order to hook everything up, which was a nice bonus. When it comes time for the next round of components for the AV room, I'll definitely stop by your store first.
Chris M

Last week one of your audio advisor's solved a pesky problem in my system for only $10 to me! Such a deal!  I had a ground loop problem and had no idea what to do about it.  I like your attitude; knowledge for sure, but laid back about it.  Show the customer what you have but don't push, that's what I respect.  I have found a home for my audio enthusiasm, at last.  I just completed severing any future relationship with a well established "salon" located on the other side of town.There I rec'd the opposite treatment to what I have twice enjoyed from Fred's personnel.  If you need a recommendation to someone about you, have them call me.
Steve S

I have waited a long time to make a selection and purchase of audio/visual equipment. It did make a difference coming to your store, and receiving the attention that your staff provided. I found it to be a good experience in terms of product knowledge, patience, and personality. This equipment is so advanced compared to what I have been putting up with for many years, and it is great to know a guy can come to you for your expertise. …….The most frustrating part of this transaction has been with the hookup, your people have been good with this …... I would rate my experience with this whole transaction to be very good.

Thanks for caring. Daniel P

I priced out a system at the "other guys" the day before I bought my stereo at your store but I wasn't feeling the love from those lemonheads so I walked out.  I'm glad I did 'cuz I'm super stoked on the stereo I got from you.  Your sales guy was real helpful and not too pushy. He let me listen to a bunch of different set ups and then let me make my own decision which I like. I'm one of those indecisive types and it took me over an hour to figure out what to drop my coin on, but in the end, I'm stoked! The set up sounds fantastic in my house. It puts me in my happy place. I only wish that I had the kibby to drop-in on the $1100 speakers. Those definitely sounded better than the ones I got. But nonetheless, my new system beats my old ghetto blaster any day.  Thanks -- John P

These are just a sampling of the many reviews we have received since 1948!