Originally, Audio Technica was a part time activity. Adverts were placed in The Gramophone for equipment described as ex-dem or display. It was 100% brand new however as brand new equipment was not allowed to be sold at discount prices. John realised there was a gap in the market and published a directory of all the equipment that was available. It specified all the features and was accepted as a reference guide by other dealers.

Audio T moved from John's home to the top floor of Dryden Chambers off London's Oxford Street in 1968. The building can be seen in Alfred Hitchcock's "Frenzy" and was originally a Victorian brothel! The picture on the right is taken from the film. The shop operated from the building at the back of the picture.

The company made its mark as an individual shop that was not afraid to speak its mind, even though it cost business. If a product wasn't up to scratch they would have it independently tested and voice the results. It didn't matter how big and respected the companies were (there was a famous argument with Leak at the time). Always trying to find better and more reliable equipment, they were willing to give small companies a chance and this is what made Audio T so successful. The shop had a string of famous customers including Dennis Healey, John Williams, Terry Gilliam and a certain Farad Azima - now well known as the founder of Mission. Also worthy of mention were Stewart Tyler and Blue Sutcliffe of Celef (Celestion and Kef) and Martin Colloms of Monitor Audio fame. Stewart also pioneered (no pun intended) 12" bass units in car audio. A classic experience that still remains indelibly printed on ones posterior!

Needing more space the shop moved to West Hampstead in 1972 where it continued to be Britain's most innovative retailer, offering such firsts as direct cut discs, optional five-year warranties and full test reports on amplifiers sold. John was unusual in as much he did not see other dealers as competition. In fact he was the first to advertise all the other local dealers in an advertisement. Following a discussion with the then Cambridge Audio rep, Tony French, the concept of a support organisation was discussed. It later came to fruition and was called the H.F.D.A. Audio T was unable to join as it was a discounter. Another innovative feature was the fact that Audio T closed on Mondays. The notorious Midnight Sales were a renowned feature of this period. Audio T was a very unusual company - unconventional hours, dress and views - and people loved it! Even in these early days it was branching out: Audio T Cambridge started in 1971 and Audio T Windsor in 1974. But this expansion didn't last and ultimately John sold out to concentrate on helping people with learning difficulties, something he did until 2001. A new idea is in the offing, again turning existing concepts on their heads. Tony Jones picked up the baton and expanded both Audio T and AT Labs through the 1970's and 80's. Originally planned as an external service department, AT Labs quickly became a major retailer in its own right and continues today as our branch in Chase Side, Enfield just yards from the original shop. In 1990 he joined with Oxford retailers Absolute Sound and Video and the current Audio T group of fourteen branches was created.

In October 2002 we took over the running of the three Jeffries Hi-Fi stores along the South coast (Brighton, Eastbourne and Portsmouth). Founded in Eastbourne in 1935 by Edward Jeffries, the stores had an enviable reputation in the towns they served. In 1978 the company was taken over from Edward Jeffries son John by Kevin and Alison Maxfield, who ran the company until September 2002.

Plans are afoot to let yet more customers gain access to what remain Audio T's prime goals: great equipment from large and small suppliers alike, great service and advice and a terrific deal.

In September 2008 we merged with like-minded companies, Audio Excellence and Practical Hi-Fi to form the Audio T Group. (You can read more about the merger by using the link in the left menu bar). Now with 23 physical stores and our online store we are able to offer our goods and services to customers across the United Kingdom.

Through the years Audio T has had a legion of well known customers, particularly musicians, who we believe appreciated our blend of innovation and honesty. Those you may have heard of include Noel Gallagher of Oasis, Justin Hawkins (The Darkness), Paul Potts (Winner of Britain's Got Talent 2007), Bonnie Tyler, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith of Underworld, Dr Karl Jenkins, Julian Mendelsohn (Record Producer), Jay Kay (Jamiroquai), Will Young, Russell Watson, Mark Potter (Elbow lead guitar), Bernard Sumner from New Order, Mani (Stone Roses), Joe Jackson, John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Gary Brooker of Procal Harum, Elton John, Keith Moon, Vivian Stanshall, Keith Emerson, Brian Davison of the Nice, Sid Vicious, Kevin Rowland, Ian Maclagan of the Small Faces, Russ Ballard and Colin Blunstone of the Zombies, Leo Sayer, Johnny Rotten and, in a different vein, Leopold Stowkowsky the conductor. Non musical customers include Jamie Oliver, Jon Motson, Graeme Hick (England and Worcestershire cricket player), Rowan Atkinson, Nigel Benn, Burt Kwouk, Andrew Sachs, Matt Lucas and Sir Roger Bannister.

Shop with Audio T and you're in great company!