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1. In the World of Hi-Fi Vintage repair, Los Angeles has one of the last great repair technicians, and in my book a living legend in Howard Bardach of Audio Specialist. As a video tech myself, there is a library of experience in Howard’s head that knows the ins and outs of audio repair that no schematic or service manual will ever tell you.

   I brought in a “restored” Kenwood 6160 receiver but it had problems. The owner was a tech, went down the rabbit hole of audio forums but he could not get the sound right, so he passed it on to me. I called other reputable audio repair techs in Southern California and when I shared the back story of the unit, it was end of discussion, “Don’t bring that unit to me. If someone else has worked on it, I don’t want to see it.”

   Audio Specialist was last on the list, and I gave Howard a call. There was concern in his voice about the unit being worked on before, but he seemed open and said to bring it in.

   Walking into his shop was like walking into stacks and stacks of vintage receiver history, wall to wall jobs of gear in need of repair from highly prized Marantz’s and even rare Sherwood tube receivers. It was clear to me the people bringing their prized gear to Howard knew or at least were hoping that he could get it done.

   Howard came out from his back office with a handwritten estimate notating the issues like a physician diagnosing the problem. When he spoke to me, he never talked down, always spoke humbly yet with a sense of certainty and professionalism that no big box, Best Buy Geek Squad could ever match. Then Howard pointed to a sign stating he had such an immense back log that it would be at least two months before he could give an estimate and to “please be patient.”

   I know some folks may immediately walk away at this point but having worked on my own repairs on cameras and sewing machines, if you do something right it is hours of troubleshooting and just talking with him, I knew I had to take the leap of faith and just wait.

   Two months later, just like clockwork, I get a call from Howard. And just like your doctor giving you the bad news, it sounded like there was a lot done to the unit that he would not do and he shared that he may not be able to get the balance issue resolved. There was also an additional issue with the FM tuner string that was replaced previously with kite string that could easily snap at any time. At that point, I had to make the decision not to move forward or to do the work. I decided to go for it hoping for the best. “See what you can do on the other sound issues,” I said but let’s move forward and get it done right.

   I thought it would be another month until I would see the unit but true to his word as soon as I approved the work Howard immediately jumped on the repair. Then within a week called me to let me know the work was complete.

   Now this is where in all my years of bringing vintage audio gear to other folks that Howard stands above the rest. Typically, when a tech says they will repair that one thing that is wrong. That’s all they do. Howard treated my receiver like it was his own. Installed the correct feet, aligned and installed the correct FM string, and of course, Howard found two incorrect caps that were installed previously on the tone board that were affecting the sound imbalance.

   Honestly, he must have gone through it and dialed it in even more because I hear no pops on start up. The signal was clean, warm and not the grading unbalanced fatiguing sound that I was hearing before. I was flat out shocked how good it sounded. Howard cared enough to go the extra mile and then some shows just how much he cares and desires to resolve every issue. The kind of care that only a master technician who absolutely loves what he does can achieve. Sound excellence.

   There should be a Mayors Award to Howard Bardach for running his shop for over 45 years and providing joy to music lovers in SoCal and beyond through his gift and expertise of Hi-Fi audio repair. His shop is humble means and is a rare gem of Southern California Gold.

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2. Absolutely the finest, highest quality speaker repair and refurbishment operation in the Western USA. There is no substitute for skill and expertise and there is no finer anywhere. Takes time to assure compliance with “good as new” speaker tolerances and performance. Fast turn-around, even with rare and extremely valuable vintage speakers and extremely friendly and cordial service. There is no finer place. Have full confidence.

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3. Howard was amazing to me! He treated my vintage techniques turntable as if it were his own. He even offered to loan me a turntable if I was Jonesing for my vinyl. He did a perfect job of completely refurbishing my 40 year old Techniques turntable as if it were brand new! It sounds absolutely incredible. Thank you Howard and Audio Specialists of North Hollywood. A real gem in the city of Angels. It’s hard to find guys that are passionate and do a great job. ❤️🎶👏🏻

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4. The BEST audio specialist in Los Angeles! Howard is a heck of a guy, answered all my questions and got my baby back to me in time for my birthday. My husband and I took over ownership of his grandparents ‘70s Pioneer turntable and although I thought I did a great job taking matters into my own hands, it really needed a qualified specialist to give ‘er a look over. Howard made sure she was up and running just like she was in the 70s and I am forever grateful for his service! Thank you so much, Howard, it was really lovely meeting you and getting to chat with such a cool guy!

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5. Howard, the owner and head technician at Audio Specialist is a master at his craft and has set a skill set that is becoming rarer as the years go on.
   He serviced my turntable (Technics 1200 MK2) recently back to optimal functionality and completely restored a vintage Yamaha CR-1000 stereo receiver I had. My audio set up has never sounded better. I highly recommend Howard for your specialized audio needs

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