passionVinyl with a

Hello and welcome to the

Audio Republic website

Audio Republic North (Gateshead)

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The Audio Republic started life in September 2002. New for 2022 we have opened a new shop in Gateshead. Since that day, many things within the hi-fi industry have changed, however, it is still our aim to offer the most comprehensive selection of 2-channel stereo equipment to our customers.

We have always supported vinyl as a serious format for enjoying music. The recent resurgence of interest in both hardware and software has enabled us to offer an unparalleled selection of turntables, tone arms, cartridges and phono stages from the likes of Rega Research, VPI Industries, Roksan,  SME, Vertere and Nottingham Analogue. To complement these fine turntables we offer an unmatched range of cartridges from Audio Technica, Hana, Kiseki, Dynavector, Shelter, Van Den Hul, Denon, Luxman, Rega and Lyra

Vinyl with a passion

Our depth of knowledge in analogue replay spans many years and we take great pride in setting up our customers’ turntables optimanially. We are always happy to answer your questions regarding cartridge, tonearm, and turntable matching.

Home of Rega

The Audio Republic prides itself in offering a comprehensive selection of hi-if products from Rega Research, which deliver outstanding sonics with extreme reliability. Rega Research recent success at the What Hi-Fi Award is testimony to their achievements. We have been offering the full Rega range since our launch in 2002 and our customers love Rega’s products. Rega is just one example in the UK Hi-Fi industry that the UK is still home to innovative manufacturing which is finding success the world over.

Hear B&W’s Best Speakers

As Gateshead’s only and exclusive B&W retailer, we are delighted to represent this brand and have the Formation, 600 series, 700 series and now 800 series to demonstrate. B&W is rightly praised for being some of the best loudspeakers money can buy, we would be delighted to demonstrate these masterpieces to you in your home.

Heavyweight Hi-Fi Products

We also represent Simaudio from Canada, whose brand Moon, is assuming the mantle of a true heavyweight, their products are superbly built with sound to match. They, along with Sugden, Luxman, Audiolab and Naim Audio. We also like our valve amplifiers, however, and we stock the fantastic Rogue Audio range, as typified by the amazing Cronus Magnum 3 integrated amplifier, stupendously built and a bargain at £3,500. This amplifier is both powerful and subtle delivering real tangible images between your loudspeakers with the tonal abilities that only a valve amplifier can deliver.

The Best Hi-Fi Products Available

We have long had a relationship with Absolute Sounds, who import Audio Research, a heavyweight American manufacturer of Reference Electronics.

As someone who dislikes bright, hyper-detailed loudspeakers so prevalent today, our choices are designed to keep you listening to your favourite music for hours. Proac continue to advance the state of the art in transducers, the D20R has no peer below £3500, although you may disagree after hearing Spendor, with either their modern A Line, D Line or Classic Series.

Above these in price, we are honoured to represent Wilson Audio, with their reference quality and finish. Plus sound that is truly world-beating.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Oliver / Audio Republic Ltd

Music as it should be

Audio Republic Ltd
5.0
Based on 190 reviews
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Paul SykesPaul Sykes
09:20 27 Aug 24
OMG - there I was thinking the Turntable I'd had for 40+ years was pretty much the pinnacle of what could be achieved with a deck/tonearm/psu/cartridge, bearing in mind all the multiple upgrades I've added over the decades. How wrong I was ! Andrew's knowledge base is nothing short of Biblical in its detail & scope. Outside of London's highest-end dealerships (who charge a small fortune for home visits/repairs etc..) I've never come across a more professional business than this. He came & installed a different set up for me recently which literally blows me away every time I fire it up. I cannot recommend this hifi dealer more highly. Yes they may be a tad more expensive than the 'big boys', but who ever got exemplary service like The Audio Republic offers from those guys ? They'll even consider taking back in part-ex whatever you're buying now against something else. Fantastic retailer, one of a dying breed where service is king. Resounding well done !
Nick MatthewsNick Matthews
08:52 20 Aug 24
Highly recommended.Andrew and his colleagues are very friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. They stock a lot of (to this consumer) high-end equipment, but they were equally enthusiastic about repairing my 40 year old Ariston turntable. They also made a couple of suggestions about other improvements I could make to its performance, which I took them up on. But I never felt they were hard selling, and they were very fair with the total price.It was a very enjoyable time chatting with Andrew about the world of hi-fi.If/when I need anything else, Audio Republic will be my first port of call.
Lynne BLynne B
13:42 15 Jun 24
Excellent service. Needed new system but wanted to keep old turntable. Nothing was too much trouble as Andrew and his team fixed this and installed new system and speakers with ability to stream as well. I should also say that Andrew tried to repair our old speakers before recommending new ones. I would highly recommend Audio Republic.
Ravinder SamraRavinder Samra
23:41 24 Apr 24
I've got nothing but good words and praise for Audio Republic up in Newcastle. My first contact was when I ordered the Rega Planar 3 50th from the very personable Andrew. He brought the product down himself and was meticulous and precise in helping set up the RP. Andrew took his time and was very helpful in his advice in my quest to upgrade my system, without ever being pushy.He was equally helpful in coming down to Yorkshire down the treacherous A1 to demonstrate a variety of electronics and the Audio Vector QR1 se speakers. Andrew is very passionate about helping customers make good choices which are ultimately aimed at enjoying the music. Which after all what it's all about. I can heartily recommend Audio Republic.
Barry FoxBarry Fox
12:48 13 Apr 24
Outstanding customer service, I have been dealing with them since the opening. Always happy to discuss and advise on HiFi progressions. Would strongly advise you pop in and have a chat.
Punk PioneerPunk Pioneer
18:53 09 Apr 24
"Brilliant" saved my cherished Kenwood system. I can't thank you enough as I just didn't want to scrap my system. Sleepless night are now over. Thank you
David 1967 TothDavid 1967 Toth
21:42 24 Feb 24
Very pleased to have found Audio Republic,was in the market for a cartridge upgrade for my Rega Planar 3,was struggling with the minefield of confusing and conflicting information from other places,after a brief phone call i knew id found just the place, i was asked to bring my turntable to their office where i was clearly shown and talked through the best options of cartridge for my turntable and after weighing up options a Audio Technica VM740ML was chosen,this was then free of charge fitted for me and my turntable was also given a service and check over,everything was set up for me and they even hooked my turntable up and gave it a spin so i could hear the new cartridge,then a cup of coffee where all my questions about hifi and future upgrades were answered,just good old fashioned customer service from people who know exactly what they are talking about,very very happy with the service i received
Dave CurryDave Curry
18:50 11 Feb 24
Excellent service. Very knowledgeable and helpful. No pushy selling just good advice. Bought a Rega Planer 6 that I’m delighted with.
steve newtonsteve newton
16:10 18 Jan 24
Just upgraded 20 year old Cyrus system with Rega Planar 8, Naim amp, Quadraspire rack, cables etcCouldn't be happierGreat staff, products and serviceNo pressureExcellent general adviceHome installationAll goodWill be returningCouldn't recommend highly enough
james duophotojames duophoto
12:06 14 Dec 23
Inimitable Customer Service , Knowledge and Experience.I first discovered Audio Republic after searching for a HiFi Retailer to service my Linn Sondek. That initial contact has resulted in me making several visits to Audio Republic in Gateshead and the experience has always been fascinating due to the depth of knowledge of Andrew ( the owner).I discovered I first met Andrew in the early 90s when I bought a Musical Fidelity MVT pre amp from Lintone Audio , he auditioned the Preamp for me and I bought it.Quality HiFI "specialists" are a rarity these days and I believe they are to be treasured. There are plenty of "stack them high sell them cheap(er)" outlets, what sets Audio Republic apart from the others, is their depth of knowledge of HiFi equipment spanning decades, their genuine interest in myself as a customer and their ability to match / recommend equipment that will suit the type of sound you prefer as opposed to offering you something that's 'hot' this month etc.I have just had my Musical Fidelity A370. Power amp, Musical Fidelity MVX Preamp and my Linn Sondek serviced at Audio Republic. Everything sounds beautiful. I have also bought a replacement cartridge for the Linn ( Dynavector XX2) and a new (to me) DAC/ CD Player all from Audio Republic.If like me, you value high quality service where someone will take the time to understand what you're really looking for and also provide you with a relaxed environment to listen without any pressure , then Audio Republic should be your first port of call.I had the opportunity of listening to the CD player I have bought, in my own home, so I knew exactly what sound I would be getting if I were to buy it- which I have. Andrew brought the DAC/ CD player to my home so I could listen and make my own decisions.At the end of the day, listening pleasure is what it's all about and the reason why we have a HiFi system in the first place. So why go somewhere where the environment isn't as relaxed , or the environment/ setup is different to your own? You're not comparing like for like. For me personally, there is no where else like Audio Republic, inimitable they are indeed.
Gordon DavisonGordon Davison
14:37 01 Nov 23
I went to Audio Republic with an exacting set of needs for a preamp; had to have volume and balance controllable from my listening chair, and ideally valve-based. After listening to my requirements, Andrew was able to point me in the direction of a Rouge pre-amp, a US brand I wasn't familiar with. Took it home for a trial and was blown away. In addition to the functionality improvements I was seeking, the new preamp blows the previous amp away, in terms of detail retrieval and overall musicality. The guys were very friendly too and I'm delighted with their guidance and help. Very highly recommended, Andrew really knows his stuff.
Ben MooreBen Moore
09:33 12 Oct 23
Super helpful, friendly and no hard sell on unnecessarily expensive items. Brought in a turntable to have a new cartridge fitted and was given great advice, a fantastic sounding turntable and some other useful items, all within 1 hour. Highly recommended. I’ll be back when the new Rega speakers turn up!
Derek PoxtonDerek Poxton
14:24 01 Oct 23
So pleased I've found Audio Republic. Great advice and excellent service. The work (reffing 4 klouts with aktiv klimax crossovers) was carried out with Great care.Wonderful!!
Eric HeatonEric Heaton
11:03 14 Jul 23
Bought Rega Elex Mk4 and Andrew delivered it personally from Newcastle to Leeds. Not just a case of dropping it off. Andrew spent time discussing set up and suggested other components to compliment the amp in the future. I can see myself spending a lot of money at Audio Republic in the future such is their exceptional service and outstanding knowledge of all things Hifi.
DenisDenis
13:21 07 Jul 23
Andrew has been so reliable over the years, thankyou again for a small business that is a treasureDenis
Melanie PeraraMelanie Perara
17:24 02 Jul 23
Extremely happy with the service recieved from Andrew and the team. I have bought some excellent demonstration kit, as well as having my early Sondek serviced for the first time in 40 years, with some select additions suggested by Andrew. It all sounds sublime now and I find it very difficult to not shut myself away and listen to LP's all day. It might lead to a divorce, but the bang for buck brilliance of their service could not be beaten. Here's to a very long lasting relationship with Audio Republic!
Harry SturgillHarry Sturgill
20:48 24 May 23
Not particularly impressed. Nice equipment but very mismatched.
Graham BaldwinGraham Baldwin
19:13 13 May 23
I have recently bought a Rogue Audio Sphinx v3. No pressure salesmen just very good service. And I received my amp the next day.
Michael SomersMichael Somers
16:36 18 Apr 23
Bought hi fi off Andrew for must be twenty yrs customer service excellent .. knows his stuff good luck with your Gateshead venture sure u will be a success
Mike CrawleyMike Crawley
16:24 15 Dec 22
My wife and myself were wanting to treat ourselves to a new hi fi system.After much research ,reading reviews etc, we decided on a REGA system because it was good quality and British.We found that Audio Republic are a dealer and local to us. Andrew invited us to visit his newly opened Gateshead showroom.Both Andrew and David listened to our requirements and put together a REGA system that was suitable for us.Andrew came to our house to set the system up and ensure it was working properly and we were happy with it.They didn't decry our original suggested budget,as some of their competitors had, but effortlessly convinced us to increase our buget to obtain a system that we are proud of and will last for many years.We are very pleased with the service from the lads at Audio Republic and are confident that if we have any problems they will be around and willing to sort them.Thanks.
John GardnerJohn Gardner
16:11 12 Nov 22
Really great company, Audio Republic are a proper Hifi dealership, I visited the shop in Leeds to buy some new speakers, Karl who runs the shop was an absolute pleasure to deal with and talk to about all things Hifi, he couldn't have been more helpful. I would definitely buy from this dealership again in the future.
Shakeel MughalShakeel Mughal
15:38 10 Nov 22
Wow! Wow! Wow! Could not contain my excitement and was jumping around some what crazy when i got this little baby back home and spinning with the needle on the track! RP3 with an upgraded cartridge, the Audio Technica M750 combined with Rega Fono MM MK5 and the Rega Neo TIPSU MK2. I had a rather vintage RP3 which I had since 2002, still in good nick but with a worn cartridge. Yes I could have just replaced the cartridge but i had my eye on this little baby in white and so pleased with the tunes she is producing. The base is crisp and sharp and the voices and tones are so much more natural in sound. Real subtleties i can hear at all frequencies. Set up with Cyrus/B&W speakers its just a sublime experience. Thank you Audio Republic for the knowledge and guidance as i had gone in thinking new RP3 with an up graded cartridge, so really needed the reassurance and experience.
Mr Mark WheelwrightMr Mark Wheelwright
16:38 24 Aug 22
Absolutely thrilled with Audio Republic.The service and expertise from Karl was second to none.I have some ageing but awesome Linn products that needed a new lease of life and Karl did not disappoint … He only used to work at Linn back in the day …… whaaat.If you have worked for Linn as an an engineer well that speaks volumes in itself.Karl is a pro and for a reasonable fee I now have a newly serviced turntable, new cartridge, balanced tone arm, working Linn Karik CD & DAC and some pristine pre-loved Linn Keilidh’s.The setup is pure heaven. The process was relaxed, good advice without the hard sell.Thanks Karl, will be back.Mark
Iain MaidenIain Maiden
09:22 04 Jul 22
I'd heard about Audio Republic from a friend. I contacted Karl prior to my visit (50 mile drive both ways) and discussed what would be best for me for the amount I wanted to spend. I wanted to upgrade my amp. Karl advised that for what I wanted to spend the Riga Brio fitted the bill perfectly. He was right. I took my old amp in because I wanted to hear a comparison... that was no issue for Karl, and he duly obliged by playing some death metal at a decent volume at 0930 on a Saturday morning 😂, followed by some Pink Floyd and others. He has a very relaxed manner and no pushy sales tactics at all. If there is space you can park right outside the shop which is great. It's obvious that it is a passion for Karl and it was such a refreshing experience in the shop. I even ended up buying an upgraded turntable as well. All in all, can't recommend Karl and Audio Republic enough !
james mccullochjames mcculloch
15:29 31 Mar 22
Great service from Karl, As a first time buyer of a turntable/audio set up I was given great guidance and I am very happy with my product- plays beautifully.
Neil MonaghanNeil Monaghan
18:50 29 Mar 22
Would highly recommend audio republic , very knowledgeable and helpful, fantastic shop and service , I’ll definitely be returning when I’m ready to upgrade my system .
Martyn PotterMartyn Potter
19:43 27 Nov 21
I was looking to buy a Regar P3 turntable and contacted Andrew at Audio Republic who invited me in to review the kit. Andrew spent nearly an hour telling me all about the turntable and other accessories. I was extremely impressed by his knowledge, enthusiasm and overall customer service. This experience was even more enhanced when Andrew asked whether I would like his colleague Carl to deliver the turntable to my house and set it up free of charge. Carl was equally personable and knowledgeable and spent nearly an hour setting up the turntable and chatting about all things audio and music.Audio Republic offer exceptional customer service and I would highly recommend them.
Tanya GibsonTanya Gibson
10:27 17 Oct 21
Having the expert guidance of Karl from Audio Republic was absolutely invaluable when choosing the ideal setup for us. There's no hard sell and he really takes the time to understand what works for you and helps you get the most you can from your budget.We spent about an hour and a half in the shop listening to different setups and I'm so glad we had that opportunity because it allowed us to appreciate the difference in turntable performance and know how much power we needed from the speakers for our space.Karl gave us a very competitive quote for the setup and even came over to set everything up for us. We didn't hesitate in trusting his recommendations and we couldn't be happier with the setup we have. We're now rediscovering all our records and are extremely happy with our investment.
Shel ThomisShel Thomis
12:47 22 Sep 21
Great place, the high quality of equipment available matches the high quality of advice and service. Karl is an absolute font of knowledge and Andrew couldn't have been more helpful. Thank you, my brother is loving the new amp! Highly recommended shop.
Peter WoodhamPeter Woodham
19:30 12 Dec 20
I cannot recommend Audio Republic more highly. Andrew seems to be in such high demand for his abundant knowledge, insight and experience - yet he is so generous with his time. I walked into the shop knowing I wanted a turntable but with knowledge of little else. Andrew patiently and honestly went through all my options. I left not only with a new turntable/amp/speakers, but with a renewed passion for music. I love my new setup and I’m in a constant state of giddiness when listening to my vinyl. Thank you Andrew!
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