- Galen Carol
A dedicated professional like Galen Carol Audio of San Antonio, Texas proudly occupies its lofty top. While the discount mail-order house rarely if ever does actual walk-in business, Galen Carol’s ground floor at home is a dedicated, highly professional business environment where some of the finest audio components available are on active display, which is continuously adjusted to suit the needs of the appointment-only visitors. This includes a home theater with remote-controlled screen, curtains and deluxe seating for seven. I’ve seen it and can unequivocally say that many highly successful businessmen and women would be very proud to call Galen’s home their own.
Srajan Ebaen, 6 Moons.com
Galen, I’m 57 years old and I’m not sure I’ve ever written a testimonial, but my experience with you has been so consistently positive, I felt compelled to do it here. Not sure what my next upgrade will be, but I can assure you I will call you first.
G.B.
Marc, Thank you for the recommendation of Galen Carol Audio. Galen is an outstanding person to work with. I have made several purchases from him, and I am very pleased with his helpfulness and service.
B.A.
As for Galen Carol, I also found him very helpful and prompt when I purchased products from him in the past. I’ve also talked with him a few times at CES and value his opinion.
Marc Mickelson, The Audio Beat
Galen, You had recently assisted me with an online purchase of premium speakers. I wanted to offer my compliments and high recommendation to anyone considering business with your establishment. Please see the detail of my experience:
I had never made such an expensive purchase online, much less for used home audio equipment. Upon reaching out via email, you were very prompt to respond and when we spoke you presented a direct and comprehensive description of the speakers with the transaction mechanics. These high quality speakers were 8+ years used and heavy at 450+ pounds in total weight. I appreciated that you did not oversell the items or overstate their condition especially when describing the previous owners and the usage. Your honesty and integrity came across in such a manner that I was comfortable to proceed with the transaction, given I could not physically inspect the speakers directly. The resulting delivery went smooth and simple and was finalized when I spoke to you confirming more than satisfactory delivery, noting all original boxes and packaging. I would like to add that the actual condition of these speakers were, in all honestly a 10/10. I could not find any blemish or marks to speak of plus the sound performance came out as extraordinary as all past written reviews described.
In the end this was a wonderful experience and would highly recommend anyone to do business with you quite confidently.
W.A.
Thanks for all your help and advice, it is greatly appreciated. I have talked to a lot of high-end people over the years but few have been as articulate and classy as you. You know how to deal with customers without the self-serving arrogance that I find so distasteful in many high-end salespeople. Thanks for being that person - you have a new long term client.
J.R.
Another amazing thing is your customer response and service - simply first rate and highly recommended!
J.L.
You could not hope for a better mail-order supplier than Galen. Galen answered all my e-mails promptly, honestly, thoroughly and courteously. He also offers truly excellent pricing, which reduces the bite from shipping costs and import taxes. The items were shipped promptly and securely. When I shared with Galen my concern about damage to the power cords during shipping, he packed my King Cobra in a huge box sandwiched by gigantic layers of packing materials. I have never experienced caring service like this! I believe you will experience the same care if you order from Galen.
K.T.
Thanks for all your help and advice, it is greatly appreciated. I have talked to a lot of high-end people over the years but few have been as articulate and classy as you. You know how to deal with customers without the self-serving arrogance that I find so distasteful in many high-end salespeople. Thanks for being that person - you have a new long term client.
J.R.
I have dealt with many dealers in the past. Let me assure you that such cooperation is, unfortunately, not typical. I am writing to express my gratification with my experience with Galen Carol Audio and to let you know that dealers of this caliber are rare.
N.Z.
Thanks a lot! I guess there still are a few people I can trust on the net.
C.T.
I just wanted to say thanks again for all your good advice and great service over the years. The Quicksilver’s, Jadis, and now the Pass gear from you has all been a pleasure. You are the rarest of businessmen: friendly and knowledgeable, with terrific customer service.
J.D.
Galen, when I read in Stereophile that you wanted REPEAT customers, it caught my eye. Most in your business want BUSINESS ONLY! But you are different. You take time to talk personally with your customers which in this business is unusual. And you answer emails almost as soon as I could send them ! I have ordered from you three times and have seen that you offer the best prices, advice and service. And when I need another item I will be a FOURTH time customer. Thanks for your honesty and attention.
H.R.
I have known Galen for approximately ten years and he has always been attentive to my needs as an audiophile. He has gone above and beyond what other dealers have done for me in terms of service and courtesy. In short - he is the best!
B.H.
Thank you again for your advice in selecting these components. As you should know, honest advice in selecting gear is not easy to come by.
P. F.
I am a musician and university professor, have been a lifelong audiophile, and have many friends who are musicians, audiophiles and music lovers. I will not hesitate to recommend your fine store to all of them, for your knowledge ability is most valuable in a pursuit where mistakes can be expensive and vexing. The way you do business is what high-end audio should be all about.
R.R.
You are an honorable man and it’s been a pleasure doing business with you.
J.B.
Galen, it is seldom that I take the time to write with praise about how a person conducts business, but in your case I feel compelled to tell you what a pleasure it was to do business with you. I felt you went way beyond the call to provide prompt and personal service, candid and unbiased information and a feeling of trust.
B.B.
Galen was very helpful - extremely knowledgeable - a pleasure to do business with.
J.S.
Thanks for installing the system, the sound is fantastic! I appreciate your professional approach and great service.
R.P.
Your advertisements in the magazines are tasteful and unique. Your expertise and personal manner lived up to your slogan - “Audio One to One.”
L.H.
Thanks again for your helpful recommendations and the courteous service. I’m telling all my friends!
R.L.
Galen is very friendly, professional, knowledgeable, HONEST, carries a whole lot of brands and is happy to give you as much or as little advice as you ask for. Some people are leery of dealing mail order. Let me assure you that I have the utmost confidence in Galen.
D.G.
I am glad we got to do business again. It is a pleasure to deal with a straight forward, knowledgeable guy.
B.B.
Its good doing business with you. You surely rate a “Class A” recommendation.
J.H.
It’s a pleasure doing business with someone who really loves audio and music as opposed to “salesmen” looking for a fast buck.
L.M.
It was a pleasure to talk with you on the phone. You were very knowledgeable and helpful. I expect to be dealing with you again soon.
J.C.
Thank you for your honest and straightforward help on the telephone and in your newsletter. It is a real pleasure working with someone in the audio business who is both knowledgeable and not so opinionated. So often I run across retail people in my area who are either dishonest or of the opinion that “only the products that they sell are good and everything else is bad.”
M.S.
Once again your clear simple advice, fair price and easy, human approach to biz came out on top.
J.B.
We really appreciate your expertise, help and service with our audio needs, but most of all we appreciate your friendship.
S.E.
Thanks a lot for your super service!
J.K.
I am very impressed with your fund of knowledge and objectivity. I also appreciate your patience in explaining the various options available to me with respect to my preferences.
D.J.
Thank you very much for another great newsletter. Your articles on fine tuning one’s system are very interesting and greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to write them! Your equipment/component info is also a real help in keeping me up to date on the latest developments.
G.S.
I must say, it was a wonderful experience dealing with you. I appreciated your personal touch and professionalism.
C.P.
Galen, you are very knowledgeable, honest, and professional. Thanks!
P.S.
Thanks to you, I have a great system and enjoy music more than ever! Thanks again!
S.A.
I would highly recommend Galen Carol Audio to anyone. I found Galen to be very professional, extremely knowledgeable about high-end audio and also very personable. I presented Galen with a somewhat difficult requirement and he filled the requirement above and beyond my expectations. Needless to say, I plan to deal with Galen for all my future upgrades and tweaks and will recommend him to anyone looking for audio gear.
D.G.
Thank you for your excellent service!
R.P.
I really want to thank you for all your help. I have yet to work with anyone with your ability to understand my needs and point me in the right direction. The system sounds wonderful and my concerns about purchasing high grade equipment have been negated.
B.F.
I appreciate your great customer service. It is really refreshing, especially in this hobby.
R. H.
Saw you listed in the Mail Order Survey. I have never seen such unanimous testimonial praise! You can add my name to the list of happy customers. It is nice to see someone really doing it right.
E.S.
I want to share that your honesty, resourcefulness, and patience shown to me, a more neurotic buyer of things, was and is greatly appreciated. I wish I had run into your Website earlier in my first pursuits, as I had been selfishly misguided by others. I will definitely return to your services as I (get more money) and develop my systems. You make a great impression and set the highest standard for e-Commerce I’ve experienced yet.
D.D.
I will definitely recommend you as a good reseller to any of my friends looking for audio equipment.
H.B.
Just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying the Basis and the Graham 2.0. It has really made a spectacular improvement in every area - nothing subtle about it. It’s great equipment—beautifully made and machined, plus it sounds wonderful. Thanks very much for your usual exemplary service and advice.
P.P.
Wow, it sounds great! Thanks for your help, and I’m sure we will be doing more business together. I look forward to receiving your Newsletter and referring my friends to you for their audio needs. Thanks again!
D.J.
Thanks as always for the solid recommendation and great advice!
P.B.
Very courteous and knowledgeable and has been a great help in the decade or so I’ve dealt with Galen.
S.S.
I couldn’t recommend Galen Carol Audio more highly.
J.H.
Your Newsletters are excellent, with clear information, a refreshing sense of humor and no obnoxious hype. Keep up the good work!
B.C.
I can’t say how much I’ve appreciated your service and style - both over the phone and electronically.
R.S.
For integrity, Galen Carol Audio has to be among the best in the country.
R.W.
Thank you for always being there when needed. I value your honesty; knowledge and patience in helping me make a decision.
L.A.
Thanks so much for all your help with my purchase of the Pass amp. Consider me as a new a devoted customer.
J.D.
Again, I wanted to thank you for your sound advice and impeccable service, which eradicated any hassles or worry usually associated with ordering long distance. Will contact you again if I require anything from the U.S.A.Prof. K. T., PhD Dept. of Musicology and Composition
This was the first time I purchased (Verity Fidelio’s, excellent product) any items from Galen Carol Audio. From the start Galen was very friendly and helpful, providing me with accurate and “no-hype” advice. He was always available when I called and he provided me with updates on the status of my order. Another very satisfied customer. Thanks Galen,
R.M.
Galen, I truly feel you run your business differently from other dealers. It shows in your attention to the details. Your Website is a phenomenal source of information. Good, hard facts, no wasted space. Short pieces intended to help anyone who cares about music. Good photos, detailed descriptions.
B.C.
Thanks for the great service!
C.D.
Thanks again for all of your help during this process. Your customer service is the highest quality and far beyond that offered by any other audio dealers with whom I have done business. Please feel free to use any of my comments about the quality of your business on your web site. I would be happy to do anything I can to let others know about superior service provided by Galen Carol Audio. You certainly deserve the recognition.
K.A.
Recommending you is the best favor I could do for any audiophile.
K.T.
In the absence of a local high-end dealer, it is great to have your store available via the Internet. Thanks for the excellent service and support. I’ll be back….
R.R.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised to take delivery on the very day you said I would. I wish I could get such fine service from everyone I do business with - it would have save me much aggravation.
J.B.
In a time when many seem to be in too much of a hurry to provide even adequate, customer service, it’s nice to be able to deal with an individual that cares more about letting the customer make an educated decision than making the sale. On the two occasions I’ve purchased from you, I never once felt pressured to buy anything - even though you personally took my calls and took the time to answer my questions in some detail. It is this “extra” care toward the customer that brings them back and that will bring me back for a long time to come. Thanks for the great deal and great service!
W.N.
Heard your name mentioned many times at the Stereophile Show in Manhattan, and all positive!
J. W.
Thanks for your most helpful advice and great service! I’m really excited about getting my new equipment set up!
G.A.
Thank you for being such a great dealer!
P.B.
Galen, it’s been a pleasure to do business with you, a courteous and professional gentleman. I do enjoy the products purchased from you, performance, service, and price. I sincerely hope you do well in the business and always be there when I need you again.
P.B.
I write to comment on my experience with Galen Carol. I don’t claim to be the most knowledgeable or technical audiophile out there, and so I need to have an audio dealer whom I can trust. Sure, there are some audiophiles who have the time and money to order 5 or 6 cables, try them all, keep the best, and sell the rest ... but that’s not me! I need a dealer who will give me his honest opinion ... not just tell me what he needs to sell what he has the most of in stock. I also need a dealer who will honestly answer a question such as: “What tweak will give me the most bang for my buck?”
In Galen Carol I have the dealer I need. It is my experience that Galen is a man of tremendous integrity and knowledge. He will give you the best recommendation he can, based upon your system and your needs ... even if that means he has to tell you he doesn’t carry it or that it’s not in stock. When I asked Galen to name his 3 favorite tweaks, and said I was under budget constraints, he mentioned 3 items (Kontak; Optrix; the FIM outlet), each of which is under $50. He didn’t try to talk me into some esoteric tweak which would require that I take a second mortgage out on my house. (I bought the Optrix CD cleaner, with tissue wipes, for $20. It’s my opinion that if you spent $600 upgrading your cables and got the kind of result you get with Optrix, you’d think you got a good deal).
I would think that every one of us has run across those haughty high-end dealers ... the kind who look down their nose at you if you ask if they can budge off list price, or ask if they have something comparable but less expensive. Galen is not that kind of dealer. He treats you with respect, regardless of your budgetary situation, and he gives you the benefit of his considerable knowledge, no matter how much or how little you are spending. In short, Galen is the ideal high-end dealer. He is remarkably knowledgeable; he is considerate of you; he is generous with his time; and he will sell you what you need ... and NOT what he needs to sell. I give Galen my highest recommendation ... the summa cum laude of high-end dealers.
P.F.
I highly recommend Galen; great service and reasonable prices, particularly for used equipment.
R.J.
Thanks for your excellent & cordial service.
J.A.
Galen, one again, this was a pleasure. As always. I couldn’t agree more with A.J. Conti, you are a class act. Much appreciated!
K.W.
I sent several E-mail’s out last night and you are the only one that has replied. I read your reviews from satisfied customers and I will be adding mine to the list.What stood out most in our conversation was the fact that you never tried to sell me anything. You just gave good information at my request that helped me make my decision.
We may be miles apart but as far as I’m concerned we are a door away from each other. Your door to mine, no parking, no traffic, no gas mileage.
P.H.
Galen, I can’t thank you enough for all the help you’ve been in helping me build my stereo system. I am indeed very fortunate to be one of your customers, not just for the wonderful product line you carry, or the wealth of knowledge you possess, but because it is so obvious that you care so much about your customers. I am more appreciative than you will ever know.
You were correct (no surprise to me) about the Nirvana SX, and its even greater potential. I attached it to my solid state system while I was gone for the week and upon my return (and after reconnecting it to the TriVista) I found it to sound even more beautiful than when I departed for my trip. It really does present a “silent” background for the music, and it has really given me an appreciation for “sound stage” as well. I just love it, and again am most grateful for all your help.
So my friend, I’ll conclude by saying thanks for everything, and once again asking you to call me up if you plan on coming to my town. Until next time, take care, Galen.
J.A.
Hi Galen, I just wanted to say thank you for your help. I appreciate the personal and professional service you provide, especially after the sale. I’m usually not comfortable purchasing larger items via the web, but I’m very happy I did. Thanks again.
M. J.
Thanks for the great customer service! You’ve got a repeat customer and I’ll look to you for future purchases.
D.A.
Galen,I want to thank you for the personal touch you apply to your business - it is a true rarity today, especially online.
T.F.
Galen,Thank you for excellent customer service, that is a rare quality these days.
T.M.
Galen,You’ve been a pleasure to deal with over the years!
T.A.
Galen, ...music the way it was meant to be. Thank you so much for all your help getting me set up, sound is excellent.
Z.M.
Galen,Thank you for your courteous communication, personal notification, and fast shipping. All very much appreciated!
M.B.
Galen, As promised, I’ve received my order this week end, in perfect state. I would like to thank you very much. I was a real pleasure to do business with a great professional. Once again thank you.
J.R.
Galen, Again, thank you for your efficient and customer-friendly service. Count me in as a satisfied and hopefully, regular customer.
R.M.
Galen, Wow! Thanks so much for your honest, prompt service. I’ll definitely be a repeat customer.
J.W.
Galen,Your customer service gets and A+!
J.S.
Galen, Let me tell you this, I am absolutely delighted with this purchase! It was a pleasure doing business with you.
G.M
Galen, Thanks for your help. Honest to God, you’re the best!
M.S.
Galen, regards from Germany and thank you for the perfect order transaction!
L.V.
Galen, I appreciate your Excellent service!
G.H.
Galen, I wanted to e-mail you and thank you again for the fantastic deal. Also, thanks for taking your time to explain about the bridged mono versus bi-amping. It’s a very good sign when not only does the owner of the company answer the phone, but he takes the time to talk with the customer. The way you treated me along with your in-depth knowledge of audio will make me a return customer.
W.O.
Galen, I don’t think I ever thanked you for all of the patience and great service when I purchased my Jolida tuner from you. It’s a privilege to work with someone who does what he says he will do and follows up with customers so diligently. Thank you.
K.W.
Galen, Great! I appreciate the great customer service you have always provided. A++++
C.W.
Galen, Thanks for your excellent service. I am a very satisfied customer.
P.J.
Galen, Thanks so much for your excellent service and quick shipping! I’ll be sure to recommend you to my friends!
D.P.
Galen, I am impressed with your excellent service. I am looking forward to get back to you for my home theater needs in the future. Thanks!
R.S.
Galen, I received my cable on time and am enjoying it. Once again, thanks for the great service!
R.R.
Galen, Thanks for your help this year. Your recommendations have been great!
J.H.
Galen, When I read in Stereophile that you wanted REPEAT customers, it caught my eye. Most in your business want BUSINESS ONLY! But you are different. You take time to talk personally with your customers, which in this business is unusual. And you answer e-mails almost as soon as I could ever send them! I have ordered from you three times and have seen that you offer the best prices, advice and service. And when I need another items I will be a FOURTH time customer. Thanks for your honesty and attention.
H.R.
Galen, Thanks for the fine service as usual. It’s always a pleasure talking with you and doing business with you!
B.K.
Galen, I received my T-100 yesterday and just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know pleased I am with the product and the service I received from you. I appreciate doing business with you and will recommend you to anyone willing to listen.
D.K.
Galen, what a great shopping experience I had, purchasing my new CD player from Galen Carol Audio. It’s a rare treat to speak with the company owner, especially during online buying. The CD player was lavishly packaged, and arrived on time. And the written communication before, during and after the sale was excellent. It’s nice to see someone create a high-end playground (www.gcaudio.com) with reviews, tweaking tips and a super product line. I hope we can do more business in the future.
C.T.
Galen, I ordered a couple of bottles of Kontak cleaner online from you yesterday. I was shocked to receive them today! It’s not often I am wowed by a company’s efficiency or customer service, but I have to say you have certainly surpassed my expectations. Kudos to everyone involved.
D.O.
Galen, I just wanted to thank you for the Jolida - I love it - especially now that my new tubes have warmed up over the last few months. My music sounds unlike anything it ever has - and it’s really improved my quality of life Thanks so much for all your guidance on the purchase and I look forward to continue working with you throughout the years!
J.R.
All I can say is….WOW!!!! And, THANK YOU! I appreciate all the time you spent talking with me….your patience….all your help and great advice. I truly love music and you have really helped me put together a fantastic system. I know there are components and systems that would put this to shame but, for my ear and my taste (and my budget).... this is spectacular! Thanks!
K.J
Galen, Just a quick note to say thanks for your help in the past. I have bought a several items from you, and I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your professionalism and courtesy. Whether I am purchasing, asking for a quote, or have a problem with any equipment you are always the same, polite and helpful, never pushy or aggressive in nature - qualities that others in the audio world should strive to emulate. Music and high-end audio can bring so much enjoyment. It can also, at times, be frustrating and is certainly an expensive hobby for a starving artist; but your even keeled, subdued approach and fair pricing is refreshing and appreciated.
D.W.
Hi, Galen! Had to say THANKS, for the super fast shipping…I am an impatient cuss…and you exceeded even my expectations! Oh yeah, the Stereovox XV2 is fantastic right out of the box. Things couldn’t be better.
B.L
Thanks for the great service!
C.D.
NO ONE gives faster, more helpful service than you! THANKS!
T.A.
Galen Carol Audio is a hidden treasure on the web. I’ll be back for more most assuredly!! Thank you. M.M.
I would highly recommend Galen Carol Audio to anyone. I chose Galen Carol Audio after reviewing this web site and seeing that they had received the highest remarks from everyone who had taken the time to comment on them. I found that the service, price, and quality of product was every bit as good as I expected.
I found Galen to be very professional, extremely knowledgeable about high-end audio, and also very personable.
Needless to say, I plan to deal with Galen for all my future upgrades and tweaks and will recommend them to anyone I know that is looking for audio gear.
W.W.
Galen was very helpful, has excellent suggestions for system matching and was very patient with me as I kept changing my mind. Excellent prices too. I plan to keep buying all my equipment from Galen Carol Audio.
D.C.
Galen Carol Audio offers excellent, personal service by someone who is honest, flexible, charges reasonable prices, and can hear. Galen really is concerned about your best interests and a long term relationship.
B.L
You’ve certainly earned any future business from me assuming the local dealer I’ve done business with for years doesn’t have what I’m looking for. Each step with you has been a pleasure and that’s rare to find - especially via the internet. Thanks again,
E.L.
Galen, I have had nothing but the highest respect for you since I first worked with you about 11 years ago.
R.B.
I would like to send my sincere thanks for a superlative service, which I truly appreciate.
On a music note, the cartridge found its way onto my tone arm yesterday and I am absolutely thrilled with it. As decent as the Linn K9 was, my LPs sound better than I can ever remember, and I look forward to many, many hours of rediscovering my vinyl. Thank you again - I wish you all well at Galen Carol Audio. Best Wishes
K.K
If you’ve read any of my other rants or ramblings in this blog, you’ll note that I am often very critical of the manufacturers and their retailers in the audio industry.
Earlier this week I posted about ordering the Feickert Universal Protractor thru Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio, TX. I made mention about the low price and their relatively close proximity to me (I wanted the item to use this weekend). My order was processed and shipped the same day I ordered. But I discovered this morning that my item was not scheduled to be delivered until Monday – Arrrggghhhh!
To make a long story short, I sent a few emails back and forth to Galen Carol Audio about intercepting this shipment so that I might pick it up tonight on my way home. They were very courteous and helpful with my request. Within thirty minutes of my initial contact, the package had been intercepted and held for pick-up at my local UPS facility.
So why all the fuss?
I can’t tell you the number of requests I have made to other retailers concerning their products, asking for help with an item I bought, etc. Most of these requests have been slow to be responded to – if they have bothered to respond at all. It’s as if they are doing me a favor by selling me items and taking my money. Needless to say, these vendors have been taken off my list of companies I will do business with. I’m happy to report that my experience with Galen Carol Audio has been just the opposite.
There is much I don’t agree with when it comes to the hi-end audio sector. I particularly don’t care for the restriction that manufacturers place on consumers – forcing them to order from the regional dealer they have decided to sell thru to obtain their products. I can’t change this policy or practice…but it’s one of the reasons why I started buying used equipment years ago. None of this territorial BS typically applies to used items. By the way, Galen Carol does offer a nice selection of used audio equipment as well.
So, if you’re in the state of Texas – or looking to order an item that does not have territorial restrictions, I highly recommend you consider Galen Carol Audio. They sell good equipment, have excellent prices and outstanding customer service. Keep up the great work people – as this blog shows, it DOES NOT go unnoticed!
B.A
As always, my best and thanks for such immense support over the years. In our Japanese terms here in the office, you are ichi-ban (#1)!
R.B.
Thanks to your informative narrative and compelling endorsement of Kontak, my stereo system has undergone a remarkable transformation.
I have an “old school” analog amplifier (of 20+ years) that powers my turntable and all audio playback/recording functionalities. Employing your guidance, I meticulously applied Kontak to all male/female RCA connectors and upgraded cables. How do I characterize the benefits? One word: “WOW!!!”
I actually had researched and reluctantly resigned myself to acquire a new amplifier, due to dissatisfaction with clarity of sound and loss of consistent signal strength from the right channel. The Kontak made both of these problems evaporate. You are commended in heralding this product, as well as the fast and secure processing of my order.
Finally, please know that I am not a “high end” audiophile. I know the type of music and media I enjoy, and attempt to treat my ears to the sound that the artist intended. The Kontak yields a crystalline effect that dramatically enhances vinyl LP listening. Thank you!
D.M.
Mr. Carol, I received the Creek Evo today and would like to thank you for your attention to packaging it safely and a quick delivery. It shows “like new” and performs beyond it’s paid price. Your name comes up on a few audio forum sites that I frequent/learn from. The fact you will speak with a potential customer over the phone and your gear is priced as low as you can go, where possible is mentioned indirectly, but audiophiles take notes. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Thanks again for another good/solid deal.
D.H.
All of this with his knowledgeable advice on my system and speedy replies to emails makes me a customer for life. He has a “steals section” on his site that everyone should check out as well as a great selection of gear and trust this guy as I feel you just can’t find a better person to do business with who is extremely knowledgeable in audio and is just a fine human being as well. He has made me a customer for life and I can’t wait to get my system all set up and ready to roll!
Thanks so much to Galen and his staff! This is the best deal I’ve ever gotten in many years buying audio gear.
S.D.
Thank you, for the quick, professional and efficient order processing I received my order in 2 business days. It is a pleasure doing business with your store.
J.R
Thanks for your support; you have absolutely the best customer support.
R.T.
I’d just like to report a very pleasant purchasing experience that I recently had with Galen Carol of Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio, TX.
I’ve bought a lot of audio gear over the years and have to say that this transaction was as good as one can get. All of it was done by telephone and via e-mail. Galen was courteous, extremely knowledgeable, and his prices were very competitive. He kept me aware of everything that transpired and answered every phone call and e-mail inquiry within a couple of hours if he was not able to pick up the phone immediately. When the order was placed Galen kept me informed of the shipping date and provided tracking information.
My order arrived remarkably fast. When I thought I detected a glitch in the new component - it wasn’t the component, it was completely my fault - Galen quickly responded on a Saturday evening and help walk me through the situation. With what’s been going on in the high-end industry dealing with him was a welcome breath of fresh air. I would buy my next piece of gear from him in a heartbeat. I’m posting this because service like this deserves all of the praise that it can get. Do yourselves a favor and contact him for your next purchase especially if, like me, all of the high-end stores in your area have shut down.
A.S.
I have not bought lots of stuff from Mr. Carol but when I consider getting something I cannot make for myself, his is always the first place I look. To add to the chorus: always a good experience. You can trust his judgment; if he sells it, it is good.
B.M.
Galen was not only a pleasure to deal with, but very knowledgeable as well. He’s one of a select few high end audio dealers who I trust implicitly.
A.B.
Service from you is tops! Being born in San Antonio and not many know SA except for its ethnicity, the military, or the Spurs but it also happens to have one of the best audio dealers in the business! I hope that someone takes the time to do an interview with you to ask how you got into the business, how you have succeeded while other businesses have come and gone, and how you maintain your qualities of excellent knowledge and explanation of your products but also keeping it interesting and having fun at it!
(My best teachers for business, professionalism, and work ethics are all 2-channel audio salesmen!)
Back to the music!
R.Z.
Fantastic service!
J.C.
Thank you for your expert, honest advice and prompt service in getting me my Berkley Alpha USB interface and Straight Wire Cable. It is great to be able to gain knowledge from someone who is educated in the products they sell. I am really enjoying the improvement it added to my system and I hope to deal with you again in the future both in product and advice. Thanks again Galen
J.O.
Thanks, you guys are great. Proud to be a customer!
T.V.
Hi Galen. Thanks for the speedy follow up. You are a rare bird, whom I admire for both your professionalism and outstanding knowledge base. While you may think it is a natural result of 37 years in the business, I can assure you it is not.
N.P.
And you've been very helpful, very responsive, just as my online research indicated -- hey, we all have reputations nowadays -- and I will look to you again for other audio purchases (this was my first time buying from you).
D.H.
Dear Galen: I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to meet with me this morning regarding my future speaker purchase. I'm still weighing my options and not sure what I'll ultimately decide, but I wanted you to know your kindness and expertise were truly appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. You were very informative and certainly whetted my appetite for pursuing a server/DAC in the near future!
Again, my sincere thanks...
G.H.
Hello Galen,I want to wish you a Safe and Happy New Year. I also want to thank you for another year of your patience and sage guidance.
Best regards.
M.H.
Galen, Thanks for writing Keith (Herron) for me. He is a remarkable person. Unfortunately, in this day and age we do not have enough vendors, manufacturers, or businessmen who demonstrate the pride, commitment, and dedication Keith routinely demonstrates. He reminds me of my father who owned and operated a television and appliance store throughout my childhood. My father’s business focused on the sales and servicing of televisions—all manufactured and designed in the United States at that time. My father worked long hours six days a week and loved his work. He derived more pleasure out of his making a customer happy than he did from charging for his work. If a customer could not afford to pay the service charge to fix his family’s television, my father would fix the television anyway, and he would tell the customer to pay him whenever he could afford to do so. Needless to say, my father had a great reputation in the small town where we lived. My father repeatedly told me that the most valuable thing an individual has is his good name. He was never a wealthy man, but he was a success in my eyes and was respected throughout the community for his honest work ethic.
You and Keith Herron are rays of sunshine that take me back to the good old days of my childhood. You both exert your best efforts to enriching the lives of your customers and that is my definition of “success.” If we could clone you and Keith and populate our corporations with your model, our country would again be the envy of the world.
S.L.
Hi Galen, Thank you so much. You have taken a great deal of trouble over a small sale. It does you great credit.
A.S.
Dear Galen, I really appreciate you keeping me in line and practical about the cables. It means so much to have a dealer and friend that really cares about the customer.
R.H.
Mr. Carol, I recieved the Creek Evo today and would like to thank you for your attention to packaging it safely and a quick delivery. It shows "like new" and performs beyond it's paid price. Your name comes up on a few audio foum sites that I frequent/learn from. The fact you will speak with a potential customer over the phone and your gear is priced as low as you can go, where possible is mentioned indirectly, but audiophiles take notes. It doesn't go unoticed. Thanks again for another good/solid deal.
D.H.
Hi Galen. This is just to confirm that the cartridge arrived on Saturday, safe and sound! I would like to send my sincere thanks for a superlative service, which I truly appreciate.
K.R.
Thanks again! You're a really great high end dealer Galen, and thus something of a rarity.
A.W.
Galen, this is to let you know, yet again, how satisfied a customer I am of Galen Carol Audio. The Benz SL is pretty broken in; has me, indeed, wondering about the next cart above it, I'm so impressed. But together with the Stein Mat, the effect is to elevate the performance of the SL1200GAE you sold me to this plateau; saying, all the time, to myself, sitting there on the couch, in the spot, but in the New Awlins way, "Oh my Gawhd!"
In, however, short, thanks again ever so much. I'm so pleased. Again, tell anyone who wonders about Galen Carol A; just call Alan.
A.W.
Galen, I just want to thank you for the terrific tip regarding the cleaning of contacts/connections using q-tips and alcohol. Great reminder and advice, and like many others I suspect, I have put off doing this for a long time. I was a bit skeptical, but I do notice an overall improvement in sound quality. Even my 25+ year old little Rotel tuner seems to have benefitted. Thank you, Galen for offering this information, as well as all the other tips on your fantastic website! – S.O.
Hey Galen, HUGO received perfectly, running it in for 6 hrs, am I supposed to be this blown away? Wow. Thanks man for the as-usual terrific, no BS, over deliver on service kinda GC experience. - F.O.