Old Stereos

Courtesy of My Generation.

Over the past few months I’ve been spending time with Kelly Waterman and the team at Axent Audio. I haven’t bought anything yet, but I have been tempted on several occasions by the range of new and classic audio equipment.

That’s possibly because these guys have a different approach to selling stuff. Last time I was there, Kelly, with a wry smile, explained about an adoption program they’ve developed.

Suitable candidates can adopt a pre-loved amplifier, turntable, a pair of speakers or even a classic valve radio, and for a nominal fee the staff will shepherd you through the adoption process.

They’ll make sure the various components you adopt are compatible with your current system, and mighteven consider trading parts of your old equipment as part of the process.

It’s a great system, and you don’t get pressured into adopting equipment you can’t afford or that isn’t going to be an improvement on what you already have.

My guess is that this so-called adoption process would, in any other store, be called a sale. But this isn’t ‘any other store’.

It started out as a manufacturer of speakers, but as the market changed and cheaper imports became available, the business diversified to offer a broad range of new and secondhand audio equipment, and a repair and a reconditioning service.

Old pots can be freed from crackles, valves and transistors can be replaced and speakers can be reconditioned and even re-magnetized. It’s all right out of the old school.

Axent is a leading repairer of speakers. They’re sent here from all over the country - even visiting cruise ships have called upon the staff’s expertise. And there’s a speaker exchange system, so if you have one that’s blown, chances are they have a replacement upstairs.

If you’re a radio lover, you’re in the right place. Several of these guys are members of the Vintage Radio Society and they’ll happily assess the restoration potential of your old valve radio. It’s funny to think these were the home entertainment system of the 30s, 40s and 50s - a prized possession of equivalent value and status to your big screen television or modern home theatre equipment today.

Manuals for many of these old models are stored up stairs along with parts and speakers. It’d be surprising if you didn’t know what else Kelly has managed to accumulate up there.

Just as he doesn’t seem to have thrown out any potentially usable piece of electronic equipment since Noah tuned in for the long range forecast, Kelly has also hung on to a way of doing business that many today would say would no longer made economic sense.

Some might think he’s simply set in his ways, but having spent some time there, I’m realising  it’s this quiet passion and experience that have ensured the longevity of the company he formed over 30 years ago.

So if you’ve often longed for the warm glow of an old valve radio or pined for the authentic qualities of a well matched set of speakers, it may be time to take a serious look at adopting.

Axent Audio 25 Portage Rd New Lynn Auckland Pn 827 1220

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