The Department Of Music

Have been after upgrading my turntable for a number of months. I knew what I wanted but not where to buy it from as the turntable in question is not and not allowed by the manufacturer to be discounted. Checked on Dealers and came across this place out in the wilds of West Sussex. Contacted John and told him what I wanted to which a curve ball came out off nowhere. An demo model with fitted cartridge. He made me an offer I couldnt refuse and within a couple of hours I was on his doorstep salivating in anticipation. What a lovely place to spend money and blimey does John know his stuff. Spent a wonderful hour or so chatting and putting the world to rights. This is the way to shop and cannot recommend highly enough if you are after hi fi equipment of quality and a truly enjoyable experience then make an appointment to go and see John (take your wallet) itll be worth it. My one complaint is having Sonus Faber speakers on display I have a feeling I will return soon As a footnote the turntable is superb and way above my expectations
Feb 25th, 2023

I recently contacted John to discuss upgrading my speakers. After a few salient questions from John, he suggested perhaps other parts of my system might be a better place to start. Long story short, I ended up replacing my CD player with a Rega Saturn Mk3 which immediately showed a noticeable and pleasurable improvement. On the strength of this (and with John's careful guidance) I also decided to upgrade my amp to a Hegel H390. Both new units have been matched to my existing Dynaudio Contour 1.3 speakers. End result? A hugely improved and immediately enjoyable system and one very happy and satisfied customer. John has a very relaxed and reassuring manner and has never been pushy. He has allowed me to spend a considerable amount of time with him, trialling various combinations of equipment in his studio, including taking along my original kit (Marantz CD player and Arcam A39 FMJ amp) to run alongside possible alternative options. I have found John and the service he provides to be above and beyond what one would typically expect and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who has an interest in audio equipment and who may be looking to improve (or create) their own quality system. The whole process from start to end has been a joy - through this review I extend my heartfelt thanks to John and wish him every success for the future.
Feb 14th, 2023

Very good experience, very knowledgeable and patient with good detailed product knowledge. Great demo rooms which are well equipped.
Dec 8th, 2022

Having not bought any hi-fi for over 25 years (possibly 30) I needed an expert to help me update my system. John listened carefully to where, how and by whom the system would be used. I was then allowed to spend pretty much a whole day at the Department of Music listening to some of my albums and CDs through a variety of permutations of separates selected by John. They all sounded good but I eventually settled on what I thought was the best sounding combination. John even plugged in my own old but trusty Rega turntable to hear how it sounded through the new amp and speakers. I definitely spent longer choosing my new hi-fi than I did my last house or car which, if you love music, is surely only right and proper?! John then delivered and installed my new system. It looks and, more importantly, sounds incredible. I am sure it will give me just as much listening pleasure as my last system. I think the service John offers is pretty much unique and I won't hesitate to recommend the Department of Music to anyone wanting good advice, competitive prices and an enjoyable shopping experience.
Feb 5th, 2023

This was a whole new way of buying top quality hifi equipment. It started with a series of very helpful phone calls about what I wanted to buy and the rest of my system. I ended up going to the D of M site - it is quite a journey. It is definitely worth taking your time to get there it is a fabulous site. On arrival I was greeted with some excellent coffee. We talked at length about what I wanted and spent the morning listening to three excellent pairs of speakers. I had plenty of time, and no pressure, or sales chat, just informative conversation. It is a splendid venue with beautiful views and well set up listening rooms. Overall it was an excellent experience and I am very happy with my purchase. If you have, or need, the time, and like the countryside, I highly recommend you give D of M a try.
Jan 2nd, 2023