I have made several business reviews in the past and unfortunately this is my first one where I have reviewed negatively. Casual staff were pleasant. However, once the sale had to be made the owner Steve had to oversee and physically put through the payment. AV Receiver I bought did not interface with my set up so I came back to return. Trying to keep the sale intact, the owner had one of their casual employees came up to my house to the check system. Discovered he was not even getting paid by Steve! I paid the casual staff member as he was up there for a few hours. No problem, he was a very nice and knowledgable guy. However the system still didn't work and he hooked up my old system (which was actually a superior product to the AV receiver purchased at Challenge in his opinion which was not told to me by Challenge) Went to return the AVR I bought at Challenge (less than a week earlier and opened it up only once to find it was incompatible with system) and Steve the owner bluntly refused stating it was 'my responsibility as the purchaser to check this'. I am a medical professional with no background in electronics After an argument of business ethics, the owner offered only a partial refund. I walked away thinking that was a very expensive way to find out a product is not compatible with my system and also there are some pretty awful businessman running around who cut costs by exploiting staff and cutting costs (i.e. no electronic receipts and the fit out of the building itself...dont take my word, go in and see how archaic the shop is)

Have bought from the still current owner Steve Cotton since Challenge were in Pirie Street early 70's I think? Really miss those old buildings. Certainly in the early 70's these guys could not be touched for decent customer service and a ton of listening rooms and range of product. Timeless... Only Joe Hegvari in his first small shop way back in Rundle street could make me feel as welcome. Still buying today in 2018 and recommend to everyone they go visit Challenge now out at Prospect road. Steve is a very softly spoken owner with vast experience and it's a testament to his validity in SA hifi circles that he is still one of my go to places when I'm in the mood for some top gear. I'd take some agreement with a few here who have given 1 star claiming to be ignored etc.... To be honest? I'd rather that ANY DAY than be harassed by over bearing staff trying to push stuff down your throat. Challenge HiFi is NOT a shop full of posers nor one who caters to posers. They are old school and have a vast number of nice listening rooms. Do not let the road frontage of the store put you off! Wander in and just see how pleasant experience shopping can be with no pressure. It's wonderful. Wishing Steve & staff all the best. I will be back over and over again. Just turned 60 today!

(I don't often do reviews, but I want to respond to the negative review here) I have been a customer for 15 years. Buying and servicing hi-fi is always difficult because the simplest solution is just to spend $$$ - but when it gets to hi-fi this is serious money. Over 15 years I have found that Challenge don't just advise me to throw money at it but they listen to my requirements and budget, and give excellent advice and service. I recently had a problem with the stereo sound from my CD player and was thinking to buy better cables to, hopefully, fix it and called Challenge for advise. The consultant could have just sold me the expensive cables but, after some discussion, advised against this, suggesting it was "clutching at straws" as the problem was probably elsewhere in the system. (Follow up: I did eventually track it down to a more fundamental problem in my receiver settings.)

The old guy Steve, needs to retire!! Rang up about a marantz cd player told me about a lay-by gone wrong and I could have it at a discounted price and I agreed too sweet. So I drive 1 hour to get there only to find out that he has forgotten our conversation, boy he grinded my gears I explained the whole phone conversation to him and he couldn't remember! are you serious bloke I spoke to you no one else was in there and you were not busy at all no one in your shop when I was in there and if there was I'm sure they would of left after the way you spoke to me, no matter what you stuffed up act like a boss, clean your store, get new carpet wash your windows better yet close down mate your a waist of time I'll take my money to someone who remember my conversation Blackwood Audio it is another 1 hour drive home!! -10 stars you are the worst review I've ever left.

This kind of store is a dieing breed. A classic relaxed atmosphere with top quality products at reasonable prices. Their staff in my experience are very knowledgable and patient with their customers. They really know their stuff. I once had to take back some faulty Sennheiser headphones because there was a tiny buzzing sound at certain frequencies, I was so worried that they wouldn't hear what I was hearing - they took it very seriously, listened and promptly replaced the unit for me. Great after sales service. Now to the person who left a negative review: it's ridiculous how a stereo system can be incompatible with anything, notice how he doesn't even leave any details - what, was the TV not plugging in? Seriously it annoys me when people try to tarnish a reputable brand that we're absolutely lucky to have in this day and age of low quality consumerism.

I hate shopping and I live in the country, so I did what I usually do, and researched extensively online to work out exactly what I wanted. I then started hunting down the best price - also online. There weren't many places that sold the unit I was after, but Challenge Hi-Fi was one. I sent them a message online to find out their best price. All our communication was online, and I was blown away by how quickly Steve responded ... and we had a fair bit of to-ing and fro-ing with negotiations, etc. At every step of the way, Steve kept me informed. I ended up with the product I was after, delivered promptly, for a price that beat everyone else. From my experience, this level of service is rare, and becoming even more so. I still haven't heard back from another company I contacted at the same time ... Awesome!! Thanks Steve!!!

I don't write too many reviews, then to save them up for when I actually encounter old style attentive, knowledgeable, and low pressure customer service. Challenge HiFi is excellent in my experience on all counts. Dropped in recently and was served by Steve who took ample time to carefully answer my questions and consider my needs. Highly recommend Challenge HiFi. Also, I'm from Melbourne and make a point of dropping in when I'm in Adelaide, but over the phone service has been great also.

Don’t judge a book by its cover. The team at Challenge did not hesitate to help me test an inherited pair of Mordaunt-Short speakers. There was a mutual sense of satisfaction when the speakers came to life. They were very helpful in helping me select an appropriate integrated amplifier. The team have a huge range of gear and a lifetime of knowledge. I walked away with everything I needed to give the speakers a second life. The store is everything it needs to be and nothing more.

Great experience with these guys... I am a total novice who just wanted a good system to turn some records and they guided me in the right direction and didn't pressure me or try to up sell me... Just transparent, open and honest... Adrian, Steve and Jimmy are just the right people to buy this sort of thing from, I won't be spending this much again soon but if I win the lottery this would be the 2nd place I'd come... Thank you Challenge! You guys are awesome...

Very friendly and professional. Steve, Adrian and Jimmy know their stuff. Previously I have purchased a CD player, turntable and tuner from Challenge. This time, Jimmy set up and demonstrated 2 different Rotel amp combos, giving me all the time I wanted and explaining the differences. Made choosing very easy. Then came up with an excellent deal. Thanks again, the Rotels are awesome!

Highly recommend Challenge Hi-Fi Stereo for all your Audio & Home Theatre needs. The staff are highly knowledgeable with a customer focus that is rarely seen today. Don’t go wasting your money in a big box store. Speak with a specialist and purchase a product that suits your needs. A big A+++. thank you for taking the time to tailor a system to my modest needs.

Late opening hours and and he was still late! Not really interested in helping unless you were going to spend money buying his products, I'd say a lot of money. He's probably very experienced in his field having been there for a long time but not forthcoming with any words or help, so having walked in knowing nothing I came out knowing even less

Very knowledgeable staff who are very generous with their time and expertise. Fixed up my old Technics SL-B210 and helped attach a new stylus and troubleshoot a buzzing, then calibrated the weight of the tone arm and put in a new band, all costing next to nothing. Legends. I doubt there's a better store in SA for this. Great vinyl selection too!

Knowledge, experience, integrity, honesty. The team at Challenge have one focus — and that’s to serve the customer. My budget wasn’t large, but this is no way compromised their time and meticulous attention to my needs. I’ll definitely be back. And I’ll be referring others. Many thanks to Jimmy and the team. Highly recommend.

I think that this the best place in adelaide to buy av or hi fi gear... !! They helped me out no end.. even when I was convinced that bigger was better they said their piece and saved me money. . If you want Good stuff in av and hi fi..stuff Harvey normal. . Go here... the staff will look after you …

Always nice to deal with knowledgeable "stayers" in this fickle industry. Steve and his staff have had years building a formidable experience base with an wide range of HiFi equipment to guide the casual listener through to the serious audiophile in making an informed choice of the right components.

Diagnosed the fault with my 13 year old Morel 610 speakers in seconds. Sadly, replacement parts for the Morels are no longer available, so speaker replacement was the only option. I'm very happy with my choice of replacement speakers, and more than happy with the level of service.

Doesn't look like much on the outside, but a very good range covering all price points from entry level right through to some pretty high-end equipment. Great people to deal with, take the time to ensure you make the right decision, and will price match wherever possible.

This is a great place to find the sound you are looking for. I got excellent advice from Steve and Adrian. I got to listen to several combinations of equipment without being rushed, so i could make the right decision. I couldnt be happier with the result!

Even with very limited budget, both of the gentlemen in the store have helped me to come up with a HiFi system that suits my needs. They are very knowledgeable, and patient with me 10/10 service and they really provided some good advice for beginners.

Was there today (Saturday) and excellent, friendly service and good advice. Have been there numerous times over a number of years and always the same fast, efficient, knowledgeable service and advice and a great range of sound and related equipment.

I recently downsized my front floorstandimg speakers for bookshelf speakers. I was most impressed with their great customer service and extensive range for any budget. I will be returning for a few more items to complete a home theatre set up.

Very nice staff...hence this business gets one star. The owner is an abrupt and rude owner. Prices maybe be cheap on gumtree, but wait till you want an exchange! The owner takes control and you ask yourself how does a place like this survive!

These guys are great. Steve and Adrian helped me out big time to find me the solution I was looking for. Knowledgeable, professional, friendly and very reasonable pricing. Great shop front service and etiquette. Highly recommended.

I really appreciated the time Jim took to understand my needs and help me choose the right equipment for my home and budget. There was no sales pressure at any time, just sound advice. Thank you, I'll be back!

The BEST and almost the LAST true high fidelity store in Adelaide - Steve and his staff are all fantastic helpers - worth going for a look/see - huge stock - and some top class deals - do not miss out - Ray

Always helpful....I mean always! Great product knowledge, years of experience, keen to make sure the customer is happy! Have been coming to this establishment for decades.....you can trust them.

Confused staff running around unable to answer pricing questions. Dirty and disorganized shop. Not particularly helpful or interested. I guess they fill a gap in the market.

Once again! Amazing service! Quality products and prices! These guys are solid! The Polk and Rotel system is new level! I can’t recommend this store enough! Andrew.

True Professionals, friendly and helpful. Steve, Adrian and Jimmy know their stuff. Great experience with these guys. Thank you Challenge HiFi team! You guys are awesome...

They were very helpful and very knowledgeable! Great service! Had the part needed for my hifi. Would highly recommend giving them a go for your hifi needs.

One of my favourite places. Great technical assistance without sales pressure. Well worth a visit if you are looking for sound and/or vision gear.

Can not have enough to say about the quality of service, knowledge and expertise available. I have always enjoyed my visits to this shop.

These guys are straight shooters. They say it the way it is and give good advice with reasoning behind it. Been around for decades.

Good people who know their stuff and are great to deal with, great service and great result! Very happy thank you Challenge!

Always willing to go the extra mile, Steve and his team give great friendly advice with years of experience to draw on,

Had exactly what we were looking for, at the price we had allowed for The shop persons certainly know their buisness!!

My new sound system is amazing. Thanks Steve for your excellent knowledge and service. I'd recommend this place 100%

Great store with very knowledgable owner, gave me a fair price for wireless headphones I was looking for.

Clean the windows and buy a vacuum cleaner, the place is disgusting, worse than the horrific website.

An old review mentioned repairs- this shop no longer does repairs. Seems like a good place anyway.

Very friendly staff with great expertise in recommending me a subwoofer. Highly recommende them .

Never a problem as staff are a1.was hoping to trade up but not a chance .fully understand.tom

Good old fashioned service, and expertise, with a very wide range of audio/visual equipment.

Excellent customer service, very knowledgeable staff happy to help sort out our turntable.

Amazing selection of hi-fi and audiophile equipment. Experienced and helpful staff.

Highly knowledgeable, & experienced HiFi dealer, one of the best in Adelaide.

Really like this shop for quality HiFi gear. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Amazing service resulting from a real "can do" approach. Will always return.

Knowledgeable, down to earth, no frills, no stress, excellent range.

Adrian is amazingly helpful, and I won't go anywhere else for audio

Great place, great products, negotiable prices, great advice

Horrible Experience with the old man there. Rude and pushy

Needs updating and renovating. Not modern inside.

Awesome experience. Great staff

Great service and very helpful.

Good for amps and DVD players