Just a stone’s throw from the château, at 30 rue du Vieil Abreuvoir, is the Son-Vidéo.com store in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. We caught up with Aurélie, the store manager, to find out more about her team, the store’s special features, and her personal background and experience as an enthusiast.
The store has just undergone a major update, so what’s it like to have an almost-new store?
We’re delighted! This renovation will enable us to welcome our customers in better conditions. Optimizing our listening area was really necessary for our clients. These renovations, which were done during a period conducive to renewal, will enable us to start afresh and certainly welcome even more enthusiasts.
Can you tell us what customers think of Son-Vidéo.com in Saint-Germain?
They’re all delighted, and our most loyal customers can’t wait to rediscover their store.
Can you tell us about your team members’ specialities?
Sofyan is fond of connected speakers, headphones and gaming. As for me, I naturally specialize in the world of hi-fi, particularly tube amplifiers.
What was your first love for music or film and how has it influenced your career?
I grew up in a diverse musical universe, from pre-war songs to more rhythmic horizons, although my love for French hip-hop is and will remain in my DNA. Until I joined Son-Vidéo.com, this passion was just a hobby I couldn’t live without.
Can you tell us about your career in the hi-fi and home theater industry?
My career path to get into the hi-fi business and home theater is rather unusual. I’m not a native of this profession, my background is in high-end fashion and commerce, and I have no training other than the one I had in our store. When the brand I was working for closed down, I asked myself just one question: do I want to continue in this field, where I felt like I had done my time, or would now be the right time to take the plunge? And then I came across an ad that brought together what I love most: music and being in contact with people. So here I am at Son-Vidéo.com.
What was the most exciting listening experience you’ve ever had?
I couldn’t possibly choose ONE amazing experience, because every listening session is, in fact, amazing. Between the purists who take you out of your comfort zone and the novice who’s just discovered hi-fi, where you can see in his eyes just how much he’s been moved; every audition is unique and moving.
Can you give us an example of a customer who was deeply moved by an experience in the store?
I’m reminded of an elderly customer I had recently, who had saved up for a long time to be able to afford quality hi-fi and home theater equipment. He had some difficulty hearing high frequencies, and we worked for two months on his project. When he came to test the speakers and was able to hear voices he hadn’t been able to hear very well for some time, he had tears in his eyes.
Are you well equipped at home? How do you listen to music and which TV do you use?
I have a Samsung The Serif in 65 inches, I’m not very well equipped, because I don’t necessarily have the time to sort a system out.
What’s the most innovative product or technology you’ve seen come to market recently?
The Focal Bathys headphones. They’re not the most recent, but for me, they’re incredible.
Can you tell us about a product or brand sold in your store that you’re particularly passionate about, and why?
Tube amps in general, as well as the McIntosh MA252 and MA352 we have in the store, are so magical, I rediscover the music with each listening session.
- Read – McIntosh MA352 review
How do you advise customers looking to buy their first audio or home theater system?
Take your time, but don’t overdo it! Try different products, listen, experience and enjoy!
In your opinion, why do Son-Vidéo.com stores have a good reputation?
We are a brand that is close to its customers, and we treat our customers as we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes!
Son-Vidéo.com Saint-Germain-en-Laye
30 rue du Vieil Abreuvoir
78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
