Rick and Graham Lundeen create customized home audio systems that are music to their customers' ears at Audio Solutions, located at 6371 North Guilford Avenue.

What began as a leisurely musical pursuit for Rick later became a second career. "It initially started out as a hobby. I collected a lot of vintage electronic equipment, which included McIntosh amplifiers. I amassed a pretty big collection by 1999 and that's when I asked Graham, my son, to join me. I was a practicing podiatrist for 30 years," Rick explained.

Stepping into a new career, Rick retired from podiatry in November of 2006 and came on full-time in the business. "There was an existing store here, but did not do any installation or repairs. We took over in May of 2001. We were working together two years before that," Rick said. Expanding the existing business, they added new high-end audio equipment products and hit a high note with customers.

Graham explained, "It's all about the service. We get lots of repeat customers, good products, good customer service and good trade-in values. They come to us because our service is impeccable. Our products are the best. We have a vast selection of speakers, amplifiers, turntables and brands such as Bowers and Wilkins (B&W), Chord, Classe, Marantz, Martin-Logan, Parasound and Rotel," he added.

Their stereo equipment can be seen at their website, www.theaudiosolutions.com. However, one must hear their diverse product selection in person for a unique audio experience. The sound quality resembles a concert in an acoustically perfect venue.

By tuning into their customers' discriminating audio needs, they have amassed a captive and loyal listening audience. "Sales have been up the last couple of years. We've grown consistently each year, but especially in the last three years," Rick noted.

"Most of our requests are by phone. Usually, they'll call us first or e-mail. We sit down with customers and show them a broad selection of price points, looks, quality and budget - the size of the room they have for two channel listening or home theater. We do mainly new sales and installation, but also repair high-end audio products. We have customers from around all around the world. We're regarded as some of the best C4 (Control4 home automation) installers around. I've always worked in AV (audio visual) installation and automation," Graham mentioned.

Audio Solutions website describes Control4 as "making everyday easy." They provide customers simple, affordable control of music, movies, lights, temperature and security system from anywhere in their home and anywhere in the world. Customers are encouraged to try a demo model in the store.

Audio Solutions' AV equipment and lighting system are controlled by iPhones and iPads in the store. "We install a lot of high-end security systems with IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. I also do whole house automation with iPad controls and iPhones. They can monitor their security systems functions with an iPhone or iPad," explained Graham as he demonstrated how the iPhone could monitor a home's security system and scan panoramic outdoor scenes of its surrounding neighborhood.

Describing the rewarding parts of their work, Graham said, "Introducing the clients to a board selection of hi-fi components that they had never experienced from a performance level. We stay current on all the newest and upcoming audio technology advances. It's the pursuit of perfection. People are building customized home entertainment systems. They want to buy something new or trade something in. It's a hobby for them," he added.

Audio Solutions' hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday though Saturday with Sunday and Monday hours by appointment. Questions can be answered at: audioreference@aol.com or by faxing them at (317) 255-3375.

They are an authorized repair shop for brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Classe, McIntosh and Rotel, servicing high-end audio equipment since 1998. Jeff Jones is their lead technician with over 20 years experience. Repairs can be scheduled by calling (317) 255-hifi (4434). They also repair music servers, two channel receivers, speakers and turntables. A diagnostic fee is required, but is deducted from the total cost if Audio Solutions services the equipment.

Graham explained how technology has played an increased role in music, "All the music is being stored now in servers in lossless audio compression with higher quality than the compressed file formats. We service what we sell when it's down and we offer our customers existing products in the store, which is the customer service portion of keeping them happy," he added.

As discriminating music lovers hear Audio Solutions high-end stereo products, it just might be playing their tune.