Our Story
An Incredible Journey by Dean and Sharon Harnish
Our first hi-fi store was opened in an era when a young person leaving school aspired to buy items they had previously only dreamed about... firstly a luxury car, and high on that list, a stereo system for home entertainment.
1983 marked the beginning of our journey. We took up a lease in Short Street, Newmarket, starting with Absolute Sound Ltd, becoming one of Auckland’s few specialist audio stores. This is where we introduced brands such as Linn, Rega, KEF, Arcam, Luxman, and a selection of others to the New Zealand market.
The HIFI Store NZ - Today
As of 2026, Dean and Sharon remain hands-on in the business, working closely with both long-standing and new clients. We also now take a focus on hosting New Zealand's Linn & HiFi events with special guests for curated audiophile evenings in our showroom.
'For us, it has always been about more than just equipment. It’s about the experience of music & sharing that with every client' — Dean Harnish
A Legacy in Sound
Our Journey
1983
Founded Absolute Sound Ltd in Short Street, Newmarket one of Auckland’s early specialist hi-fi retailers.
1984
We were appointed as the New Zealand distributor for Linn a significant milestone that set us on the path to acquiring and representing other respected brands, including Creek Audio.
Mid-1980s
With New Zealand import restrictions limiting access to audio products, we began assembling Linn products under licence locally
2002
Out of the blue we had a company make an offer to buy our retail store, leaving us with time to expand our distribution network. We accepted this great offer!
2004
Based on the North Shore, we purchased a showroom and warehouse at 6/31 Apollo Drive. This space was fitted out as a training and demonstration centre for our growing portfolio, including Linn, Creek, Q Acoustics, Thorens, Morel, and Tansun.
2006
We noticed that the sales of Linn products at Absolute Sound were below our expectations, so we then opened up our own retail store again. This new venture was named The Hi Fi Store.
Late 1980s
As both retail and distribution expanded, we moved to a larger, more prominent location on Parnell rise, requiring increased showroom presence and warehouse space. WE hosted many memorable events and evenings there, cocktails, vinyl & more.. Local kiwis started truley discovering the extend audio brand and quality LInn offered.
Early 1990s
As new technologies emerged, we evolved beyond hi-fi retail expanding into custom audio solutions, multi-room systems, television sales, and specialist heating through Tansun.
1990s – Early 2000s
Our work extended into luxury environments, including fitting superyachts with high-quality hi-fi systems — delivering premium audio without compromise.
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Following Years
(Over decades of working with some of the world’s best hi-fi brands, we built strong, lasting relationships with both clients and suppliers, encouraging us to continue growing and refining the business.After reaching an important junction, we sold our premises and bought out our business partner, allowing us to move forward independently.)
2024 - Now
The Hi Fi Store relocated to 4/43 Apollo Drive a more compact and secure showroom, designed to deliver a focused and personalised customer experience.