Business Details
38 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Home Automation & AV Partner in Santa Barbara
Founded in 1988, HiFi Club has established itself as a leader in custom audio-video system design and installation, specializing in smart home automation, home theaters, and commercial AV solutions. Our team of CEDIA-certified professionals brings over 34 years of experience to every project, serving residential and commercial clients across Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria, and Ojai. We pride ourselves on delivering high-performance systems that integrate seamlessly with our clients' lifestyles, combining cutting-edge technology with energy-efficient design. As a certified Crestron Elite Dealer and Control4 partner, we offer tiered service levels, including 24/7 technical support, ensuring long-term reliability and satisfaction.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships with top-tier brands like Genelec, Sony, and Kaleidescape, as well as our award-winning projects featured in national publications such as Robb Report and Stereophile. We approach every installation with meticulous attention to detail, from initial consultation to final execution, working closely with architects, builders, and homeowners to create systems that are as functional as they are elegant. Our dedication to innovation and customer-centric service has earned us a reputation as Santa Barbara's premier audio-video solutions provider.
Services
Smart Home Automation
Home Theaters
Audio Systems
Video Surveillance
Network Installation
Commercial AV Solutions
Crestron Systems
Control4 Integration
Audiophile Sound Rooms
Video Walls
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 34 years of experience in custom AV system design and installation.
- Our team includes CEDIA-certified technicians and Crestron/Control4 specialists.
- We provide 24/7 technical support for all residential and commercial clients.
- Our energy-efficient systems integrate with Built Green Santa Barbara standards.
- We offer complimentary initial consultations for new construction or remodels.
Associations and certifications
- CEDIA
- Crestron
- Control4
What people say
Award-winning installations
24/7 technical support
Energy-efficient systems
Seamless integration
Complimentary consultations
Services
Smart Home Automation
Custom smart home systems integrating lighting, climate, security, and entertainment controls. Our Crestron and Control4-certified technicians design intuitive interfaces for seamless management via touchscreens or mobile devices. Systems include energy-efficient automation for irrigation, HVAC, and lighting.
Home Theaters
Premium home theater installations featuring Dolby Atmos surround sound, 4K projection, and acoustic treatments. We use brands like Sony, Kaleidescape, and Wisdom Audio to create immersive cinematic experiences tailored to room dimensions and client preferences.
Commercial AV Solutions
Custom audio-video systems for commercial spaces including conference rooms, video walls, and training facilities. Our installations feature Crestron automation, high-definition displays, and networked audio systems designed for corporate environments, museums, and event venues.
Network Infrastructure
High-performance wired and wireless network installations for residential and commercial properties. We use enterprise-grade components from AudioControl and Crestron to ensure reliable connectivity for smart home systems, streaming, and business operations.
Audiophile Sound Systems
Custom audiophile-grade music systems featuring components from Bryston, KEF, and Pro-Ject. Our installations include dedicated listening rooms with optimized acoustics and source components like turntables and digital music servers.
People
Hans Betzholtz
Founder
Co-founder of HiFi Club in 1988, Hans pioneered custom audio system design in Santa Barbara. With over 34 years in the industry, he established the company's reputation for technical excellence and client-focused solutions before transitioning ownership in 2020.
Elaine LeVasseur
Co-Founder
Co-founded HiFi Club with Hans Betzholtz, bringing expertise in client relations and business operations. Her leadership helped establish the company's commitment to quality and innovation in home entertainment systems over three decades.
Chris Coulter
Owner
Current owner with over 22 years of experience at HiFi Club. Specializes in system design and integration, leveraging deep knowledge of Crestron and Control4 platforms to deliver customized smart home solutions for residential and commercial clients.
Steven Pinksky
Owner
Owner and senior technician with two decades of experience. Focuses on system programming and automation, ensuring seamless operation of complex AV installations while maintaining the company's technical standards established over 34 years.
Mats Hammarstrand
Owner
Co-owner with extensive background in audio engineering and system integration. Oversees project execution and quality control, applying specialized knowledge of high-end audio components and smart home automation technologies.
Questions
What areas does HiFi Club serve?
We serve Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley, Carpinteria, and Ojai for residential and commercial AV installations.
Are your technicians certified?
Yes, our team includes CEDIA-certified professionals and specialists trained by Crestron and Control4.
Do you offer 24/7 support?
Yes, we provide 24/7 technical support for all installed systems with our tiered service plans.
What smart home systems do you install?
We specialize in Crestron and Control4 automation systems for lighting, climate, security, and entertainment controls.
How long have you been in business?
HiFi Club has provided AV solutions since 1988, with our current owners having 66 combined years of experience.
Do you work with new construction projects?
Yes, we recommend early consultation for new builds to integrate systems seamlessly with architectural design.
Reviews (7)
Barbara R.
Jun 01, 2020
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HiFi Club improved my quality of life. That's a big statement, so let me explain. I live in a higher-end property, but it's older, having been built in 1910. My home and property are not without challenges and idiosyncrasies, and the guys at Hi Fi Club overcame them all. I had a complicated yet limited sound system with a big footprint, outdated internet software and slow speeds, cumbersome controls for TV and sound, and older TVs. Ric and Nathan evaluated my needs and presented proposals, and then they got to work. This large job began right as the Coronavirus pandemic became
Ginny G.
Oct 23, 2019
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I have nothing but good things to say about this company. All individuals involved in setting up our home theater were highly trained and professional. Work was completed on schedule with a 24 hour hour support team to assist us if necessary after the initial installation. The quality of the products is exceptional. Great people to work with. I highly recommend The Hi-Fi Club!
Erika W.
Jul 17, 2019
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I have known HiFi Club for 10 years and they have the upmost integrity and straight forward business practices. I would highly recommend using them. They make sure everything is done correctly and they even follow up. Way to go!!
Kait C.
Dec 18, 2018
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If you want quality, the best in service and the most friendly and respectful guys installing your Smart Home System, these are your people! We LOVE HiFi Club.
Brian P.
Jun 01, 2018
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Hans and Ric are complete thieves. There finish work is horrible. They do not honor warranty work and will bleed you dry.
Cameron Carr
Dec 26, 2017
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Ive had the pleasure of using HiFi Club twice now. First, they designed and installed a multi room sound system, and our living room theater, which includes a projector, with a drop down screen, and Genelec speakers. All of which run through a Control4, which we find very intuitive, and sounds great. More recently HiFi Club design and installed a music system with a 4K TV in my study. As always I was impressed with their professionalism and knowledge. I highly recommend them.
Matthew Fahey
Nov 30, 2017
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What a great and kind bunch there at HiFi Club. Hans has put together quite a Phenomenal team of professionals. They just get custom like no other company I have worked with in the past. Definitely five star all the way!
