The People Behind the Room
The average tenure on this team is 17 years. In retail, that's almost unheard of. At Definitive, it means the person helping you build your system has probably heard it all before — the brands, the rooms, the recordings, the mistakes — and knows exactly how to get it right for you specifically.
Each of them has trained directly with the engineers behind the brands we carry. Not a dealer meeting. Not a product demo. The factory. The people who built it.
In the end, we aren't here to move product. We're here to move people.
Meet the Experts
The Definitive Difference
Curation
We carry what we believe in. That's a short list. Most of the brands here, you can't find anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest — and in some cases, anywhere else in the country. That's not an accident. These brands are difficult to carry because they refuse to compromise. So do we.
Personalization
One of the most important components of your system, is the room it is in.
We understand the space your system will occupy, the materials and objects in that space, and how it all works together. It's a matter of science and art. A matter of trial and error. Listening, moving things around, then listening again. Looking for the perfect place for the perfect sound.
Expertise
Three hundred years of combined experience. That's what you get when you walk through the door — not a salesperson hitting a quota, but someone who has spent decades listening, learning, and developing an ear for exactly what your system needs. The advice is free. The results are not ordinary.
Definitive provided stellar service throughout – true white glove delivery, I didn’t do a thing. I recently bought a new BMW and the luxury shopping experience was no where near as polished.
— Brandon B.
1975–2025. Fifty Years. Still Listening.
1975
The Coolest Street You've Never Heard Of
Audio row. It’s a place that you probably didn’t even know existed. But if you grew up in Seattle and love music, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Because during the golden age of HIFI, there was no better place in the world to come and check out all the latest mind blowing audio.
Today you'll find us at our Experience Center in Bellevue doing what we set out to do all those years ago: sharing the simple joy of music at its very best.
1993
Expanding to Bellevue
When we expanded in 1993 the East Side was an "up and coming" area. Now Bellevue plays host to some of the biggest names in technology. Our Experience center in Bellevue has now grown to occupy the entire building with a full floor of rooms dedicated to showing clients what's possible. Conveniently located on NE 20th with ample parking, Bellevue has proven the perfect spot to host our epic events.
2001
Named Best Custom Installer in the US by CEPro
Named Best Custom Installer in the US by CEPro. Home theater was still new territory. We treated it the same way we treat everything — obsessively.
2005
Inaugural Music Matters Event
We launched Music Matters — an annual gathering that became the most anticipated hi-fi event in the Pacific Northwest. Still running. Still, the reason people fly in from across the country.
The event showcases the latest innovations in audio equipment, featuring live demonstrations and presentations from some of the industry's most respected figures.
2017
Wilson Audio Alexx World Premier
In 2017, we hosted the unveiling of Wilson Audio's groundbreaking Alexx speaker at Music Matters. The Alexx provided attendees an exclusive first listen, demonstrating Wilson Audio's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound. Its introduction at Music Matters highlighted Definitive's dedication to bringing cutting-edge audio technology and exceptional listening experiences to its clients, reinforcing the event's reputation as a premiere destination for audiophiles seeking the very best in sound.
2023
Linn Sondek LP12-50 #1 Built at Definitive.
Linn built the 50th Anniversary LP12 with Sir Jony Ive. They needed someone to assemble the first one. They chose Ron Paternoster of Definitive. That's not a press release. That's what 31 years of being trusted by the best in the business looks like.
This special edition not only marks a half-century of audio excellence from Linn but also represents a fusion of legendary design and unparalleled craftsmanship. Ron's involvement highlights Definitive's deep connection to innovation and precision in the high-fidelity audio realm, underscoring our role in shaping exceptional audio experiences.
2025
Definitive became the exclusive U.S. launch partner for the JBL Summit Series
In a historic moment for both companies, Definitive was chosen as the only U.S. retailer to debut the JBL Summit Series. This partnership not only underscores JBL’s trust in Definitive’s expertise but also highlights Definitive’s role as the Pacific Northwest’s premier curator of high-end audio. Launching Summit during Definitive’s 50th anniversary year brings two legacies together: JBL’s decades of shaping music history and Definitive’s half-century of creating extraordinary experiences.
Two legacies. One room. And the first time most of America heard what the Summit Series could do.