Remembering Robert Levin – 1945-2021
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We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert Levin, the owner of Hawthorne Stereo, has passed away from natural causes.
This past year he celebrated his 50th year as the store’s owner.
“Bob,” as he was affectionately called by his customers, worked tirelessly to create an easygoing environment where newcomers and audiophiles alike could enjoy the process of filling their homes with music.
He steered the ship from the era of the turntable and reel-to-reel, through recessions, industry downsizing, and a global pandemic, to the era of digital streaming and once again, the turntable.
His quick wit, charm, and down-to-earth attitude helped to create incredibly long lasting relationships with customers and staff alike. We regularly hear customers saying “I’ve been dealing with Bob since the seventies.” The average length of employment among current staff is fifteen years.
His presence and friendship will be sorely missed by all of us. It is truly the end of an era, and Hawthorne Stereo will never be the same. We are committed, however, to keeping this “pretty nice place” alive using the same principles and values that guided Robert during his long tenure.
Rest in peace Robert Levin, “a pretty nice guy”…
Comments may be left at the bottom of this page.
Bob OMG was thinking of you today and wanted to swing by and see you. I had no idea you had passed. Devastating news ! I used to bother you over in the Bellevue store many years ago. Kind enough to let me test drive many items from your store. I bought my first set of Epos speakers from you and fell in love with AE1s and Parasound 3500. Damn this is incredibly sad. You are missed.
I was 17 when I purchased my first hifi system. Bob listened to me with the respect I didn't expect as a 17 year old going into a hifi shop. He took real time to set me up with something he knew I would love and was in my budget at the time. Years later I went back and upgraded that system. He again gave me attentive warm service. You could really feel his excitement in helping people truly hear music.
I can't believe Bob is gone. I've been driving up to Seattle from Lakewood for many years and have made many purchases. Bob told me one time that the one thing we have going was trust, that made me feel good! He will be sorely missed!
I worked for Bob in Portland before his move to Seattle. As a Vietnam vet I had trust issues with employers, but not with Bob. I gathered enough skills to be self sufficient in the burgeoning custom home side of the business. I will always be greatful for the few years I spent with him at Hawthorne Stereo, RIP Bob, Bruce Douglas
So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. He was one of the most knowledgeable people in this business. I first spoke to him back in the mid 1990's . I was selling my Naim NAT 101 tuner and he wanted to purchase it. It was a very easy transaction and Bob was a pleasure to deal with. Condolences to his family and the crew at Hawthorne Stereo. May Bob Rest In Peace.
05 MAY 2023 ~ I am so sorry to hear of Robert's passing today, my sincere condolences to his family, friends and employees.
A very nice, dry witted New Englander originally from New Hampshire, he will be missed.
Bob's wit and presence at Hawthorne Stereo will be missed!
So sad to hear the news I have been dealing with him since the 80s he is was kind and understanding always let me to try equipment before buying I used to go every week I learned a lot from him,rest in peace friend.
I knew Bob in the 1990’s when I lived in the Seattle area. I used to buy and trade preowned audio and home theater gear at Hawthorne Stereo. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I’m glad to see his store is still going strong! Bob will surely be missed!
Bob was such a kind and generous person. I worked for him during college breaks in the 70s. I made deliveries for the store in Bob’s bug eyed Sprite and his Alpha Romeo. I can’t believe he let me drive them. He was a wonderful human being. Very warm memories of him.
A dear friend, good man. So smart, funny and optimistic. I knew him during his booming days in Portland. No one ever loved high fidelity better.
I am one of the people who knew Bob in the "70's" He had a store on the eastside - he couldn't wait to get back to Seattle. He sold me my first decent CD Player Nain CD3. I recently traded in the Linn Turntable he sold me years ago for a new Rega P6. Bob and crew as usual were outstanding and helpful. I will miss him as well as friends of mine that met and delt with Bob and Hawthorne's crew. May he Rest in Peace.
I am sad to hear of this news. I had the joy of stopping at Hawthornes when I headed north to Seattle many times. Bob helped me with many purchases over many years. He will be missed and never forgotten. Thank you, Sir, for your kindness and knowledge!
Wow, a friend just let me know that Bob had passed away, and I’m becoming very nostalgic, remembering how long we were friends, and thinking he would always be around. I met Bob in about 1979. We were friends outside of the stereo business, racquetball partners, actually, at the main YMCA in Portland. He also sold me my stereo equipment when I was going through a divorce and moving into a small apartment. He talked me out of larger, more expensive speakers and into a wonderful pair of bookshelf speakers that I had and loved for many years. I want to say Advent? He knew I was a musician, and made sure I wasn’t going to be disappointed. He taught me and my new husband (‘82) about the differences in how women and men process sound, and was always, and I mean always, exactly on the money, audio-wise. He called us out of the blue from Seattle after we had moved from Portland 7 years ago, so recently enough that this feels like a shock. We’ll never forget you, Bob, and I sure hope there’s some really great music where you are!
I read every tribute on this blog to Bob and was inspired but not surprised by the grief and fond memories. I was the graphic designer and ad manager for Bob in the 1970s and he was indeed a "lovable curmudgeon." I art directed that photo shoot of him in the apron, the theme was "If you can find a better deal, I'll Eat It." We made up buttons like the image on his apron and ran the ads in the local newspapers. I also came up with the "Nutz" idea. Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland was named after Dr. Hawthorne, who had an asylum at the top of the street on Mt. Tabor. We picked up on the idea of Bob being "nutz" to sell at those prices. He was comically reluctant to proceed with that campaign, but I talked him into it and we ran those ads in the Oregonian, the major daily at the time. Bob was the best client I ever had and I always thought of him as a dear friend. Rest in peace, sir.
I have known Bob since the 80's. I used to come in and check out what he had in the used gear department all the time and we got to talking one day. I used to manage the Magnolia store (in Magnolia Village) of Magnolia HiFi in the mid 70's and Bob and I would talk audio. I remember one day I came in and there were a pair of Braun "Tri-Amped speakers from the 70's that I used to sell. (And they were very good sounding speakers) Bob mentioned that I was the only one who had come in that knew what they were besides him.
I'll never forget when I bought a pair of Rega NAOS speakers from him he said "well that is the first time you have bought anything from me!" We both laughed!
Rest in Peace Bob!
Don
So sorry for your loss. Another customer from back when you were on BelRed. Bob was so friendly and welcoming. Used to put up with us mucking about with almost no budget in our high school days, but still spent the time to find something 'pretty nice'. Unique and world class, but I all the way around. Thank you!
I'd like to expressive my appreciation for Bob through an excerpt from my email to him in June 2020. "I've been transported back to 1996, and to the first pair of SBLs I bought from you, when Naim was a total revelation to tube converts like me. Well, I'm back and I wanted to send this little tribute to you, the dealer who sent me home with my first Naim kit, without taking a deposit or even having me sign a document of any kind as I recall." I will miss him. He was one of a kind.
Was an infrequent customer over the years, selling more than buying. The news is sad, but the comments show a business life well lived. RIP Bob.
Sorry to read about Bob's passing. Because of Bob I met my wife in the first Roosevelt shop almost 27 years ago. We will always remember him. RIP
I met Bob many years ago and would frequent the store to see what was available. There used to be a record store next door and I would go and buy a couple of records and then see Bob. One day while stopping by to visit, Bob called me out as a vinyl junkie. We both got a good laugh over that. to this day I refer to myself a vinyl junkie. You will be missed Bob.
So sorry to hear about Bob. I moved away from Seattle in 2014. I first met Bob at the Bellevue store in 1989 I believe. I had never heard of many brands they carried but once I heard I was hooked! We did lots of purchasing, trading, listening and always got his honest opinion on everything. Still have my Naim and Rega gear from there. Always loved seeing what they had in the store. One of my best memories of Seattle getting to know him over 25 years. RIP Bob!
I'm sorry to hear this sad news. I purchased my Yamaha YP-D8 turntable from Hawthorne Stereo in 1979 and still use it today. Fond memories from the Portland store on Hawthorne Blvd. RIP Bob.
Word arrived at my doorstep several months after Robert's passing. I'll attribute that to the pandemic. Robert created a really nice place that mirrored his personal and professional approach to life and relationships. I always looked forward to talking with him, looking through the inventory, and enjoying the audiophile experience. As I sit at my computer this morning, I'm listening to a set of AE speakers and subwoofers he sold me. Around the corner is a Rega, Naim, and Sonos system that came from Hawthorne. Robert and his team have provided me with countless hours of entertainment and joy. But visiting the store was always more than that. It was the exchange of stories and getting to know one another a little better. Once he found out that I restored 1920s-1960s lighting (military, maritime, Hollywood, industrial).....he never forgot the fact and always wanted to know about my latest project. He was a really good guy, stereo savant and bodhisattva of kindness. I'll miss Robert and hope that Hawthorne Stereo carries on his legacy for future generations.
I write this with heavy heart as I am listening to my beloved Epos ES-14's, I horse traded with Bob for some work he needed done to his S Class. I first met Bob in 1991. At the time, Hawthorne was in Bellevue, a block from where I worked. I used to stop in all the time during my lunch break just to be surrounded by an environment I loved. It was so much better than the noise and chaos I put up with every day managing a body shop. Bob had a humorous and intense way of educating me about the finer side of high fidelity, thus, the need for constant upgrading with the brands he sold. looking back, I now realize how certain people in our lives help us stay true, or point us back to what you love. Bob helped me in so many ways to rediscover what was there since the age of 12 when I was "tapped on the shoulder", listening to KSAN - FM (clock) radio in 1968 as a kid. I consider Bob a Master of his craft. Today I still cannot think of anyone or any business that has better customer service than Hawthorne. Although these qualities may be written in some corporate b.s. manual, they most often fail because greed always trumps service these days. Funny to see how other big-box competitors have come and gone. Today I try and emulate the customer service skills I learned from Bob. I am grateful to have known and learned from Bob and for the life experience of High Fidelity.
Dammit! The longer I live, the more often this happens. Truly good people who have enriched my life in large and small pass on. And, though it is an inevitable part of life, I am deeply sorry to hear that Bob is gone, and sorry that I am just now hearing it. I am not from Seattle. In my youth I frequented audio stores in Boston and Kansas City. 25 years ago when I moved to WA, the first time I stepped into Hawthorne I knew this was an exceptional place. And truth is, it was a reflection of it’s owner. It is my hope that those who have been with him for years will carry on his legacy and his way of doing business.
PAS
I sold Bob advertising in Willamette Week in Portland in the early 80's. He was indeed a 'pretty nice guy'. Loved going into his store and chatting with him. I introduced him to the sales rep that soon afterwords became his wife. The world needs more Bobs. My condolences to his family and the staff.
I met Bob when I moved to Seattle in 1999 and enjoyed his quiet presence in the shop as I navigated my way through the right equipment. I usually worked with Dom or Matthew but before I made any major purchase I’d look at Bob over in his wizard corner and sometimes without saying a word he’d just nod - and I knew my upgrade was on the right path. I know the team will keep Hawthorne pointed in the right direction. And that’s part of Bob’s legacy. A gentleman, and a true lover of music. Thank you Bob.
I purchased many product from Hawthorne Stereo over the past +20 years I know Bob is in a better place.
I do not live in the NW anymore but always visited Hawthorne when in town. I believe I spoke with Bob during my Christmas 2021 visit. I was always respectful of his line decisions and appreciated hearing his reasoning behind why he chose certain lines. My favorite retailer. RIP.
Godspeed Bob
Gobsmacked!
He was such a unique , knowledgeable, and passionate enthusiast . Always enjoyed his banter( usually contrary to my opinion)
Long Live Hawthorne Stereo !!!
I was peripherally aware of Hawthorne Stereo but in 1998 my friend Rick Scheuer brought me to Hawthorne to audition a pair of Epos ES12s. Unfortunately, that day I heard a CD played on a Naim CD5 and I realized part of the reason those speakers sounded so good was the phenomenal signal coming from the source. From that day on, every piece of gear I’ve purchased has come from Bob’s pretty nice little HiFi shop on Roosevelt. Rega P3, Naim CD5, 202/200, NAPSC,Stageline. Always got honesty and great advice from Bob (and Matthew, and Dominic and everyone. I remember when I was flirting with the idea of getting a tube rig, and Bob said: “depends on what you want. Do you want a hobby or are you more interested in listening to music.”
I used to steal time here and there to come into Hawthorne the way some guys would squeeze in a drink on the way home from work.
Thank you, Bob, for caring about sound and music and being so low-bullshit and for making my life better.
We’ll miss you and we’ll think of you now and then.
Wow, this is very sad to hear. I had a 20-year history with Bob and every encounter was memorable. I recall I walked into the shop ask asked Bob why my Pioneer Elite 7.1 sounded horrible in 2 channels when compared to my old Marantz. I walked out with a Naim and Rega setup and never looked back. In fact, I upgraded to a new P3 at the beginning of the shutdown and think of Bob every time I put a record on because he accidentally charged me for a P1 instead of a P3. When I called to make up the difference he laughed and said he was simply working too much. RIP Bob, you made a difference in many peoples lives including mine.
So sorry to hear the news. I loved dealing with Bob who was so straight forward. I must have last seen him shortly before he died. He touched many lives in Seattle and beyond. Very sorely missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Really sad news. My condolences to Robert's family and the staff at Hawthorne. Seattle won't be the same without him.
Very sorry to hear about Bob's passing and my thoughts are with his family and friends. I walked in to Hawthorne Stereo in 1994 and have been a customer ever since. Bob always made me feel welcome and inspired me to continue my love for music and cool gear to listen to it with. The vibe Bob created in his store was and is a breath of fresh air in the audio industry. I will remember him always. Bob- it was a pleasure to know you my friend.
Every day I benefit from Bob's advice as a Hawthorne customer of nearly 30 years. More gear than my partner likes to imagine has gone between our home and his shop, and we enjoy the results of his advice nearly every day. Bob was an enjoyable curmudgeon and well liked by his excellent crew. My condolences to his family and friends and crew and Hawthorne Stereo on this loss.
Met lots of audiophiles who had been to Hawthorne at one time. Purchased equipment at Hawthorne, some Naim gear, Rega, etc. Robert was willing to trade, which is not usually a possibility with a dealer. Quite frankly, Robert was quite aloof, and quite a grump at times. So what happens to the store since Mr. Levin is gone?
Sorry to see this! I met Bob in 1998 and he guided me through early purchases. I felt like I disappointed him slightly when I didn't catch the Naim bug, but he was unfailingly helpful, never pushed anything on me, and always had a sense of humor. I'll miss him.
Oh my goodness, just seeing this now. I bought from Bob at the original "Hawthorne Stereo" in Portland, late High School and early College. When I moved to Seattle in '88, I was surprised to see the Hawthorne Stereo sign in Roosevelt. I stopped in with a Nakamichi cassette deck that needed repair - it had distinctive wood side panels. I walked into the store, set it on the glass counter, and Bob said, "Where did you get this??" and I said, "From you, Bob." It was, and I'm sure will remain, a delight to walk into the store. I noticed over the years he always picked excellent folks to work with. You've all been consistently great over the years. I'm so saddened by this news. I have no doubt you'll keep it "a pretty nice place". I'll try to stop by soon. If you need a tune, feel free to call guys.....
Like so many of us long time regulars, Bob and the store was/is Hi-Fi in Seattle - bar none. Reading all the comments makes me smile to understand we all felt the same affection for him. Whatever reason I needed to go to the store, seeing and hearing Bob was my day's pleasure. Missing you Bob.
I was stunned to hear from Matthew that Robert had passed. I have known him as a client and friend for 40 years. I always appreciated his professionalism and occasional banter. Anyone that knows sarcasm was always good in my book. Having recently moved to Arizona I was still intent on doing business with Robert. Before I left, he gave me some recommendations for vintage stereo in Phoenix. I never met his daughters, but I knew them through Robert as we talked about our girls occasionally. I hope they are at peace with the passing of their father. I will miss you, Robert. You cannot be replaced. All the best to the staff at Hawthorne. Regards, Tony
Bob introduced me to Naim in 2001. I just recapped the 250/72 I bought from him this month. I moved away from Seattle in 2003, but have always bought equipment from Hawthorne no matter what part of the country I lived in. Only 18 months ago he sold me a mint Creek 5350 integrated for my home studio. This makes me super sad.
My condolences to Bob's family, friends and the excellent staff at Hawthorne, he will be truly missed. During the many years of going to Hawthorne I came to regard it, meaning Bob and the staff, as one of the (rare) establishments that continue to feed the City with character, integrity and humor - plus a dash of self-effacement . A pretty nice place, indeed.
I've been a customer since Bob sold me my first entry into high end (Epos ES 12, Rega Mira, Planar 3) in the 90s when I was in middle school, and I've always enjoyed returning for upgrades and, frankly, loitering around the store because it is one of the few shops around that gave me that kid'in'candystory feeling, even today while I'm in my late 30s. I think I spent more money there (and had more ROI from that investment) than any other singular organization aside from the IRS.
And beyond Bob himself, the staff whom I'm sure he hand picked and managed throughout was just as great, and I'd often leave the shop with nothing more than obscure music recommendations (Squarepusher, Warp Records, etc) that, thinking back, had more to do with my taste and current music production than any other source. How the f*** any other store, offline or online, will be able to achieve anything close to that seems incomprehensible.
Bob and the legacy he created is one of the local treasures that defined Seattle and, either directly or indirectly, much of my love for music and the enjoyable reproduction thereof. I'm not religious, though part of me is thinking that heaven is about to sound a whole lot better, but we'll certainly miss his terrestrial presence. Until next time, Bob, and thanks for everything.
I'm so sorry to hear the news that Robert passed away. Condolences to his family and the great staff at Hawthorne. I always appreciated his honest advice over the past few years. He will be missed.
still have my nait 3 , rega planet cd , & meadowlark / kestrel speakers bob sold me...beyond countless hours now of listening & learning & simply rockin' out...still nice!
Still in shock over this and not exactly sure how to process it.
I walked into Hawthorne Stereo in Bellevue because a friend told me about Kyocera CD Players. After hearing them kill a "high-end" Technics player, and then wandering into the big room and asking about the funny little black boxes, John Vernig was nice enough to do Naim Nait vs. Aragon 24K/4004 comparison with a California Audio Labs Tempest II CD Player as the source. The proverbial David vs. Goliath audio demo. I left with a Kyocera DA410, Naim NAC62 and Naim NAP90. I knew right then that I wanted to work there and offered my services if they ever had an opening. Who knew it would only be a couple of months later?
First time I met Bob, "Chief" as I started calling him, was when he interviewed me. That was 33 years ago, more than half my life ago, and we always stayed in touch even after I left Hawthorne. He was a great friend over the years. I will always be thankful for getting a chance to work at "A pretty nice place".
I'll remember our shenanigans in Las Vegas during CES, riding in the various cars he would purchase, him watching me set up a Linn LP-12 for 3 hours to get it perfect, his "just like Christmas day" look when some obscure or incredibly large piece of audio equipment would arrive in the mail (think pairs, plural, of Acoustat Electrostatic Speakers) and our constant search for good demo music.
I'm very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. His sense of humor, his witty banter, his non-technical rhetoric during demos, and his penchant for haggling a deal on another Phillips 312, Nakamichi tape deck, or Akai Reel to Reel will forever stay in my mind.
My heartfelt condolences to Bob's family and the Hawthorne family.
Hawthorne Stereo — its excellent staff and my many satisfying purchases and experiences — has been an important presence in my life for nearly two decades. It’s a major shock to hear of Robert’s passage. I will always remember him. My sincere condolences to the team and his loved ones, and I hope the torch he lit will continue burning bright.
Sorry news. Thanks, Bob, for all you've done and for you being you. Condolences to the family and staff.