About Me

When I opened Hi-Fi Centre in 1984, I didn’t set out to build an audio empire—I just wanted to create a place where music lovers could feel welcome. Having grown up in Kyiv after being born in Tashkent, I knew what it meant to start over. My family arrived in Canada in 1980, and we built this business from nothing. Over the decades, we’ve sold everything from cassette decks to streaming systems, but our philosophy has never changed: be honest, treat people well, and don’t over‑complicate things. I’m no longer involved in day‑to‑day sales, but I still keep an eye on things and trust my son, Igor, and our team to carry on our values.

My Approach

Simplicity has always guided us. The shortest path between A and B is the best one—both in life and in audio. We don’t pester customers with complicated jargon or force them into choices they don’t understand. We listen, we teach, and we make sure people leave with gear they’re proud to own. I believe your stereo should make you smile every time you turn it on, not stress you out.

Gear & Preferences

While I let the next generation handle the gear recommendations these days, I’ve always had a soft spot for brands that blend performance with craftsmanship. I enjoy classical music and opera, and I think your audio system should be part of a complete lifestyle—a good record, a glass of wine, and a comfortable chair. The equipment is just the means to an end.