Since 1992, THE EDGE has been the Chicago area's leading installer of Stereo and Home Theater Systems. THE EDGE has been recognized nationally, with featured Custom Home Installations from Coast to Coast. Locations as far West as California, and Arizona, and as far East as Maine, New York, Carolina,and Florida have become EDGE communities.
Local custom home builders, architects and interior designers have recommended systems by our award winning staff for the past eighteen years. Recently, our reach has expanded internationally--with highlights including celebrity installations in the Caribbean.
THE EDGE story dates back to the early 1980's, when our passion for home entertainment design blossomed. While our roots were firmly planted in the hi-fi world, it was the eventual marriage of audio and video that propelled our business into the new millennium. THE EDGE is the byproduct of nearly 30 years of industry experience. Most notably, THE EDGE has remained a family owned business since 1992, when we opened our original store, THE SOUND LAB.
From 1992-1999 we began a period of almost unprecedented growth that extended through the late 90’s. THE SOUND LAB was the most innovative store of its kind, being one of the first A/V stores in the country to present component systems in a fully realized home-like environment. This dramatic presentation was combined with an exclusive product mix that featured the most exclusive high-end component lines available.
THE SOUND LAB family worked tirelessly to bring new ideas to market – one that would provide customers with a fresh take on home entertainment. Our intention was to combine all the elements required to build complete audio/video systems, including full design, consulting, and project management under one roof.
As the marketplace changed, so did THE SOUND LAB. The burgeoning custom market, and the marriage of Smart-Home computer technology with high-end home theater led our founders to re-evaluate the perception of the "Sound Lab" name in the marketplace. For nearly a dozen years, THE SOUND LAB name had been synonymous with high-end stereo systems. Unfortunately, few patrons considered the store a destination for video or multi-room installation.
After discussing a potential name change internally, the principals formed a focus group that included key vendors and customers. The group decided the old name was too restrictive, and did not accurately reflect the future of our industry. Consequently, in 2004, THE SOUND LAB was renamed EDGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT.
The new EDGE persona more accurately depicted the wide range of products and services offered by the company. The hip, new name reflected the arrival of enthusiastic, creative young talent and their fresh perspective. Moreover, the name change provided momentum for our company to evolve into its current broader vision.
While our founding principles and philosophy remained intact, THE EDGE pioneered new ways to make the process more efficient. As always, THE EDGE would offer expertise in design and component selection. However, added value such as architectural and computer networking expertise would be included in our "one stop" approach. Now all participants required to successfully complete larger scale designs were available under one roof.
By 2007, THE EDGE evolution was nearly complete. The Palatine facility was remodeled and expanded. New product lines were added to augment the capabilities of our Custom Installation, Home Automation, and Home Theater departments. THE EDGE concept developed further, with the addition of a permanent staff architect and complete general contracting services. New relationships with vendors of theater seating, flooring, modular acoustical treatments, and cabinetry were established. Finally, in deference to our roots as a hifi store--a special dedicated area for two channel music listening was created for audiophiles.
As we enter our second decade of the 2000s,THE EDGE has redefined the state-of-the-art in today’s competitive home entertainment arena. While other stores have dramatically reduced their market presence--or disappeared completely, THE EDGE has expanded its influence. As economic challenges have forced many to scale back plans, or put dreams on hold, THE EDGE has learned how to dream smarter--not smaller.
The bar has been raised. We think anyone who truly cares about high performance home audio/video – and maximizing the value of their entertainment dollar will agree – we have THE EDGE over the competition.
Watch this space for the next stage of our evolution, with new locations and expanded services coming in the Fall of 2010.
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