ABOUT AUDIO ELEMENT

OUR MISSION

To create superior audio experiences for music lovers.

We are passionate about music! Our goal is to help you experience music like never before. With our expert setup and carefully chosen audio products, we can help you find your own audio element – your place where music inspires, excites and feeds your soul.

THE ART OF SETUP BY BRIAN BERDAN

Audio Element is the product of a well-established and respected tradition of quality in home audio.

Owner and founder, Brian Berdan began his interest in high end audio at an early age apprenticing from his late father Brooks Berdan, who was considered by many to be the master of turntables and home audio setup. Now, Brian is the master and has learned the essentials of quality music playback and the rare skill of proper setup of turntables.

“An inexpensive turntable properly set up will sound better than an expensive turntable improperly set up.”

This specialized knowledge catapults Audio Element into a new generation of home audio stores. Ask an expert, call us or come in to our Pasadena showroom, and let us put our expertise to work for you!

Our team

BRIAN BERDAN, PRESIDENT

Brian was born an audiophile, and his exposure to countless hi-fi systems and hours of listening have produced a well-trained ear. It was this experience coupled with his passion for mechanical precision that helped him excel in his turntable and system setup. With a desire to build upon the core of his dad’s successful roots, and a vision of what a current audio store should be, he opened Audio Element in 2013 to share great music and sound with the masses. When he’s not immersed in audio, he’s racing motorcycles, cycling, wakeboarding, and spending time with his family.

IAN FORTE, SALES

Ian is a musician and music hobbyist. He grew up all over California and developed an interest in music at an early age. After graduating from Cal State Fullerton, he went to Musicians Institute in Hollywood to study audio engineering. It was there that he gained an appreciation for high-end audio and began record collecting.

ELI GONZALEZ, SALES

Eli was born and raised right here in Pasadena! He is a quick witted golf enthusiast, as well as a gifted photographer and artist with a love of all things auto. When he’s not in the shop, he enjoys watching movies or golfing.

JESUS GARCIA, Sales

Jesus has dedicated his time to sonic arts, specifically to Music Production, which he turned into his professional career in the University of West London. He enjoys listening to vinyl records and adding them to his collection of samples and sounds to transform into music later on. Outside of the store, he releases music under the name ‘Random Jesus.’

JENNIFER BERDAN, DIR FIN & OPS

A school choir gal, Jennifer sings to most anything and anyone. You can tell when she’s in a good mood by the volume at which she will belt out her tunes. When she met Brian in 1997, she happily accepted the life of hi-fi, listening to music in a way she never knew existed. She loves listening to loud rock and pop during dance parties in her living room!

GRIFFIN BERDAN, SHOP BOY

Growing up in a hi-fi home, Griffin has an affinity for all things music and can recite the words to many songs. Singing in the shower, drumming lessons and breakdancing are all ways he is honing his musical skills. Outside of music, Griffin’s addicted to video games (like most kids these days) and loves sports especially soccer and football.