Creative Audio opened 47 years ago, on May 1st, 1978. Out of its original location, a century-old house in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village, the company built its own line of speakers, quickly rising to local fame.

Designed by company founder Dan Scrapneck using components from respected high-end manufacturers and beautiful oak cabinets from a local carpenter, Creative Audio’s speakers were known for their lifelike vocals and a warm, dynamic, engaging sound. They endeared themselves to Winnipeg music lovers and we know of many pairs still in use today, in Winnipeg and across Canada.

Alongside his speakers, Dan handpicked a range of amplifiers, receivers, reel-to-reel decks, and turntables to sell in the new store, making Creative Audio a one-stop shop for great home audio. As home audio technology advanced into the digital era and then with surround sound, Creative Audio expanded, doubling its retail footprint in the early 1990’s.

A very important event occurred in 1993, though no one knew it at the time. A budding young audiophile named Jeff Kowerchuk, still in junior high, visited Creative Audio and bought his first ‘proper’ amp, an NAD 304. He became a loyal client and in 2000 was hired to join the sales team. Then, in 2007, he bought the company. Today, Jeff is honoured to continue carrying the torch for this venerable Winnipeg institution.

Creative Audio’s current home at 549 Academy Road in the heart of River Heights, opened in January 2024. There you’ll be greeted by Jeff who will offer you a tour of the store’s five sound rooms, each filled with speakers, amplifiers, streamers, CD players, turntables, headphones, and cables from some of the hi-fi industry’s most respected brands.

When you visit, feel free to tap into Jeff’s 25+ years of experience in the hi-fi industry. Whether you’re looking for a conventional stereo system, a complete surround sound system, or a multi-zone audio system for every room in the house (even outside), Jeff will help you build a system that is music to your ears. His approach is uniquely personal, standing out in an industry dominated by high-pressure commissioned sales and confusing technological jargon.

This is how Creative Audio meets its mission every single day: by offering an extraordinary experience whether you’re browsing our products online, visiting our showroom, or sitting at home and losing yourself in the sound of an awesome audio system designed by Creative Audio.

Once in Osborne Village, Creative Audio is now located in the heart of River Heights in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at 549 Academy Road. There is free parking behind the store and you can visit our showroom during our regular hours:

• Sunday: Closed

• Monday: Closed

• Tuesday: 10am - 6pm

• Wednesday: 10am - 6pm

• Thursday: 10am - 6pm

• Friday: 10am - 6pm

• Saturday: 10am - 5pm