About
Sound Associates is a distinguished and pioneering audio-visual integration, rental, and sales company that has been a cornerstone of the professional sound and theatre technology industry since its founding in 1946. Headquartered at 979 Saw Mill River Rd in Yonkers, New York, this multi-generational family business has evolved from a modest radio and television repair shop into a nationally recognized powerhouse, serving a prestigious clientele that includes Broadway productions, major concert tours, corporate events, educational institutions, and houses of worship. For over seven decades, Sound Associates has operated on a core mission to provide unparalleled technical expertise, cutting-edge equipment, and flawless service, ensuring that every client's audio-visual vision is realized with precision and impact. The company's philosophy is built on a deep understanding that sound is not merely a technical requirement but an essential, emotive component of storytelling, communication, and experience.
The business's history is intertwined with the evolution of American entertainment technology. Founded by Edward 'Ed' C. B. 'Buddy' Graham and later led by his son, Edward J. Graham, Sound Associates grew alongside the post-war boom in broadcasting and live performance. It played a vital role in the early days of television and quickly became a trusted vendor for the burgeoning Off-Broadway and Broadway theatre scenes in New York City. This legacy is a living part of the company's identity, informing a depth of institutional knowledge that is rare in the industry. Today, under the leadership of the third generation, the company balances this rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach, constantly investing in the latest digital audio networking, line array systems, wireless technology, and LED video solutions.
What truly sets Sound Associates apart is its unique positioning at the intersection of three key service verticals: system integration for permanent installations, high-end equipment rentals for live events, and direct sales of top-tier audio brands. This tripartite model creates a synergistic ecosystem. Their integration team designs and installs sophisticated, turnkey systems for theatres, performing arts centers, and corporate boardrooms, drawing from the same inventory and expertise used for their rental clients. Conversely, their rental department, which services everything from Broadway shows like 'The Lion King' and 'Wicked' to major televised events and corporate galas, provides real-world, rigorous field testing of equipment and trends, knowledge that directly benefits their integration designs. This holistic perspective ensures recommendations are not based on theory alone but on proven, real-world performance.
The company's expertise is both broad and deep. Their specialists are not just salespeople or technicians; they are problem-solving consultants with years of hands-on experience. Many of their staff are certified by manufacturers like d&b audiotechnik, Yamaha, Shure, and Christie, and possess a nuanced understanding of complex protocols such as Dante, AVB, and Q-SYS. This technical mastery is complemented by a creative, client-focused approach. For a theatre, they understand acoustics, sightlines, and the director's intent. For a corporate client, they focus on clarity, reliability, and seamless operation. Their unique value proposition lies in this combination of legacy, comprehensive service scope, elite technical talent, and an unwavering commitment to building long-term partnerships rather than conducting transactional business. They are not merely a vendor; they are a collaborative technical partner invested in their clients' long-term success.
