2. analog
  3. 1205613991

Used Record Stores & Audio Gear in NYC

Hi I'll be visiting NYC at the end of the month. Staying at the Sheraton (I think). The hotel is beside/behind the site of the former World Trade Center.

Anyone in NYC know of a good used record store that I should check out. A large variety of music would be preferable. However, I primarily listen to and am looking for alternative rock (Beck, Red Hot Chili Peppers etc), American hardcore, old school hip hop (Tribe Called Quest, EPMD, Guru Jazzmatazz, Beastie Boys etc), Blues, and funk.

And of course, classic good ole rock and roll. But I can find those almost anywhere.

Are the record shops found in an "area" or are they spread out over the 5 boroughs.

As well, any must-go-to Audio stores. Mostly interested in used gear, especially analog and speakers.

I only have a day, so any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
elf73
overhang
199 posts
 
Hey Tiger,Stereo Exchange no longer sells used gear.They made a switch to home theatre around the year 2000.I miss their large section in the back where they sold equipment on the left and speakers on the right side.Actually,the high end minded people from old SE formed In Living Stereo in a place that i believe,was the original Stereo Exchange in the 70s.
elf73 OP
104 posts
 
Awesome, thanks guys. A lot of help. I've always wanted to go see/check out Greenwich village. Only been to NY once before and I took the double decker bus tour.. a great way to see other major cities in the world by the way... I love being a tourist in New York City. Wicked...

About the audio stores, I had a feeling that would be the case. And to be completely honest, as I am just an average working stiff, I doubt I would have bought anything because of the variety of gear and deals on Audiogon and Canuck Audio. I'll go to the MET or Guggenheim instead.

I just got back from London. It was pretty short notice, and I didn't do much research, so this is by no means an authoritative opinion, but I checked out a couple of used record stores briefly, and it's pretty pricey. Compared to Canada anyways, and the records are in terrible condition.

Did go to Virgin Mega Store (it's called something else now) and bought some cool old school funk and reggae compilations.. but I'm sure you have all this and more in NYC...

Thanks again everyone.

And because of the dollar, we're no longer like Mexico to you guys, but if you have a chance, Vancouver in the summer is worth checking out... cheapest quality sushi in the world. Very good looking women too, I can't get any but you guys might have better luck...

patrick_odonnell
35 posts
 
I second the Other Music, Academy and Kim's recommendations.
lewm
13,102 posts
 
I am bummed to learn that Stereo Exchange no longer sells used gear. I used to love to visit there when in "the city". As someone else said, the salesman would be on you like flies if you demonstrated any interest in anything, but it was fun to browse. Also, no one mentioned Lyric HiFi, which makes me think they must be gone too. I bought my very first "high end" speakers from Mike Kay, about an eon ago. (A pair of IMF Studio speakers, if you want to know.) I would have thought Lyric of all businesses would have survived the devastation wrought on brick and mortar audio stores in the last several years, because of their wealthy clientele who could not be bothered to shop for used or bargain equipment.
overhang
199 posts
 
Lyris is alive and well,still 100% high end.
More to discover