Audiophile Resources

Rochester has a number of resources for Home Theater and Audiophiles. It is uncertain how it has got that way (Eastman School influence?), but compared to many cities of similar size, Rochester is blessed with four audiophile shops, where most moderate sized cities would be fortunate to have just one. Audiophile equipment is expensive, but fans believe it is worth the expense. Quality sound reproduction has to be heard to be believed.

If you are doing your homework and are not ready to buy, let the shop know and the time frame in which you are going to buy something or what your plans may be. If the shop is busy, you can always schedule an appointment when it is less busy - since the nature of this process is very customer service intensive, they may not be able to give you as good a service without an appointment sometimes (though most of these shops will try).

If you are on a budget, be up front about it with the people at the shop (if you don't feel comfortable with a number, you can give a range or a "no more than $X"), as most of these places (unlike mass market) build their businesses on long term repeat business, and a shop that did poor service routinely would quickly be out of business. Many of these stores have discounted used and demo equipment available for those on a budget, usually a customer needs to ask.

If you aren't ready to make the plunge, getting good recordings will make even a modest, existing, setup sound much better.

• The Sound Concept - The house has been sold, the website hasn't been updated in months, and the phone number no longer works. Last heard, Jim Parnell is selling cars, and Bob was going to continue. Unknown if the entity exists anymore?"
  

• The Analog Shop - Located in Victor, specialized in high end Record Players - but has recently expanded range to include Quad. Less snooty, but very high price!
  

• Soundworks - Located in Pittsford Colony Plaza, eager salesmen - sells B&W speakers, Totem speakers, Rotel, Classe, etc. Great low to mid price points in audiophile.
  

• Rowe Photo - Located in Rochester, Specializes in purpose build home theaters, sometimes people have complained about poor service here. Picked up Focal JM Labs speakers and is the local McIntosh dealer.
  

• Goldcrest Electronics - Located in Rochester, a local source for cables and stuff.

• The Bop Shop - Great Vinyl, Jazz CD. Helpful Staff.
  

• House of Guitars - A lot of gems in a jumble of records and CD's
  

• Record Stores - Lots of Rochester Area Resources
  

• Vinyl Records - A list of stores that still sell vinyl.

• Audiogon - eBay for Audiophile equipment
  

• NonameHifi - Home Theater, High End Audio Fun's Meeting Place
  

• AudioAsylum - Discussion Groups about Audiophile Topics
  

• 6moons - Review site
  

(There is a lot more but being a local wiki ...)