Ecotopia

I went in Ecotopia over the weekend because I’d heard they have a great selection of audio equipment. That’s an understatement. There are stacks all over the store of receivers, tuners, turntables, and speakers.
The owner, Moses, was super friendly. He was helping some other folks when we went in, so after he was done with them I asked him for his advice. I didn’t realize that meant he would spend almost two hours with me, showing me what equipment he had. He really seems to know his stock back and forth, pulling out names of speakers that were under stacks and insisting that he’d love to let me hear them if I wanted. He told me about the speaker designers, the characteristics of each brand, and what kind of sounds would be emphasized with each. He insisted that every piece of equipment was fully checked when he brought it in
He laid out all my options, within my price range, for the styles of music I listen to, and preferred making me listen to different speaker combinations rather than describing them to me. This took some time to attach and detach each set from the receiver, but I really did learn a lot about what the different speakers sounded like, and which brands have similar profiles.
Ultimately, I was happy to have a guide that was patient. I didn’t anticipate spending so much time to do so, but I don’t regret it at all, since it is an investment. I found a set of speakers that I love (after listening to about 10 different sets) that should be perfect for what I need.
Ultimately, I think I maybe paid a higher price than I would have gotten on ebay or craigslist for my speakers, but Moses was ridiculously helpful and patient with me and was happy to give me the information I needed. I’m also sure that the speakers are in good working condition — which is worth a lot as well.
I don’t know about the repair aspect of his shop, but if you want to buy some modern or vintage equipment, Moses can hook you up.

Great selection of vintage used gear. Repairs available.

Tbd

This place might be one of the weirdest shops you set foot in, is it a stereo shop, is it a imported nick-​nack shop, china or thrift store? Well probably all of the above. But from what I can gather they mostly do used stereo and hi-​fi equipment,
Fist off, know what you want when you come here, they have tons of stereos mostly high end stuff. Some stuff is SUPER HIGH END Audio, we’re talking thousands of dollars other are more low end stuff like $ 100-​$ 350 Range.
The guy seems to know his stuff and tells you all equipment has been tested by a technician. I will say the equipment looks clean. This guy is a talker, and will try
to convince you you’re getting a good deal. I would say know what it’s worth before you come in. I think he’s trying to sell you more on the fact you know it works if you buy from him, he tests it out on site and lets you listen before you leave.
As far as dickering on this stuff, I hope you have better luck than I did, this guy wouldn’t budge on the price one bit. But he did say he’s more willing to dicker on the very expensive stereos vs. the ones I was interested in. So he might have a point.
I did spend about $ 120 on a used receiver that would have cost over $ 200 brand new. But I did see the same unit going for about $ 50 on Craigslist. But to his credit he did plug It in for me, so I knew it was working before I bought it (No idea about his return policy.) And yes it still work in my house and sounds great.
If you’re looking for quality stuff you may want to check this place out. You may get an Amazing deal, or like me a quality stuff for a little more (less than buying new) with assurance it will work when you leave.