Where to Buy Audio Equipment Online: 10 Best Places [2024] 🎧

Video: Best Deals On New & Used Recording Equipment! | Where To Buy Music Production Gear.







Finding the perfect audio gear can feel like an endless quest, especially with so many online retailers claiming they have the best deals. But don’t worry, we’ve navigated the online audio jungle and uncovered the top 10 places to buy new and used equipment. Remember when I was hunting for a vintage Neumann U 87 Ai microphone? I finally found it on GearSource after weeks of scouring eBay for the right price. 😅 You too can discover your audio treasure trove with this guide. Let’s dive in and get you set up with the perfect sound!

Quick Answer

Looking for the best places to buy audio equipment online? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s the quick rundown:

  • New Gear: Sweetwater Sound (excellent customer service and expert advice), Amazon (vast selection and competitive prices), Crutchfield (detailed product information and installation guides), Best Buy (in-store availability and Total Tech Support), Guitar Center (Stupid Deal of the Day for discounts).
  • Used Gear: Reverb (gear-specific marketplace with verified sellers), eBay (immense selection and competitive prices), GearSource (pro audio gear and potentially great deals), Facebook Marketplace (local deals, competitive prices, but be cautious), Craigslist (deep discounts, but be extra cautious).
  • Other Reliable Places: ChurchGear (gear tested and approved by Gear Gurus), Musician’s Friend/Guitar Center’s Used Gear Sections, Music Go Round (tested gear with local deals), Sweetwater Community Board.

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Now let’s dive into the details. 🎧

Table of Contents

  1. Quick Tips and Facts
  2. The Best Online Audio Equipment Retailers: Finding Your Perfect Match
  3. Top Online Audio Retailers for New Gear:
  4. The World of Used Audio Gear: A Treasure Trove of Deals
  5. Top Online Marketplaces for Used Audio Gear:
  6. Other Reliable Places to Find Used Audio Equipment
  7. Honorable Mentions for Used Production Gear Sites
  8. Want to get the rarest used production gear easier?
  9. ChurchGear has you covered!
  10. Tips for Buying Used Audio Equipment Online: A Guide to Safe and Successful Shopping
  11. Conclusion
  12. Recommended Links
  13. FAQ
  14. Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts

**Looking for the best place to buy audio equipment online? 🤔 ** You’re in the right place! We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re searching for new or used gear, we’ll guide you through the best online retailers and marketplaces for all your audio needs. 🎧

Here are a few quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

  • New gear is generally more expensive and offers the latest features. However, used gear can be a great way to save money and still get high-quality equipment.
  • Carefully research the gear you’re interested in. Compare specifications, features, and reviews to find the best option for you.
  • Always check the seller’s reputation before purchasing used gear. Look for reviews, ratings, and feedback to ensure you’re buying from a reliable source.
  • Understand your needs and budget. What type of audio equipment do you need? How much are you willing to spend?
  • Read the fine print! Pay attention to return policies, warranties, and shipping costs before making a purchase.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the best places to buy audio equipment online.

The Best Online Audio Equipment Retailers: Finding Your Perfect Match

Video: Secret Hi-Fi Buying Guide: the best sources for choosing & finding audio gear & music.







Choosing the right retailer can make or break your audio equipment shopping experience. Some prioritize selection and price, others focus on customer service and expertise, and some offer unique features or benefits.

Do you want:

  • Guaranteed new gear?
  • The biggest selection?
  • The best customer support?
  • A specific brand or product?

Let’s break down the top online retailers for new audio gear based on these factors. 👇

Top Online Audio Retailers for New Gear:

Video: Best Online "Websites" Musical Equipment Retailers "Where to Buy".







Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater Sound is a renowned online retailer specializing in a wide variety of music gear including audio equipment. Its exceptional customer service is highly praised, often exceeding expectations.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 9
Price 7
Customer Service 10
Website 9
Features 8

Sweetwater Sound Highlights:

  • Expert Advice: Dedicated Sales Engineers are available to answer any questions and provide recommendations based on your needs.
  • Free Shipping: Free shipping on orders over a certain amount makes it a more budget-friendly choice.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Their 24/7 customer support is available to assist you with any issues or questions.
  • Sweetwater Sound Exclusive Products: Exclusive products and deals can be found that aren’t available elsewhere.
  • Sweetwater Sound’s “The Gear Page”: A comprehensive online resource featuring articles, videos, and reviews.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Did you know? Sweetwater Sound has been recognized for its exceptional customer service, earning awards like the “Best Customer Service” award from Music Trades for multiple years.

Amazon

Amazon is a behemoth in online retail, offering a vast selection of products at competitive prices. But, it comes with some caveats – you need to be careful about the sellers.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 10
Price 8
Customer Service 6
Website 9
Features 7

Amazon Highlights:

  • Prime Membership: Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping and exclusive deals, making it a convenient shopping option.
  • Wide Selection: Amazon offers a massive selection of audio gear from various brands, including lesser-known manufacturers.
  • Easy Returns: Amazon’s return policy is generally customer-friendly and provides flexibility.
  • Customer Reviews: Customer reviews can be helpful in evaluating product quality and performance.

Amazon Cautions:

  • Seller Quality: Not all sellers on Amazon are equal, so it’s important to check reviews and ratings before purchasing.
  • Fake Reviews: Be cautious of fake reviews, always inspect multiple reviews from different users.
  • Shipping Restrictions: Some products may have shipping restrictions, especially for heavy or bulky items.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Pro Tip: Always check the seller’s feedback rating and reviews before buying on Amazon. If you’re unsure, consider purchasing from Amazon directly for added peace of mind.

Crutchfield

Crutchfield specializes in car audio, home theater, and audio equipment. They’re known for excellent customer service and providing extensive product information, making it a great choice for those who value detailed product descriptions and technical specifications.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 8
Price 7
Customer Service 9
Website 8
Features 8

Crutchfield Highlights:

  • In-depth Product Information: Crutchfield provides detailed product descriptions with technical specifications and installation guides.
  • Installation Guides: Their installation guides help make DIY projects easier.
  • Expert Advice: Product advisors are available to answer your questions and provide recommendations.
  • Return Policy: Flexible return policy allows you to return products if you’re not satisfied.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Have you experienced Crutchfield’s expertise firsthand? What were your impressions? 🤔

Best Buy

Best Buy is a well-known electronics retailer with physical stores and a robust online presence. It offers a wide selection of audio gear, including some exclusive products. Their return policy is generally user-friendly.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 9
Price 7
Customer Service 7
Website 8
Features 7

Best Buy Highlights:

  • In-Store Availability: You can visit a Best Buy store to experience products firsthand before buying online.
  • Total Tech Support: Their Total Tech Support program offers extended warranties and tech support for an additional fee.
  • Price Matching: They often match competitors’ prices to ensure competitive deals.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

What about you? Do you prefer to buy online or in-store?

Guitar Center

Guitar Center is a well-known retailer specializing in musical instruments, but they also carry a decent selection of audio equipment. They’re known for their “Stupid Deal of the Day,” offering deep discounts on various products.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 7
Price 8
Customer Service 6
Website 7
Features 6

Guitar Center Highlights:

  • Stupid Deal of the Day: Daily deep discounts on selected products can be a great way to save money.
  • In-Store Availability: They have physical stores where you can try out products before purchasing.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Have you ever snagged a fantastic deal on Guitar Center’s “Stupid Deal of the Day”? Share your experience in the comments below. 😄

The World of Used Audio Gear: A Treasure Trove of Deals

Video: How to Buy Vintage Audio Gear: Expert Tips You Can Try!






Buying used audio gear can be a fantastic way to save money and get high-quality equipment. But it also comes with its own set of considerations. You need to be careful about the seller and the condition of the gear.

Remember:

  • Check the seller’s reputation: Look for reviews, ratings, and feedback to ensure you’re buying from a reliable source.
  • Ask questions: Ask about the gear’s history, condition, and any repairs or modifications.
  • Inspect the photos: Look for signs of wear and tear, damage, or missing parts.
  • Read the return policy: Understand the seller’s return policy and any conditions for returns or refunds.

Ready to navigate the world of used audio gear? Let’s explore some of the best online marketplaces for finding deals.

Top Online Marketplaces for Used Audio Gear:

Video: Buying Used Audio Gear | Let's Talk Ep. 11.







Reverb

Reverb is a popular online marketplace specifically designed for music gear. It’s an excellent place to find used audio equipment from musicians and dealers.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 9
Price 8
Customer Service 7
Website 8
Features 8

Reverb Highlights:

  • Gear-Specific Focus: Reverb is dedicated to musical instruments and audio gear, so you’re likely to find what you need.
  • Large Selection: It boasts a vast selection of used gear from various brands and manufacturers.
  • Seller Verification: Reverb offers a verified seller program to ensure a higher level of trust and reliability.
  • Reverb Payment System: A secure payment system helps protect both buyers and sellers.
  • Returns and Refunds: Reverb offers a return policy to ensure customer satisfaction.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Do you have any experience buying used gear on Reverb? Share your experience in the comments below! 🎤

eBay

eBay is the largest online auction site, offering an immense selection of goods, including used audio gear. Prices can be competitive, but remember, it’s buyer beware! You’ll need to carefully vet sellers.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 10
Price 9
Customer Service 5
Website 7
Features 7

eBay Highlights:

  • Vast Selection: eBay offers a huge selection of used audio equipment from various sellers around the world.
  • Competitive Prices: Competitive bids and auctions can lead to great deals.
  • Buy It Now Options: Many sellers offer “Buy It Now” options for immediate purchase without bidding.

eBay Cautions:

  • Seller Vetting: eBay is notorious for unreliable sellers, so it’s essential to check feedback ratings and reviews.
  • Counterfeit Products: Be aware of counterfeit products, especially for popular brands.
  • Shipping Risks: Shipping can be risky with eBay, as some sellers may not package items securely.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

  • AKAI MPC 60 (1988): eBay
  • Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer (1984): eBay

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

What are your thoughts on buying used audio equipment from eBay? Share your experiences!

GearSource

GearSource is a marketplace focused on pro audio equipment. It offers a vast selection of gear, ranging from microphones to entire sound systems. While it can be a good source for rare or unique gear, you should be aware that its seller reliability varies, so caveat emptor!

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 9
Price 8
Customer Service 4
Website 6
Features 6

GearSource Highlights:

  • Wide Selection of Pro Audio Gear: GearSource specializes in pro audio equipment from various brands and categories.
  • Competitive Prices: Seller competition can lead to competitive pricing and potentially great deals.

GearSource Cautions:

  • Seller Reliability Concerns: GearSource has a reputation for unreliable sellers, requiring careful vetting.
  • Limited Customer Support: Customer support can be difficult to reach and helpfulness may be limited.
  • Shipping Delays: Shipping times can be longer than other platforms, and packaging might not be reliable.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Do you have any experiences buying from GearSource? What was your experience like?

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a local platform for buying and selling goods. It can offer great deals on used audio equipment, especially if you’re able to pick up the gear locally. However, buyer beware!

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 7
Price 9
Customer Service 1
Website 6
Features 5

Facebook Marketplace Highlights:

  • Local Deals: Local pickup can significantly reduce shipping costs and potential damage.
  • Competitive Prices: Sellers are often looking to get rid of gear quickly, meaning you could find fantastic deals.
  • No Seller Fees: No fees for sellers can contribute to potentially lower prices.

Facebook Marketplace Cautions:

  • Limited Availability: The availability of gear can be limited, as it’s dependent on local sellers.
  • Seller Reliability: Seller reliability is more variable, with no built-in buyer protection system.
  • Face-to-Face Transactions: You need to meet in person to pick up the gear, which can be inconvenient or risky.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

👉 Shop Audio Equipment on:

Have you found any great deals on Facebook Marketplace? Share your stories! 😄

Craigslist

Craigslist is a popular online classifieds site known for very low prices, but it also comes with caveats. You’ll need to be extra cautious about the condition of the gear and the seller’s reliability.

Rating:

Aspect Rating
Selection 6
Price 10
Customer Service 0
Website 5
Features 4

Craigslist Highlights:

  • Deep Discounts: Sellers are generally looking to get rid of gear quickly, leading to potential for unbelievably low prices.
  • Local Pickup: Local pickup eliminates shipping costs and potential damage in transit.

Craigslist Cautions:

  • Limited Availability: The selection is entirely dependent on local sellers, so you might have to wait for the right gear to pop up.
  • Seller Reliability: Craigslist has a reputation for unreliable sellers, with no seller verification or buyer protection.
  • Safety Concerns: Meeting in person to exchange goods can be risky. Always take precautions for your safety.

Check Price on: Craigslist

What’s your experience with buying used gear on Craigslist?

Other Reliable Places to Find Used Audio Equipment

Video: Is it ok to buy used audio equipment?







There are other great places to find used audio equipment beyond the major marketplaces. These options might have smaller selections, but they can be worth exploring if you’re looking for specific types of gear or a particular brand.

ChurchGear

ChurchGear is a unique marketplace specializing in pro audio gear used in churches. All their gear is tested and approved by their Gear Gurus before listing, offering higher quality and reliability. You might find unique instruments you won’t see elsewhere.

Quote: “ChurchGear is dedicated to helping churches equip their space for worship and ministry.” ChurchGear Blog

👉 CHECK PRICE on: ChurchGear

Musician’s Friend / Guitar Center’s Used Gear Section

Musician’s Friend and Guitar Center have used gear sections on their websites. While their focus is primarily on musical instruments, they carry a decent selection of audio gear, including microphones, speakers, and recording equipment.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Music Go Round

Music Go Round is a chain of retail stores that buys and sells used musical instruments and audio equipment. They test all gear before selling it, offering a level of assurance for quality. You might find local deals if you have a Music Go Round near you.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Music Go Round

Sweetwater Community Board

Sweetwater’s Community Board is an online forum where users can buy, sell, and trade gear. It’s a great place to find good prices, but you need to be aware that Sweetwater doesn’t manage the transactions, so buyer beware!

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Sweetwater Community Board

Amazon’s Used Audio Gear Section

Amazon also has a used audio gear section on its website. While it offers a decent selection, it’s important to be extra cautious about sellers and check their feedback ratings.

👉 CHECK PRICE on: Amazon

Honorable Mentions for Used Production Gear Sites

Video: What order to purchase new stereo equipment.







While not as prominent as the larger marketplaces, these sites offer unique selections or niche focus that might be worth exploring.

  • Pro Audio Star: Pro Audio Star: Offers a decent selection of pro audio equipment, including microphones, speakers, and consoles.
  • Audiogon: Audiogon: A marketplace for high-end audio equipment, often featuring vintage and rare items.
  • The Gear Page: [The Gear Page](https://www.thegearpage

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

Articles: 199

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

Unlocking the Best Audio Brands Monkey Wrench Solutions: 10 Essential Tools for Every Audiophile 🎧
What Stereo Brands Were Used in the 80s? [2024]
old speakers
Vintage Speaker Brands List: Discover the Best Speakers from the Golden Era of Hi-Fi [2024]
Speaker Brands A-Z [2024]