Princeton Record Exchange is the kind of place that convinces you the past did not entirely lose it's argument with the present. Walking in makes me feel like I'm stepping back into the 90s, when music required effort and curiosity and a willingness to be wrong about what you thought you liked. They have everything. Records, tapes, CDs, and yes, even DVDs and VHS tapes, like artifacts from a civilization that understood patience. The selection is not just large, it is deep in the way a good conversation is deep. Jazz standards sit comfortably alongside obscure classical recordings. Somewhere nearby is a Japanese scream band you have never heard of but suddenly feel compelled to investigate. What makes the place work is the staff. These aren't people who ended up here by accident. They're here because they love music in a way that can't be faked. Ask for something familiar and they will find it. Ask for something strange and they will find it too, and then suggest three more things you didn't know you needed. It reminds me of the record stores I grew up in, back when discovering music felt like a small personal victory instead of an algorithm handing you a suggestion like a fortune cookie with better branding. Streaming may have made everything available, but it also made everything feel the same. This place resists that. It insists that music is still worth searching for, still worth holding in your hands, still worth talking about with another human being. Go here. Spend more time than you intended. Trade in something you hope others will discover as you once did. Leave with something unexpected. That's the whole point. Five stars, and I don't give them lightly, because enthusiasm is a finite resource and should be spent where it matters. read more

Princeton Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Gem in Princeton! This is a funky little place with lots of cool stuff. Records, CDs, cassettes, videos, posters, really anything related to music. Everything was priced well or cheap! There were some amazing finds if vinyl is your thing:) Worth a visit! read more

Princeton Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

They're the best music store in NJ. I just sold 55000 cds and 2900 Vynils. They came over and bought it back. Such sweet and honest guys! They are simply awesome. Highly recommend if you are a music lover! Plus Princeton is beautiful! Check out read more

What an amazing place. Big selection of vinyl, new and old. I could've been there for hours, but I found what I was looking for. I was going to purchase the new version of this album, (The Dave Brubeck quartet, picture posted) the owner saw what I was purchasing and pulled out a used for less than half the price. I was shocked. This is the type of service that makes you wanna go back. Outstanding!! Princeton record exchange is located near a parking garage, which is perfect because the parking in the area is tough. I can't wait to go back read more

See all

I love this record store And I love the movie selection that they have too and the service is very excellent and the value is really excellent too and I really love it And the value of music and movies are very excellent too read more

This place is located on Tulane St, North of the campus. I'm really not sure how you can give this place lower than 5 stars. Maybe because the records are not in alphabetical order? The people are friendly and there are many deals to be found, of all genres. 12" singles! Are you kidding me for $1. Yes you need time to search for what you are looking for but whatever you find will be a real deal. This place is great. read more

See all

Was so excited to visit the Princeton Record Exchange and I can tell it is definitely extremely popular. It's a pretty large store but it's definitely crammed. There were TONS of people shopping and it made it hard to walk around the store and there definitely wasn't a ton of space to walk around people browsing. I also wasn't totally a fan of how they organized their records. There were some mixed in amongst like cds and it was a bit hard to navigate. I also feel like their prices were a tad higher than what I was use to. It's definitely a cool spot, I liked the overall vibes but I think I am definitely spoiled with my home town record spot and I think they have a much larger variety and better organization. With that being said, I'll be back! It was definitely neat to check out ! read more

See all

I have to admit that I'm spoiled having a deep resource for new and pre-owned physical media so close. Sure, there's Amazon if you enjoy crushed jewel cases and a sometimes buyer beware resale marketplace that can all too easily misrepresent what it is that you think you're buying. The new stuff is up-front but the pleasure is in the back as you peruse a countless array of artists and genres for items you've been stalking or just filling in an old chestnut that got lost in a move. Killing time was never so much fun. Five easy stars. read more

Huge selection of vinyls, including mainstream and popular artists. All vinyls and CDs were well-organized by genre and artist name. Reasonably priced (around $30-40 per vinyl) and you can even find some vinyls for less than $15. Came on a Monday afternoon when it wasn't too busy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. read more

I love this store. It is one of the best in the country. Great selection, good value, old school vibe. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Lots of records, CDs, DVDs in every possible category. It is so legendary the BBC featured them on Record Store Day. Dive in! You'll be amazed at what you find! A must stop on any visit to Princeton, plus it is around the corner from Labyrinth Books! read more

The Princeton Record Exchange is a huge store that offers a massive selection of records, cds, movies, and more. This location is simply a must while you're in the Princeton area. My SO and I always make it a point to stop in, and we always leave with at least one thing to take home. They have a diverse collection of music, so you're sure to find something. If you see something there, grab it, because it's most likely a fair price and harder to find elsewhere. Don't spin around in circles, head over and treat yourself to a new record. read more

Princeton Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

A true piece of Princeton history on Tulane St. They have most of the high-demand records in so many different genres. I've been coming here for all my vinyl record needs for the past 8 years, and have never been disappointed. Every single time, I have found the exact record I was looking for, and if I couldn't find it, the staff would help me figure out a way to get it into my collection. Princeton would be incomplete without it, definitely a must-visit for any vinyl enthusiast in Princeton. read more

My gosh! This place is huge and I always find myself stuck for 15 minutes at the end deciding what I need to put back because I can't afford everything I want. read more

Known as prex for short, they have managed to be one of the few bigger CD stores still around. There are other smaller stores around and the vinyl comeback has helped. While online and media services like Spotify have not entirely helped prex, prex has a selection, look, vibe. Shirts and stickers for coolness, and it is a staple of the area and arguably the region or nation for CDs and DVDs too. They also sell and communicate online which could be making the difference too. A visit if you love looking at physical CDs, DVDs, or Vinyl and worth getting something for the road or home. read more

10 STARS - The most reliable company to sell your record collection to. That's what I did with my 300+ vinyl collection. They valued them and I accepted their offer. Hours later after they had more time to examine them, I got a call that they found a Beatles album worth more than all the others. Again, they made me an off​er and I accepted. Who does that? Princeton Record Exchange. You can trust them! read more

One of my favorite record stores. Great selection of dirt cheap CDs. Fun to go through the many New Arrivals record bins and prices are generally good on those too. Well worth the parking challenges in Princeton. Go early during the week if you can to avoid crowds. (Pro tip: If coming from points north, ignore Google Maps directions to take US 1 from Exit 9 and stay on the NJ Turnpike to Exit 8. Take Route 133 to Route 571 which goes almost all the way into the town of Princeton. It's longer mileage-wise, but you'll avoid 16 miles of truck traffic and red lights on Route 1.) read more

Great selection and reasonable prices. Super helpful and knowledgeable staff. If you're sensitive to dust just be aware it can get dusty in there sometimes but I guess that's bound to happen when you buy used things. read more

Can't believe I haven't left a review before now. What can I tell you about PREX? An absolutely huge store overflowing with music. Hundreds of thousands albums. New and used. Everything is well marked. Don't always agree with some of the genres in their organizing but taking a few moments to peek in the other sections usually results in a bigger stack going home with me. Started shopping here way back in the early 80s when they were at their previous location. When my daughter and I started collecting albums again, we made a day trip to Princeton so I could show her. Boy was I in for a shock. No more little store with tens of thousands albums. Place is a small warehouse jam packed with memories. Many day trips later I still come out of there every time with a stack. Great place. Great staff. I know I will be back again and again and.... read more

dont find my most want band cd ，but i find some surprise ，great shopping experience。 read more

See all

This store is always a vibe and has an amazing selection of vinyls, though it does get pretty crowded sometimes (just shows how much it is loved). I will say the only negative about Princeton Record Exchange is that 90% of the times I want to go to this store I realize I have already taken an edible and therefore can't drive. read more

I finally checked these guys out after years and years (39 to be exact) of hearing about them. The hype is real. On a Saturday in July, when everyone should have been at the shore, this huge place was PACKED with people in the afternoon. Wow. I haven't seen a packed LP place on a Saturday afternoon since like, the seventies. I went right to Jazz. And wow! Hundreds of rare, out of print, Mosaic Jazz Box sets. Hundreds of them. Oh my. Good ones. Great ones. Ones you needed to have. Their new LPs weren't the usual cra*. They only had the tastiest most select new stuff, rare, blues, unreleased, alternate takes, et al. They have everything--videos, vinyl, cds, dvds, anything and everything. An astonishing retail establishment. Worth further investigation. Any serious record collector must stop here. read more

Princeton Record Exchange - Grand entrance. Less impressive than you might think. But the place is ENORMOUS! - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

See all

This place is awesome! I came in without knowing what to expect and didn't expect much with the music that I like but, I was wrong. They truly have something for everybody. Prices were surprisingly really good too. The staff at the check out counter were very friendly. I definitely recommend visiting if you like music and come when you have a lot of free time because personally I didn't want to leave! read more

Princeton Record Exchange - What I purchased during my visit - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

Amazing variety of vinyl from used to new! It's too good.... Been the same stellar record store since I was in college in the early 80s

Wow! In my old age, I've really come to appreciate just what a great store this is! My routine with the store...for God knows how long...has been to hook up with an old friend and travel here about once a year. When I wrote the initial review, it was probably the 1st time I had ventured to the store (and the town) on my own. The last time I visited (with my friend) was pre-Covid. In other words...I've come to really like Princeton since I first traveled here on a high school "field trip" as a teen, but I don't come here all that often. But...that's destined to change. I don't particularly like buying my DVD's on Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble, especially when it comes to foreign movies. And the only comparable store to the Princeton Record Exchange that I can think of...Spin Me Round in PA...has a non-existent selection of foreign movies. It's that which prompted my latest solo visit to Princeton (yesterday). I'm somewhat anal-retentive in my movie viewing habits. One week, I'll watch an American "classic" I haven't seen (although sometimes I'll settle for a decidedly "non classic" film). The next week, I'll watch a foreign film I haven't seen. The 3rd week, a horror movie. Foreign movies, I've learned, can be tough to come by. If you buy them on Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble, they can be prohibitively expensive. And the selection isn't always the best. This week was "foreign movie" week for me, and...well, I had run out of foreign movies on my "to be watched" pile. Where to go? The obvious answer came quickly to mind. Where else but Princeton? According to their website, their hours have changed, Covid protocols are being followed (in other words, you gotta wear a mask to enter the store, and you have to maintain your distance from others), and only 25 people will be admitted at any one time. I arrived early. They weren't packed (I had feared they might be). Outside of everyone in the store wearing a mask, and maintaining their "social distancing," nothing much has changed. Did I find my foreign movie? Actually, a bunch of them. And a horror film. "Rage of the Mummy." Am I expecting the Mummy movie to be good? No. But if it's crappy...I only spent $6 on it, and won't feel much regret in tossing it after watching. And a tip of the hat to nostalgia...I was able to get a DVD copy of "Phantasm," which I haven't seen since it was first released. Will it be as good as I remember it? Probably not, but I didn't break the bank purchasing it, so who cares? I also bought a Moody Blues CD, 2 Stooges CDs I was unfamiliar with (and I'm a dedicated Stooges fan), a Popul Vuh CD soundtrack from Herzog's "Nosferatu," and 2 CDs of classical music. All of that, for under $100. You just can't beat that. In my excitement, I missed a Ramones CD and an early Rolling Stones one, both for an astonishingly modest price tag. Maybe next time. The check out experience was friendly, pleasant and efficient. They still have a bin for Moby Grape CDs without any Moby Grape CDs actually contained within, but...what the hell...if that's the only deficiency of the Princeton Record Exchange, it's one I can live with. I ventured up the street to Labyrinth Books, but they had "curbside pickup" only. On my way back to my car, I passed 3 barbers sitting on the sidewalk, discussing the attractiveness of the women on the TV show "Little Women of Atlanta." One guy said (I'm paraphrasing), "Some of them are hot. But you can't really admit that publicly. It would be like admitting you find fat women hot." Hopefully, they're better barbers than they are commentators on American popular culture and women. You can't make this stuff up, folks. As I mentioned in my initial review, I'm not thrilled about the ride down 206 South through Somerville, Hillsborough, Montgomery, or my ride back up 206 North, through Montgomery, Hillsborough, Somerville. The configuration of the road has been changed somewhat (I'm not sure if its a temporary alteration due to construction or not). The ride down was uneventful (flat, bleak countryside alternating with ugly strip malls and gas stations), but on my way back, a major traffic collision had occurred. Of course, a collision could happen anywhere, anytime...but it doesn't do anything to decrease my lack of enthusiasm for traversing that route. But...you know what? I'm going to bite the bullet and do just that, much more often than I have in the past. In fact, I'm going to make my "once a year" pilgrimage to the store my "once every other month" pilgrimage, with friends or solo. That's a bold statement for an anal-retentive neurotic who doesn't like driving much (especially on Rt. 206) to make, but I'm making it! Princeton Record Exchange has always been a great store, but I've come to realize in my maturity (or decrepitude) that its level of excellence is unsurpassed. If you're into records, CDs, DVDs, Blue-Rays...this is the pinnacle. It's Mecca. It's the best there is, anywhere. read more

Records, CDs, tapes, DVDs, they have it all. It's one of my favorite places to wander through when I am in town. But mostly for the DVDs. I got all of my favorites here: When Harry Met Sally, Billy Madison, all of the ones that, all though I never watch via DVD anymore, I refuse to giveaway. A lot of the DVDs are insanely cheep and I am sure I never paid more than $7 for any of them. There are some pricer things (like DVDs that are still $20+ somehow), but you can always find a gem here. To be honest, I don't have a record player, there are no vinyls on my wall and I'm the least trendy person when it comes to music, but I love browsing this store still. Staff seems friendly and are always at the counter to help if need be. I brought my parents here on a day trip to Princeton, and I am pretty sure they were in heaven. My dad, who still uses CDs got a couple of new ones for his car collection and spent longer than I have looking through the aisles. This is definitely a must visit when you're walking through Princeton, even if just for a bit. read more

Aside from parking being abysmal, though it's Princeton so it's expected, I brought some of my mother in laws records from the 50s in but the guy there told me they wouldn't even take them. Not really surprising, but sad that older music isn't all appreciated. read more

Amazing store if you are looking for any collector items. They have a great selection of everything, DVD, CD, vinyl, LCD you name it , anything retro. Staffs are friendly and very helpful. Street parking only read more

Since 2017, I returned to Princeton Record Exchange, for the simple reason, it's affordable, good quality, good for the dollar you spend, and you don't have to wait for the mail for a CD, DVD, or LP, and your credit card is safe. I have brought part of my old LP's that whatever I can buy them again in better condition, wrapped wise as a gift. Besides you have everything you need in the store and they will order if possible, anything you want within reason, without question, and will advise you, which LP's are, " will be a classic! ". Their knowledge is better than most, and will tell you if anything is scratched. I love music, especially singing it, not in the letter G, but close enough, so from one satisfied customer you can't go wrong! With the PRE! read more

I have been patronizing the Princeton Record Exchange for the past 20 years - first as a local college student, later as an audiophile planning to launch a DJ service, and currently as a professional mobile DJ. The selection of CDs and vinyl LPs is eclectic and super deep. I enjoy shopping for jazz, international music and soul/R&B in particular. The prices on the used stock are incredible. The store is well-organized by musical genre. While browsing, there's typically a funky song playing in the background - just like there should be in a record store! I encourage all music lovers to patronize this awesome independent record store. DJs of New Jersey and beyond - you need to check out the Princeton Record Exchange! read more

Princeton Record Exchange - Music & DVDs Near Me - Princeton, New Jersey

I wrote a review of this store ten years ago. Here's an update about a recent interaction with them. I have a collection of hundreds of music CD's, mostly rock, blues, and R&B titles, some quite rare, and complete discographies of many artists. I have transferred my music library to portable hard drives, so I offered to sell my CD collection to Princeton Record Exchange. I contacted them by email, and they sent me their boilerplate letter asking for a list. I sent them a list of every artist with the number of titles each. They replied by email encouraging me to send a more detailed list of every CD that I wanted to sell. I took that to mean that they had some interest, so I spent a whole day compiling that information. Their response was to offer me 25¢ per CD. They resell CD's for at least $2 each, so that would be a 700% profit. Good on them. This is a good store to seek out used vinyl, CD's, and DVD's. However, if you are thinking about selling to them, you'll probably spend more in gas to get there then they will pay you. I really wish they had been more up front with me about the 25¢ so as not to waste my time. Apparently, when they say they "recycle" your CD's, they mean it literally. No one pays me anything for my empty soup cans, either. I ended up donating most of my CD's to the Cranford public library. read more

I've shopped here since I was a teenager, and even into my adulthood as I worked a few steps away from here. But when that job ended and digital music and Amazon became a thing, I thought I had less of a need to browse their shelves and bins. A buddy who is into vinyl suggested we stop in while we were nearby getting a bite. I'm really glad he did. Music lovers can really lose track of time in here, even if you are just looking at CDs. While many sections are organized by genre and alphabetical, newer arrivals just need to be looked through willy nilly. That's where you discover items you didn't even know you needed or wanted. In my own browsing I found several items I wanted, and the prices were very good too. I ultimately bought just one item, and it wasn't even what I was looking for. In the boxed cd section I found a complete Byrds anthology. 4 full discs plus booklet for $7.99! Leaving with my score I remembered how I felt in my teens, carrying out the iconic yellow plastic bag that contained albums of older bands who I was just discovering. I'm going to make a point of shopping here more, partly for the bargains and improvement of my collection, and partly for the sheer nostalgia of flipping through items and coming across something that speaks directly to you. read more

PREX has been an institution for as long as I can recall. They have an amazing selection, a comfortable vibe for digging, and super friendly customer service. The owner is invested in things big and small, and that dedication shows. Much love to an independent business that can kick so much arse, it's not easy to do. read more

Truly a doyenne of the East Coast record stores and the classiest enterprise in the music business within at least 2000 miles (possibly more). Jon Lambert, the proprietor, is the gentleman extraordinaire and an expert of the highest caliber in his field. If you walk out of Princeton Record Exchange disappointed or empty-handed, you didn't try hard enough. Alas, the store does not serve caviar and champagne, a minor gripe I am sure will be remedied in the shortest order :-))) In short: nothing but highest and the most extravagant and utterly uncritical praise. Kudos and hosannas galore! read more

Great record store! A solid collection of both used and new vinyl. I found some $1 and $3 records with beat up sleeves, but the vinyl is totally playable. They also appeared to have CDs, tapes and DVDs for sale as well. If you are in the area, definitely worth the trip! read more

Pro: A treasure trove for vinyl record seekers, CD enthusiasts, and practically all audiophiles! Princeton Record Exchange boasts a large selection of 12" LPs and a smaller cache of 45 singles. One can add to their record collection both new and used albums. The real gem, however, is the ability to dig in the crates and find some used albums--many in great condition--for cheap! If you are a "music archaeologist" who isn't afraid to dig in the dirt, this is your place! Cassettes and Blu Ray also available... Con: It can get pretty crowded in the aisles. Be ready to navigate around your fellow shoppers. Also, the new LPs are a bit pricey. Bottom Line: Visit and find your buried musical gems today! read more

Once you go to this place, you're in heaven. They have a lot of music and movies and some hard to find stuff and this place is just AWESOME!

Best Record, CD & DVD shop you will ever see. Support the independent record store because they are a dying breed unfortunately. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a record store. I met my wife here over 20 years ago!!! I have two kids because of the Princeton Record Exchange! Their pricing is amazing and the stock turns over drastically day to day let alone week to week. I highly recommend you check this gem of a store located right in downtown PTON! read more

Great place to fine old CDs, cassettes and record albums. At really good prices. I found a couple CDs that I never knew existed re: a musician. They also have a wide variety variot read more

The Mecca of music collecting in New Jersey, and an undisputed place for its trade, attracting local Princetonians to far travelers across the US, Princeton Record Exchange is one of the last vestiges for a waning LP/record business to thrive (at least in America). The location is tucked away between the thriving retail districts of Nassau & Witherspoon St, but it's easy to find in one of the inner roads. Inside, the space boasts a wide arrange of albums, vinyls, and DVDs, as well as a certain amount of disc based games from contemporary video game consoles. Of course, a trade off is that there's not enough space to comfortably walk without stepping on other people's toes (figuratively). Still, the collections are immense! From new releases & some that are advertised by their social media, to bargain hunting, they have almost everything you can think of, even duplicates in case if stock runs low. Genres can range from classic rock, to old school country, hip hop, a select few foreign releases, funk, jazz, whatever you can think off, they have it. Most are used, but a few can be factory sealed & new, best for collectors willing to pay that premium. The cheapest an LP or Cd would be is 1$, and with "fair" conditions, while new/contemporary LPs would hover between 20-40$, and new boxsets (like the latest Bruce Springsteen 90s compilation of David Bowie 80s compilation & most Beatles boxes) would hover above 200$, and with a few trinkets thrown in from the record companies and/or Princeton Record Exchange. Pretty straightforward, excellent catalogue/inventory, just browse a bin until you see what you want (subcategorized into folders, certain artists get their own larger collection). Tons of used LPs uncategorized would be places in lower bins, most of these are dirt cheap. To bring in a healthy dose of used inventory, Princeton Record Exchange offers a competitive rate for used media, even large scale collections or memorabilia, whether it's in cash, or % in store credit. YMMV (your mileage may vary) on that, but my visit (10/21/2018), they've temporally halted that due to an influx of content, and would restore it promptly. My experience was mostly positive, and this wasn't the first time I've been here, since my first visit included buying new Madonna LPs and "near new" quality LPs like the Immaculate Collection, to gift away, but since my birthday's around the corner, time to treat myself to some LPs, and I don't own a record player, but hey, I can always look at it haha (until I actually can buy a record player). Went in, checked my bags, and began browsing, hoping to look for my favorite releases (Jazz, Old Rock), and first stumbled upon Phil Collins' 2nd album in used condition and at a good price, next up was Genesis' Invisible Touch (used), still had a good texture in terms of album art (the hand had its feels), and last, took a bit of digging in the bargain bit, but found Kenny G's Duotones. Rang up my purchase which was less than 10$, received my bag vack and left, pretty excited for what I've brought, and hopefully an incentive to come back. In conclusion, if you're interested in collecting old LPs, restocking your own collection, or selling off your content, PRE is the place to be. Fortunately bargain hunters aren't out of luck here. Hopefully I'll return soon enough and uncover more content I've missed last time! Until next time! read more

See all

Princeton Record Exchange - a well-known record store in Jersey and a very good one, but just not my one of my favorites. And I'll tell you why. --- 1. I get really claustrophobic in there. While there are good finds to be found, from all types of genres, I need to take breaks in between going through stacks or else I'll burst into some hysteric fit. --- 2. The ventilation is not so good in the space, so I like to walk outside and, you know, to take in oxygenated air deep into my lungs (as they've been deprived for the past 20 minutes or so while inside). --- 3. The store can easily get crowded if too many people go in at once. It gets to the point where you're doing the two-ships-pass-in-the-night move while trying to move from one end of an aisle to another. --- 4. People will be laying on the floor or sitting down on the ground looking at records or DVDs stored under the stacks, racks, and shelves, so you'll be playing a weird game of Twister as you try to move through the store. --- 5. Prices are OK. Not a rip off, but nothing that elicits a "Wow! What a find!" or a "For real?! Yes!!" Here's what is really GREAT about the store - the people who work there. I've never encountered a staff person with a stank attitude or that hated life or was not helpful. Everyone fortunately has been friendly to me and been knowledgeable about music. It's not my favorite record shop, but I can see why it is a favorite for some people and how it could possibly become yours. read more

See all