These guys are fantastic in their service as well as their prices and selection. I came looking to get a turntable and hi-fi system as a graduation gift for myself, and the staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful in walking me through everything the system would need. The store has a fantastic selection of turntables, speakers, records, and receivers at a variety of prices friendly to newcomers and high-end audiophiles alike. My friend and I (who studied audio in college and work on audio hardware) were extremely impressed, particularly with the very reasonable prices on some excellent turntables they had. Joe and Tony showed us some awesome vintage pieces that the shop had rebuilt, and it was fun to geek out - it truly shows they are passionate about what they do. They were very welcoming to me as a newcomer to the hi-fi space and also did a great job of being mindful of my budget (which isn't easy given how much cool stuff they have in there). Andy walked me through the store and gave me gear recommendations from the start, and Evan helped me with invoicing, cables, etc. Many other staff members whose names I did not get were also helpful in getting everything ready for me. On top of all that, their service quite literally goes the extra mile. They even let me stay past their closing time, and Joe very kindly offered to drive me home with my new gear himself, which was a great help since I came via bus and would've had to Uber or something otherwise. The entire staff helped load everything in, and Joe was a pleasure to chat with on the drive home and he even helped me carry my things to the lobby. I remain impressed with how helpful and good-humored Saturday Audio's staff were, and I'm super glad I chose to shop local here in Chicago. My new setup sounds awesome and didn't even hurt my wallet as much as I expected, haha. If you need anything turntable or hi-fi related, absolutely go here - can't recommend them enough! read more

I can spend hours in this shop just looking at all the great stuff. It's a bit more dangerous on payday, so I go when I'm broke and leave my cards at home. Around 5 years ago I was looking for a replacement turntable. I stopped by and had a look around, found a really nice old Dual that would play 78s as well as the usual 33 1/3 and 45. They were great to deal with and I got a good price. They had the Ortofon cartridge I wanted and were able to order another I needed for playing the 78s. They also do good quality repair work and the tech helped me get the turntable set up: pitch and balance set correctly. If you're into higher end hifi this is a great place to shop. read more

Went in with a lot of questions and little experience and walked out very happy. I got a great deal on a great beginner setup and I'm super excited! Everyone in the store was super excited and ready to help and talk about whatever you needed. Evan helped us most of the time and he and Joe even stayed past close to help us check out and take our new setup to the car. Will absolutely be back when it's time for an upgrade! read more

While I should have posted a review when I purchased a pair of speakers here, or when I purchased a subwoofer - better late than never. AND, it reflects so incredibly well on the business that this review is not the result of a direct sale, but instead the result of blue ribbon customer service and outright kindness. I recently acquired an integrated amplifier which was not cheap, and on which my subwoofer was not producing volume like it had with my much cheaper amplifier. I spoke with Joe at Saturday Audio, who has helped me in the past. Not only did Joe provide some options for me to test, he offered to come around to my place in person to try to help me out. And come around he did - he wouldn't accept any payment was so terribly helpful. WOW!!! We couldn't quite figure out what was going on, and he offered to interface with the manufacturer's US distributor. I received an email a few days later, and even paid a visit to the store. I'll be heading back soon with a bottle of something nice in hand. It doesn't happen often these days, but service and attention to detail (along with plain ol' generosity of spirit) are not entirely gone in this world. MANY THANKS, JOE!! And we ultimately got the subwoofer working to specs again. Go to Saturday Audio for all your audiophile needs! read more

I wanted to update my review based on my most recent experience at Saturday Audio Exchange. One of my amps had failed and I wasn't sure where to start with trying to get it repaired. I contacted Saturday Audio where I had bought it and even though it was out of warranty they arranged and took care of replacing the failed power supply in the unit by doing the repair in house with manufacturer parts. I was back up and running in less than two weeks after dropping off the amp. If I had bought the amp from a big box retailer or online I probably would have been SOL and had to buy a new amp or search for a repair shop that may or may not have been able to help me. Saturday Audio Exchange and especially Joe the manager were extremely helpful and allowed me to drop off and pick up the unit outside of their normal business hours. This remains the best hifi shop in Chicago and this most recent experience served as a pleasant reminder why they will always be my first call for audio gear. Thanks again. read more

The guys are extremely knowledgeable. I received great service and value for my money. Highly recommend them.

Excellent customer service and somehow better pricing than online stores! Highly recommend Saturday Audio. Joe spent so much time answering my questions, educating me, helping me decide among speaker brands, discussing layout options for my room...and all this over the phone, one time even outside of store hours. He is an expert and very passionate about audio. I assumed this would be a boutique experience, high service but high prices with limited product availability. But they had almost every product I asked about and all prices he gave me were the same or better than I was getting online (Crutchfield, Abt, BestBuy, manufacturer direct, etc), and then he applied a nice discount at time of sale. I asked about local delivery, Joe personally dropped off my order for free. I wanted a 5.1.2 / 7.1 all in-ceiling setup in my living room. After much research, and in part thanks to sage advise from Joe, I went with GoldenEar Invisa series: HTR 8000 fronts, HTR 7000 rears, 650 heights/Atmos, SVS 3000 Micro sub. Sounds incredible, better than I thought possible. Entire A/V project/installation completed by Steve Williams Home Theater Design. Joe even offered to come by the house when project completed to hear the results and help tweak if needed. JOE: If you're reading this, you have an open invitation! read more

I had been going here for years, and have always had great experiences. It's been a while now since I've been there, since I'm pretty much where I want to be at audio wise, but I would never hesitate to go again. Just called with a turntable question, and the crew is still as friendly as always. read more

I've been to Saturday Audio Exchange to purchase speakers twice over the past several years. Both times the staff has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They've gone above and beyond to provide good service and deals. I wouldn't consider any place else for high end speaker needs. read more

After knowing about this place for 12 years....I finally had a chance to stop in. Got to meet Andy and Joe. I have to say...it was an amazing experience. The whole crew there was phenomenal and they all knew how to have a good time. This is definitely a place that I will consider before any future Audio purchases. Thanks guys! read more

Honestly this is one of the best if not the best small businesses I've ever visited for stereo equipment or otherwise. I've been going to Saturday Audio since buying speakers in college in the late 90's and many of the staff are the same which speaks volumes (no pun intended) to their genuine interest and knowledge or their products. Whether you're spending $50 or $10,000+ the staff is incredibly helpful. They've let me bring in my gear to test it against other speakers when updating a 5.1 system, etc. On top of all of that, I'd put their prices against any big box store. A must visit for any audiophile. read more

These folks are incredible. The amount of Hifi knowledge they have is honestly a little frightening. I'm beginning I wonder if they are fully human. They are so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and welcoming though! I'm a Hifi newbie and they spent so much time with me making sure I understood and loved my purchases. I asked one novice question after another and they answered each one with an abundance of friendly, nerdy enthusiasm. They always make me feel welcomed into the Hifi club; these folks aren't snooty. Also, the customer service continued once I brought my stuff home. Any question, tweak or issue I had they were on it immediately and very thorough. They rock! read more

We have a high quality older system that we didn't want to give up for a digital system. We went to Saturday Audio Exchange, looking for some advice, which we got and much more. They are repairing old components, upgrading wiring between components, adding a simple streaming device at a discount and improving our turntable. Throughout the process we learned more about sound then we ever knew and heard great stories. We told someone that going there was the kind of experience that makes you love Chicago. read more

One of the best hi if shops in the country. Solid service and a great selection of new and used audio equipment.

My girlfriend just bought me my first good turntable and I wanted to get quality speakers. Little Joe and Big Joe are not only extremely knowledgeable, but kind and willing to educate through insightful and fun stories. We walked think we'd browsed and ended up staying 2 hours conversing and hearing Hi-Fi equipment we'd never imagine hearing outside of a top tier music studio. You could go to a Best Buy and get heckled by someone or buy from Amazon and take a leap of faith. Here they have a 90 day warranty and hundreds of pieces of equipment. I'll be back and I'll be telling anyone who is interested in audio equipment to go here. I hope to container myself a lifetime customer. These guys don't pay for advertising through the internet (nor do I think they know or care how to.) Businesses like this are something that will always beat out big corps. read more

Incredibly talented, knowledgeable guys. Best place in town to bring any audio equipment for testing or repairs, hands down.

Up to today I had been a 20 year customer. This year I went through the process of taking bids from 3 businesses. I was building a system from the ground up. Of note I'm a businessman and it comes down to money and bottom line not a relationship sale. I will be brief Andy from Saturday Audio just called. He was very upset he didn't get my business. I won't go into details because I don't wanna get sued for slander Two facts He was emotional He basically asked me to never return. On plus side if you give Andy all your business not withstanding price he will be your buddy Go there Don't go there I have no opinion That is all read more

I was in right after the holidays looking to repair my vintage Dual turntable. Working with Bob, back in the service area, we were able to go down the troubleshoot processes. He was kind and courteous; every step was explained with clarity. Once we exhausted all possible solutions Andy came into the picture to provide detailed options. I took my Dual with me - as it wasn't worth going further down the rabbit hole with a proprietary-only deck - as well a Denon that I purchased for my partner (who is genuinely happy with it). Talk to them honestly about your needs and they will give you solid options. Excellent and thorough on the service side, too. I am not an audiophile, and not once did I feel intimidated in this shop or spoken down to. I worked with Bob and Andy directly during my previous trip for almost 2 hours, and I can say with clarity that I was treated well and with respect. Lots of smiles and big belly-laughs here, too. My kind of shop. Thanks, guys! read more

I reached out to Saturday Audio Exchange after already checking in with Martin & Logan, fingers crossed they may be able to help. I was resigned that I might need to pay for a professional repair, even though 95% was already done. My M&L subwoofer needed a new power supply, which the manufacturer happily sold me with "simple" directions to replace. But I couldn't remove the sealed backplate for the life of me! Saturday Audio Exchange invited me to come by any time, and they could use a tool to finish what I started - and when that didn't work, he helped me fully disassemble the box and get in another way. Couldn't have been more helpful or generous with their time. The type of experience that reinvigorates my love for great sound. read more

The guys at Saturday Audio Exchange are top notch. I went to the store for the first time to just buy a few feet of speaker wire and the guys treated me like I was buying an entirely new stereo. They could not have been friendlier and asked a few questions to make sure that what I was getting was the best fit for my equipment. I went back to the store recently as I was looking to upgrade my speakers. The guys were great about answering my questions and walking me through everything. I was able to sample the speakers I had in mind, test them in a variety of ways and go over a list of questions. I had gone in with a budget in mind. The equipment I purchased ended up being significantly nicer and under the cost I had budgeted. If you are looking to get into audio equipment as a beginner or looking to upgrade your current set up, I cannot recommend a better place to shop. Very competitive pricing and these guys will make sure you're getting the best stuff for you and your home. read more

Hands down the best experience I've had making a purchase in forever. I came in with a very vague idea of what I wanted/needed - explained what I thought I was looking for, and then got a 90 minute lesson on everything I needed to know to pick out a good turntable, receiver, and speakers. Everyone in the shop was super friendly, and very excited to share their knowledge, which is always a good time. Plus! After I'd settled on my purchase (under budget, even!), while they were getting me set up, it was then time to go play with the super expensive speakers and get a physics lesson. Ah-mazing. And then, when all was set and done, they even helped me flag a taxi AND get everything loaded in. Way above and beyond in customer service. If I ever had other questions, or when I'm ready to upgrade, or if any of my friends ever need anything, you can bet we'll be back. read more

This is where you should buy your sound equipment. After receiving bored indifference from Best Buy and a few other electronic juggernauts, this place was a dream. I spoke with Greg, who seemed to have all the time in the world to go over different options [I was getting my first-ever home theater & music setup after my stereo of 15 years died]. There was no pressure to buy. Greg worked within my budget and gave me a bunch of different options. I took a week to think it over, and went with one of his recommendations. Everything was easy to set up and I've had the new setup on for three days straight now: I can't believe how great everything sounds. An example of a stellar local business that absolutely deserves your cash so they can continue to do things perfectly. read more

A few years back I purchased my equipment from SAE. They were incredibly patient and expert with great advice. I recently had to bring my Pro-Ject turntable in for a repair. It turned out to be a simple repair. Paul fixed it in a jiff with just a little oil for the spindle. They sent me home a half hour later with a functioning turntable and refused to charge for my repair. It just convinced me that my original choice of SAE for my music needs was the right & proper choice. Cool & knowledgeable staff who love to work with both the equipment and the store's clients. I will continue to use SAE as my one & only stereo shop. Thanks to one & all, Cody read more

You should buy your stereo here. Yes, it can be expensive--there's some serious Russian oligarch/insane audiophile gear to be found. But there's also a ton of good, reasonably-priced used equipment--so much so that the back area feels like some kind of audio museum. And there's plenty of mid-priced new stuff that just sounds terrific, and multiple listening rooms to let you find exactly what you want. And they're great about repairs--I had some issues with my speakers, and they took the time to figure out what was going on, and fix it, free of charge. Basically, you can walk out of here with a system that will blow your mind, at pretty much any price you want--they've got used $200 amps that'll sound way better than anything you'll find at Best Buy. And if you go completely off the deep end and decide you'd rather have the world's most awesome vacuum tube amp versus, say, a 401k, well, they can hook you up with that, too. A brilliant shop filled with people who clearly know what they're doing. Check it out. read more

These people are trustworthy - in today's world, that's worth a lot. In fact even in yesterday's world it's a good thing. Good place to buy or get repairs - yes there are times when electronics can /should be repaired. Keep the little guy going 'cause he gives you many things the BIG GUY can't. read more

I love this place: the perfect blend of new / vintage / used gear to ogle over; small selection of records to peruse; talented technicians; and some fun personalities to chat with along the way. Product knowledge and customer service have always been great for me, and I enjoy the conversations I get to have whenever I visit. I decided it was time for a new stylus on my TT. It was getting close to closing time, and unfortunately the Grado cartridge that they installed was producing a terrible hum and not cooperating with the motor on my table. Despite it being closing, they went ahead and swapped it out for a different brand stylus; not making me feel rushed or like I was holding them up. (Thank you, Rich!) It sounded incredible. But soon something went awry; lost the bass and the output drastically diminished. I took it in to Ryan, and he swapped the cartridge but no luck, the tonearm wiring (stock) was starting to go and intermittently dropping out. We discussed replacing them, and I agreed it was time. What a huge difference! Sonically it is the best I think I have heard in my own audio chain, and granted I do not have super HiFi gear, for mid range it sounds absolutely incredible. I want to thank Ryan for being himself - knowledgable, engaging, and committed to his craft. He fit in the repair in a very short amount of time, and he executed pristine work. Again, everything sounds outstanding. Thank you again to the team of all-around great people at Saturday Audio Exchange! read more

Walked into this gem today. Great selection of vintage and new. Some of the best customer service I have experienced in Chicago. Bought a vintage Marantz receiver today. Will recommend to anyone who is in the market for hi fi equipment. read more

Saturday Audio Exchange is a great local hi-fi shop with no pretensions. I have purchased equipment from them over the phone and in-store and the staff was very knowledgeable and great to work with. I would highly recommend Saturday Audio to those new to hi-fi or perhaps building a system within a modest budget as they have a lot of used equipment rolling in. Street parking only, but I've never had much trouble finding a spot within a block or two. read more

Formerly located on Clark Street, Saturday Audio Exchange is in an impressive new space, with its display window showing off beautiful vacuum-tube amplifiers and such. Turntables, speakers, they have it all. Prices are reasonable, unless something has collector's value, then all reason goes out the window. read more

Saturday Audio Exchange - High Fidelity Audio Equipment Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is always the first place I go for audio equipment. They'll always be straight with you and never give you the run around. Don't worry about going in there with your "game face," because they're friendly and willing to work within your budget. I went in there with a grand, knowing I wanted two front speakers, a surround receiver and some thick speaker cable. I managed to walk out with exactly what I wanted, with in my budget. They treat every customer equally, assume nothing and make you feel at home. When talking to us about stereo equipment, the salesman spoke to both, me and my wife, instead of directing it at just me. Big big plus. OH, also, they have a couple of really cute dogs that are really friendly hanging out. Great place. read more

What can I say about these folks that's not positive? Saturday Audio Exchange seems to be a collection of audio enthusiasts who decided to get together on weekends. They're not lightweights in their field. They know what they're talking about. Their stuff is high end - just like their know how. They're friendly and helpful but this isn't Best Buy. If you know what you want and can hold a geeky conversation, that would serve you well. Having said all that, I recently had an opportunity to test out their service department. I had purchased a pair of high end speakers (at Saturday Audio) and one of them developed a nasty buzz (let's hope that never happens again!). So, I called and they asked me to bring it in. We did some paperwork and I left the speaker in the store. The tech wasn't there but they trusted my description. Long story short, a week later I got a call telling me things were ready. I made my way down, picked up speaker and they even helped me load it into my car. Since it was covered by the warranty, there wasn't even a mention of a money exchange. I'm now back in business with awesome sound. Thanks Saturday Audio Exchange! It might be time to upgrade to a power amp. See you next Sunday ;-) read more

Joel and Andy are the best! When we wanted to upgrade to a Pro-Ject Essential Turntable, which is impossible for mere civilians like us to find and buy new, not only did Andy track down the model we wanted, he also got it shipped from New York during the killer snowstorm that shut the city down. When we picked it up, Joel had already rigged the antiskate, banded the platter, and prepped the cartridge. Their decades of experience, exemplary customer service, and knowledge should make them every audiophile's first and last stop for gear. read more

Very pleased with the level of expertise, knowledge and care. Came in and purchased a cartridge for a vintage turntable. Technician installed and demonstrated it for me, he heard some motor hum, and suggested a different brand. He found me the perfect match. He wasn't happy until I was happy. Very satisfied! read more

I've been walking by this store on my way to the train for years and never gave it a second thought until last week. I have been looking to upgrade my home system for a while now and wandered in to take a look around and ask some questions. I sat with Nate in one of the sound rooms and we listened to various speakers for about 30 minutes. He explained to me the difference in speakers and showed me several different options in my price range. I ultimately settled on a pair and when they quoted me the price I was pleasantly surprised that they were able to beat both Amazon and Best Buy. These guys really know what they are talking about and were extremely helpful. I will be making all my audio purchases here in the future. Go visit them. Cheers. read more

Update: still the best place to go for audio. After upgrading my turntable and speakers, I wanted to upgrade my receiver. Joe at SAE kept in contact with me sending me options along with the pros and cons. Nathan came to check out my set up to make sure the option I wanted worked with my place - you will not get better customer service than SAE. High quality equipment and amazing customer service - this is the place to go for anything audio related. read more

I'm so happy we decided to check out this place. They REALLY know what they are talking about, unlike the big box stores. We were helped by Robert (works on Sundays) and he was so great. Didn't pressure us. Took time to show us all of our options and worked within our budget. Gave us time and taught us a few things to boot. We walked out with a full setup and saved a ton of money buying a few used components as well. Everyone we talked to was really with it. I had a screaming kid with me too, and they laughed with him and didn't make me feel like I had to run out of there. Paid off because I bought $1,000 worth of gear. =) Great guys working there and they know what they are doing. Go and spend your money here and not on Amazon. read more

Had an old Scott turntable I bought at a garage sale for 5$, owner said it wasn't working. Its been sitting around gathering dust so I decided to sell it, fixing it up first. Took it in 20 minutes to close and the guy checked the strobe, motor, jacks and said it was actually fine. Bonus! Threw a grado on it, cleaned it up and charged me just for the cartridge. Asked a bit about that particular table and he knew what it was, a bit about it and showed me how to balance the tonearm, align cartridges and all that (and then did it for me). Fantastic staff. read more

I do not know much about stereo equipment, but this place gets an a plus! My husband loves stereos speakers and sound!! This is his favorite place to go!! Andy is the best of the best! He gives terrific prices and is a great guy!!! Best place to buy at! read more

This place is hands down the best place to buy a turntable, receiver, and speaker in the city. Staff are knowledgable audiophiles who have lots of used turntables for every price range. Will splice speaker wire for you, and help you set up a system with used equipment. Spent $160 bucks years ago for speaker, receiver, turntable (all used)...lasted 5 years. Just upgraded to a great receiver w/ speakers for about $360. Also, you can trust the used stuff...they fix it themselves! Bonus: Cool old receivers are all over the place. Its like a museum! read more

These guys are great. Friendly, informative, and very professional. They set up a cartridge that I purchased and when I got home, it was absolutely perfect. They also know a lot about cooking! Anyway, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else for my audiophile addiction. Thanks guys. You rock! read more