In this episode, Kevin goes over some major ideas he was wrong about. Live and learn. There are aspects of vintage audio that he has changed his mind about over the years. Both through experience in owning a vintage stereo shop and advances in technology, Kevin has done a complete 180 on his opinion of over the last few years. What are they? You'll have to listen to the podcast! Kevin goes over his new thoughts on audio cables, digital music, Radio Shack, and vintage turntables. We all grow and ...
Apr 24, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Kevin answers the most asked question he gets at the shop, "How much is it worth?". People bring in their vintage pieces all the time asking what we would pay for them, or where they can sell it to get the most money without getting ripped off. Kevin goes over the pros and cons of selling on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and specialty second-hand stores like Skylabs. Are you thinking of selling a vintage stereo that you no longer need or that is taking up too much spac...
Apr 10, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, Kevin goes over the stereo or hi-fi systems that changed his life. From a Jukebox to car audio to a cheap 80s stereo and beyond. Take a look into Kevin's history in audio and find out what led him to what he's up to today. We are sure you have a piece of hi-fi history that started you off and changed your life forever. What were they? We'd love to read some of the stories behind how your passion for this hobby started. Let us know in the comments! Shop our store for Skylabs merc...
Apr 03, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this week's episode, Kevin goes over all you need to know so you are not intimidated when you are looking to buy your first turntable. It's a big step and can be a confusing experience. Learn the difference between belt and direct-drive turntables. Should I get a Crosley? Is it a needle or a stylus? What is a cartridge? Is operating a turntable difficult? Looking for the easiest way to get started spinning vinyl and sound like you know what you're talking about? What to look for when shopping...
Feb 07, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this week's episode, Kevin lets you in on a little secret. With vintage Japanese stereo components from the 70s like Pioneer, Sansei, Yamaha, and Marantz fetching astronomical prices these days, Kevin goes over some surprising prices on vintage McIntosh gear. McIntosh Laboratory is an American manufacturer of handcrafted high-end audio equipment headquartered in Binghamton, New York. The company was co-founded in 1949 by Frank H. McIntosh & Gordon Gow. McIntosh Labs designs and produces a...
Jan 31, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this week's video, Kevin goes over some do's and don'ts when you need to take your vintage equipment in for service. Know what to say, and not to say, so you and your tech are on the same page. It could save you time AND money. If you're dealing with a vintage audio tech for the first time, Kevin lets you know what to expect. How long the repair could take, and why. Your best strategy before you even bring it in. All that and much more. Let us know your experience in getting vintage audio rep...
Jan 24, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this week's video, Kevin goes over the most wanted pieces of vintage audio that we get from our customers, from receivers to speakers. Did any of your most desired vintage stereo items make the list? Good news for our international viewers! You can now order a few of our items on our eBay store. Here is the link: http://tinyurl.com/5fs7wmke _________________________________________________________ Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, WIIM streamers, new vinyl records, and more! F...
Jan 17, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this video, Kevin gets into the nitty gritty of owning a vintage stereo store in 2024. You will hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ever wonder if you'd like to start a business in vintage stereo, or start a business that revolves around your passion? It may just be the best job in the world! It also may not be all it's cracked up to be. We think you will really enjoy this week's video. Let us know your thoughts and comments below. Also, please subscribe, like, and share! It really helps ou...
Jan 10, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Looking for an inexpensive amplifier with good sound and plenty of inputs? The Nobsound B100 might be just right for that small office system you've always wanted or it makes a great gift that looks awesome and won't break the bank! In this video, Kevin goes over our experience putting this little "tube" amplifier through the paces. We try it on a wide variety of vintage and new speakers. We even have some of our customers sit down and compare it with some pretty heavy hitters. We were surprised...
Jan 03, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this video, Kevin shares his thoughts on the top formats for listening to recorded music and his experience of listening to a reel-to-reel copy of Elephant by The White Stripes. He covers various formats, including hi-res streaming and audiophile record pressings, before finally dipping his toes into the world of brand-new reel-to-reel tapes from Analogue Productions. However, preparing his vintage Teac A-3300SX reel-to-reel tape deck required the help of experts in the field. But it was all ...
Dec 20, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Introducing the ultimate guide to upgrading your turntable game! Join us as we explore some tips for enhancing your vinyl record playback experience. Whether you’re looking to level up from a Crosley Cruiser or want to try something new, Kevin has got you covered. With years of experience in the vintage and new turntable world, Kevin shares some sound advice to help you make the next step up in quality vinyl record playback. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your turntable game to the n...
Dec 13, 2023•15 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Looking for an affordable vintage stereo system? In this episode, Kevin showcases three different systems consisting of a stereo receiver, turntable, and speakers, all for under $600! He shares insights on what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for these systems. These three systems are sure to please any vintage audio enthusiast. If you're curious about vintage audio but don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a complete setup, this could be a great solution. Even if you already h...
Dec 07, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Here are links to some of the products we went over in the video. Wiim Pro- https://skylabsaudio.com/product/wiim ... Grado Headphones https://skylabsaudio.com/product/grad ... Records: UHQR https://store.acousticsounds.com/ MoFi https://amzn.to/40MWdtN Beatles https://amzn.to/3SNyIPi Turntables: LP60 with speakers https://amzn.to/3RbG1z2 LP60 $149 https://amzn.to/3QN3i9p https://amzn.to/47E3mj3 U-turn turntable https://amzn.to/47oRNMa Speakers: Edifier Powered speakers https://amzn.to/3RbH56m A...
Nov 29, 2023•11 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Are you thinking of getting some vintage Sansui Hi-Fi equipment? Well, you'll want to check out this video before you end up with something you didn't bargain for! In this episode, Kevin will review some things to look for if you have your heart set on a beautiful Sansui product from the 70s. Are you looking to get a Sansui AU-717? Have you always wanted a cool-looking pair of vintage Sansui speakers? Stop! Watch this one first! We love Sansui, but every company makes mistakes- yes even McIntosh...
Nov 15, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Kevin talks about our favorite Sansui receivers from the golden era. Hope you enjoy this one from our archives. If you want to see out latest video on Acoustic Sounds with Chad Kassem, check out our YouTube channel. You don't want to miss this one. It makes a way better video than a podcast. Thanks!
Nov 08, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Here are the questions that were answered: 1. PART 1 - Online there has always been debate on what is the best slipmat material for turntables, in your opinion and does it matter as much as people say it does? PART 2 - Also, why is running A AND B speakers together looked down upon by audiophiles? PART 3 - Oh and why do so many sellers say “works as it should” instead of just “works”? Seems a bit shady to me. 2. …I guess maybe I'd like to hear your thoughts on putting together a system and if yo...
Nov 01, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 25
There are still bargains out there in the vintage stereo world! Check out some of these lesser know deals in Harman/Kardon. You should check out the the video on our YouTube channel of this episode to see all of the eye candy!Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Oct 25, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 24
This one might be better if you watch it on our YouTube channel. Lots of eye candy on this episode.
Oct 18, 2023•21 min•Season 1Ep. 23
As the title says... this one is all about misconceptions. Enjoy!Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Oct 11, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Looking at buying some vintage Pioneer gear? You need to watch out for some issues. In this podcast, Kevin goes over some things to look out for. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission. Amazon WIFI Smart plug https://amzn.to/48wMZW2
Oct 04, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Looking to put your perfect stereo system together? You've come to the right place! NOW FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $99! Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Sep 27, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This week, Kevin dives into the "Stacked Advent" trend that started back in the 70s. See what he has to say about trying it out in the shop! Enjoy! You can also see this one on our YouTube channel. Just search for Skylabs Audio. Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Sep 20, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 19
There are MY favorite vintage speakers of all time (for now). Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Sep 13, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Kevin discusses our best selling vintage speakers at Skylabs. This episode is the audio only version of one of our most popular videos from last December. Enjoy!
Sep 06, 2023•16 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Steer clear of The White Van Speaker Scam! Kevin will give you all you need to know so you can avoid wasting your money!
Aug 30, 2023•12 min•Season 1Ep. 16
There are some great bargains in speakers you might be overlooking! Kevin goes over five he almost passed up but was glad he didn't! Don't miss out!
Aug 23, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 15
It's time for Part 2 in our "Buyer Beware!" series. Kevin goes over some more things you should know if you are looking to add some vintage audio to your life. This video will help you save yourself from making costly mistakes on that next purchase you were thinking of making. Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop
Aug 16, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 14
It's here! The final turntable top 5 list from YOU, our viewers. In this video, Kevin goes over YOUR favorite fully manual turntables. Thank you to eveyone that voted! Enjoy! Check out our store: https://skylabsaudio.com/shop Join this channel to get access to perks: / @skylabsaudio Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/skylabsiowa/ Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/skylabsiowa...
Aug 09, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode Kevin talks about the good and bad of the Wiim streamers and how they stack up against Sonos and Bluetooth.
Jul 27, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Kevin goes over the most common mistakes made by new people getting into the world of Hi-Fi stereo equiptment.
Jul 19, 2023•18 min•Season 1Ep. 11
