Best High-End Audio Stores in NYC in 2024

With the emerging popularity of increasing the quality of listening experiences, there are a million places you can get some high-end audio equipment. These stores are popping up all over the country, and a lot of them focus on online sales as well. Where can you get the best equipment in New York City? If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple or an NYC native, we’ve got a comprehensive list for you to make your searching easier. There are a lot of other places in the city, but these are some of our top picks.

Audio46

Audio46 is a store we talk about a lot, as they provide a lot of great headphones and audio equipment for purchase and demo. Located in the heart of Midtown, Audio46 has a lot of great options, both affordable and high-end, for all types of listeners. Their website gives a lot of detail about the different products and sales they have going on.

Sales Policy

• 30-Day return policy
• 14-Day return policy on turntables and Astell & Kern items
• All sales are final on:
  • Special orders
  • Eartips and earpads (even if unopened)
  • Price matched purchases
  • Custom in-ear
  • Limited Edition or Special edition
  • Items meant for underwater use

Restock Policy

First-time purchase products are not subject to a restock fee as long as they are returned in like-new condition with all accessories. The customer is responsible for the return label only. See their list with more specific cases.

Shipping Policy

Free shipping on all orders in the continental US. Other shipping rates may apply for outside territories.

Demo Policy

You can come in and demo any pair of open-box headphones, no appointment necessary. Bring whatever music and extra gear you need for your demo. You can try the products as long as you like (within reason), but all demos stop 45 minutes before closing each day.

Price Match Guarantee?

Yes, Audio46 matches price.

Rhapsody Audio

This company isn’t exactly based in Manhattan, but the short ride to Brooklyn is definitely worth it. Rhapsody Audio is a great company providing not only retail from their showroom, but also consultations, repairs, and installation services out of their 5 locations across the country. Their website doesn’t give a lot of information in terms of policies, but the reviews they’ve received speak volumes to their high-quality service.

Sales Policy

All sales are final, but exchanges and returns can be made on a case-by-case basis. They recommend calling to ask if your equipment qualifies for a trade-in.

Restock Policy

There is no information on their website about a restocking fee, but you can call to ask if your equipment qualifies for a trade-in. Fees may apply.

Shipping Policy

Since this business focuses on in-person sales, there is no information about shipping.

Demo Policy

You can go to any of their locations and demo the equipment in store.

Price Match Guarantee?

Not specified on the website.

Best Buy

Best Buy carries some of the top audio and visual gear around, on top of all their other electronic gear. They have a lot of well-known brands, both mainstream and for audiophiles alike. This is a great place to get some reliable equipment, and even better because there are many locations not just in the city.

Sales Policy

Items are marked as final sale vs. returnable items. Best Buy has different member programs, and the return/exchange policy varies between plans. Times can vary from 14 to 60 days, but check their website to see their detailed breakdown.

Restock Policy

Best Buy does not charge a restock fee if the product is returned unopened. A restock fee will be charged as follows:

• $45 on activated devices (exception: prepaid phones)
• 15% on drones, digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders (including action cameras), projectors, projector screens, and special-order products (This is a shortened list, see more on their website).

Shipping Policy

Shipping fees apply. Members can receive special rates or free shipping if their account and purchase qualifies.

Demo Policy

There is no information on if Best Buy does in-store demos.

Price Match Guarantee?

Yes, but it must come from their list of Qualified Competitors.

Park Avenue Audio

Park Avenue Audio is an audiophile safe haven located in Gramercy, providing demos and retailing a host of different audio equipment. While their website doesn’t offer much in terms of an online store, they advertise the many services they can provide for audio equipment. They install home setups, offer consultations, repairs, and

Sales Policy

There is no information about final sales on their website, but they offer consultations with no appointment necessary. They advertise their services to the TriState Area.

Restock Policy

There is no information online about their website about restocking policies, so ask a customer service rep for more information.

Shipping Policy

Nationwide shipping available. Fees may apply, ask your customer service rep for more details.

Demo Policy

Select items are available for demo, as listed on their website. Contact them to visit their demo rooms.

Price Match Guarantee?

Not specified on the website.

Canal Sound and Light

This is a downtown gem that should be on everyone’s radar. Canal Sound and Light is a wonderful department store right on (you guessed it) Canal street that offers rentals and purchases of their audio equipment, as well as installation services for large events. They specialize in speakers and larger equipment for live productions.

Sales Policy

All sales are final on in-store purchases, unless otherwise stated on your physical receipt. For online purchases, there is a 14-day return policy. Any return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.

Restock Policy

There is no restock fee for items being returned in like-new condition with all accessories included. Items not returned in resalable condition are subject to a 15% restock fee.

Shipping Policy

Purchases over $199.99 qualify for free shipping. Items over 70 lbs do not qualify and may need additional charges to be shipped.

Demo Policy

There is no information on if Canal Sound and Light does in-store demos.

Price Match Guarantee?

Not specified on the website.

B&H Photo Video

This store has been around for awhile, and it continues to provide great services on all electronic fronts. B&H is a fantastic department store, while they may be known for their photo and video equipment first, they still have a ton of name-brand audio gear that is sure to enhance any listener’s setup. They have a few locations in Manhattan, and their superstore on 34th street proves to be the most popular.

Sales Policy

• 30-Day Return Policy
• All sales final on:
  • Opened TVs, combos, and monitors 37” and larger – original packaging cannot be unsealed
  • Opened computers and computer software – original packaging cannot be unsealed
  • Electronic software downloads
  • Opened consumable items (film, tapes, paper, bulbs, CDs, DVDs, ink cartridges, etc)
  • Any computers built or modified by B&H to customer specifications
  • Select special order merchandise, or any item indicated on the website as nonreturnable
  • Underwater equipment that has been submerged
  • Opened or unwrapped educational tapes and books

Restock Policy

If a purchase does not fall within the criteria for non eligible returns, it will not be charged a restocking fee. If it does, or if a product is damaged upon return, customers are subject to a minimum 15% restocking fee.

Shipping Policy

Shipping rates apply to all purchases. Can take up to 1-7 business days for order to arrive.

Demo Policy

If a piece of equipment is on display in their showroom, you should be allowed to demo it in-store. Ask your customer service rep for more details.

Price Match Guarantee?

You can submit a request for a price-match through their live chat service on the website.