I had a great experience at HiFi Records. Javi knows his stuff and is passionate about records and hi fi equipment. He helped me choose an excellent Planar One turntable to replace my dead Technics after my getting a Uturn Orbit directly by mail and realizing it just wasn't the best choice for me. He was super flexible and had no issue with my returning a new cartridge I'd bought before my original turntable died. He even recommended a cartridge that was less expensive but would be more compatible with my listening habits. Buying turntables and cartridges comes down to one thing: hearing what it actually sounds like based on what you like to listen to. Save yourself hours of online research, support a local business, and get on over to Hi Fi Records in Astoria. read more

Great selection, and they have a nice collection of record players as well. Quite possibly the worst customer service haha. Don't expect the friendly, welcoming vibe you might get at another record shop. It's the only one on this side of town so it's convenient. IMO their used records are overpriced so shop online for better deals. read more

It's honestly my second home. Love this place. Great music, great community and great vibes. read more

Hifi Records & Cafe - Vinyl LP & turntables - Vinyl Records Near Me - Astoria, New York

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How pleased am I that this lil record store slash cafe showed up in my hood? Very very pleased. Collectors, aficionados, crate diggers and East Village ex-pats will feel right at home here - not least because the owner Javi is a genuine dude who digs all kinds of music and is interested in what you like, what you're looking for, and what you might be selling. I dropped by on a Saturday evening (they're open till 8 on Sats, which will hopefully lead to weekly live music/djs). The collection is compact, with a lot of new 180-gram represses for collectors. Some had no price tag, but all records were scannable and started at at around $20. The used bins were color-coded, $1 to $10, and here's where my interest was piqued - everything from film soundtracks to hair metal, both reasonably worn and priced. I dig that they're equipped with an espresso maker - perfect for sipping while digging! Javi got me a cup of plain joe, which was solid. Their opening party last week was a success, judging by the photos, and I left dreaming of upcoming musical events and all the fun records I was going to find there. Thanks for joining the neighborhood, HiFi! Stay as long as you like. read more

Hifi Records & Cafe - Lots of represses, most are still sealed. Nice ambiance. - Vinyl Records Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Pretty sure this is the only vintage store I could walk into, admit that I know nothing about records and that my taste in music includes T-Swift and J Biebs, and that I'm here because I got a record player courtesy of Target this Christmas and not have any shade thrown at me whatsoever. I truthfully had no idea what I was looking for, I just wanted something to fill my new record player with, and the guy who helped me out was totally non-judgmental and just super happy to talk about records and music with me. I think the best thing about this place is their "mystery boxes," where you get 5 records for 8 bucks and you don't know what they are until you get home and open them. Mine had everything from Barbra Streisand to Bobby Bland. If you're not sold on a certain record, you can even listen to it before you decide to purchase it right there in the store. HiFi Records is truly like walking into a time warp. It's an excellent place to escape, learn some new stuff about music and uncover old school artists from decades ago. read more

This was my second visit to this shop, my first time was the 2018 record store day, which was a very good experience. Based on today's visit I'm not so sure that I'll be back. I came looking for three, fairly new releases LPs, Johnny Matt, Paul Weller among them. None were in stock, which I get, but my issue is with the sales assistant. The guy ( don't know his name, blonde long hair) was on his phone texting or surfing or something and had a totally apathetic. He was of very little help, one word answers, and asked if they might be be getting them back in he seemed clueless. I like shopping in local stores, but the important element is customer service and interaction, which was noticeably missing. read more

A wonderful new record shop in Astoria right on Steinway in an upcoming neighborhood and much needed in the area. Walking in feels like you're back in the Village in the 90s with tightly curated stock to stacks to sift through used bargains. This friendly retro vibe make you feel welcomed and want to spend hours looking for the perfect find. You can sell old records, trade, and buy. The used stacks have color coded finds from $1 up to $10. Along the walls are new vintage finds and tried and true classics. I went in not knowing what to expect. The music selection is varied and caters to different tastes, common enough for the everyday customer yet eclectic enough for the niche. Of course there are also record players for sale and record accessories. I think I need a new mat... There is also coffee that you can sip and people watch along the front windows. This is definitely a place I see myself swinging by often just to see what's new or be a great place to kill a few hours in. read more

Hifi Records & Cafe - Used Records - Vinyl Records Near Me - Astoria, New York

Good local record store. Mostly new but pretty good used second hand section, the owner is a nice guy, good spot!

The staff is very sweet, and helped look for a record when I asked. I would give 5 stars but they don't have many options for more modern music, which I guess does give the store that vintage feel. I would love to see some more artists and albums from nowadays, but other than that, great record store! read more

Not a fan of the layout of this place and the people who work there are sad and lame and not friendly. I went to buy a record yesterday and the price was $25, but the owner changed the price and they told me it was $31, but the price wasn't changed? It was odd. They're also just not friendly and don't want to have a conversation and were clearly annoyed that we were spending our time there an hour before closing. My bf got a $50 record that skips. The place isn't a genuine spot where people want to share music, but a weird vibe and a money making spot only. read more

It's ok. Kind of overpriced, even for the used records. Staff can be a bit condescending. Wanted to shop locally, but I find better values at some of the more established record stores in Manhattan. read more

Hey Astoria, this place is awesome! Right when you walk in someone is there saying 'Hi'! The person running the store was super chill and was happy to answer my asinine questions about record players. And they always have some record playing on their system. It's all very hipsterish, but STILL an awesome addition to the hood! They sell U-Turn record players, but only the $299 one for now. The selection of records seems small in comparison to other record stores I've been to. They do have a ton of good ones though from brand new music to old $1 records to add to your collection. I did not get a chance to try the coffee, but they do serve drinks. And they have a small bar seating area near the window for about 3 people if you want to chill and listen to some music. read more

This company over sold products on Record Store Day in their attempt to make money. Not only did they not have the release I purchased, but they charged my card twice and have YET to process a refund. Instead they ignore emails and blocked my social media. So... they have time to update their Instagram, but not the time to fix their order issues. VERY PROFESSIONAL SCAMMERS. read more

Staff saw us standing in the sidewalk during snowing season and kept an ambiguous sign up about being back in a few minutes. Waited for 25-30 minutes for them to open and they came out to say they were closed for the full day. Selection inside looked poor and records you'd find at the garage sale of someone who grabs free records from boxes off the street. Will never go back. read more

If you have any questions about Music....Javi is The MAN too see.... He is passionate about his love of music and you can see that as soon as you start to talk to him about it... I have bought several records from HiFi since the opened over the past year and reckoned them to any vinyl junkie. Like the fact they have some espresso it Americano brew to sip on while you look through the crates and crates of records.... My personal favorite that I have purchased is a Beatles Record that I display on my shelf at work....awesome stuff keep up the great work HiFi Records read more

It's a cafe and the sign says coffee shop. It's apaerantly a coffee shop but they don't serve coffee? How strange.

Don't bother with this place. They will sell records they "don't have" online and be rude when you call to see why your order was canceled. "We refunded your money and that's it". Think jack black from high fidelity. Try to support small business and this is how you are treated. read more

OK. So. This place freakin rocks. I bought my first real turntable here, a Rega Planar 1, but only after talking to AJ on the phone for about 30 minutes asking stupid questions and he was SO PATIENT, and then sitting with Javi, the owner, in their listening room and listening to 4 or 5 different records on different turntables so I could choose. We spent 2 hours going back and forth with different records, and he seemed to be enjoying himself the whole time. Both guys were so lovely and patient. He kept me posted on my order, went out of his way to get it to me ASAP (which involved some doing because of the snow storm), and installed the turntable himself for free! All this service for someone deciding between a u-turn and a rega 1, both well under 1k (definitely the lower end of what they sell). Gave me amazing deals on everything, including the speakers. You can tell that Javi opened this store because he is passionate about music and wants to share that passion with the world, which sometimes means educating people on this stuff. I'll say this: he made me a believer! read more

Good news! I went back recently and they had a ton more vintage records. They'd just reorganized the shop as well and it was much easier to find the categories you were looking for. Also, the person working behind the counter was very nice. Happy this shop is evolving and growing over time! read more

New selection is okay but limited. Used is pretty meh. Not much disco, the world section is mostly just Latin American... no African, Turkish, Middle Eastern etc. New records are pricey here. Happy that there's a record store in my part of town but I don't have a compelling reason to check in again any time soon. read more

The new records are out of control expensive. Would love to support a local record store but I can't do it when I feel like I'm being ripped off. read more

Finally, Astoria has it's own record store! The owner Javi is extremely helpful and patient answering any questions you may have. We bought a new U-turn record player which is awesome. I also like that the store doesn't have that too cool for school judgmental vibe that you can get in some other shops around the city. While the shop is small, the selection is getting better and better every week: classic rock, indie, jazz, blues, 50s-60s, and world. Good selection of newer music along with used records. I have no problems bringing records home with me every time I visit! Javi also recommends awesome stuff that I might not pick up on my own. I'm starting to build quite a nice little collection. Hifi also hosts live music events about once or twice a month that I'm interested in attending once I get my act together. Very happy to have this shop in the community! read more

The people who work here are beyond amazing. I walked in on a whim one day and AJ was Incredibly patient with helping me buy a new turntable and some other things. He answered any and all questions I had, no mater how dumb they probably were. Another day, When I had an issue with a record Javi helped me out and even took a look at my turntable to make sure everything was alright. They're new selection is also pretty good, but the wow factor for me was honestly how great the customer service is. read more

I had an incredibly negative experience at HiFi Records. I bought a new record, but when I went home to play it on my turntable, it was warped and unlistenable. I went in the next morning with my receipt, looking to return the record - the staff confirmed that the record was "definitely warped," but refused to allow me to return it because it sounded better on their higher-end machines. If this message was delivered in a kind way, I wouldn't take the time to review - but the manager on sight was flat-out unfriendly and rude. Part of the attraction of record stores is the warm sense of community one often finds inside. HiFi Records failed to deliver these good vibes, and with that, lost my business. Would not recommend. read more

As a vinyl virgin, I did my best to do as much research as possible before making any purchases. I noticed Hi-Fi one day and after seeing their great reviews I decided to pass by one day. I went in and talked to AJ, asked him a million questions, he was extremely knowledgable and helpful. I purchased a turntable and few LPs and now I could finally relax after a stressful day at work while listening to an album. read more

Hifi Records & Cafe - UTurn Orbit and a few records to dip my toes - Vinyl Records Near Me - Astoria, New York

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Javy and the staff at Hifi Records are the best! They don't just run the shop, but, truly love all kinds of music and know records and audio equipment. I bought an AudioTechnica turntable there, as well as many LP's. I love that they're a neighborhood store, and you can hang out and socialize while perusing music. The staff are the best of any record store. I've seen others post that the records are pricey, but, honestly, if you go to other places, even B&N, the prices are not really that different. For me, I prefer a neighborhood store like Hifi Records. I recommend Hifi for anyone who loves records and music, and just to hang with the staff while you buy music. read more

If I could give no stars I would. My wife was so excited about going there today too which makes me even more upset. She had been talking about it all week! We got up to the counter and had cash w me. So I asked what my total was bc I wanted to add one more if I had enough cash. And the guy/owner said "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" so we walked out. How rude can you be??? The excuse the girl at the counter gave us is "that's just the way he is" Such a poor businessman. Good luck to you. read more

This is great record store with a great selection of music. Staff is really friendly, and there's something for every taste. It's was my first time there, but i will be back. read more

Wandered in one evening and had so much fun browsing. The clerk was really patient (I didn't realize that they were actually waiting to close) until I picked out what I wanted. Looking forward to going back! read more

A much-needed addition to the neighborhood. The staff has always been so friendly, even checking stock for me over the phone and holding records for me behind the counter. I wish they were open even later, as I'd like to take advantage of the cafe offerings. Hope they stay in Astoria for many more years. read more

Really odd pricing on used records. $8 for LPs you can find in most stores' dollar bins.

Will definitely be a regular here. They are just getting started, and already have brought such a great vibe to the neighborhood. Wonderful and attentive staff. Really can't wait to go back for some of the live events they are doing. read more

Great selection of both new, trendy records and used older jems. Staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful and passionate. One of the best crate-digging experiences you'll have in the NYC area outside of Rough Trade. Finally got listening stations too (combined with great coffee makes a phenomenal chill spot in Queens)! read more

Excellent service and friendly staff. I just bought a turntable, amp, and speakers from them and am completely delighted by the products. I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves music. read more

Worst customer service ever, extremely rude and abrasive and almost confrontational! Never going back again, don't support these pricks.

BEST STORE EVER! Possibly the best retail experience I've ever had! During record store day I stopped in checked out a couple live bands, and bought a few records. I went home and listens to one in particular The Specials on my crosley combo record player with built in speakers. Later that week I went to a friends house who had a pretty decent set up and listened to the same record, I knew then I needed to step up my game. I went in on a Sunday afternoon. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The owner came in and took me to the demo room which is in the basement. We chatted and I gave him my budget for a turntable and speakers. Not only did I stay within my budget for a complete rig, I received a discount and bought a new record. He went over the set up at the store so it was easy to set up when I got home. I live about two blocks away and the owner helped me bring my new rig to my house!!!! The selection of records are rad, new and used. This is the best record store I have ever visited!!! read more

Unfortunately for me, they have a very limited selection in genres that I am into (funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, disco, boogie, rare groove...). I don't expect every shop to align with my taste (this place has more of a rock aesthetic)...fair enough, I can understand that. What I cannot understand, however, is not having a listening station when they stock used inventory. I am continually baffled by stores that do this. Staff member was very nice. read more

I really liked this record store. Hifi has great, friendly customer service. Javi is super nice and I was very happy to discover this cool place! read more

Super-cool staff, plenty of cool stacks to dig through. Felt a little like the old days going in there!

Nice little record shop in Astoria. Due to its small size, the selection is not as vast as say, Rough Trade, but they do have lots of good stuff there. I saw some nice super-rare records as well, which was really cool. read more