I took a long-dead amp and pre-amp to Sam's to see if they could bring them back to life. The pre-amp came back to life like a champ, the amp didn't. They had my gear for about 2 weeks, called and let me know the situation. I appreciated the honesty about the amp - that the labor and parts would be worth more than the amp. The pre-amp was an inexpensive fix, and it's been working great. Lots of eye candy in the store. Very dangerous. read more

Everything. They are very knowledgeable on audiofile equipment and pleasant to deal with.

Very rude. Not interested in fixing my computer speakers (budget powered studio monitors) even though the instructions are right there on Youtube. He thinks bluetooth "breaks" easily. May I introduce you to the 21st century? read more

A smorgasbord of vintage and modern audio devices. From high end, top-of-the-line turntables, receivers and speakers to Modern affordable options for the beginner. The price and quality spectrum of audio equipment is a wide one my friends, but come with your questions and the well established proprietor will guide you to your new home system like a patient Sherpa on the steep hillsides of a monumental trek. This place is a haven! read more

The owner is the absolute worst. Talk about an unhappy human being, this guy is miserable. I feel sorry for him, but he sure doesn't have to take it out on customers. It's like he finds some sort of importance out of treating customers like peons, as if being the world's leading know it all on record players is somehow of relevance to anyone but him. Way to talk yourself out of a sale, pal. Best of luck to you. read more

I stopped by this business on a recent morning to browse their collection of equipment and meet the staff. I've worked on audio electronics as a hobby since I was a teenager, so this store had been on my must-visit list for some time. Unfortunately, my long-awaited visit was a bit disappointing. They have in impressive selection of stuff to be sure, but their asking prices on most items seem unrealistic, especially for unrestored equipment that is decades old. The person behind the front counter couldn't be bothered to get up from his chair while I was in the showroom, so I gather he was in no mood to sell off any piece of his hoard anyway. read more

Searching for retro stereo equipment I came across this gem of a store! Anything you can possibly need speakers, turn tables, tuners, records they have it all and knowledgeable staff to help you put it together. read more

It's a kid in a candy store of audio. Lots of Vintage, pre amps, amplifiers Turntables, cassette tape decks along with reel to reel decks and I saw lots of high end speakers to choose from. Very clean place. I enjoy going in there all the time. The shop owner is very nice!!! Richard read more

Excellent selection of gear and authentic most knowledgeable friendly staff. Complete gem of a store. A few years ago I bought a vintage turntable here which still works like new. I'm long overdue for writing a five star review. read more

They were nice enough despite all the reviews I've seen about them being dicks. They couldn't fix my stereo amp which was disappointing but when I went to pick it up they had it out for the trash. Luckily I got there in time to save it. read more

Bernie N is THE guru for audiophiles here in northeast Ohio. I visited him in May hoping to put together a true audiophile stereo now that I had some savings to invest. He assembled a vintage system for me based on a McIntosh MC 2255 power amp, Audio Research LS 7 preamplifier, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo turntable with Sumiko Rainier moving magnet cartridge, Pro-Ject tube phono pre-amp, and Magnepan MMG ribbon speakers. The music from this system is unbelievably clear and realistic -- what audiophiles call "the absolute sound."Whether I am listening to 180 gram modern pressings of classic disks like Abbey Road or Kind of Blue, or recordings of George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra, I am IN the studio with the musicians or in the 10th row center at Severance Hall. Bernie also has thousands of LPs to hunt through to fill out your collection. I am so happy I found Play It Again! Sam. read more

I had a Polk Audio home subwoofer "looked at" at this store. First of, the condescending attitude of this small business owner is a complete turn off, in addition to the fact he is quick to charge you for less than satisfactory service. I am not even sure he actually looked at the problem or tried to fix it, and it took a month to get any news to the effect of, 'this equipment cannot be repaired', and fuzzy explanations as to the reason why. Many consumers want to give their business to small local shops but in this case, this is really not worth it. This guy gives a bad name to small shop owners which likely makes one go to a chain store where people are courteous and there is such a thing as accountability. read more

Got my first record player and wasn't sure of what equipment I needed, so I came to a local audio equipment store looking for help. I walked in, wasn't greeted with words but more so a disgusted look from the completely opposite of "gentle" gentleman. I wasn't sure if it was 1952 or 2022 with how he looked at me. I brush it off and I'm a nice guy so I greet him "hey" "how're you" and he looked as if he could care less about my conversation so I say I got this record player and I'm uncertain if I need an receiver he goes "well obviously" before I finish my sentence to say or if I can just plug into a set of speakers. I was immediately thrown off with that unnecessary smart comment. So I kept cool and he helped me but I was not a fan of his attitude. He lost a potential customer bc it was a nice place to shop, but the atmosphere is what will keep me away. read more

This place is impressive to say the least. Bernie is very knowledgeable in all things hifi, and a great guy to boot. His technical knowledge has been invaluable in helping to build my hifi set-up. He is patient and always willing to help answer difficult questions. read more

Play It Again Sam - A good boy - Electronics Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

Since todays stereos are so cheap and sound bad, I took my 40+ year old equipment there to be serviced. They did an excellent job. In a few weeks I had a working turntable that is playing my old vinyl. Even repaired a technic's cassette recorder. And they have new Maxell UDXLII cassette tapes, some of the best recording tapes impossible to find today. Thanks read more

Walked in as a total HiFi novice and Bernie was super patient answering my questions. I loved his quirks and even told me "rap is crap" when I told him I like everything from classical to rap . Didn't pressure me at all to make a purchase. I'll come back when I'm ready to pull the trigger. read more

I had never been to Play It Again Sams before, I took a special needs individual there who needed to get his old stereo fixed. The owner was very patient,and took the time to answer all of his questions, he is obviously a very kind and patient gentleman . read more

I wouldn't even give this place a star sadly. They have some super awesome gear in the shop but I definitely wouldn't trust it now. Brought my father in laws amp in March 12, 2018 and just got it back from him March 9, 2019 with no repairs even done. We called 8 times throughout the year to get status on the amp and each time we were told oh just ordered the parts we'll be finishing it shortly. Then a week or so before the 9th my father in law called in asking when it would be done and the owner told us well it's a complete rebuild now and no one has laid hands on it yet so he just ordered the new parts and he would just suggest scrapping it to him. I will not be back and nor will any of my friends/family. Buyers beware. read more

Okay, I have frequented PIAS in Lakewood a lot over the past 2 years and spend t a lot of money. I thought that the owner Bernie, was upstanding. I purchased speakers, record players, and other things from them totaling over $1000 dollars. Recently I had my Thorens TD 165 turntable tuned up and grounded for a tune of 130 dollars. The needle was in Good Shape and did not need replacement. Believe, me Bernie would have replaced if he had a good cause. I took the TT home, and two weeks later there seemed to be a problem with the anti skate and weight. I took the TT back to PIAS because they cover their work for 1 year. Bernie took the needle off the cartridge and put it under the microscope after fiddling to get a it to stand up. Bernie lowers the microscope and I watch him set the scope directly down on the needle and it bends. He then proceeds to tell me that there is some dust/dirt on it and also it is severely bent!!!! I told Bernie that he just pinched it with the microscope and now it is at a right angle. The owner states that no he didn't and that was the way it was. I was shocked, and my jaw just about hit the counter. I tried to get my point across that he bent it and he would not back down. He attempted to bend it back but it only made it worse. Bernie then tells, to that "it should work and let me know". I left PIAS's in total shock. No apology, not ownership to the mistake he made. I left with my TT knowing that I will have to spend another 150 to 250 to replace the mistake he made. Save yourself the trouble and don't go there. There are other repair places that have integrity. Go to RAM Electronics: 1898 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (216) 241-0107. The place is a little cluttered but at least rick is hones. Go to Wooster Vintage Audio: 3200 East Lincoln Way Wooster, Ohio 44691 Phone (330) 749-6400 This sucks, I feel bad to write this because of my history with PIAS but I am still in disbelief. read more

The owner is just the worst. He has no care for fixing anything but stereos and turntables. I had a vintage cassette deck repaired there last summer and he forced the tech to stop working on it then never called me to pick it up. When I finally called him he told me it was in the scrap pile. I came and got it. I just sold it on eBay and here's the report from the guy who bought it New message: Hi... I did receive my Technics RS-M270X cassette deck. Was interesting that it was shipped from Berkeley. Your eBay ad stated that you had had it serviced and that the crotchety old tech refused to replace the pinch roller. I feel the need to tell you that whoever this "technician" is you probably should find someone else to service your equipment. The correct term for the part that needed to be replaced and adjusted is an Idler wheel. Not a pinch roller. It looks from the number of missing screws that he tried to gain access to the part but gave up. I've been in the audio business for 30 years. Any tech who can't perform this repair and who can't identify structural, plastic or machine screws much less misplace or loose them should not be in business. All this is under assumption your story was true." read more

Love pias! Great vintage audio and super interesting audiophile magnet! Fantastic staff that are very knowledgeable. read more

Play It Again Sam - Electronics Near Me - Lakewood, Ohio

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!! I only gave one star because I had to. I called this location seeking to have my daughter's record player fixed. The man asked what the brand was and I told him and he said it was "Ka Ka" as in poop. I explained that I know its not top of the line but it was all I could do, it was a birthday present and I am a struggling single parent. He replied "you gave your kid kaka for their birthday?" Are you kidding me!? Who says that? Who talks to someone that way? What a terrible thing to say, I'm doing my best, didn't get my daughter a broken record player on purpose but its broken and I feel terrible and I am trying to get it fixed and this guy goes out of his way to make me feel even worse! Unbelievable!! read more

Went in here to get an old turntable looked at. Wow! What a sick place! Both employees were super friendly, they gave the table a quick clean and we started hooking up speakers to the turntable and having great conversation. Ended up talking after they closed by accident! Any audio needs, this is the place to go! read more

In February 2019, I called Play It Again Sam located in Lakewood, OH and spoke with Bernie (the business owner). I took my vintage Pioneer SX950 receiver in to the store for repair. The issue was that, when powered on, it would play for about a minute or so and then stop. I was told by Bernie that the repairs will take about a month. March came and went without any calls from the store regarding the status on my receiver. I called the store in April and was told they were extremely busy and that they haven't had time to look at it yet and I was assured that the repair should only take another month. ​ May 2019, I called the store again and was told by Bernie that the necessary parts have been ordered and are coming from China and as soon as they arrive that the stereo would be repaired. ​ I followed up with another call in June and was told that the parts arrived but they did not repair the problem and that the receiver has additional issues which they have attempted to repair. Bernie also told me that the Pioneer repair manuals are wrong and that they currently have two different Pioneer SX950 receivers in the shop at this time and that they will be used as references to assist in the repair of mine. ​ On July 5th, I called again and was told that they still do not have the receiver repaired. I asked Bernie to put it back together to the same condition that it was in when I brought it to his store and I would pick it up to take elsewhere for repair. He then told me that I would receive a bill for over $200 for the parts that they had installed. I had never been provided any estimate for parts or labor either verbally or in writing prior to this date.​ Bernie assured me that they will still be able to repair the stereo and I reluctantly agreed to leave it with him to fix. August, 2019. I made a visit to the store and spoke with Bernie and again, I was provided with a list of excuses as to why they have not fixed the stereo. He again stated that the Pioneer repair manuals are wrong and he wanted to know where the stereo came from. I told him that it had been my brothers since new and I received it in 1997 after he had passed away. It was boxed up and stored until 2016 when I decided to start using it again.​ I also reminded Bernie that I had taken this stereo to his shop on two previous occasions for unrelated problems, in which they had repaired. He stated that now it was missing parts and that it was impossible to use without them. How ironic that I have been able to use it for nearly 2 years before taking it to his store in February 2019. I then asked Bernie if I could see it. Bernie took me into the backroom and pointed to the floor. I was shocked to see what they had done to it. My stereo was on the floor in a disassembled mess and the larger pieces were leaned between the leg of a table and the wall. The smaller parts were laying directly on the floor. It was not in a tub or box and parts were scattered everywhere. I was able to take pictures of the care that my vintage stereo has received while in the custody Play It Again Sam. In good faith, I took my vintage stereo which has an extreme amount of sentimental value to me, not to mention the actual cost of a Pioneer SX950 receiver to Play It Again Sam for repair. In return I have received over 7 months of grief and a fictitious bill for repairs and I have not received my stereo back. Play It Again Sam has been contacted by an attorney which I have hired and there has been no response form the store. Therefore, I am now in the process of pursuing legal action against this establishment. read more

Very cool place in Lakewood with oodles of vintage audio gear. From recording to playback, if you can't find it here, it might not exist. I mean, they have 8-track players, for crying out loud. Keep in mind that this is a vintage place; you may not find vinyl players made in the last ten years here. But...maybe that's not such a bad thing? read more

Selected one item from the stack and took it home. it did not work. I took it back to Play it again Sam and he "repaired it". Took it home and it did not work. Same problem occurred again, after "repair". Had to get my old unit back, that I had traded in plus cash for the "upgrade". My old unit never failed me. His refurbished unit was junk. Took in an amp for scratchy channel. claims to have cleaned and inspected for other problems. That didn't include the on/off lamp which needed replaced. they missed this simple item. No attention to detail. After so many problems and issues, I've decided to go elsewhere. read more

I just got a turntable serviced here (JVC QL-Y3F). It sounds like a million bucks, and I couldn't be happier. They installed a new cartridge, lubed, cleaned, and made all tonearm adjustments so the table was plug-and-play when I got home. As I was leaving, Jason (the guy who cleaned and repaired the table), ran out and helped me carry it to the car in the freezing cold. He answered my questions about cleaning records and the stylus and was pretty much the nicest guy you could hope to meet. Prices: $225 for an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, $50/hr in bench costs. Turned the table around in one week. Five stars! Thanks to everyone at PIAS. read more

Took my Akai reel to reel there, cost me $40 for them to tell me they couldn't get the part to fix it. This essentially makes this piece of equipment useless...but Bernie sure wanted to keep it and "scrap" it for me. He told me my blank tapes were worthless and then to top it off after looking for my unit in the scrap pile and getting it home I noticed one of the knobs were missing, of course Bernie said that I lost it in transit. I would rather let this recorder sit in the basement and look cool then to give it to this guy. I won't be back. read more

Went there today to get a Ortofon MC trubo 3 cartridge that they advertise on there web site for $339.00 however when Ben wrote up the ticket he had it at $450.00. I ask what was up with that and he said the web site was wrong. Needless to say I will never set foot on his property again.......BUYER BEWARE!! read more

Bernie is extremely arrogant and rude when you deal with him. He charged me over $100 to fix the speed variation on my Technics turntable. I brought it home and it works great on 33 speed but on 45 it's still screwed. If you're gonna overcharge like that, ii'd at least expect it to be fixed on both speeds. If you want to be talked down to and ripped off, then this is your place. read more

bernie the owner is awful to deal with. a slacker even by the standards of the all knowing "god" of subgeniuses everywhere, bob (whose idol hangs behind the counter). everyone else there is great. if you do decide to go here, pray he's on lunch or off that day. 100% not recommended. read more

This place has a lot of good vintage audio gear. Quite the selection. The guys here really know their stuff, and are very helpful and honest. I definitely recommend coming here if your looking to get some gear. They also have a lot of pretty good quality used records. read more

Sold me a dead amp. Instructed to take to a local repair shop. They then claimed that voided their warranty. Total bunch of crooks. Avoid them at all costs. They will not stand behind their sale and give you a bunch BS to get out of it. read more

They have a great selection of high quality audio gear, but high quality means high prices. Come here if you're looking to drop some serious cash on a complete vintage home sound system, not if you're looking for something middle of the road. Also, the staff is very knowledgeable, but the owner Gary needs to work on his customer service skills. This is the best store around if you're a true audiophile. read more