If you're looking for a massive record store to drop a bunch of money at... Sonic Boom is your place. It's difficult to argue with the fact that Sonic boom has a GIGANTIC collection of vinyl and whatever you're looking for, you'll likely find it here. Despite the fact that this place probably has the most extensive collection of Vinyl in all of Toronto, there are a few bummers to this place. 1. A good chunk of the stuff that is here is reissues. Sure, they'll have Pet Sounds, Rubber Soul, Meat is Murder, whatever... but it's going to be a reissue. Good luck trying to find older copies of anything popular here. If you do, it'll be overpriced and... speaking of which. 2. It's expensive. Sonic Boom is expensive. There's no other way around it. The titles here are expensive- overpriced. You can get the same exact titles elsewhere. 3.The location. At least for me, it's not near anything else cool. It's a bit of a haul. 4. The staff. I didn't find them friendly or helpful. 5. The used selection is paltry. They definitely have used titles but it's just not good. The stuff that is used is not really stuff that a lot of people want in their collection. Even though Sonic Boom does have it's shortcomings, it's still a place you should check out. You'll find something want here. They also have DVD's and fun trinkets too. read more

Went on 1 of the busiest days of the year!! To say the least, it was crazy packed and really busy! We lined up (line was around the corner) before they opened, yet once opened it moved incredibly fast! Very organized place with friendly and very knowledgeable staff. They were incredibly organized for this event, which made it a beautiful experience. Will definitely be back! read more

Sonic Boom - Vinyl Records Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Freakin' AMAZING. That's all you need to know when considering whether or not you should go here. Whether you are a vinyl person or not, there is something for you at this store. I never visited the old location, but I can't see it beating this one. Like music? (Who doesn't) There's enough vinyl to stock an entire jukebox here! Don't buy your tunes on vinyl? They have tons of used CD's in brand new condition, for cheap (about $5 a CD). Like to get your music on iTunes but still like to show your support for your favorite bands? They have a good selection of band t-shirts. If you want that 'Live' experience but missed your band when they last played the Molson Amphitheater? They have concert DVD's! If you're just starting out, they have stacks, STACKS, of new record players at fair prices, benches to sit on to relax, soda and coffee to drink, headphones, everything you could ever want in life!!! Go.....NOW!!! read more

Sonic Boom is a Toronto staple for all things music, movies, and entertainment. When you first walk into the store it can be a little overwhelming due to the sheer size of the place. Upstairs is a variety of records, signs, socks, books, and a ton of other random things you will probably end up spending money on. When you go down the stairs however it is where this store grabs you and keeps you for at least an hour. This floor is filled with thousands of records, cassettes, DVDs, blu rays, t-shirts, and even some more random stuff to go through. My friends were stoked to look around this place and even more excited by the selection they were presented with. This is one of my favourite places in Toronto to kill time and pick up records. read more

I was all set for a family outing with my daughter to do a lot of record shopping. I am fully vaccinated and chose not to use the sanitizer for personal reasons. The security guard then said I had to wear gloves at which point I walked out ruining my day. Taking precautions is necessary I understand but you just lost a lot of my business today and I will never return until you show some signs of common sense and sanity. I am no danger to anyone based on my vaccinations, and will not be treated like a pariah. I will not be treated like a sheep and avoid this store if you value freedoms and choice. read more

Checked out Sonic Boom while out on Queen W. It's a MASSIVE space with an OK selection of vinyl records. I did notice some records I haven't seen anywhere else but for ridiculously high prices. The prices are reasonable, maybe a little more expensive than some of the neighboring record stores on Queen W Sonic Boom was just OK nothing like I thought I'd be. read more

It's a pretty busy store. I went there on Friday afternoon and there were quite a few people there, which made it a bit hard to move. However, the selection is great and is totally worth it. There were some bands that are on the obscure side that I was looking for but could not find, but otherwise the selection was expansive. I would have liked to have more second hand, cheap records available for the more popular artists but otherwise the prices were reasonable for most records. They also have cassettes and CDs which I will be browsing in the future. The only caveat is that not many employees were available to help you because the store is rather busy. read more

I love Sonic Boom. Reminds me of my youth and love of record stores. I lived in record / CD stores all through the 80's and still collect LP's (and CD's) to this day. My collection recently passed the 2,600 mark. I love the anticipation of finding something new in the store. Sonic has a massive LP section and even a huge Heavy Metal section for me! Albums sound great on a good system and they are fun to collect (unique artwork on the covers). Sonic sell new and used. Everything from LP's, CD's, DVD's etc. I can easily spend an afternoon in the store. Staff are very friendly. For the younger crowd.... This is what music shopping was like before the Internet. I'm showing my age here, but I don't care. This is the way music should be bought!!!!!! BK read more

There were a lot more new records than old, and the prices on them were higher than I'd ever pay for something new, so I passed on a lot of what I saw downstairs. The new arrivals section upstairs was great, though! Thank you to the tall guy with glasses and dark hair; I found a Motown compilation that I can't wait to play when I get home! It had only come in the day before I did, so I feel especially lucky. There were several records I haven't seen anywhere else, including a couple of promotional records originally marked "not for sale". Gems like that are amazing to find because you get to touch and see something rare and historically valuable. I'm planning on returning before I leave Toronto so I can check out another batch of new arrivals. read more

Sonic Boom - Remember You're A Womble - Vinyl Records Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Neat place. They have a large selection of used CD's in the basement. They sell other swag like T-shirts, books, etc. There is a good selection of new and used LP's as well as some DJ equipment. read more

This is the ultimate music store even if the CD you want is not in stock. This is the only store that sells a wide range of music, plus records, instruments, tapes, record players, candy, soda, barbeque sauce, etc . They have comfortable furniture and the manager is very nice. The staff are always working hard to sort out the items. I can't go as often because I have a very tiring exercise and nutrition plan, but sonic boom is the best. I highly recommend this store. read more

Sonic Boom - Vinyl Records Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Terrible customer service: no eye contact, no smiles, no friendly banter. Instead, it feels like a very unfriendly environment to walk through. The employees seem to exhibit negative, judgmental, attitudes - almost to the point of being hostile. Looking for records - discovering new finds - should be fun for a customer; it's supposed to be part of the overall experience. Working in a record store should be fun as well; so, drop the dismissive, gloomy, attitude and try to smile once in a while. read more

Sonic Boom will probably have what you're looking for and the best part is, you can find it at 11 PM on a Tuesday. Plus it's iconic and was featured in Scott Pilgrim and that's pretty cool, too. Their new location on Queen and Spadina is gorgeous and the selection is huge, but it's easily the most expensive record store in the area. As a result, I stick to browsing most of the time. read more

Immediately upon entering this store I was captivated by the decor and tasteful selection of record players displayed on the wall. After exploring the plethora of table books and quirky pins, I ventured to the bottom floor. This floor contains a wide variety of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and DVDs. The selection is huge but no overwhelming. There is also a great selection of clothing such as quirky shirts and canvas bags. Can't forget to mention the awesome socks displayed as well. Usually stores like this are grungy and dirty. This store was Extremely clean and had a welcoming atmosphere that you would find in an Urban Outfitters. read more

During my 20s I spent a considerable amount of free time browsing in record stores. It's been a decade since I have been in a real record store because I now buy most of my music online. So I was eager to visit this much heralded establishment. The 20 something sales clerks really knew nothing about the musicians and different music styles we inquired about. They could not even find them on Google. And they gave the impression that they did not really care.When the store eventually closes you will know one of the main reasons why read more

Very amazing store with fabulous selection. Often very low prices and quality merchandise. I found a lot of very good items from PAUL MCCARTNEY, MELISSA ETHERIDGE, MADONNA, INDIGO GIRLS. They also sell very good sodas and funky snack items. I found amazing deals and there is always something on sale. read more

Because it is on my route to work, I tend to shop at Sonic Boom more than any other record store in Toronto. It's also useful that there is a pretty fresh supply of used "new arrivals" to check out everyday of the week - so I tend to find things I'm looking for pretty regularly. (Though the "new arrivals" stacks are padded with things that have been there for many weeks, as well - noticing this is perhaps a sign that I stop by too often.) My only beef with Sonic Boom is that I find new albums to be a bit more expensive here than anywhere else (at least the stuff I'm looking at), when compared to Rotate This, June or Kops. Despite this slightly higher prices it'll keep being my first stop for used stuff, but last resort for new stuff. read more

this place is much nicer than their place on Bathurst (and nicer their place on Bloor before that). I can usually find what I'm looking for. the service has always been good to very good for me. read more

Literally everything oldie but goodie. Great selections of music CDs. Just love the vibe. Come and look around. Definitely love it read more

Sonic Boom - Vinyl Records Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Horrific customer service. I spoke with an employee who hung up on me and then refused to do business with me. I tried to be as polite and as deferential as a customer can be while but the individual who i spoke with on the phone refused to offer me the services of the store in the future. I can not believe an employee, who said he was the manager even more, would willingly throw away a past, present and potentially future customer like this. This was beyond anything I have experienced previously read more

Sonic Boom has been my go-to record shop-stop since 2002 (first purchase: Patrice Rushen's "Straight From the Heart")! As a devoted customer, I never had, nor experienced, any issues with this shop. I have always been pleased with their well-stocked and well organized inventory, both new and used. A significant appeal of this shop is not just the expansive selection of new and used Vinyl, CD,s cassettes, 8-Tracks, DVDs, Books, Apparel, nostalgic candy, etc., but also their daily, used NEW ARRIVALS, which is one of the first things you stumble upon when you first enter the shop. Couple all this with their wonderfully friendly staff, who are there to help if you ask, you have a music shop that is worthy of repeated visits! Highly recommended! read more

Had an excellent experience with this store last night. A few months ago I won some music box sets . I tried selling them on Kijiji with no responses even as I kept lowering my asking price. The staff at Sonic Boom checked and bought them all from me at a very fair price in cash. We all came away happy. Also so nice that they're open late for night owls like myself. Highly recommended. read more

I visited Sonic Boom Saturday, August 1th - around 2:30 PM and was quite disappointed in the customer service I received at your CD/DVD buying desk. I have been coming to Sonic Boom for many years and visited all three of your locations - Bloor, Bathurst & Spadina - over the years. I had 2 CDs - Motorhead & Koko Taylor - and a 2 DVD Set of Minority Report. I talked to slim young man. He took each item, looked at it and also typed on his keyboard; I assumed he was looking at some website to check out the value of each item. He came back to me and said all of them were scuffed so you guys could not buy them. If that was the case, then why did he get on the computer? I looked at my CDs and DVDs before and after I visited your store and the Koko Taylor one was the only one that had any marks on it, I had bought it used; the other CD and DVDs, I had bought new and they were free of scuff marks. If all were scuffed then why go on the computer? When it comes to customer service, I like employees to be polite and I want to be told the truth - this is where the problem lies. Proper reasons, I believe, for refusing to buy a CD or DVD are: they are not popular, not worth much money or you have too many of them already. I wasn't told any of those things which was very disappointing for me. How can I bring any more items to you guys and believe what is said to me after this episode? At least the person I talked to at the checkout was very nice. Chris. read more

Stood in at the cash waiting to check out and the cashier was having a lengthy conversation with the person in front of me. I literally stood there for almost 10 minuets while this conversation went on and on. They were talking about nothing, I was going to tell them that they should consider getting a room.... Terrible customer service, almost felt like leaving the store without checking out at the cash. read more

It was so much better before, greater selection, cooler displays, etc.. They added more knick knacks and random objects, which I don't mind as some of them are cool. They just don't have the variety they used to have. The prices are what you would expect from a vinyl storefront. I remember going before and being excited to see what was in the new arrivals section or to check out the misc section of a certain genre. Now there are very little offbeat titles. I have found it to be more mainstream. The underground releases are nowhere near as abundant as they used to be, especially in the CD sections. The prices are also a bit higher than they used to be. But like everything else in this life, things will change. read more

I've gone to a variety of record stores in downtown Toronto, but most pale in comparison to Sonic Boom when it comes to diversity of music library. Whether you like indie, punk, hip hop, pop, electronic, R&B, metal, world, or the like, you can probably find something you like here. They do tend to run out of stock on specific items, having such a wide variety, but you can always ask them to order the record if need be. If vinyl isn't your thing, they also have a variety of CDs, videos, books, and knickknacks to check out. I would put this on my "must visit" list when in downtown Toronto. read more

Make sure you do your research before shopping here. Since reissues are a considerable chunk of this store's inventory, you might come across several different versions of the same album beside one another in the bins. A dodgy 4 Men With Beards reissue that is essentially a ripped CD pressed to vinyl is not the same as a Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab pressing, sourced from original master tapes. New Music Matters Blue Note reissues will sit with 75th anniversary reissues and WaxTime bootlegs, and it will be up to the customer to determine why the pricing is what it is and which releases are legitimate. This kind of thing isn't particular to Sonic Boom, but because of its size, you will come across this more often than a smaller store. Know what you are getting yourself into! Having said that, I will agree that prices on new records here skew a few dollars more than other stores in the city. This is perhaps the cost of long operating hours and a giant space on Spadina with lots of staff. Used records cycle through with considerable frequency, so stopping by the new arrivals regularly is encouraged. Sometimes you can find great things at about average prices. Be sure to check the condition code on used vinyl and don't be afraid to take the record out and have a look. Records are only visually graded and there is always the possibility of a hidden skip or groove wear. There are turntables to have a quick listen just to be sure. Prices are non-negotiable even if you decide the grading of a record has been inflated. No discounts from paying by cash here. Don't expect top dollar for your records if you are selling. They don't have a transparent buying-to-selling price ratio like other stores do, but it is certainly well below 50%. I will say, however, that if you have less than VG+ records by popular artists, Sonic Boom is one of the few places that will take them off your hands for a dollar or two. I can't really comment on the level of service here, as I prefer to be left alone, but you won't be constantly asked if you need help with anything. Much respect for that. read more

Favourite music store of all time! They have everything you could imagine. Only complaint is the staff is a little unfriendly and often comes off a little snobby. But overall a great place, 9/10 read more

this store is a disappointment in terms of really finding exciting, neat, unexpected stuff. it seems spacious until you realise the first floor is stocked almost entirely with knick knacks that look like they belong in urban outfitters. there are toys, books, and other assorted home goods but nothing really stands out. the real meat of the store, as reviewers have said, is contained in the lower level. while it looks like they have a lot, it's mostly well known artists and new albums. it's not quite like the treasure hunt experience of looking through bargain $1 used vinyl bins that you might get elsewhere, but if you're looking for a new in-demand album to just grab and go, this place cannot be more convenient. they also have cds, dvds, bluray, and a few cassettes. some new, some used, just like the vinyl, but mostly new. I will give them credit for a) the wall of candy (who can resist a sweet treat, I ask you) and b) the listening stations around the store that let you try before you buy. I'd come back with a friend to do some light browsing but if you're really looking to occupy your time and hold your interest, sonic boom isn't my recommendation. there are a number of used vinyl stores on queen w that are worth visiting for those purposes. read more

April W. your response to my review is not true in my experience and should be replied to in this forum for all to see. Your response may look good for the readers here but that's absolutely not true in fact. The general "policy" at your store is to look cock-eyed at any one who brings back a product. Be wary of the buying experience, folks. You just need to spend some good dollars on one lousy product for your Sonic Boom experience to go down the tubes. My experience with your customer service is more than any one experience and I for one like to enjoy my WHOLE shopping experience - that includes the behaviour of the people you have on the floor. Look at some of the negative reviews you have on this one page - percentage wise it doesn't speak well to the customer service experience. For example, nothing has changed since the negative review on customer service that you have received in February 2016 on this page. It still sucks. Do you really care? Instead of giving standard responses why not try some basic business tools such as mystery shopping? Time to grow up - you've been around for years and still working on getting the customer service experience right? Most (not all to be fair) of your people don't even know how to smile!! Looks like most of the time that these guys are doing you a big favor by just looking up at you. I'm not coming back - your titles are not so rare to find most of the time and going through a lousy shopping experience is just not worth it to find one nugget. Heard of ebay? And no, your titles for most can be found new at HMV too for less or just a few cents more - do your research everyone. Just call HMV - they're good on the 'phones. Just btw, I have been buying second hand media for years and I know that you label and price according to condition like you say. It's just that you price too high! Original Review: 2 things: First: Don't get the second hand CDs here. You can get way better deals at HMV with their ongoing deals for brand new CDs- check out the HMV 2 for $20 or 3 for $15 or the titles for $7.99 (down from $12.99). The titles included within those deals are great - not throw-offs. Why buy second hand scratched CDs at Sonic Boom when you can pick up brand new copies of the same titles for just a few cents more? Sonic Boom also has very little real vintage vinyl that are worth it. Buy the re-issues elsewhere, they're so over priced here. OK, so no value at Sonic Boom. Second: you'll get blindsided at Sonic Boom with some real crappy customer service - I mean real bad. Depends who you get, but, some of these people have no idea of what they should be doing - why pay for a person's livelihood when they're crappy? Think about it. Me? Eek! Methinks not. read more

I much prefer this location to the Bathurst street site. This sonic boom is a very nice space that is well laid out, clean, and tasteful. There have super cool signage out front (giant blue metal letters with light installations in them)! The location is excellent-right in Kensington Market and a hop, skip and a jump from my work place. I was able to pop out on my lunch break and grab some solid vinyl. They have an excellent selection of music in all genres. They also have a small selection of starter record players and retro furniture. The shop keep was very nice and friendly. We waxed music and how much money we both spend on music (I dropped a $150 bones, blast, I am such a spendthrift). He was not pretentious at all, which was a nice customer service treat. Sonic Boom is shaking them up, breaking them up, taking no stuff...but it still ain't loud enough! Party people gather 'round, what we have here is a brand new sound! Sonic Boom, boom, boom! read more

Sonic Boom - Vinyl Records Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This was my first visit to the store at this location and I was impressed. They've got a large selection of vinyl and other music-related products, not to mention the Sonic Boom mugs and tumblers (smart). I look forward to going back again and spending some time digging! read more

I had a great time digging in this store. I found some really great deals here. Definitely will be back!

Came in here for the first time this past week and I should have came here sooner because this is now my go-to place for vinyls and dope ass little trinkets and tings. Welcoming vibe and just the atmosphere is full of the love for music. Just take all my money. read more

When it comes to bringing your DVDs they will tell you after that they are PICKY and depending on the movie titles you have they'll accept some classics and decent looking titles they know they will sell good. I don't think I'll go back to that store at all I would just go to Vortex instead!!! read more

I was in town on business and made a large purchase of used CDs and DVDs. When I got home (2+ hours away) I realized that one of the CDs did not match the case (partially my fault for not checking). I called to explain what had happened and that I am not often in town. Long story short: the staff corrected the error entirely at their expense and effort. A great example of excellent customer service. I will be in town again shortly and definitely plan to revisit. Large stock, reasonable prices and great customer service! read more

Nice place... got some great Jazz CDs here, got the rest from http://www.amazon.com sorry. Andrew P.S. Prices are fair too. (c) Copyright 2017. Andrew M. Walduck. Associated Press. All rights reserved. read more

My girlfriend and I finally got to check out the new (third) location yesterday, and I have to say I was definitely impressed! Was sad that I couldn't find the "PNYC" Portishead DVD that they showed that they had in stock, though it's probably because they were still unpacking from the move from the last location. No hard feelings. As for the location itself? Amazing. Spacious, wall-to-wall with cool stuff and they also have an Elton John "Catpain Fantastic" pinball machine!! Check it out ASAP :) read more

Love this store!!!! Amazing albums and all sorts of cool storage solutions for records and other things..

Decent selection but hit and miss when you need assistance finding something. The kids here are kinda typical in that they have minimal interest when you ask for a record they don't know about. I think their feelings get hurt because you know something they don't lol. Also, I find the prices very high but I understand our dollar is worthless so importing accounts for some high prices but $35 average for a single LP is madness. read more