Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
After 10 years of running a vintage hi-fi store, we’ve learned a lot — and some of it completely surprised us.
When Skylabs first opened in the back of an antique shop, people warned us that vintage stereo inventory would dry up fast. After all, how many old Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, Yamaha, Technics, Thorens, and other classic pieces could possibly still be out there? As it turns out… a lot more than anyone expected.
In this video, we’re looking back on 10 years in the vintage audio business and sharing the biggest surprises we’ve seen along the way: why vintage gear is still showing up, why new turntables changed the market, why CD players are making a serious comeback, why no 40- or 50-year-old amplifier is truly “bulletproof,” and why looks absolutely do matter when people choose hi-fi gear.
We also talk about something that has meant the most to us: the real-life audio community. Forums and comment sections can be rough, but the people who walk into local stereo shops, record stores, and vintage audio stores are usually some of the friendliest, most passionate, and most generous hobbyists you’ll ever meet.
Plus, we’re getting ready for our 10-year anniversary listening party on Saturday, June 6th, featuring legendary brands, special sales, prizes, giveaways, great music, and great people.
Thanks for being part of the Skylabs Audio journey. We appreciate every customer, viewer, collector, music lover, and audio nerd who has helped keep this hobby alive.
Subscribe for more vintage stereo, hi-fi history, audio gear comparisons, restoration stories, and real-world advice from inside a working vintage audio shop.
_____________________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
_____________________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more!
skylabsaudio.com
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.com
Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join
We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
patreon.com/user?u=79064906
#VintageAudio #IntegratedAmplifier #HiFiAudio
After 10 years of running a vintage hi-fi store, we’ve learned a lot — and some of it completely surprised us.
When Skylabs first opened in the back of an antique shop, people warned us that vintage stereo inventory would dry up fast. After all, how many old Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, Yamaha, Technics, Thorens, and other classic pieces could possibly still be out there? As it turns out… a lot more than anyone expected.
In this video, we’re looking back on 10 years in the vintage audio business and sharing the biggest surprises we’ve seen along the way: why vintage gear is still showing up, why new turntables changed the market, why CD players are making a serious comeback, why no 40- or 50-year-old amplifier is truly “bulletproof,” and why looks absolutely do matter when people choose hi-fi gear.
We also talk about something that has meant the most to us: the real-life audio community. Forums and comment sections can be rough, but the people who walk into local stereo shops, record stores, and vintage audio stores are usually some of the friendliest, most passionate, and most generous hobbyists you’ll ever meet.
Plus, we’re getting ready for our 10-year anniversary listening party on Saturday, June 6th, featuring legendary brands, special sales, prizes, giveaways, great music, and great people.
Thanks for being part of the Skylabs Audio journey. We appreciate every customer, viewer, collector, music lover, and audio nerd who has helped keep this hobby alive.
Subscribe for more vintage stereo, hi-fi history, audio gear comparisons, restoration stories, and real-world advice from inside a working vintage audio shop.
_____________________________________
Do you have questions about stereo equipment? Need repair advice? Join our Discord. It's free! discord.com/invite/hsdG5vgDvE
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/skylabsiowa
Check us out on Instagram: instagram.com/skylabsiowa
_____________________________________
Shop our store for Skylabs merch, Grado products, Luxman, Advance Paris, Wharfedale, Cambridge Audio, Rega, Audio Technica, new vinyl records, SACDs and more!
skylabsaudio.com
Good news for our international viewers! You can now order our shirts for international shipping!
Don't miss out! Sign up for our newsletter! Our current vintage inventory is included in every edition.
skylabsaudio.com
Join this YouTube channel to get access to the perks:
youtube.com/channel/UCfkefBAR_BBXW_2z37-ozuw/join
We have a Patreon page! You can check that out here:
patreon.com/user?u=79064906
#VintageAudio #IntegratedAmplifier #HiFiAudio
