Brooks Berdan

they carry Magico speakers, which are completely metal inside, and their flagship, the Q7, as well as Jadis tube integrated amps.
Also, you can customize any sound system you’d like from the vast array of brands they carry, and they will also demonstrate in detail how to integrate your system with technology on the iPad, and on your phone.
they are open to both those who are new and interested in music, as well as audiophiles.

I rolled in here last december to try out the Grado reference series headphones. I was just casually looking because i was curious about the brand.
The staff was extremely helpful, did not judge me (a random guy who looked like he was not going to buy anything) and let me try it out and a couple of other models for about 45 minutes (basically till it was closing time)
May not be much but i kind of appreciated the customer service a lot. They even offered to give me a discount should i choose to make a purchase soon.

My husband and I were just walking around Old Town Monrovia and saw this sign on the building that had something to do with audio equipment. My husband being someone who is into all things audio, including amps and such, we decided to check this place out.
Brooks Berdan is located in a strip mall right across from JB Burgers, with plenty of parking. The store itself looks like an office building, which is actually laid out well with different audio equipment in each room to display how you may want to purchase their items in your own home.
Brooks Berdan is a very expensive (4 dollar signs on the Unilocal page for a reason, at the time of this review) place, but definitely has some real high end equipment. Brooks Berdan sells speakers, amps, records (there is a $ 1 box) and record players.
There are employees/​technicians available throughout this store and really can see them giving that true hands on customer service.
While I was in this store and looking through each of the display rooms, I kept thinking on how this store would be a perfect fit for one of my uncles who is really into speakers.
If price isn’t an issue and you are a full on audio techie, this is the store for you.
Oh just wanted to mention that their logo is a cute little white dog with an old record player (from the 20’s, with the large horn) is prominent throughout the store.

I would customers to be aware of prices they tell you when you 1^st deliver your gear for repair and the prices they charge you when you pick it up. I was told by Scott it would be $ 99. for a new cartridge that includes installation and adjustments of the weight on a turntable. When I came to pick it up the total came to $ 169. I asked Scott why it increased & he said he did not know they charged for installation. Don’t you think if he works there many years he would know what they charge for and what they don’t charge for? It sure looks like a bait & switch game to me. I don’t recommend this store for that reason. They may look good from the outside but they need to respect & honor what they tell you from the beginning. I am glad to pay what they are worth but to switch prices like that is not good business. They could of called me and let me know, then at least I could of thought of other options like going to another place.
Please be aware!
Milton

IF YOU are NOT an audiophile, audio electronics geek, tech head, or are cheapskate, you probably won’t appreciate Brooks Berdan, and and are likely to scrutinize this place.
Here you will find the absolute highest end, home audio electronics anywhere. There is NO Magnavox, Clarion, Samsung, LG, Sony. You won’t find home theater or surround sound gear. Here, you will find only the highest quality, hi-​fi, best music and sound reproducing equipment available. You will probably see brands you may have NEVER heard of, unless you have been doing your research on true high end audio, or simply have already been into high end gear already; brands which are geared for, NOT the masses, rather, those with the most discerning ears.
Don’t expect to come here and buy bargains, BUT, do not rule that out either, because, considering the quality they sell, sometimes they do want to clear out items, and you may find, maybe, an entry level high end system, that is similarly priced to something you would find at Best Buy, yet you would have a much much better sounding system, and likely a record player that wont destroy your vintage vinyl collection, as do brands, like Crosley and others, sold at large retail electronics stores. They also have a used section, where you can find deals on turntables, amps, tuners, speakers, etc, which they test before they sell.
I bought an «entry level» system (Rega turntable and amp, and Wharfdale speakers) from them about 2 years ago to play vinyl records on, and I am extremely satisfied with it and the sound. If you buy a turntable from them, they will tune it properly before you take it home.
Currently they have a small section towards the back dedicated to vinyl records and some cds.
If you are looking at getting into HIGH END audio, this is the place to go to. If you are on a budget, and think you may not be able to afford it, give them a chance. You may be surprised at what they can get you started with, once you tell them you are not ready to spend a ton of money (because the sky is the limit with this stuff) on a stereo but would like quality system.

It has been about 10 – 15 years since I sat in my living room listening to vinyl through tube gear. Wow! It has been a long time. I forgot what that lush open sound was like. I have an Original Master Recording of Body and Soul spinning. It is kinda magical.
Well played.

I stumbled upon a review of this business here, and visited the store. Very hospitable, and honest sales people and a technician/​engineer that was very helpful to me on a few occasions. I would highly recommend this business, especially considering alternatives I’ve seen, these guys are NOT posers. Don’t expect craigslist prices, they are professionals.

This place isn’t just good… it’s unbelievable! Every time I go there I get great serivce and great stuff. Scott is super helpful and you can tell he loves his job. The rest of the staff is great as well… great analog stuff and good vinyl selection. Check this place out.

I was referred to Brooks Berdan from a business owner in Monrovia whom sells a little of everything, including used audio equipt. I was very impressed with their superb collection of high end audio gear. But it wasn’t till just recently that I purchased a very nice used turntable, and wanted to have it serviced. Their Technician Tom greeted me when I arrived, and proceeded to spend 20 mins. with me ! I immediately felt at home, and very comfortable with leaving my unit with him. I could tell that he knew all the in’s and out’s of my turntable, and had told me he had 2 or 3 of the same model in the past. He told me the unit would be ready the following week, and it was. He went over everything he repaired, and explained even a few things that would need attention down the road, and not real important at this time. I was preparing for a higher bill, than he gave me ! Very reasonable to say the least. I have found a wonderful place to take my audio equipment in the future, and am grateful for all their assistance, and vast product knowledge.

The best place in the L.A. area to hear the finest in Hi End audio equipment. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and they have gear that most people have only read about in the audio press. I bought my VPI Super Scoutmaster turntable from them years ago and recently brought it back to them to set up a new cartridge on the tonearm. They do excellent work and it’s always a pleasure to visit the store and hear the latest equipment.

Very nice people, great service. Fun place, I want to go back soon. Thank you scoot!

This is the place to buy your high end stereo equipment. Friendly, helpful, and they know what there talking about. Their Tech Department with Tom is the best. this guy can sort out any problem you may have.

They upgraded the cartridge on my turntable and were very knowledgable and nice about the whole thing. I found the whole experience to be customer-​friendly and satisfying.

Berdan Records. I consider this place my «secret spot», and although I want to keep the secret all to myself– I feel like it’s my duty as a human being and as a music lover to share with the Unilocal community how awesome this place really is.
If you judged solely on the outside façade of the building, it doesn’t even look like a record store. You will park your car and the building just looks like boring offices (like a dentist.) Once inside, make an immediate left turn… go all the way down the hall… make another right turn… and VOILA! YOU ARE IN VINYL HEAVEN!!!
Here are some bullet points as to why I am impressed, because honestly not all shops really pay attention to the following details:
— Their selection of new and used is beautifully organized, and the selection is deep. They really have a good choice of the classics and new contemporary music that you do not find at other shops.
— It’s CLEAN. Holy crap it’s clean.
— Every single vinyl comes clearly priced in clear plastic bags. You have to pay for the bags elsewhere
— They guarantee the records to be in good shape, and they take the time to do a deep cleaning and flattening of any used record before it makes its on the shelf.
— The guys behind the counter really know their stuff about music, and I feel like a valued customer when I’m in there.
— The prices are more than reasonable, on par or better than Amoeba or
.
— Vibe = awesome. I seriously get lost in here everytime I come.
Selfishly, I am hesitant to write this review– because I really want this place to remain as my «secret spot». But, I guess I can’t hog it all to myself. Seriously, take a trip down here and you will never feel the need to goto Amoeba again.

The best high end audio store in the LA area? Quite possibly…
This place definitely harkens back to the great high end stores of the past. Such a cool vibe.
Even though I have made only a few low dollar purchases there, I have always been treated well. No arrogance or dismissal like some high end shops are known for.
In a world where music is a commodity and an audio or home theater system is an appliance, it’s nice to know there are truly great specialty shops around for people that care about music as more than something to have on in the background and audio is something that is worth investing time and money in.
Love the record store in the back. Many treasures to be discovered there.

Great place! Special ordered my Grados and they were more than happy to help me take delivery.
If I knew more about speakers I’m sure this place would be a gold mine!

I was referred to Brooks Berdan by Sumiko, the importer of fine cartridges and Pro-​Ject turntables. I had an issue with my turntable, and while they offered to repair it (a bit steep, but an upgrade over stock for sure), Scott offered me a trade-​in deal. It was worth the drive from Riverside, and I took the offer and went home with the latest model of the turntable that broke, and plan to come back later in the summer to trade up yet again.
The establishment is well laid out and comfortable. The sound rooms are really nice, and the used equipment room was full of all kinds of audio goodies. The «museum» of vintage tubes and gear is worth the browse, and I was also impressed by the high-​end collectible vinyl contained in the new record store.
All-​in-​all, I will refer them to my friends, and can’t wait to upgrade to that new Rega RP6 in August.
Sadly, Scott has left the company. However, I have been given fantastic treatment here and I am not a 1 percenter either. Tom repaired two of my pieces, and on both occasions the price was fair, and my system sounded much better.
I did eventually upgrade to the RP6 mentioned previously, and they fixed a defective tonearm cable quickly, fronting an arm from another unit. And, they readjusted the cartridge.
Fall 2014 Update
About a week ago (9÷18÷14) I traded in my amp and preamp and went home with an amazing Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum integrated amplifier. Awesome! Professional service, Tom guided me through the process to bias the power tubes and Ken helped me to the car with my new gear. Killer service. I don’t know if recent negative reviews are schills or not, but I beg to differ. My friend that I referred also experienced wonderful treatment, and he delivers pizza for a living.

Brian, Tom, Scott and the entire team at Brooks Berdan are second to none. I brought in my vintage Rek-​O-​Kut turntable and they mounted a new cartridge in the Ortofon SPU headshell, tested it and had me on my way in under an hour. Their prices for repairs are extremely reasonable and I cannot wait for their vintage equipment museum and record store to open. This is a pretty cool place to hang out with like-​minded friendly people who share a common interest in Hi-​Fi. A great find!

These guys are just the best. They give the best advice and work within your budget. My budget was pretty meager for a new turntable /​cartridge but they hooked me up with a Rega P1 TT w/​Pearl cartridge and it sounds amazing. Fun place to visit and look around. Also, great selection of new and used vinyl.

Super trustworthy! Extremely knowledgeable.
Trust these guys because they know their stuff!!!