Audio Renaissance

A few weeks ago I purchased a Pro-​Ject Debut Carbon DC from Craig and here is why:
In December I visited Audio Renaissance to see what it was about. I walked into a great showroom, with a good amount of equipment and some great music playing. Craig came out and asked what he could help me with and I told him I got into vinyl about a year ago with an Audio Technica and was looking to upgrade. I soon found out that I knew very little and Craig was eager to educate me. As an engineer it was hands down the most educational retail visit I have ever made with probably the least amount of selling. Craig said his used inventory was low at the time due to the Christmas gift giving season and asked me to email him my system information (receiver, current table, and speakers) and what I was looking to spend and he would let me know if anything came into the shop that I would fit what I was looking for.
About a month later Craig emailed me saying that he had a turntable coming in that he thought would fit my needs well, but I had just had an unexpected financial expense that was substantial and told Craig I would need something cheaper or need to wait. Craig advised me to wait till I could afford something better.
Finally in June I had the money to buy a quality table. I emailed Craig telling him how much I could spend and that I was interested in a Pro-​Ject unless he had a better used table in the store. He emailed me back right away saying he just got 2 Pro-​Jects in. If you know about Pro-​ject tables, you know they are difficult to keep in stock. I was surprised when he told me it would cost the same as it did on amazon, and even more surprised when, for that same price, Craig took an hour to properly calibrate, set-​up, and show me how to operate and care for the table. I asked about future upgrades and Craig ran through the order he would upgrade the table (platter, stylus, cartridge, matt, ect.). He never really seemed like he was trying to sell me anything though, it was more like he cared about how I was taking care of my new purchase and how I could optimize it for the best sound possible.
Long story short, I could not be happier with my purchase and with Craig’s service (from running through all the basics of turntables, to walking my new turntable to my car). If you are in the Rochester area, I can’t imagine buying a turntable anywhere else. If you are not in the Rochester area, I would still contact Craig if you truly want some good advice and real knowledge on audio equipment.

After being Riped Off on EBay, Craig took the time and got me set up with a new system, I’ll go back, again and again, because he garentees everything he sells and only a stone throw away!

the guy who owns this place is super nice and I got a great Yamaha player for a good price as well as many helpful tips on how to keep it & my records in A+ condition

It was a great experience, dealing with a gentleman, who displayed a wealth of knowledge, in reference to analogue audio (Turntables & Phono cartridges). Craig recommended to me a great cartridge and phono stage. I’ve been enjoying both items, for hours, on end. I would recommend Craig to any audiophiles, interested in analogue audio and I hope to purchase more items, from Craig, when I visit the Rochester area.
Thanks Craig

Very professional and friendly service. I called ahead to ask about an item and was also given helpful directions that led me right to the door. I described the item over the phone and the owner assured me that it was in stock and that he would put one aside for me. I brought in the stylus for our Audio-​Technica player just to make sure that it was the right one, and it was. I learned a fair amount about record player care while I was in the shop, too. Although it was clear that our brand of player wasn’t top of the line, the owner wasn’t snooty about it. He clearly enjoys music and appreciates this particularly medium just as much as I do. He’s knowledgable but not pretentious. We also talked about music for a bit and he held the doors open for me on my way out, which was especially helpful because I was carrying my infant son in the car seat. He made sure that we got out to the car safely and wished us well. This was the only place in Rochester that I could get the replacement stylus. I didn’t want to order online, and I’m so glad that I went in person because it was a great experience and now I know where to go for record player supplies.