Decibel Audio

I’ve been in Decibel 4 times now and the service is amazing– they are extremely patient and guided us toward a turntable perfectly suited for us and later, some amazing speakers. They let us listen to a number of different brands and we came out with a pair that are great for our life-​style and living space. They have gone above and beyond for me (thank you Tucker!!!)… not to mention their prices are a bargain when you balance the service, warranty, etc. Definitely give them a shot!

The turntables in the window peeked my interest! I was in the market for a full surround sound system so I went in to ask about receivers and the like. To my surprise they didn’t have very many in stock with wifi or Bluetooth features which I think should be standard nowadays. The gentleman helping me was super nice and thoughtful though. He told me about the option to add a wifi signal to a non-​wifi receiver (but I’m like why would I do that when I know there are receivers that have it built in?), and he also went online and showed me a few options that would suit my needs. Helpful yes, but not what I was looking for and certainly not in my price range. It’s a cool audio store in Wicker Park though.

I just relocated here and was recommended deciBel by a local record store owner. I popped in yesterday to explore and get a turntable upgrade from the beater I’ve been using. I connected with Tucker and explained my needs; he immediately took the lead and made it super easy to find something within my budget. I will most DEFINITELY be back and look forward to learning more along the way. Many thanks!

I had an excellent experience buying a high end piece of audio equipment from these guys. They answered my many (probably excessive in their eyes) questions, and were at all times professional and courteous. I give them a strong recommendation.

I have been a customer of Decibel’s since they first opened in Lakeview in the 90’s! I have always been impressed with their selection and customer service. Their knowledge of both vintage and the latest technology is unparalleled. Of course when I decided to treat myself to a «real grown up» sound system at home, Decibel came through in every way. They always offer options according to your budget. They special ordered speakers that I wanted in a specific color. They were always on time and so pleasant when I asked questions.
3 years after my home install they did my business. Adam suggested the Sonos system for my hair salon which 2 years later we are still loving! They even set up security cameras! Again they were professional, easy to work with when coordinating with my contractor and responded promptly when troubleshooting. I cannot say enough nice things about Adam, Tucker and Eloy! Do yourself a favor and support a local business at the same time!

Walked into their store hoping to buy a turntable as well as some advice. Walked out after being passed over by two people that came in after me. I was even standing at the cash register waiting in line. When one of the sales people was free they went straight to the person behind me.

Adam and Eloy and his installation team did a super– professional job bringing my 25 year-​old townhouse up to speed sound wise. Because it was too much construction work to recess the speakers in the ceiling, they came up with a system of wireless speakers throughout the house, and set up the whole system. Yes, you can buy them yourself – but try to set them up and program them all to work together yourself. I dare you. Now, everywhere I go in my house, the sound is incredible and the guys trained me to use the system off all my wireless devices. I’m sure that was the hardest thing they had to do! JOB WELL DONE!

Much better options in the city and burbs when it comes to audio. Purchased a new amp from them and they made it very difficult to return. Pass on these guys and look elsewhere.

I have been thru several stereos over the years but because of burglary I lost a great stereo and because of divorce I lost another. I came into some money and a house and my first purchase was another stereo. I was in an accident that left me handicapped and I needed cash to live on so I had to sell my stereo. I talked to pawn shops and felt like I was getting my pocket picked. I posted on Craigslist and got no response for 3 weeks. I found Decibel Audio on the internet and talked to them about buying my stereo. They eventually purchased every component that I was selling. They were kind, friendly, honest and fair. When it is time to buy another stereo, Decibel is where I intend to go. They have a lot of used, high end components that I cannot wait to get my hands (and ears) on. Decibel is a diamond in the rough loaded with polished jewels. I recommend them to anyone looking to put together a big, bad ass stereo to peel the paint off the walls or a small, bad ass stereo to keep your landlord pissed. Bonus points for great prices!!!

Great staff, great inventory and great prices!
If you’re looking for Grado headphones or other audiophile equipment then look no further.

Helpful and knowledgable sales staff with prices that beat amazon?! Amazing. Just walked out with a new set of headphones and a preamp and I do not regret a dime I spent.

I am a very amateur audio person, but I do like collecting vinyl. I did a complete overhaul of my audio system, and was considering just going to Best Buy and getting a sound bar and any decent record player. I’m so glad I didn’t.
Adam walked me through all of my options, why they were different than the «stuff» (he used a different word) at Best Buy, and everything was actually a lot cheaper than had I gone that route. I also got a pretty decent record player and set it up wrong, so when I had to come back in the next week to get it set up right, Tucker was amazingly patient and walked me through setting it up. Everything sounds beautifully, and my vinyl has never sounded so amazing for such a cheap price.
Well worth the time and energy to go here vs just buy a crappy sound bar online. And don’t feel intimidated if you know nothing about audio — Tucker and Adam (and as far as I can tell, the rest of the staff) won’t snob their nose down at you, they will explain everything in laymen’s terms.

I walked in and all I knew was that I needed speakers and cables. Tucker walked me through every component and its importance and even down-​sold me. I had about a $ 1,000 budget and he initially showed me some used equipment that would be good for a vinyl beginner such as myself and then when I said I wanted something nicer he put together a system for me for about $ 700. Outside of his honesty, the guy knows EVERYTHING. I got tips on how to install everything, and he gave me 20% off everything for seemingly just being nice. Oh, and did I mention that my system sounds like the Metro in my house now? No matter if you’re trying to spend $ 20,000 or $ 20, Decibel will take the time to make sure you get exactly what you need.

I would not drive in from the suburbs, kill yourself parking and think you will leave with anything. Their product inventory of manufacturers they carry is low to non-​existent. If you are an audiophile visiting Chicago, you should visit Decibel.

Great merchandise, both a mix of reasonably priced-​but-​quality used equipement to high-​end hi fi. But what I really love is the service. I brought in an old turntable that was purchased at a garage sale, and for a very reasonable price they helped me get it up and running. No attempt to upsell me to something I didn’t need. They just helped me out, and I was able to go home, plug in my turntable and start enjoying my old vinyl. When I’m in the market for a component or need a repair, I will definitely go back.

I felt like a kid in a candy store. they have so much incredible high-​end audio gear here. The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. I I tried out some awesome headphones and picked up a turntable mat that is making my records sound awesome.

The service wasn’t overwhelmingly prompt, but the people were really personable and helpful. Tucker, who sold me a used record player, was enthusiastic about sound and was patient in explaining hifi audio to me without being condescending or pretentious.
But the best thing about Decibel is that you can exchange or upgrade used record players for up to six months after your purchase. For a record enthusiasts looking to get more into quality audio equipment, used record players are a great way to get a quality machine at a great price, and Decibel is a great place for used record players.

Speaking just to customer service:
Was on the verge of tears after calling over a dozen other terse, uninterested electronic repair businesses looking for someone to fix my headphones. Though Decibel didn’t do the service I needed and served to gain nothing from my business, the rep I talked to gave me a list of other locations, as well as their phone numbers and staff contacts.
Kind, polite, and efficient. It improved my day immensely.

I’ve experienced much, much better.
If you cannot get helped from the staff what good is your selection, knowledge, and store location? I had to beg the staff for help on enough occasions that their lack of responsiveness and disinterest appears to be their protocol.
Recently, I wanted to give a Cary integrated amplifier a run through its paces and talk to the staff about changing out my Totems for something more suitable (more efficient) for the integrated. We are not talking chump change here – at least to me (likely $ 3−7k in potential purchase (s)). After making numerous laps of the store, receiving a 1-​minute sign and gesture twice from a staff member, and asking for help, I decided my time is too valuable. I waited around for about 30 minutes. There was one (1) customer auditioning loudspeakers… one (1) and several blokes who clearly worked there. Did I mention the free time the staff had while the solo customer listened to the single set of loudspeakers? This occasion was frustrating for sure.
On my way home I thought that I might call and see if it would be best to schedule an audition. I came to the conclusion that this shop was too much work.
Very frustrating experiences. Guys, if you read these reviews, I have a bit of business advice for you: when your business is a boutique, cottage industry that targets a small segment of the population – who must have substantial disposable income and a keen interest in an esoteric and arguably dwindling hobby (high end hi fidelity when digital, portable, and microsystems are the zeitgeist), you must appreciate the scarcity and necessity of your customer base.
PS As a side note, on one visit I overheard a staff member telling a customer that «Krell makes garbage product» and then push him into a product the store carries as one of its new equipment lines. I pretty much heard the entire conversation and its context. Couldn’t such an opinion be couched in different terms? I thought, gee, so much of this hobby is a subjective perspective thing that such a strong opinion about a respected manufacturer’s product may not be the best thing for sales and understanding a customer’s tastes. Opinion is not a matter of fact. Hyperbolic statements of belief are not useful or fair to the customer. Silliness and verbal diarrhea.

I had purchased a new rubber belt for my turntable here. It still doesn’t work well as it stops on it’s own after several hours of use.
Called Decibel to bring it in… I was told it takes up to two weeks to fix my turntable… I just think that’s way too long for a company that specializes in audio…
I’m looking around for a more on the ball repair shop…