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Best Places To Buy Headphones In Minnesota

January 26, 2016 / 7:00 AM CST / CBS Minnesota

The quickest way to get better sound from your system is through headphones. Yet, many audiophiles spend much more on speakers than cans. Good headsets give the listener audio detail more closely replicating exactly what was played in the recording studio or at the concert. This intimate experience creates a feeling that you can reach out and touch the second violin playing in the orchestra. Here are the five best places to buy quality headphones in Minnesota.

Audio Perfection
7401 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55423
(612) 866-0083
www.audioperfection.com

AP features the full line of long-time leader in quality headphones, Grado Labs, a company that has been hand-building headphones since 1953. In addition, shoppers will find phones from NAD, TSB and MacIntosh Labs. Audio Perfection furnishes a sound studio for shoppers to compare the audio quality of each set. Customers are encouraged to bring their own vinyl or favorite CD to hear the difference in sound systems.

AEI Electronic Center
6020 Olson Memorial Highway
Minneapolis, MN 55422
(763) 543-2580
www.aeielectroniccenter.com

High tech audiophiles know The Electronic Center. It markets and distributes commercial sound products primarily to contractors, installers and industrial customers. Anyone who builds home audio theater systems will love AEI browsing around in its 5,000 square feet of showroom. The 30,000-square-foot facility in Golden Valley is filled with high-end audio and electronic equipment. A few big name electronic companies that also manufacturers headphone includes AKG, Audio-Technica, Denon, JBL and Shure. The locally owned enterprise is able to provide products at reasonable prices as a member of Genie Group, the oldest and largest buying group of electronic distributors.

HiFi Sound
825 Glenwood Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 339-6351
www.hifi-sound.com

This downtown business since 1951 carries the full line of headphones from Grado, Bowers & Wilkens, Sennheiser and others. Shoppers can try out each brand and price point to get the best value. HiFi Sound is a custom store where folks listen and respond with anything from custom items to full service solutions in audio, video, acoustic design, custom installation and home automation You can find the store on Glenwood just past International Market Square.

Lelch Audio Video
5600 Excelsior Blvd, Suite 201
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(612) 353-5087
www.lelchav.com

"We have access to the premium manufacturers of headphones," says Alex Lelchuk, "and we know the inner working of sound systems of all kinds." Lelch Audio Video is located near Highway 100 & Excelsior Boulevard and sports a live showroom inside replicating all aspects of home technology including a 120-inch 4k Dolby Atmos theater with smartphone & tablet control. The company designs, sells & integrates technology systems in residential and commercial settings.

Stereoland
9338 Ensign Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55438
(952) 829-9700
www.stereoland.com

"Demand for high-end headphones has increased dramatically in the past year," says owner Bill Soderholm. "In fact, the most expensive headphone we carried was $500 only a few years ago. Now its in the $2,000 range." Bill explains that Stereoland dedicates a corner of the store entirely to headphones. It has models by a number of manufacturers such as Audeze, AudioQuest, Focal, Grado and Oppo. Customers can listen to their own music on a wide selection of headphone types and varied prices to optimize their listening pleasure. Stereoland has been locally owned and operated since its founding in 1964.

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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