AMAZING Vintage Stereo Store Tour! It's Skylabs!

In this video, Kevin takes you on a tour of his vintage stereo store in West Des Moines, Iowa. People have been asking for this one for a while, and here it is!
You will get to see just about everything in the store. From the main showroom to a behind-the-scenes look at what lurks behind the front counter. You will see all of our storage areas with some amazing vintage stereos and all kinds of parts! We even show you our incredible bathroom!
There are a few surprises along the way, including a special musical performance. You will not want to miss a second.
Let us know in the comments what you liked the best. Maybe someday you can make it in to say hello. Enjoy!
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Some product links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Grado Phono Cartridges, Record Cleaner, and more- available at skylabsaudio.com/shop/
iSonic Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner (10-Records)
amzn.to/3QlHwtQ
A1 Phono Preamp Vacuum Tube Preamplifier Turntable Pre Amp
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Douk VU3 VU meter and A/B switcher
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Speaker wire
Voltive 14/2 Speaker Wire
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RCA cables
Audiophile 2RCA Male to 2RCA Male Stereo Audio Cable,Gold Plated | 4N Oxgen-Free Copper Core (3 Feet (1M))
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U-turn Turntables amzn.to/49hbuWW
Rega P1 Turntable amzn.to/3HJ8Ayp
Audio Technica ATLP120 turntable amzn.to/3Ou2VzU
Audio Technica AT LP60 Turntable amzn.to/3uhLRGK
Fluance Turntables amzn.to/3SK5L6L
Pro-ject Turntables amzn.to/49eUAbi
Ortofon Phono Cartridge amzn.to/3Oy2955
Tracking force scale- amzn.to/42tok1Z
Pyle Phono Preamp amzn.to/3HPbqSo
Ampapa Phono Preamp amzn.to/3HLSeFs
Klipsch R-51 Powered Speakers amzn.to/42pgIh6
Edifier Powered Speakers amzn.to/48U4teS
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Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we’ll receive a small commission.
We have owned and used every product in the links below.
Cambridge Audio Dac magic amzn.to/471W1Zd
Recommended Turntables:
Audio Technica LP60 Great entry-level “fully automatic” turntable for under $150 amzn.to/3eAPC1B
Rega Planar 2 Turntable with Premounted Carbon MM Cartridge (Gloss Black) amzn.to/3GA8s3R
U-turn Orbit Plus- Skylabs favorite new turntable amzn.to/3sFtudU
Ortofon 2M Black Moving Magnet Cartridge amzn.to/3TiuQq0
Best vintage electronics cleaner! Deoxit D-5 - amzn.to/3QJHKu5
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#vintagehifi #vinylrecords #vintagestereo

[@jojakim414]

I stopped watching just in time before you got in to the toilet. Otherwise nice gear.

[@skylabsaudio]

Are toilets a trigger for people? I know they censored the Mamas and Papas greatest hits album cover over 50 years ago. Don't they show toilets on TV? Do some people have to avoid plumbing sections of department stores?

[@jojakim414]

No trigger. I just dont care that much for what your toilet looks like. Unless you have some nice gear in there. Otherwise i was just trying to say something fun. Guess that didnt work.🙄

[@pervertedalchemist9944]

Vinyl and vintage audio - my kind of place.

[@bryandickerson5365]

Good luck with your surgery Kevin. We’ll be sending good, good, good - good vibrations!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@NCislander]

For me, This is "The Best" video you & Eric put out as you take us all through your shop and talk it up proudly. As well you should. Lots of love is in the shop. I wish I could get out there to see it in person. Your craftsmanship and attention to detail really stands out. Thank you Kevin for taking the time to walk us through. I can see where the urge to expand in a larger shop is tempting. But, the nostalgic feel and vibe is really cool. Man, this shop is so cool.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks 👍

[@mikecampbell5856]

Fun video. Good luck with your surgery! The original idea of the Nipper ad is that Nipper is on has master's coffin and he thinks he is hearing his master's voice.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@jamesmathews1841]

I lived in Des Moines from '77 to '87 and was introduced to high-end sound reproduction at that time with the purchase of my Hafler amp and preamp as well as Magnepan speakers. Regret you were not around at that time. My systems now include Michi amp/preamp, Krell amp/preamp, Apogee Duetta and Magnapan 2.7x speakers. Also VPI and Pro-ject turntables. What a truly amazing and gratifying hobby this is!

[@stuartshannon8141]

Passed on an SX980 at an estate sale. Kicking myself now.

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

You FOOL‼️

[@bobc8649]

Love seeing a brick and mortar store selling vintage audio. Takes me back to the 70’s. Hope to stop in someday.

[@Cliff117]

When I was about 18 I moved from Vancouver Island to the big city of Vancouver and landed a job as the disc jockey at the “Main Connection”. one of the first bands I had the pleasure of introducing in our establishment was Loverboy. Mike Reno had a big ego, but he’s mellowed out over the years.

[@skylabsaudio]

Great song. It's all in fun

[@SurnaturalM]

It's a shame that I'm too far away from you because I gladly go to your store. It looks awesome.

[@btdtgg]

Man I cried when I saw those Jbl L50's. I had set of JBL L112's that I rebuilt with original parts and redid the veneer on but shortly after hard times meant I had to sell them to make rent. Probably the saddest time in my AV hobby career. Every day I wish I still had them.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Nice tour, thanks. Good luck in May, take your time to recover, don't worry about us, we'll be here when you're ready.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Craig!

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

2.75 Tony made another “cameo!” Made a great video even better.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Good to see Crystal Gayle's face again. "Don't it make my brown eyes blue" was a great song. Best of luck with the surgery.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I love hi-fi shop tours. Since I live in Minnesota..I'll be stopping in at some point. I used to have a Kenwood KT-7000 tuner. (for about 25 years !) Loved it.

[@kevinyoung2431]

Your store is something to be very proud of, it's well organized and you make good use of the space available. I like it. I hope your recovery from surgery is quick.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@kevinyoung2431]

@@skylabsaudio You're welcome, and thank you for making these videos because they have been a big help to me as I dive back into audio appreciation after being out of it for so many decades. Your advice and recommendations contained within your videos have helped me do it right and avoid mistakes.

[@garyfischer5256]

Great video! Just need more cowbell and more Two Times Tony! Great guy. Never knew his name. See him at local sales searching for used gear in the wild.

[@jonwatts1918]

I love how you seem to have the same energy for the kitchen as for all the equipment. I know it’s not but it’s subtle.

[@amazoidal]

Had a very bad deviated septum until age 33. Could only breathe out of one side. What a difference! Had my Roman hump removed at the same time. Girls started noticing me after that.

[@TorontoJon]

Kevin, your Skylabs store looks amazing and is so well organized. I envy anyone lucky enough to visit the store, let alone buy any of that cool vintage gear, media, etc. Good luck with your septoplasty surgery and may you have a speedy recovery. :)

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@jim010109]

The tour was cool. My parents are from Iowa, My moms side of the family lived in Iowa City, and dad's lived in Keokuk. I need to do a road trip sometime.

[@SurnaturalM]

When you said you are waiting for parts, I know, I had a long list of backorder power transistors to buy. For around 5k$ from digi-key. They sold out these in a month last time.

[@williamsarver2491]

From a 70s salesman- love your shop - The difference was our back room was stacked with new white boxes of Pioneer- boxes of JBL, Dual and others Great memories

[@LakeNipissing]

LOL.... Even the toilet. Thanks for the FULL tour of Skylabs.

[@skylabsaudio]

Our pleasure! :)

[@saloncaruso3701]

Great video tour, great store, prayers for your upcoming surgery. Al

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks so much

[@edwardcowburn2632]

I really enjoyed the video. I appreciate you taking the time to show us around. My prayers will be with you for your surgery. Take care.

[@bifff8433]

Loved the tour. Thanks.

[@Jodeanson.23]

Thanks for the tour Kevin! One of the things I love about going to Skylabs is that it feels like when I was a kid in the '70's going to to a buddy's house who had the coolest records and the most awesome stereo. (Usually his dad’s.) Great gear, excellent service and always a good geeky conversation. Sending lots of healing vibes for a smooth procedure and a speedy recovery!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you so much!

[@millopguy]

The Mike Reno bit! 😂

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, soo goooood. It's always funny

[@michaeladams8772]

Wow! Great video. Thanks.

[@johnstump2433]

Very cool😎

[@user-zd3vk9kw5s]

Perfect - Just Perfect.

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

Every time I get my little vintage audio store (My Vintage Audio of Southern Colorado) cleaned and organized I get bombed with equipment.

[@markfx12]

That was a lot of fun. Speedy recovery, Kevin!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@robertsuszek2327]

Thanks for the tour, be well.

[@thomaskendall452]

For that pranged European Pioneer receiver, you might want to remove all the boards and other stuff in the box, then take the bare chassis to an auto-body shop. Just a thought . . .

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Kevin, you have a lovely store. Thank you for taking the time to show us around. Wishing you much success and a speedy recovery.-Danny & Beth🎧🙏🏻

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@stephenmiracle5196]

Thanks, Really cool.

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Great tour of a beautiful store. Thanks.

[@chrisydarg1268]

19:35 I have over 3000 tubes, many are military and 2 calibrated tube testers (1 is laboratory grade : ) And I have to say, your videos over the years have helped inspire me to take that leap. As I 70`s kid I saw and knew badass audio gear-but knew it was expensive. I never saw tubes growing up, but knew tubes were "nichey" and "end game". Got EET degree and never really used it-but good background to have. Became an audiophile over past 10 years with an lust for knowledge. Happy to have a friend with 40 years experience schooling me....going to start my 1st tube amp rebuild soon-and I am SOOOO excited. Thank you Skylabs for inspiring me! Just knowing I am joining a small community of people to keep audio awesomeness alive and better than ever-HELL YEA!! Thank you for your awesome vids bro!

[@skylabsaudio]

Very cool! Thank you!

[@hjalmarfossi5728]

Definitely gonna be a fun one

[@randyhays899]

Hope you recover quickly. Enjoyed this video!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Loved the tour! I was hoping you’d do that at some point. I live in NC so I probably will never get there, but I think it’s fabulous to see a thriving vintage store. There’s one in Jamestown, NC about 100 miles away. I go there all the time.

[@russfelger]

Great tour, Kevin! You have a lot more gear than one would guess from previous videos. Keep up the great work, and good luck with the surgery.

[@johncrawford6992]

Wow I wish you were in Portland Oregon I really like your videos

[@RJ-eg2nx]

Kevin absolutely loved this tour! Hope your surgery goes well. I really hope that I can make it out to your store sometime. It is amazing how you can rattle off the parts like you do truly amazing!

[@2954sf]

Nice tour down memory lane Kevin

[@MrWallybones]

Thanks for the tour - well done. I won't be stopping by as I live in Cali. ✌

[@crmixman]

Great video, Kevin! I hope to get out on the bike and make the trip to DM to stop by the store sometime soon. Good luck with the surgery. Hope you have a speedy recovery!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@migueldelaguardia]

Nice place of work.👍

[@JackT_Music_on_Vinyl]

Really loved watching this today. I was over there a few weeks ago and saw that big ol Phase Linear amp. Wow! Thanks for the back room tour!

[@jptinc55]

Great eye candy, thanks for the tour enjoyed it. I look forward to your Sunday videos. Good luck and speedy recovery!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@adsbadsb9488]

That is a cool store. Hope to get there. You never want to move, as you know your inventory now....if you moved it is a big learning curve. So much nice equipment,.

[@sergiogomezphotography]

Thanks for the video always interesting, good luck with the surgery

[@tjtreinen7381]

I donated my marantz 1060 a vew years ago still working.. it was built like a tank and had good sound for 30wpc.. and also had mainin/pre out jacks..I worked after school to buy it .. fifty years ago!!

[@karaDee2363]

Thank you for the tour of your awesome store. It's amazing how much cool stuff you have in such a small space,. It's very organized. Best of luck on your surgery❤

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Karen!

[@kevin6385]

I just ordered two pairs of the Grado 60s from your recommendation. For my son and I, cheers.

[@vulgarninja9]

Thanks for the tour, great store. Good luck with the surgery. And to all you locals... someone grab those L36's!

[@PRAIRIEWELDER]

Great store great videos My first receiver was a 25 watt Sansui with pro linear turntable and speakers

[@wooddragon576]

thanks for the tour, Love your channel and the informative videos, good luck with the surgery. If I ever get to Iowa Im dropping in.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@lotusmanb3832]

Hey Kevin... I purchased a mint AU666 with matching TU666 round dial because of your youtube channel. They still have the blue plastic protective plastic on the aluminum trim. Absolutely beautiful gear. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@janglyriff]

Thanks for the tour Kevin. The shop is a gem! Good luck on your surgery and God bless.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@jasonblakeley3499]

All the best with your "intake" surgery...I had it done many years ago. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@chrisnunya7171]

My God, I wish I were rich enough to afford a private plane! I live a little too far away to drive there from Southern Ohio. But I'd so love to visit your shop! I could spend hours (and lots of moo-laa) there! 😢

[@fredjoel8113]

Thanks for the tour, Kevin! Brings back good memories as a young guy checking out all the stereo shops, saving $ to purchase equipment, and getting others into audio while enjoying all the great music on vinyl and on FM. Would always wait for the audio magazines to arrive each month. Remember all the Pioneer ads in the front of the mags? Eventually I'd own a small stereo shop selling many of the brands you display. Most audio equipment of that era was a work of art: the appearance, the materials, the electronics, and the sound. An interest in electronics was very helpful to do repairs, then loudspeaker systems repair and design as well as equipment upgrades. Eventually I sold my shop and returned for an EE degree. Of course I had to design and build a stereo power amp for my EE senior design project. Hope to stop by your shop in the future. Best regards!

[@johnstump2433]

Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery 🤞🏼

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@AmirAmir-ue6ld]

Great tour, I enjoyed it very much. Wish you luck in surgery and a healthy recovery.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@7freefall]

Wow fantastic video what a killer store

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@danwheetman6914]

Kevin, great fun. It makes me wish I was closer than Seattle so I could drop in! Thanks, loved it. All the best with your surgery, may you heal quickly. Good man.🎶🙏

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@jidejoda4520]

Thank you for the tour & great success in the surgery. ❤❤

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@sguttag]

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. Thank you for the tour.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@adsph]

Thanks for the great tour. So cool. Best of luck with your health.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@lemondisc]

Awesome tour of your store Kevin. I’ve always wanted to see the rest of your store. I hope to one day in the next year or so to drop by and actually check you guys out. Good luck with your surgery. Rich.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you

[@dtracy03ss]

Love the Store!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@tomdowns9616]

I hope the surgery went well.. great videos..... Thanks..

[@rogeralan6260]

Kevin, thanks for the tour and good luck with the surgery. I really regret West Michigan is a little bit of a drive... I suppose if I left early I could be there by dinner time. This reminds me of all the time I spent in the stereo shops looking at the things I couldn't afford when I was broke and in school. I still have my Dual 1229 that works great. I do love the channel! RG

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, RG

[@travisensley]

I got a little sick thinking about the wire management of that switcher. Woof. Great shop guys. Love the walkthrough.

[@multicyclist]

Thanks for the store tour. I wish you well on your surgery.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@markparker7778]

Completely off the charts Sir. I really enjoyed reliving an awesome blast from the past. Thank you. 👍 🎶🎵🔊🎸🎷🎛

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@batmandestroys1978]

Fantastic video!

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@millopguy]

Your shop is even cooler than I thought. I mean, you integrated the toilet into this video, so there's that, lol. When my '78 Technics Amp and Tuner need a tuneup, I'm contacting you guys. I'm 3 hours away, but I'm sure it's worth the drive.

[@MrSpeedysChannel]

I have a mint Marantz Model 26 I had rebuilt and I love it. It sounds great for just a 14 watt receiver!!

[@jacobsgarage1458]

29:23 the Onkyo TX-850 Receiver Kevin stand in front of is the same as the one I have 😂 I need a new/better one it’s a little raspy sounding. Great video ❤

[@JuanGarcia-kv7yv]

Man awesome store!! Great vibes just add a little coffee shop section !!

[@skylabsaudio]

Coffee shop right next door :)

[@dankingjr.2088]

That was a cool look at your operation. I'm not a collector, but I am a vintage audio owner and enjoyer, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@glenz1975]

Thanks for the shop tour Kevin was nice to see the whole place in more detail. Man you guys are so lucky to have all those spare parts at your disposal. Here in NZ there is literally nothing or very few older Pioneers/Sansui's that get parted out as we never got units in large quantities being a small country. Makes me appreciate what I do get to service/restore for customers and the models I do own. If I lived closer would be visiting Skylabs for sure! Could even help out on the bench (cheeky suggestion) as know my way around most brands including Pioneer SX models and the SX1250, fixed a few of those beasts! 👍

[@razorback7158]

Nice shop

[@steveh545]

Cool.

[@ML-rm3vk]

The best to you music on. Sir

[@thomaskendall452]

Old Knight-Pioneer-Allied trivia Nazi here: The Knight 333 or Allied 333 receiver was known as the Pioneer SX-34. The integrated amp section was the same as the Knight 935, Allied 935 or Pioneer SA-400 integrated amps: 12 thundering watts per channel RMS into 8 ohms. I had the Allied 935 back in the day. Really fine phono pre-amp. The 12 watts of tube power could drive almost anything less thirsty than an AR-3a.

[@AL-pb1lb]

Bro enjoyed the vdo. Cause of your info that you put out I have come to understand more about anything vintage hifi. I wish I found you before I bought mint condition sansui sp-x8000. Looking at ads l810. Keep up the great work.

[@skylabsaudio]

I appreciate that

[@frankierodriguez8661]

Great video, I was in stitches with that singer, I don't remember his name. Anyway, all my best wishes and all the support for your surgery Kev. I'm going under the knife in August for a hip replacement so, as I said all the support for my brother in surgery. We will be having a laugh in no time. much love from West Spain as always ❤

[@hhvictor2462]

I own two pairs of Baby advents. Cool speakers. luv the solid hardwood.

[@BruceCoyle-pc4dm]

Sue really likes that LED VU meter you have by the front door. I’ve tried to find one but can’t seem to see the same one. This was a great video. I could just sit down and wash over all your gear. Good job.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Bruce! We are going to get some of those meters here soon

[@tomday7309]

I've had the septoplasty surgery. You'll be glad you did it after it heals. It cured all the nasal infections I used to get. Good luck!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Tom. Glad to hear another success story.

[@flynow5614]

John Grado is the best in the bizz.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I’m going there for my holidays 😂

[@JoshuaMyhre]

I’m not being critical at all, but this should have been KZbin video #1. I might have missed it, but can’t believe this hasn’t been done already. Following the channel and watching Skylabs videos over & over, a guy gets a feel for the shop's layout, but it was nice to see a full-on tour. Let’s face it. Although Skylabs provides excellent content and, spot-on vintage audio, and more information, I’m pretty sure KZbin is not even in the vicinity of “supplemental income.” The store has to be the mothership for income and applaud showing it off and advertising it. Very cool to see! Thanks.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you! Appreciate that :)

[@Generic_Eric_1977]

And he does sign the invoice/receipt with a “Thank you, Kevin.” Thanks for my shirt my wife bought me man! Loved the tour.

[@skylabsaudio]

Appreciate it!

[@RedSinter]

😊 Nice Kevin...you place reminds me of Pro Audio with exceptions. They had or were similar in size shop wise with the exception of a show Sound room. Where the had a similar set up with your switcher. They had Accuphase, Luxman, Yamaha, Sansui, Mac, not much in Pioneer, Marantz, and plethora of high end manufacturers numerous European Stereo equip. DBX Eq units though mostly Speakers, Kef, etc. I met Paul Klipsch and a listening and engineering discussion. It was my Never Neverland....Thorens, Technics, etc I spent an inordinate amount of time playing and listening if early 70's through to early 80's. Reel to Reels out the wazoo. Good guys great service. They eventually moved as did I. Thanks for the show...

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!