Skylabs - Vintage Stereo Store Tour!

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 👍

[@bobc8649]

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

[@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!

[@stuartshannon8141]

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

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

You FOOL‼️

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@SurnaturalM]

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

[@drsbranch-wn2vx]

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

[@FRUITNERD]

Hi Kevin, after watching this video today I must say that you sir are a class act! We are pretty close in age and I can tell you we are like-minded. Although I do not know you or your father, I want to tell you to stay strong and get well soon Ken!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeanderamee488]

Your videos are amazing! I’ve been watching for some time! Your laid back style is great 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

Excellent store, Kevin! Your videos are always enjoyable.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@millopguy]

The Mike Reno bit! 😂

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol, soo goooood. It's always funny

[@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!

[@markfx12]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@johncrawford6992]

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

[@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! 😢

[@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!

[@MrWallybones]

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

[@dogratco]

At 0:31, that turntable with the dust cover looks a lot like my old JVC VL-5 that I shall forever regret giving to my brother.

[@tomdowns9616]

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

[@Red-yx5yo]

I have a Pioneer 737 looks like the 636. I had repaired and it is one of my main systems these days. It just plays nice.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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

[@travisensley]

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

[@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.

[@flynow5614]

John Grado is the best in the bizz.

[@wadd58]

WOW....better than any candy store !!

[@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!

[@saloncaruso3701]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks so much

[@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.

[@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!!

[@vulgarninja9]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@johnstump2433]

Wishing you the best of luck with your surgery 🤞🏼

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@2954sf]

Nice tour down memory lane Kevin

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I’m going there for my holidays 😂

[@jasonblakeley3499]

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

[@grouchiaintsain2592]

Hello my name is Johnny AKA Crouch paw I was planning to come out in the beginning of next month I'm sorry to hear about your surgery coming up hope it isn't too difficult maybe we'll move it to the middle of the month but I will call first I like your wit and demeanor I think we would get along fine good luck with the surgery

[@VVT4ME]

I grew up with a Philips 212 turntable! Im in the market for a TT, i wish i was in your area so I could come take a look 🙂 The green touch controls were magical to me as a kid. It was hooked up to my dad's Pioneer SX-939 and a set of JBL L100s on speaker-A living room and a set of 4311bs on speaker b in dads den. I still own the 4311s. ❤️

[@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 ❤

[@slowpenguin1]

GREAT VIDEO! I am in lust with your shop . Good luck with your surgery and best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[@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.

[@tomhalverson6710]

I had the same surgery done 8 years ago, you wont be sorry well worth it

[@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,.

[@Leningrad_Underground]

I wish there was hundreds of like buttons.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks

[@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! 👍

[@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

[@Sunrayman123]

BOSS tour! My birthday is...123. January 23rd....heh,heh,heh

[@animalcorvair]

just got my akia 635d working no record take a guess what was bad,,,,now me an my boy are rebuilding a teac a 5500...what fun lol i have two

[@ROLLMEAWAY]

Gravely Brewing Co, 514 Baxter Ave, Louisville, Kentucky has a wall of vintage stereo equipment as part of their decor. Don't know if they work or if they're wired to play but it was sure fun to look at!

[@ripjones5294]

I was holding my own, up until the Bathroom -- lost it. Five toilet brushes....🤣 Truly enjoyable installment. Sorry to hear about surgery, but you will be fine. Take Care.

[@skylabsaudio]

Good man, Rip! Glad you got the jokes :)

[@ripjones5294]

@@skylabsaudio -- I forgot to mention this go-around, The BEST "Museum Artifact" is the awesome Tube Caddy on the top shelf.

[@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!

[@markparker7778]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Miohunter444]

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

[@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 . . .

[@PRAIRIEWELDER]

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

[@hhvictor2462]

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

[@michaelduffee6402]

Great tour. I really enjoy 80s and 90s gear. In terms of value and sound, I have picked up some great Adcom gear and Yamaha pieces for a fraction of the cost of the 1970s classic receivers.

[@AmirAmir-ue6ld]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@jidejoda4520]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@luckytech7186]

It's funny how you mentioned the smell at the end. I love the smell of a vintage stereo receiver after playing it for about a half hour and walking back into the room to turn over the record. It's a great smell that brings back memories of the past. Flipping the switch, hearing the click, turning the volume knob,dropping the needle, and the smells are all part of the experience we love with the music.

[@skylabsaudio]

I thought about putting a Jimmy Johns "free smells" sign on the front door, lol

[@quiksr20]

What an awesome tour and video, dont ever sell those lamps...I consonantly hunt for mid century modern lamps for my basement.. Great video tour... I hope to make it out to the shop one day... Great community!

[@andrewforsythe7240]

Great tour of a beautiful store. Thanks.

[@dandinhofer9240]

We want more! Where's the hidden stash? More G Sansui and SA/SX Pioneer as well as Luxman 70's receivers. Anything embossed Kenwood is good stuff! Inquiring minds need food!

[@skylabsaudio]

Lol!

[@janglyriff]

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

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@bifff8433]

Loved the tour. Thanks.

[@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!

[@user-zd3vk9kw5s]

Perfect - Just Perfect.

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@robertsuszek2327]

Thanks for the tour, be well.

[@johnstump2433]

Very cool😎

[@stephenmiracle5196]

Thanks, Really cool.

[@michaeladams8772]

Wow! Great video. Thanks.

[@paulv22]

I really wish there was a store like this near me. Also, I agree on Kenwood. More than most companies, they had a wide gulf between their great stuff and not so great stuff. Also, good luck on the surgery!

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you!

[@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

[@LynnKorte-ve4qf]

I got 2 pairs of vega at15s ,hooked up to 2 crowns xli1500s,kenwood eq,yamaha preamp,they sound ready nice and the eq fills in nicely. These pro Newer a/b Crown amps are extremely quiet and have lots of deep sounding reserve the Vegas love to eat from, you can hear and feel ,without driving those vegas loud or being play too loud breaking your ear drums ,as you know what I mean, while driving those 4 ohm thirsty AT15s Vegas,I don't have to play them loud,but only at medium volumes ..They are very moving now ,and in the early years ,i couldn't afford to drive those speakers correctly the way they were designed to be ,in bigger amps.I was missing so much then.You have lots of nice stuff and collectibles for sure.