L.A. HAVENS - Rewind Audio

(Courtesy of Rewind Audio)

Rewind Audio

1041 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles (Echo Park) 213-273-8904

I was on the hunt for a new record player, and the moment I walked through the door of Rewind Audio I knew I was in the right place. The new M. Ward album was being spun on one of the many vintage turntables for sale, and I took it as a sign of their good taste.

Twelve years ago, married couple Jennifer and Oscar Carpinteyro began scouring estate sales for audio equipment. They opened Rewind Audio in 2010 with the intent of keeping e-waste out of landfills by refurbishing and selling pre-owned turntables, amps, receivers, cassette players and instruments at an affordable price.

My vintage turntable purchased from Rewind Audio

A true mom-and-pop store, you're sure to find at least one of the Carpinteyros on hand at all times to answer questions and make suggestions. Oscar walks me through their inventory, explains the pros and cons of every turntable and lets me listen for the difference as each one plays a record. I finally settle on a 47-year-old United Audio Dual 1019 turntable (at a very competitive price with what I've seen on e-Bay), which I am totally in love with now.

Besides offering a wide selection of equipment to purchase, Oscar also does repairs. As he shows me some pieces that people have brought in for him to fix, he shares a story of how the owner of one particular item accidentally dropped her turntable as soon she got home and had to turn right back around and have him fix it again. Remembering details like this about his customers and equipment is a true sign of someone who takes joy in his craft. Both Carpinteyros are passionate about what they do, and it's evident by their five stars on Yelp that the community has noticed.

Hours are Tues, Thurs-Sat: noon-7 p.m.; Wed: noon-3 p.m.