Replay Records

it’s hard for me to give any record shop a bad review, but I do think this place is a little hidden gem. You have to either go in knowing what you’re looking for, or have some time to really flip through the bins and bins of vinyl. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable, and the pricing is fair. I think any vinyl collector will appreciate this small shop.

I must say that this is the best used record store in CT. it has an excellent selection of LP’s 45’s along with a smaller selection of 8-​tracks, cassettes and 78 rpm records. I have bought many records from here and have sold many records to Doug (the store owner) as well. Like Sam B said Doug really is a walking encyclopedia or musicologist whatever you want to call it because he really knows alot about music.

Nice store for vinyl lovers. Tons of lps, 33s, 45 etc. A great mixture of new and old. Bargain section and a very decent selection of Jazz. Easy access of RT15

Nondescript store in Hamden, CT… decent amount of stock, although I fear the inventory doesn’t turn over much… owner willing to make a deal (my experience, anyway)…will be sure to pop back in on my next visit to central CT…

Good place, worth a stop in if you’re a vinyl collector.

You know the record guy who’s a walking musical history encyclopedia, who knows everything there is to know about prog and kraut rock, who is slightly fearful of technological advances and thinks his scuffed up and faded oldies are each a treasure but he has a heart of gold and will happily bend your ear about anything you’re into and will always remember your name? Yeah, that’s this place. There’s a shop like this everywhere. As a music-​lover, I enjoy spending time with the owners of these types of record shops because I will inevitably learn a thing or three at every stop but I struggle to find something to buy that is appropriately priced or that is to my taste.
Replay charges collector prices for pieces that are in varying conditions and has almost exclusively classic rock and jazz, so not much of what we were looking for on this trip. He was, however, a very nice guy who knows his music, if only of a certain era/​genre. If you’re looking for 50s-​70s rock, this place could be perfect, it just wasn’t for me.

So far, this is the best record store I’ve been to in Connecticut. First of all, the owner is awesome. He’s a guy in his own world, constantly reminiscing about the 70’s, telling me about the music I’m buying. The selection is generally great and the prices are excellent. Unlike Merle’s, you pretty much get what you pay for. Everything is in great condition and often the records have posters and the like inside (Prince’s Controversy poster was a… interesting surprise).
I’ve never had a bad experience here. I always walk away pleased with my purchases and with a little bit more knowledge, like why everyone didn’t give a shit about Sly Stone after There’s a Riot Goin’ On. The only reason why I’m not giving five stars is because I’d like to check out a couple more stores before I give out my final judgment on the best record store in CT.

Doug @ Replay is a good guy, knows what he is selling, his prices are fair and everything that comes out of his store is cleaned and ready to play. I’ve never had a record from Replay skip or give me an issue. If I didn’t find it at a tag sale, flea market or thrift store, Replay is where I’ve bought my records since around 2002 or so, when he was still in West Haven. He moved to Hamden a few years ago, in the Blessings II Go building on Whitney Ave. The parking isn’t great, but it’s fine for the type of business. I mean really, how many people could be in a vinyl record store at once? Anyway, he usually has a good selection from all genres, and if he doesn’t have it he’ll find it for you. Prices are good; most stuff I like comes in at between $ 5 – 8 dollars in NM condition, as compared to Merle’s $ 12.99 for the same thing and hasn’t been cleaned, etc… There is also the collectible stuff which is priced higher, but regardless it’s in excellent condition if it’s over $ 20. The only downside to Replay is the hours are a little off, and sometimes they’re not there during regular business hours, but it’s a small record shop and small price to pay for a small inconvenience. Hey, you could be getting ripped off at Cutlers or Merle’s but why?