Where can I find high-end stereo equipment in NYC?

If you are looking for a high end audio store in NYC, visiting a dedicated audio showroom like In Living Stereo in NoHo allows you to audition premium systems before purchasing. Unlike big-box stereo stores, we offer carefully selected amplifiers, speakers, and turntables designed for a true audio enthusiast experience.

How do I choose the right high-end stereo system for my home?

Choosing the right stereo system depends on factors such as room size, listening preferences, and music genres. An experienced audio specialist can help recommend components that match your listening space and ensure that speakers, amplifiers, and sources work well together.

What makes high-end stereo equipment different from regular audio systems?

High-end stereo equipment is designed to reproduce music with greater accuracy, detail, and dynamic range than standard consumer audio systems. Premium components such as high-performance amplifiers, reference-grade speakers, and turntables are engineered to deliver a more realistic and immersive listening experience.

Where is In Living Stereo located and what are your store hours?

In Living Stereo is located at 2 Great Jones Street, New York, NY 10012, in the heart of NoHo. We are open Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend hours are completely by appointment to ensure dedicated listening session time.

How do I book a high-end audio listening session or appointment?

You can request a private listening audition or equipment consultation by emailing us directly at inlivingstereo1968@gmail.com or calling the showroom at 212-979-1273. We personalize setups for your target systems prior to your arrival.

Does In Living Stereo act as a dedicated headphone store in NYC?

Yes. Beyond full-sized home systems, we serve as a premier headphone store in NYC for enthusiasts, offering high-performance personal audio gear for critical listening.

Rega

Perfect Synergy and Dynamic Fidelity

The Rega Philosophy: Optimizing the Tonearm Partnership

Rega is unique in its approach to cartridge design: every model is engineered to achieve perfect mechanical and electrical synergy with Rega’s own high-performance tonearms (like the RB330). Their focus is on ultra-low mass, maximizing rigidity, and ensuring the stylus accurately tracks the groove to deliver exceptional timing and dynamic clarity. Rega phono cartridges offer a clear, precise, and rhythmically engaging sound, often serving as the best upgrade path for Rega turntables.

Rega Phono Cartridges

$345

The ND3 is the foundation of Rega’s modern moving magnet (MM) lineup. Designed for easy alignment and superb tracking performance, the ND3 is an ideal starter upgrade, delivering clear, precise, and rhythmically engaging sound.

$545

ND5 steps up performance within the MM range, offering enhanced tracking ability and a slightly more refined generator system compared to the ND3, resulting in increased clarity and dynamic resolution.

$795

The ND7 represents the highest tier of Rega’s MM design. It features higher-quality coils and a more complex stylus profile, maximizing detail retrieval and delivering the most authoritative sound possible from a moving magnet design.

$895

Ania is Rega’s entry point into Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridges. It features a highly rigid polymer body and powerful neodymium magnets, offering a dynamic and musically engaging sound with a significant step up in resolution over MM designs.

$1,225

The Ania Pro elevates performance over the standard Ania with a specialized Fine Line stylus. This upgrade provides superior tracking, revealing enhanced transient response, speed, and subtle details in the music.

$2,245

Apheta 3 is Rega’s high-performance MC reference cartridge. It features an ultra-low mass, custom coil assembly and a powerful neodymium magnet structure housed in a rigid, skeletal aluminum body, designed for breathtaking clarity and dynamic precision.

$5,545

The flagship Aphelion 2 represents the pinnacle of Rega’s cartridge engineering. It utilizes the lowest mass generator system and the most tightly matched components, delivering a level of sonic transparency, dynamic range, and imaging precision few cartridges can rival.

Choosing the Right Rega Cartridge

Rega offers both moving-magnet (MM) and moving-coil (MC) cartridges, giving listeners different options for upgrading an analog system. When comparing models, consider your phono stage, tonearm, and whether you want an MM or MC design.

ND3, ND5, and ND7: These moving-magnet models provide options within Rega’s ND range. Compare their stylus designs and specifications alongside your current cartridge and turntable.
Ania and Ania Pro: These moving-coil models have different stylus configurations. Check the exact model specifications and phono-stage requirements before choosing.
Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2: These are higher-tier moving-coil options. Consider their compatibility with your tonearm and phono stage as part of your complete system.
MM or MC compatibility: MM cartridges generally connect to an MM phono input. MC cartridges require a compatible MC input or a suitable step-up transformer, depending on their output.
Tonearm and setup: Check cartridge weight, mounting, tracking force, and tonearm compatibility before purchasing.

Our team can help compare Rega models and identify the specifications that matter for your turntable and phono stage.

Matching a Rega Cartridge with Your Turntable and Phono Stage

A cartridge should be selected as part of the complete analog playback system. Rega cartridges are designed with Rega tonearms in mind, but compatibility should still be confirmed for your specific turntable and cartridge. Check mounting, cartridge weight, tracking force, and the phono stage’s input requirements.

If you are considering an MC model, confirm whether your phono stage has a suitable MC input or whether a step-up transformer is required. For an MM model, check that your phono input and capacitance requirements are appropriate.

Explore our Rega turntables and phono cartridge collection to compare components for your analog system.

Testimonials

What Our Customers Say

    
 
 
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   Alex U. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best stereo dealer in NYC, especially if you’re looking for analog equipment. Steve M. is down to earth and very easy to talk to. He is an industry veteran who really knows his stuff and is full of great advice and options no matter what your budget is.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   J-ray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I first went to In Living Stereo in 2010 or so with a modest budget and walked away with a used Rega P5, new cartridge and a phone stage. Later I got Prima Luna integrated amp then Dynaudio Focus 350 floor standing speakers. Eventually, as time has gone by, I upgraded to a Leben 600x, Leben phonostage and Devore Super Nines.

As I built up my system bit by bit, Steve Mishoe and Steve Cohen have guided me to a place where I am truly satisfied. I can't thank them enough!

They have great taste and can work with any budget. I trust them implicitly and am thankful that a place like this is here in New York City.

Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Larry Ginsberg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a faithful customer of In Living Stereo for over the last ten years and believe it is a must-visit even if you are not a hardcore audiophile.

First, hands down, the store has the best audio equipment in terms of sound realism, price, durability, and aesthetics. (Note that they don't carry video equipment.)

Second, the store is owned and operated personally by Steve M., whose knowledge and attention to detail are unmatched. Steve gives you personal attention, helping you select the best equipment in your price range that meshes and achieves the best collective sound possible. Importantly, Steve doesn't skimp on the details and matches, for example, speaker wires, interconnects, and sound conditioners to complement cartridges to turn tables.

Finally, Steve is an extremely nice and honest individual, singularly focused on making sure you're happy with your purchases for years to come.

As an added bonus, he listens to all types of music -- and is happy to audition the equipment with any music you bring.
  
 
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   andrew lux 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My old amplifier shorted out and stopped working. Every amplifier I had since I was a kid was either a worn hand-me-down, or thrift store finds. I finally have enough money to invest in something nicer. I stoped by In Living Stereo, and Steve showed me a bunch of different options for an amplifier. He was was super helpful with all my questions.

I've never had a good Amplifier despite collecting records for over 20 years. I looked at getting a refurbished vintage amp, but found that most prices were the same as a new one. With Steve's help, I picked up the Rega Brio, and my records have never sounded so good. Even music streaming sounds so much better.

I highly recommend stopping by and talking stereo equipment. You never know just how good your collection can sound.
  
 
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   Andrew Ludke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It's audio nirvana at In-Living Stereo.   You won't find a more knowledgable and passionate group to explore the sonic possibilities.  I am blown away everytime I stop in to listen.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tanner Mahoney 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I walked into In Living Stereo as a beginner audiophile and was greeted by Steve who walked me through various speaker brands and educated me on buying high quality speakers. The store is amazing, a well curated selection and really cool listening rooms. He let me listen to a bunch of the high end speakers on the floor. He ended up giving me a great deal on a floor version of Dynaudio speakers, which are my first pair of high fidelity speakers. Steve was super helpful and FaceTimed me to help me set up the speakers at home. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter McCormick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I purchased two great sounding systems - and learned a ton about hi-fi - from Steve over the years.  It is a joy to listen to records on world class equipment at the In Living Stereo showroom.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was looking for a turntable and a pair of speakers. Steve set up a couple of systems for me to listen to and I was able to compare them (Spendor and Devore speakers). He was knowledgeable and patient.

I also a got chance to listen to the G.I.P. horn speakers. It was like the musicians were in the room with me, they were truly amazing. Too bad G.I.P. is way outside of my price range.  I had a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   A D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve was very helpful in teaching me about stereos and what to look for in audio equipment.

I didn't have a huge budget but it sounded great, even better than I expected!

He showed me the Rega Planar 3 turntable and the Dynaudio bookshelf speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rega Cartridges in NYC

Rega cartridges are designed to deliver precise tracking and strong musical performance within a unified system approach. The following questions address key considerations when selecting and integrating a Rega cartridge into a high-end analog setup.

What makes Rega cartridges different from other brands?

Rega cartridges are designed with a low-mass, high-rigidity philosophy that improves tracking accuracy and musical timing. Their system-based approach ensures strong synergy with Rega turntables and tonearms.

Are Rega cartridges suitable for high-end turntable systems?

Yes. Rega offers both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, making them suitable for a wide range of systems from entry-level setups to high-end analog systems.

Do Rega cartridges require a specific phono stage?

Moving magnet Rega cartridges work with standard MM phono inputs, while moving coil models require an MC phono stage or step-up transformer. Choosing the correct type depends on your system configuration.

What is the difference between Rega ND and Rega MC cartridges?

The ND series uses moving-magnet technology, while the Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3, and Aphelion 2 are moving-coil designs. The two types have different output and phono-stage requirements, so check the specifications of the exact model and your equipment before choosing.

Can I use a Rega cartridge on a non-Rega turntable?

Potentially, but compatibility depends on the tonearm, mounting arrangement, cartridge weight, and setup requirements. Rega’s design approach emphasizes integration with its own tonearms, so confirm compatibility with your specific turntable before purchasing.

Do Rega MC cartridges need a step-up transformer?

Not always. The requirement depends on the cartridge’s output and the phono stage. Some systems have a suitable MC input, while others may require a step-up transformer. Check the specifications for your exact cartridge and phono stage.

What should I check when upgrading a Rega cartridge?

Check compatibility with your tonearm, the cartridge’s mounting and weight, tracking force, and the phono stage’s input requirements. If replacing an existing cartridge, also consider whether the new model requires different alignment or setup adjustments.

Get Started

Consultation on Tonearm Matching and Alignment

Choosing a Rega phono cartridge is about maximizing the performance of your tonearm. Our experts provide detailed consultation on selecting the correct model for your Rega Planar turntable, ensuring precise VTA and anti-skate settings to unlock the full dynamic potential of these exceptional cartridges.

Our team can help you compare Rega MM and MC models, check compatibility with your turntable and phono stage, and review the setup requirements for your chosen cartridge. Bring your current equipment details when arranging a consultation so we can discuss the relevant specifications.

Rega

Perfect Synergy and Dynamic Fidelity

The Rega Philosophy: Optimizing the Tonearm Partnership

Rega Phono Cartridges

Rega ND3

Rega ND5

Rega ND7

Rega Ania

Rega Ania Pro

Rega Apheta 3

Rega Aphelion 2

Matching a Rega Cartridge with Your Turntable and Phono Stage

What Our Customers Say

Consultation on Tonearm Matching and Alignment

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