Upstairs Audio & Video in Charleston: What to Expect When You Visit
What Upstairs Audio & Video Sells and Where to Find It
Upstairs Audio & Video is a specialty electronics retailer located in Charleston that focuses on audio equipment, video systems, and home entertainment setups. The store carries both new and used gear, with an emphasis on mid-range to higher-end components for people building or upgrading their sound and video systems. You'll find turntables, speakers, amplifiers, receivers, cables, and video displays—the kind of equipment that matters if you're serious about how your music or movies sound and look.
The store is situated in downtown Charleston, making it accessible if you're already exploring the historic district or nearby shopping areas. Unlike big-box electronics chains, Upstairs Audio & Video operates as an independent shop, which means the staff typically has deeper knowledge of the specific products they carry and can talk through what makes one piece of equipment different from another.
Key Takeaways
- Upstairs Audio & Video specializes in audio equipment and home entertainment systems rather than general consumer electronics.
- The store carries both new and used equipment, so you may find older or vintage gear alongside current models.
- Staff at independent audio retailers can usually explain the differences between components and help you match equipment to your existing setup.
- Visiting in person lets you hear or see equipment before buying, which matters more for audio and video gear than for most electronics.
- Hours and current inventory can change, so calling ahead or checking their contact information before you go saves a trip.
Types of Equipment You'll Find There
The store's inventory leans toward audio components: turntables for vinyl records, speakers in various sizes and price ranges, amplifiers and receivers that power those speakers, and the cables and connectors that tie everything together. If you're setting up a home theater system, you'll find video displays and the receivers that handle both audio and video signals. The mix of new and used stock means you might find vintage equipment from decades ago sitting next to current-year models.
What you won't find is the mass-market consumer electronics you'd see at a big retailer—no phones, laptops, or budget headphones. The focus is narrower and deeper: if you care about the quality of sound coming out of your speakers or the picture quality on your screen, this is the kind of store built for you. If you're buying a gift for someone who just wants something that works, you'd be better served elsewhere.
Why People Visit Independent Audio Shops Instead of Chain Stores
Chain electronics retailers stock popular items and move them fast, but they rarely have staff who can spend time explaining why one amplifier costs twice as much as another, or whether your existing speakers will work with a new receiver you're considering. At an independent shop like Upstairs Audio & Video, the people working there often have personal experience with the equipment and can answer those questions.
You also get to hear or see equipment in action before you buy it. Some audio shops have listening rooms where you can sit down and hear how different speakers sound. That matters for audio gear in a way it doesn't for most electronics—what sounds good in a store demo might sound different in your living room, but at least you get a sense of the character and quality. Video displays are the same: seeing the picture quality on the actual screen beats reading specs online.
What to Bring and Know Before You Go
If you're shopping for equipment to add to a system you already own, bring information about what you have: the model numbers of your receiver or amplifier, the impedance and wattage of your speakers, or the inputs and outputs on your TV. A photo of your setup on your phone works too. This helps the staff recommend equipment that will actually work with what you own.
If you're starting from scratch, come ready to talk about what you want to do: listen to vinyl records, watch movies, stream music from your phone. Tell them your budget and the size of the room you're setting up. The more specific you are, the better recommendations you'll get. Also, ask about return policies and warranties before you buy, especially on used equipment—these vary by item and store, and knowing the terms upfront prevents surprises later.
Pricing and What Affects the Cost
Audio and video equipment varies wildly in price depending on brand, quality, and whether it's new or used. A basic speaker might cost under $100, while high-end speakers or receivers can run into the thousands. Used equipment is typically cheaper than new, but the discount depends on the age, condition, and demand for that particular model. Vintage or rare pieces sometimes cost more than newer equivalents because collectors want them.
The store's mix of new and used stock means you might find a deal on last year's model or a well-maintained piece from ten years ago. It also means prices aren't always clearly marked or standardized the way they are at chain stores. Asking questions about condition, warranty, and return options is normal and expected at this kind of shop.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Call ahead or check their hours before you go—independent retailers sometimes have limited hours or close for inventory. Ask if they have the specific type of equipment you're looking for in stock, especially if you're hunting for something particular or used. This saves you a trip if they don't have it.
If you're planning to listen to speakers or see video displays in action, ask whether they have a demo setup available when you visit. Some days are busier than others, and staff may have more time to spend with you on a slower afternoon. If you're trading in or selling used equipment, ask what condition they need it in and whether they're currently buying that type of gear.
What Happens After You Buy
Once you've purchased equipment, you may have questions about installation or setup. Some audio shops offer installation services for a fee, while others just sell the gear and leave setup to you. Ask whether Upstairs Audio & Video offers this before you buy, especially if you're getting a receiver or speaker system that needs to be integrated with your existing setup. Many people underestimate how much difference proper setup makes with audio equipment.
If something doesn't work the way you expected once you get it home, the return or exchange policy matters. Used equipment especially may have a shorter return window than new gear. Knowing these terms before you leave the store means you can make an informed decision about whether to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know a lot about audio equipment to shop there?
No. The staff at independent audio shops expect customers to have varying levels of knowledge and can explain things in plain language. Bring your questions and be honest about what you don't know. That's what they're there for.
Can I return or exchange something if it doesn't work in my home?
Return and exchange policies vary by item and whether it's new or used. Ask about the specific policy for anything you're considering before you buy. Used equipment often has a shorter return window or may be final sale.
What's the difference between shopping here and buying audio equipment online?
You can hear or see the equipment before you buy, and you get immediate expert advice tailored to your setup. Online shopping is faster and sometimes cheaper, but you can't test the gear first. For audio especially, hearing it matters.
Do they buy or trade in used equipment?
Many independent audio shops do buy or accept trade-ins, but policies vary. Call and ask whether they're currently buying the type of equipment you have and what condition they need it in.
Is the equipment there new, used, or both?
Upstairs Audio & Video carries both new and used gear. The mix changes based on what comes in and what sells. If you're looking for something specific, call ahead to ask whether they have it in stock and whether it's new or used.