Princeton Record Exchange

This is hands down one of my favorite experiences as a newcomer to Princeton. If you love records, cool vibes, and a huge selection of music. There seem to be nearly every genre and a huge selection of dollar records you can peruse as well as specific artists/ bands. Even obscure underground death metal bands- all to say there are some rare finds here. They also have CD’s! The pricing is really good for the area.

Great place to find vintage and current music selections. Really great selections of an array of different music artist. I definitely found some good to great buys. The nostalgic factor of being in a record store in 2025, especially whem very few exist was a great feeling. The whole music staff was great. Very helpful and knowledgeable about music. You could tell they loved what they do. Who wouldn't want to work in a record shop, but of course most jobs that we lobe don't pay well. And if that's the case. This message is for you the owner of this nice establishment. Your employees show their love of what they do to their customers, so I hope as an owner your compensating them fairly or better than fair. It's not easy finding employees who provide great service and love what they do. When bussiness is good everyone should benefit. 🙏🏾🫶🏽😎

I always come here for my physical music needs. I’m a big vinyl and CD collector so this place has been a big help. My friends are also big music heads so this is always a great stop. Good lighting, music, prices, and staff.

This awesome music store in Princeton has everything. Hidden gems, old school classics, collectors pieces and also new releases. The energy in the store is excellent. The only issue is it takes a while to soft through the LPs as they have a whole section not alphabetized and can be a little long in the tooth to search through.

This place has a lot of good material. So many music/movie items. From cassette tapes to cds and vinyl records. Both a classic and modern day collection. Everything is separated by genre and by alphabetic order. There's rock, metal, classical, grunge, pop, alternative, rap, etc. Then, there's the movie collection. There's a Christmas collection. A Disney collection, separated by the alphabet in order A through Z. A Pixar Collection. A Looney Tunes section. A kids section. They have TV series on DVD. They have Trilogies on DVD. They have 90's movies. And others on DVD. The only reason I took a star off the rating was because they didn't have what my fiancé was looking for and would also not try and order it for him for them to sell it to him. But you can sell things here. You just have to set up an appointment. Waldo is also chilling here, you just have to find him. Where's Waldo!? It's easy to find him actually. Anyway, they have a big selection. All the employees were super nice, receptive, responsive and observant too. All of their hair was phenomenal, if you're into hair. One of the woman's head looks like a peppermint candy. That's what she says she was going for. Awesomeness! Haha! We bought about $85 worth of stuff our very first time here. With no regrets. It's definitely worth a visit. Come check it out!

First time here ! It was full of college kids (Princeton U) . There’s no parking. From what we saw . Luckily there was parking close by. A lot of classic cds . I was lookin for Bad Bunny album but they barely had a Spanish section. A lot of cds in the bottom but it’s so hard to check with a lot of ppl in the way. Probably best not to come on a Saturday . The place looks pretty cool. I bought some cds I had on my eBay list for a little bit more BUT in new condition still seal . So it was def a good buy . I bought 5 cds and spent 31$ .

They still have $1 bins for vinyl and there's some really cool stuff in those bins. Yup, you can walk in with 10 bucks and walk out with 10 vinyl records! (Well, a bit more with tax, but still...a bargain.) Never a scratch on any album I've ever purchased there, even from the bargain bids. The owner is a really sweet guy!

The Exchange has really good selection of groups and CDs that are hard to find. They play excellent music in the store and every one of the employees is helpful and pleasant. My wife and I go every December as part of our Christmas shopping and make a day of it. We will definitely be back again next year. 😊

Gem in Princeton! This is a funky little place with lots of cool stuff. Records, CDs, cassettes, videos, posters, really anything related to music. Everything was priced well or cheap! There were some amazing finds if vinyl is your thing:) Worth a visit!

What an amazing place. Big selection of vinyl, new and old. I could've been there for hours, but I found what I was looking for. I was going to purchase the new version of this album, (The Dave Brubeck quartet, picture posted) the owner saw what I was purchasing and pulled out a used for less than half the price. I was shocked. This is the type of service that makes you wanna go back. Outstanding!! Princeton record exchange is located near a parking garage, which is perfect because the parking in the area is tough. I can't wait to go back

This place is located on Tulane St, North of the campus. I'm really not sure how you can give this place lower than 5 stars. Maybe because the records are not in alphabetical order? The people are friendly and there are many deals to be found, of all genres. 12" singles! Are you kidding me for $1. Yes you need time to search for what you are looking for but whatever you find will be a real deal. This place is great.

I love this store. It is one of the best in the country. Great selection, good value, old school vibe. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Lots of records, CDs, DVDs in every possible category. It is so legendary the BBC featured them on Record Store Day. Dive in! You'll be amazed at what you find! A must stop on any visit to Princeton, plus it is around the corner from Labyrinth Books!

Was so excited to visit the Princeton Record Exchange and I can tell it is definitely extremely popular. It's a pretty large store but it's definitely crammed. There were TONS of people shopping and it made it hard to walk around the store and there definitely wasn't a ton of space to walk around people browsing. I also wasn't totally a fan of how they organized their records. There were some mixed in amongst like cds and it was a bit hard to navigate. I also feel like their prices were a tad higher than what I was use to. It's definitely a cool spot, I liked the overall vibes but I think I am definitely spoiled with my home town record spot and I think they have a much larger variety and better organization. With that being said, I'll be back! It was definitely neat to check out !

I have to admit that I'm spoiled having a deep resource for new and pre-owned physical media so close. Sure, there's Amazon if you enjoy crushed jewel cases and a sometimes buyer beware resale marketplace that can all too easily misrepresent what it is that you think you're buying. The new stuff is up-front but the pleasure is in the back as you peruse a countless array of artists and genres for items you've been stalking or just filling in an old chestnut that got lost in a move. Killing time was never so much fun. Five easy stars.

Huge selection of vinyls, including mainstream and popular artists. All vinyls and CDs were well-organized by genre and artist name. Reasonably priced (around $30-40 per vinyl) and you can even find some vinyls for less than $15. Came on a Monday afternoon when it wasn't too busy. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

A true piece of Princeton history on Tulane St. They have most of the high-demand records in so many different genres. I've been coming here for all my vinyl record needs for the past 8 years, and have never been disappointed. Every single time, I have found the exact record I was looking for, and if I couldn't find it, the staff would help me figure out a way to get it into my collection. Princeton would be incomplete without it, definitely a must-visit for any vinyl enthusiast in Princeton.

The Princeton Record Exchange is a huge store that offers a massive selection of records, cds, movies, and more. This location is simply a must while you're in the Princeton area. My SO and I always make it a point to stop in, and we always leave with at least one thing to take home. They have a diverse collection of music, so you're sure to find something. If you see something there, grab it, because it's most likely a fair price and harder to find elsewhere. Don't spin around in circles, head over and treat yourself to a new record.

My gosh! This place is huge and I always find myself stuck for 15 minutes at the end deciding what I need to put back because I can't afford everything I want.

10 STARS - The most reliable company to sell your record collection to. That's what I did with my 300+ vinyl collection. They valued them and I accepted their offer. Hours later after they had more time to examine them, I got a call that they found a Beatles album worth more than all the others. Again, they made me an off​er and I accepted. Who does that? Princeton Record Exchange. You can trust them!

One of my favorite record stores. Great selection of dirt cheap CDs. Fun to go through the many New Arrivals record bins and prices are generally good on those too. Well worth the parking challenges in Princeton. Go early during the week if you can to avoid crowds. (Pro tip: If coming from points north, ignore Google Maps directions to take US 1 from Exit 9 and stay on the NJ Turnpike to Exit 8. Take Route 133 to Route 571 which goes almost all the way into the town of Princeton. It's longer mileage-wise, but you'll avoid 16 miles of truck traffic and red lights on Route 1.)

Great selection and reasonable prices. Super helpful and knowledgeable staff. If you're sensitive to dust just be aware it can get dusty in there sometimes but I guess that's bound to happen when you buy used things.

Known as prex for short, they have managed to be one of the few bigger CD stores still around. There are other smaller stores around and the vinyl comeback has helped. While online and media services like Spotify have not entirely helped prex, prex has a selection, look, vibe. Shirts and stickers for coolness, and it is a staple of the area and arguably the region or nation for CDs and DVDs too. They also sell and communicate online which could be making the difference too. A visit if you love looking at physical CDs, DVDs, or Vinyl and worth getting something for the road or home.

Can't believe I haven't left a review before now. What can I tell you about PREX? An absolutely huge store overflowing with music. Hundreds of thousands albums. New and used. Everything is well marked. Don't always agree with some of the genres in their organizing but taking a few moments to peek in the other sections usually results in a bigger stack going home with me. Started shopping here way back in the early 80s when they were at their previous location. When my daughter and I started collecting albums again, we made a day trip to Princeton so I could show her. Boy was I in for a shock. No more little store with tens of thousands albums. Place is a small warehouse jam packed with memories. Many day trips later I still come out of there every time with a stack. Great place. Great staff. I know I will be back again and again and....

This store is always a vibe and has an amazing selection of vinyls, though it does get pretty crowded sometimes (just shows how much it is loved). I will say the only negative about Princeton Record Exchange is that 90% of the times I want to go to this store I realize I have already taken an edible and therefore can't drive.

dont find my most want band cd ，but i find some surprise ，great shopping experience。

Amazing variety of vinyl from used to new! It's too good.... Been the same stellar record store since I was in college in the early 80s

This place is awesome! I came in without knowing what to expect and didn't expect much with the music that I like but, I was wrong. They truly have something for everybody. Prices were surprisingly really good too. The staff at the check out counter were very friendly. I definitely recommend visiting if you like music and come when you have a lot of free time because personally I didn't want to leave!

Aside from parking being abysmal, though it's Princeton so it's expected, I brought some of my mother in laws records from the 50s in but the guy there told me they wouldn't even take them. Not really surprising, but sad that older music isn't all appreciated.

Amazing store if you are looking for any collector items. They have a great selection of everything, DVD, CD, vinyl, LCD you name it , anything retro. Staffs are friendly and very helpful. Street parking only

Wow! In my old age, I've really come to appreciate just what a great store this is! My routine with the store...for God knows how long...has been to hook up with an old friend and travel here about once a year. When I wrote the initial review, it was probably the 1st time I had ventured to the store (and the town) on my own. The last time I visited (with my friend) was pre-Covid. In other words...I've come to really like Princeton since I first traveled here on a high school "field trip" as a teen, but I don't come here all that often. But...that's destined to change. I don't particularly like buying my DVD's on Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble, especially when it comes to foreign movies. And the only comparable store to the Princeton Record Exchange that I can think of...Spin Me Round in PA...has a non-existent selection of foreign movies. It's that which prompted my latest solo visit to Princeton (yesterday). I'm somewhat anal-retentive in my movie viewing habits. One week, I'll watch an American "classic" I haven't seen (although sometimes I'll settle for a decidedly "non classic" film). The next week, I'll watch a foreign film I haven't seen. The 3rd week, a horror movie. Foreign movies, I've learned, can be tough to come by. If you buy them on Amazon, or at Barnes & Noble, they can be prohibitively expensive. And the selection isn't always the best. This week was "foreign movie" week for me, and...well, I had run out of foreign movies on my "to be watched" pile. Where to go? The obvious answer came quickly to mind. Where else but Princeton? According to their website, their hours have changed, Covid protocols are being followed (in other words, you gotta wear a mask to enter the store, and you have to maintain your distance from others), and only 25 people will be admitted at any one time. I arrived early. They weren't packed (I had feared they might be). Outside of everyone in the store wearing a mask, and maintaining their "social distancing," nothing much has changed. Did I find my foreign movie? Actually, a bunch of them. And a horror film. "Rage of the Mummy." Am I expecting the Mummy movie to be good? No. But if it's crappy...I only spent $6 on it, and won't feel much regret in tossing it after watching. And a tip of the hat to nostalgia...I was able to get a DVD copy of "Phantasm," which I haven't seen since it was first released. Will it be as good as I remember it? Probably not, but I didn't break the bank purchasing it, so who cares? I also bought a Moody Blues CD, 2 Stooges CDs I was unfamiliar with (and I'm a dedicated Stooges fan), a Popul Vuh CD soundtrack from Herzog's "Nosferatu," and 2 CDs of classical music. All of that, for under $100. You just can't beat that. In my excitement, I missed a Ramones CD and an early Rolling Stones one, both for an astonishingly modest price tag. Maybe next time. The check out experience was friendly, pleasant and efficient. They still have a bin for Moby Grape CDs without any Moby Grape CDs actually contained within, but...what the hell...if that's the only deficiency of the Princeton Record Exchange, it's one I can live with. I ventured up the street to Labyrinth Books, but they had "curbside pickup" only. On my way back to my car, I passed 3 barbers sitting on the sidewalk, discussing the attractiveness of the women on the TV show "Little Women of Atlanta." One guy said (I'm paraphrasing), "Some of them are hot. But you can't really admit that publicly. It would be like admitting you find fat women hot." Hopefully, they're better barbers than they are commentators on American popular culture and women. You can't make this stuff up, folks. As I mentioned in my initial review, I'm not thrilled about the ride down 206 South through Somerville, Hillsborough, Montgomery, or my ride back up 206 North, through Montgomery, Hillsborough, Somerville. The configuration of the road has been changed somewhat (I'm not sure if its a temporary alteration due to construction or not). The ride down was uneventful (flat, bleak countryside alternating with ugly strip malls and gas stations), but on my way back, a major traffic collision had occurred. Of course, a collision could happen anywhere, anytime...but it doesn't do anything to decrease my lack of enthusiasm for traversing that route. But...you know what? I'm going to bite the bullet and do just that, much more often than I have in the past. In fact, I'm going to make my "once a year" pilgrimage to the store my "once every other month" pilgrimage, with friends or solo. That's a bold statement for an anal-retentive neurotic who doesn't like driving much (especially on Rt. 206) to make, but I'm making it! Princeton Record Exchange has always been a great store, but I've come to realize in my maturity (or decrepitude) that its level of excellence is unsurpassed. If you're into records, CDs, DVDs, Blue-Rays...this is the pinnacle. It's Mecca. It's the best there is, anywhere.

Records, CDs, tapes, DVDs, they have it all. It's one of my favorite places to wander through when I am in town. But mostly for the DVDs. I got all of my favorites here: When Harry Met Sally, Billy Madison, all of the ones that, all though I never watch via DVD anymore, I refuse to giveaway. A lot of the DVDs are insanely cheep and I am sure I never paid more than $7 for any of them. There are some pricer things (like DVDs that are still $20+ somehow), but you can always find a gem here. To be honest, I don't have a record player, there are no vinyls on my wall and I'm the least trendy person when it comes to music, but I love browsing this store still. Staff seems friendly and are always at the counter to help if need be. I brought my parents here on a day trip to Princeton, and I am pretty sure they were in heaven. My dad, who still uses CDs got a couple of new ones for his car collection and spent longer than I have looking through the aisles. This is definitely a must visit when you're walking through Princeton, even if just for a bit.

Pro: A treasure trove for vinyl record seekers, CD enthusiasts, and practically all audiophiles! Princeton Record Exchange boasts a large selection of 12" LPs and a smaller cache of 45 singles. One can add to their record collection both new and used albums. The real gem, however, is the ability to dig in the crates and find some used albums--many in great condition--for cheap! If you are a "music archaeologist" who isn't afraid to dig in the dirt, this is your place! Cassettes and Blu Ray also available... Con: It can get pretty crowded in the aisles. Be ready to navigate around your fellow shoppers. Also, the new LPs are a bit pricey. Bottom Line: Visit and find your buried musical gems today!

I finally checked these guys out after years and years (39 to be exact) of hearing about them. The hype is real. On a Saturday in July, when everyone should have been at the shore, this huge place was PACKED with people in the afternoon. Wow. I haven't seen a packed LP place on a Saturday afternoon since like, the seventies. I went right to Jazz. And wow! Hundreds of rare, out of print, Mosaic Jazz Box sets. Hundreds of them. Oh my. Good ones. Great ones. Ones you needed to have. Their new LPs weren't the usual cra*. They only had the tastiest most select new stuff, rare, blues, unreleased, alternate takes, et al. They have everything--videos, vinyl, cds, dvds, anything and everything. An astonishing retail establishment. Worth further investigation. Any serious record collector must stop here.

Since 2017, I returned to Princeton Record Exchange, for the simple reason, it's affordable, good quality, good for the dollar you spend, and you don't have to wait for the mail for a CD, DVD, or LP, and your credit card is safe. I have brought part of my old LP's that whatever I can buy them again in better condition, wrapped wise as a gift. Besides you have everything you need in the store and they will order if possible, anything you want within reason, without question, and will advise you, which LP's are, " will be a classic! ". Their knowledge is better than most, and will tell you if anything is scratched. I love music, especially singing it, not in the letter G, but close enough, so from one satisfied customer you can't go wrong! With the PRE!

PREX has been an institution for as long as I can recall. They have an amazing selection, a comfortable vibe for digging, and super friendly customer service. The owner is invested in things big and small, and that dedication shows. Much love to an independent business that can kick so much arse, it's not easy to do.

Truly a doyenne of the East Coast record stores and the classiest enterprise in the music business within at least 2000 miles (possibly more). Jon Lambert, the proprietor, is the gentleman extraordinaire and an expert of the highest caliber in his field. If you walk out of Princeton Record Exchange disappointed or empty-handed, you didn't try hard enough. Alas, the store does not serve caviar and champagne, a minor gripe I am sure will be remedied in the shortest order :-))) In short: nothing but highest and the most extravagant and utterly uncritical praise. Kudos and hosannas galore!

I wrote a review of this store ten years ago. Here's an update about a recent interaction with them. I have a collection of hundreds of music CD's, mostly rock, blues, and R&B titles, some quite rare, and complete discographies of many artists. I have transferred my music library to portable hard drives, so I offered to sell my CD collection to Princeton Record Exchange. I contacted them by email, and they sent me their boilerplate letter asking for a list. I sent them a list of every artist with the number of titles each. They replied by email encouraging me to send a more detailed list of every CD that I wanted to sell. I took that to mean that they had some interest, so I spent a whole day compiling that information. Their response was to offer me 25¢ per CD. They resell CD's for at least $2 each, so that would be a 700% profit. Good on them. This is a good store to seek out used vinyl, CD's, and DVD's. However, if you are thinking about selling to them, you'll probably spend more in gas to get there then they will pay you. I really wish they had been more up front with me about the 25¢ so as not to waste my time. Apparently, when they say they "recycle" your CD's, they mean it literally. No one pays me anything for my empty soup cans, either. I ended up donating most of my CD's to the Cranford public library.

I've shopped here since I was a teenager, and even into my adulthood as I worked a few steps away from here. But when that job ended and digital music and Amazon became a thing, I thought I had less of a need to browse their shelves and bins. A buddy who is into vinyl suggested we stop in while we were nearby getting a bite. I'm really glad he did. Music lovers can really lose track of time in here, even if you are just looking at CDs. While many sections are organized by genre and alphabetical, newer arrivals just need to be looked through willy nilly. That's where you discover items you didn't even know you needed or wanted. In my own browsing I found several items I wanted, and the prices were very good too. I ultimately bought just one item, and it wasn't even what I was looking for. In the boxed cd section I found a complete Byrds anthology. 4 full discs plus booklet for $7.99! Leaving with my score I remembered how I felt in my teens, carrying out the iconic yellow plastic bag that contained albums of older bands who I was just discovering. I'm going to make a point of shopping here more, partly for the bargains and improvement of my collection, and partly for the sheer nostalgia of flipping through items and coming across something that speaks directly to you.

Great record store! A solid collection of both used and new vinyl. I found some $1 and $3 records with beat up sleeves, but the vinyl is totally playable. They also appeared to have CDs, tapes and DVDs for sale as well. If you are in the area, definitely worth the trip!

I have been patronizing the Princeton Record Exchange for the past 20 years - first as a local college student, later as an audiophile planning to launch a DJ service, and currently as a professional mobile DJ. The selection of CDs and vinyl LPs is eclectic and super deep. I enjoy shopping for jazz, international music and soul/R&B in particular. The prices on the used stock are incredible. The store is well-organized by musical genre. While browsing, there's typically a funky song playing in the background - just like there should be in a record store! I encourage all music lovers to patronize this awesome independent record store. DJs of New Jersey and beyond - you need to check out the Princeton Record Exchange!

Once you go to this place, you're in heaven. They have a lot of music and movies and some hard to find stuff and this place is just AWESOME!

Best Record, CD & DVD shop you will ever see. Support the independent record store because they are a dying breed unfortunately. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a record store. I met my wife here over 20 years ago!!! I have two kids because of the Princeton Record Exchange! Their pricing is amazing and the stock turns over drastically day to day let alone week to week. I highly recommend you check this gem of a store located right in downtown PTON!

The Mecca of music collecting in New Jersey, and an undisputed place for its trade, attracting local Princetonians to far travelers across the US, Princeton Record Exchange is one of the last vestiges for a waning LP/record business to thrive (at least in America). The location is tucked away between the thriving retail districts of Nassau & Witherspoon St, but it's easy to find in one of the inner roads. Inside, the space boasts a wide arrange of albums, vinyls, and DVDs, as well as a certain amount of disc based games from contemporary video game consoles. Of course, a trade off is that there's not enough space to comfortably walk without stepping on other people's toes (figuratively). Still, the collections are immense! From new releases & some that are advertised by their social media, to bargain hunting, they have almost everything you can think of, even duplicates in case if stock runs low. Genres can range from classic rock, to old school country, hip hop, a select few foreign releases, funk, jazz, whatever you can think off, they have it. Most are used, but a few can be factory sealed & new, best for collectors willing to pay that premium. The cheapest an LP or Cd would be is 1$, and with "fair" conditions, while new/contemporary LPs would hover between 20-40$, and new boxsets (like the latest Bruce Springsteen 90s compilation of David Bowie 80s compilation & most Beatles boxes) would hover above 200$, and with a few trinkets thrown in from the record companies and/or Princeton Record Exchange. Pretty straightforward, excellent catalogue/inventory, just browse a bin until you see what you want (subcategorized into folders, certain artists get their own larger collection). Tons of used LPs uncategorized would be places in lower bins, most of these are dirt cheap. To bring in a healthy dose of used inventory, Princeton Record Exchange offers a competitive rate for used media, even large scale collections or memorabilia, whether it's in cash, or % in store credit. YMMV (your mileage may vary) on that, but my visit (10/21/2018), they've temporally halted that due to an influx of content, and would restore it promptly. My experience was mostly positive, and this wasn't the first time I've been here, since my first visit included buying new Madonna LPs and "near new" quality LPs like the Immaculate Collection, to gift away, but since my birthday's around the corner, time to treat myself to some LPs, and I don't own a record player, but hey, I can always look at it haha (until I actually can buy a record player). Went in, checked my bags, and began browsing, hoping to look for my favorite releases (Jazz, Old Rock), and first stumbled upon Phil Collins' 2nd album in used condition and at a good price, next up was Genesis' Invisible Touch (used), still had a good texture in terms of album art (the hand had its feels), and last, took a bit of digging in the bargain bit, but found Kenny G's Duotones. Rang up my purchase which was less than 10$, received my bag vack and left, pretty excited for what I've brought, and hopefully an incentive to come back. In conclusion, if you're interested in collecting old LPs, restocking your own collection, or selling off your content, PRE is the place to be. Fortunately bargain hunters aren't out of luck here. Hopefully I'll return soon enough and uncover more content I've missed last time! Until next time!

Great place to fine old CDs, cassettes and record albums. At really good prices. I found a couple CDs that I never knew existed re: a musician. They also have a wide variety variot

I went to the Princeton Record Exchange today for the first time with a friend who had been there before, and I can't say enough good things about the establishment. I brought one CD that I wanted to sell to them, and was told they were unable to purchase it due to scratches. This proves that Princeton Record Exchange values quality above all else. I then had the opportunity to spend time browsing and picking out CDs for purchase. As a fan of Jazz music, I was pleased to see an excellent selection at prices that won't be matched anywhere. For the most part, they carry music by established artists as opposed to lesser-known ones, with exceptions. What impressed me was how many rarer albums by the aforementioned established musicians they offer. I should also add that they sell music of just about every genre. As a kid, I would go to J&R Music World in NYC, and felt I'd never find a suitable replacement for that store when they closed shop. Princeton Record Exchange has filled that void for me. I will definitely be returning.

It is a nice place with good selection of items. But I did not get any help and it was a bit crowded for me in such a tight space. I think this place is great if you know what you want but it is hard to browse all that if you don't know.

Princeton Record Exchange - a well-known record store in Jersey and a very good one, but just not my one of my favorites. And I'll tell you why. --- 1. I get really claustrophobic in there. While there are good finds to be found, from all types of genres, I need to take breaks in between going through stacks or else I'll burst into some hysteric fit. --- 2. The ventilation is not so good in the space, so I like to walk outside and, you know, to take in oxygenated air deep into my lungs (as they've been deprived for the past 20 minutes or so while inside). --- 3. The store can easily get crowded if too many people go in at once. It gets to the point where you're doing the two-ships-pass-in-the-night move while trying to move from one end of an aisle to another. --- 4. People will be laying on the floor or sitting down on the ground looking at records or DVDs stored under the stacks, racks, and shelves, so you'll be playing a weird game of Twister as you try to move through the store. --- 5. Prices are OK. Not a rip off, but nothing that elicits a "Wow! What a find!" or a "For real?! Yes!!" Here's what is really GREAT about the store - the people who work there. I've never encountered a staff person with a stank attitude or that hated life or was not helpful. Everyone fortunately has been friendly to me and been knowledgeable about music. It's not my favorite record shop, but I can see why it is a favorite for some people and how it could possibly become yours.

Good selection given its suburban location. I completely understand that the store can only purchase items that they can sell. Great for crate crawling, hit or miss for specific titles. Once in a while I strike gold and blow a paycheck here. love supporting local businesses. If they could make Record Store Day more efficient that would be bonus. Good luck PREX!

Amoeba records is a classic. Buuuuuuuuuuuut classic this! Princeton Record Exchange can out-dance Amoeba anyday. PRE can bust out moves and tunes for such crazy prices that Amoeba would have to dust off that shoulder and just walk away. Amoeba would get serioulsy SERVED if it had to compete with Princeton Record Exchange. I grew up with PRE, so like Bonnie am probably a little biased, but I can say with whole-heart - that PRE is an original. It takes a beautiful group of people with different loves of all kinds of music to create a strong second-hand record store. PRE has such a superb following with such diverse tastes, for such a long period of time now - that the gems in this place are everywhere. It glimmers. All sorts of people wander in - trying to sell back CD's, records, videos, and DVDs. There are no pretensions. They have respect for everybody's music choices. "Next.... Mariah Carey - sweet.....Yanni.....uh nice.....Tom Jones...classic.....Kenny G ....uh.....is this yours (ok maybe a liiiiittle pretentious. But we can sum it up to taste....and let's be honest here - Kenny G was my dad's) PRE is like rummaging through your grandparents' basement, it's slightly dingy, and the dust may stick to your fingers, but you have no qualms about plopping yourself down, inches between the black leather soles of a punk/rocker and the leather wedges of a well groomed "sorority-ish" girl to burrow away in the big bargain CD and video crates. It is here, where I first began my video and foreign film DVD collections. Scooping up piles of classics like The Mirror has Two Faces, Zoolander, Animal House, Detroit Rock City, Sex Y Lucia, and more. Prices are so cheap that it's a great opportunity to branch out and try new genres of movies and music. Of course, sometimes PRE's magic is so alluring and many a friend that has accompanied me here - can testify to it's hypnotizing powers; that you end up buying lame crap: Old 90's pop, Whitney Houston singles, and and early 80's and 90's soundracks That at the end of the day - you're ready to trade it right back. If you're ever anywhere near this store - you owe it to music to try it out. The music gods will smile kindly upon you (PRE is blessed) and will guide you towards rows of music nostalgia. There'll be some sweet music at the end of it - - I'd even bet my used Jerky Boys 2 CD on it.

This is an awesome record store in Princeton, and I've been dying to go here for years! They have a ton of vinyl of all types of music genres here. You are bound to find something you either wanted or didn't think you wanted at all there. They also have a crazy selection on movies. I found a vast amount of obscure titles, and I finally found Cemetery Man on DVD! Be warned, your wallet will be extremely light after visiting here.

I can't think of a more appropriate place to unleash your inner music geek than PREX. Hell, even if your music geek is out and proud, you can always gussy it up a bit by stopping in and checking out the wares. Like Michael E, I was bummed at how disorganized the store was on a recent visit. It looked like someone shook the place up like a snowball and then left all the merchandise to fall randomly onto the shelves. So boo for that. Its saving grace, however, is the sheer size and selection of the vinyl and CD's. Whether you're into Serge Gainsborough, LCD Soundsystem or Peaches & Herb, you will quiver with excitement. You can even pick up a turntable while you're at it. Now all you will need is a ironic or obscure DJ name, a MySpace page, some sunglasses and a nicotine habit and you're in business. Crap, I totally just described myself, didn't I? Oh well, the point is this: Princeton Record Exchange. Go there. If you play your cards right, you could be hobnobbing it with Samantha Ronson and Lindsay Lohan by Passover. And no, "hobnobbing it" is not a euphemism for sex (at least this time).

To Jonathan L.: I was one customer who complained about your price stickers, when you changed the type of price stickers you used you even took the time to reply to my review. I stopped in today after seeing your Instagram posting about just having purchased 3,000 Rock albums and bought thirteen mostly Byrds related albums. I like to come home and look over what I bought, read the liner notes and remove any stickers. I was pleased...I was impressed! All thirteen peeled off without a problem including the two Folkways Woody Guthrie albums, I've found these type of rough paper covers often tear when a sticker is removed, but not today, not with your new price stickers! I'd like to publicly thank you as a record collector for listening to your customers. Of course doing so is good business but deserves acknowledgement all the same. Based on this I've upped my stars from three to four and am happy to say that your shop and I will see more of each other from now on!

I once brought a rare LP to Princeton Record Exchange and they told me it wasn't worth anything. I listed the record on EBay and people got into a bidding war over it and I made quite a bit of money.

This is one of the greatest record stores on earth and a gem of modern society. The only problem is that I cant spend too much time in here or Ill spend too much money! They have Cds, Lps, DVDs, and blu-rays stacked floor to ceiling. You could spend all day searching the store (and many do!). You can come in here with an idea of what you might want to find and find about 20 other things along the way you didn't even know you wanted. They always play great music and you can discover new things yourself. This store is amazing!!!!

WOW WOW WOW!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! Easily 5 stars or more, without a doubt!!!! What a brilliant selection of used CD's!!!! This is the best record store I've been in the East Coast, hands down!! I can spend hours here!! Reminded me of Aaron's and Rhino Records in L.A., you can find almost all your favorite indie bands' CD's!! Digging through the pile of "budget CD" section was so fun and exciting because a lot of them are around $2.99 and you find lots of great albums which are no longer available! I've found a really rare imported unreleased tracks of The Jesus and Mary Chain CD for $8.99!!! Woohoo!!! And besides the indie/alternative music, their unbelievable classical/opera CD section will blow you away!!! You can almost find any opera at such an amazing price!!!! I bought a double CD set of Verdi's "Nabucco" for only $7.99 and Jose Carreras' recitals for only $2.99!!! The only thing I didn't find was Massenet's "Thais", but his other works like "Don Quichotte", "Manon", and "Werther" were on sale. PREX rocks!!! I would've spent more if I had stayed longer!!! Check it out when you are in Princeton....so worth the trip!!

This is my absolute go-to for vinyl records. It makes the hour-plus drive to Princeton from Philadelphia worth it. The selection is simply unbeatable. I can't stress this enough. On multiple occasions, I've lost myself in their rows and rows of albums, each one better than the last. I'd rate their prices at moderately fair, once in a while having what I'd consider a bargain. With them being such an institution, they seem to always know what the current market values are and they price accordingly. I never feel ripped off going there. Additionally, everyone working there clearly loves their job. Either that, or they do a good job of tricking the customers that they do. Not only are they willing to help look for something or provide suggestions, every interaction I've ever had or witnessed there usually involved an employee legitimately excited to talk music with the customers. It's that kind of community vibe that I love and I feel is missing from so many other record shops. Princeton Record Exchange has been around for nearly 40 years. They aren't just some shop that popped up to get in on the new vinyl revival, they've been doing this for a very long time. They know their stuff, and as long as they keep doing what they're doing, they'll continue to be here for even longer.

Many compliments to Princeton Record Exchange and Thomas, the appraiser for classical music. After my brother died, we wanted to find a "home" for his vast collection of several thousand classical music CDs. Thomas was knowledgeable, professional and always had time for us. My husband and I had to make many trips to Princeton because we have a small car and Thomas always confirmed our appointments in advance and was gracious in handling this collection. If we could give more than five stars, we would do so.