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Sonic Boom
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Music & DVDs Music & DVDs [Edit]
782 Bathurst StToronto, ON M5R 3G3
Neighbourhood: Palmerston
(416) 532-0334
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
7 reviews for Sonic Boom
7 reviews in English
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Review from J L.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2012
Not as great as their previous location on Bloor, but nice that they choose to stay in the neighbourhood. I actually like the fact that they moved into the Honest Eds buidling, Honest Eds is awesome!! Sonic Boom (both Annex location and Kenssington Market location) has the best vinyl selection in Toronto hands down. This being said they do mark up the prices somewhat... Recently noticed they have an "essential's" CD selection with titles going for $3. Very cool for those looking to fill in their music collections. Highly recommended.
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Review from Sylvain T.
Bolton, ON
5/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Pretty good selection where you might not find what you're looking for but you'll find something good. I went in once and didn't get what I had intended and the next time I visited those items were there so I guess some days you'll get lucky. The layout makes it pretty easy to peruse although it can get tight. I've found items there that were cheaper than they were at other stores (and not just the used items). Simple location to get to and, of course, it's "cool".
And yes it is not as good as the last location but standing alone it's good enough. -
Review from Dixie Q.
Toronto, ON
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was my first time at this record store. The store's layout is spacious and on one level. The cds are divided by genres, with pop/rock being the first to greet you as you walk in. If you make your way to the far left of the store, you will find dvds and boxed sets. Vinyls are found towards the back of the store and they seem to use the far end as a make shift live music venue.
I enjoyed perusing the cds and discovering albums from perennial favourites. They carry regular releases as well as British releases; and I guess obscure releases, should they get their hands on such.
I am aware most people prefer to buy songs on iTunes; and most music today is geared towards singles, instead of albums, releases. But there was a time when bands (I'm referring to the 90s!) released exceptional albums that it is a joy to own the album and listen to it over and over again.
I definitely discovered potential buys for future trips. -
Review from Derrick C.
2/20/2012
Got suckered into the big signs and catchy exterior as we were driving by. This place is a ginormous store for all things music: cds, vinyls, accessories, clothing, old record players, you name it. There was even a live band setting up to play. It's wonderland for any audiophile.
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Review from Christine E.
Toronto, ON
9/1/2011
I hate change! The old Sonic Boom felt like a Toronto institution where I would spend money on stuff I didn't need when I was drunk and in the Annex. Its interior was weird, wonderful, and lit with harsh, unforgiving fluorescent light that would put a desert 24-hour convenience store in a zombie film to shame. Its basement full of vinyl had slightly better lighting, and lots of nicely organized vinyl. Even if you didn't shop there, you had to appreciate its imaginative, silly window displays - which gave the street tons of character.
But it has moved, so that's that. I went today to buy some records and was pleasantly surprised. I was under the mistaken impression that the store would be in Honest Ed's basement, and wandered around stupidly in search of it. When I finally found it, I discovered that the new space has the same super-high ceilings, same terrifying lighting, same displaced warehouse-y feel that the last one had. It's still under some construction (they were putting up huge chandeliers and shelving), but ready to be patronized.
Everything is on a single level now (no basement for the vinyl), and the space is wide rather than long. I'll miss the somewhat cosier vinyl section of the old location, but this space will make for a better concert venue. Selection seems the same, at least for vinyl - not sure about any changes for CDs, DVDs, or games. I'm still more than willing to get drunk and buy records here! -
Review from Chris P.
I never went to the original location on Bathurst but I've had a solid experience here the couple of times I've visited. I'm not sure if it's the high ceilings, but it feels like the store needs to fill out a bit. Maybe they just need time to settle in to their new location.
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Review from jenna m.
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sonic Boom has relocated to Bathurst Street and is now connected to Honest Eds. I am not particularly bananas about this move. I mean the space is rather large, the inventory and merchandise are equivalent to the previous location, however; the feel is not the same. This new location is actually kind of disheartening. Honest Eds is so tacky and gimmicky and they carry such random products. Sonic Boom had always been this iconic music staple in the annex community and now I am left feeling ambivalent towards my attachment to the store. They still have a large selection of music. I do not care for the fact that they have used vinyl mixed in with new vinyl. I prefer them to be separated. Sonic Boom is now carrying Jensen record players. They are $80 bucks and they have little built in speakers. I have purchased one of these bad boys as an in between record player until I may invest in a proper system. These "record players" are total crap. It is actually unfortunate and depressing that I have to listen to albums on it for now. I am surprised that Sonic Boom would market and sell such a product. The shop keep that served me was insipid and he was wearing a hideous Cosby sweater. He clearly had an early hipster start on Movember and looked like Freddie Mercury reincarnated. I am sorry to be so negative about Sonic Boom, I am just very disappointed. I will still buy from them when I am in the hood but my heart is not in it like it used to be. On a more positive note, they still have in-store live music performances.
