Sonic Selection

april0528_sonicboom.jpg
This past winter, on a particularly FRIGID afternoon, my headphones SNAPPED in half from the cold. It was a sad, sad day. I started carrying books only on my subway ride. Now that spring has sprung though, headphones are back, and so has my need for new CDs... so it's off to SONIC BOOM.

Located on Bloor Street West (next to the Bloor Cinema), Sonic Boom is not your average used CD shop. With their policy of buying everything (even if it's a quarter they give you for that MC Hammer album) they also, in turn, have everything.

The location is huge (I think it used to be an Arnold's or BiWay or something) and the selection spans all genres with CDs, LPs, cassettes, and DVD's available. You can find some great deals on used discs always under $10 and even pick up some new ones in the same trip.

Don't be surprised if you get addicted to it either. With new "just arrived" shelves updated every day, you might find yourself joining the army of click click clicking music seekers on a near daily basis. (If you don't get the 'click' reference, visit -- you will.)

Finally, as pictured below, the walls are covered with vintage instruments, turntables, speakers and posters. While they won't sell you the vintage peraphernalia, you can buy the posters (some autographed) so have a look around you if the new apt needs something to cover up the bad wallpaper.

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Reader Reviews and Comments

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awesome pic! as always;)

such a great store, found a 'Spice Girls Sing-Along' album there for 7 bucks! karaoke at my place! hahahaha

Posted by: stung at April 28, 2005 3:13 PM

Ah Yes, I'm usually in there for their DVD selections. I recently picked up "Chicken Run" there for 12 bucks.

But I must say, they don't have everything as I guess no one wants to let go of their copy of the Chappelle show.

Posted by: Christine at April 28, 2005 3:43 PM

hi tanja,
i'm sorry but i will have to disagree completely on this one. sonic boom is a rip-off. they charge waaaay to much for new cds, and give a quarter for decent stuff just because they have a copy. even the used discs are over priced ($10 for a buddy holly disc i got at sam's for $4.99). sure it's good to unload garbage cd's (scratches and what not), but i wouldn't spend any money in there. serious cd exchangers beware.

better go across the street to flash and crash, THE best used cd store in the city by far.

Posted by: Josh at April 29, 2005 1:26 AM

Well, I'm definitely not suggesting it as a place to sell... that's for sure. 'Cause honestly, a quarter isn't worth anything that could make a good coaster.

My idea of a good find on a new release isn't their actual shrink wrapped new stuff but new releases that are in the used stuff because they're actually mint condition promo copies. For 7 or 8.99 (compared to 14-19.99 at hmv) you can have the disc if you don't mind a minor promo burn in the side or a scuffed case (oh no!). 5 bucks saved is nearly another cd in the bag.

As for the used scuffed stuff, they seem decent about marking the scratched ones so you can stop and listen to em beforehand to make sure you aren't getting a dud.

Guess it just really depends on what you're going in for!

Posted by: Tanja at April 29, 2005 4:04 AM

what is flash and crash??? I've been going to sonic boom to exchange stuff, so pls do tell!

Posted by: J at April 29, 2005 4:57 PM

I disagree. I've sold CDs there, and have received top dollar (i.e. $8).

Posted by: Phil at May 18, 2005 5:36 PM

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