Retro stereo store still rockin’ after more than six decades. ‘People travel from all over to come here’

HARTFORD, Conn. -- When The Stereo Shop opened its doors in 1959, hi-fi home audio locations were plentiful throughout Connecticut. Now, the Hartford store is one of the few remaining and the oldest in the state.

The shop specializes in luxury home audio equipment, including installation and repairs, in its showroom located at 505 Farmington Ave. The business initially opened in on Asylum Street and 10 years later moved to its current location on Farmington Avenue.

The Stereo Shop was a two-generation family business run most recently by Nick Perfito Jr. until 2023, when 33-year-old David Harrop bought the business.

Harrop said he met Perfito while he was working in the electrical field in Martha’s Vineyard.

“We were really good friends. I liked him and we stayed in touch,” Harrop said. “One day he called me up and said he wanted to retire and asked if I wanted to take over. So, I came in and bought it.”

Harrop came to Connecticut four years ago and for two years learned the ropes under Perfito before officially taking the reins in 2023.

Harrop, originally from Georgia, lives in Hartford with his wife Dana Lauren, a jazz singer, pianist and songwriter. Lauren also works at The Stereo Shop. Harrop, who loves music, said he became an electrician while working in Massachusetts. He said owning The Stereo Shop is a perfect blend of electronics and music.

Harrop said he has worked to modernize the business but has not made any drastic changes.

“There’s a culture to it and I don’t want to change much of anything besides a few updates to get into the modern age,” Harrop said. “We needed social media. We were hand-written for a...