For the serious music collector, a quality mom-and-pop record store is almost a kind of temple, a calm sanctuary where the patient and persistent seeker reaps the greater reward. Cheapo Records, on Central Square in Cambridge, is among those few places that sell long-playing records and even 45's.

Cheapo remains, for many true blue music fans, their first stop when visiting the Boston area.

Other Boston record stores rely on a renewed interest in old mediums to stay open, as well. Cheapo Records in Cambridge’s Central Square has seen increased sales in recent years due to youth interest, according to owner Bob Perry.

A classic record store environment, Cheapo's vibe is equal parts cultural crossroads and music industry time capsule, one that would be sadly missed by those who've depended on Cheapo for solid deals on music for all these years.

Mr. Day is as much a fixture among local audiophiles as his store is. One half expects the owner to resemble Jack Black's character in "High Fidelity," kicking out customers for daring to buy records they aren't deemed worthy of. But Mr. Day is as affable as one could hope for in a place with such a collection, treating customers to anecdotes and... See more