Parts Express
ActiveOverview
Parts Express is a distributor of audio components, including speakers, amplifiers, raw drivers, capacitors, and electronic parts for home audio, commercial sound, mobile electronics, and professional installations. It serves OEMs, commercial contractors, audio enthusiasts, home theater installers, houses of worship, schools, and gaming sectors from a 120,000 sq ft warehouse stocking over 18,000 products from 200+ brands. The company operates an online retail platform, wholesale sales, and a physical store, with a focus on hard-to-find and discounted components.
History
Parts Express was founded in 1986 in Dayton, Ohio, by a team of audio/video enthusiasts starting from a small operation on the second floor of an automotive plant. It relocated to its current headquarters in Springboro, Ohio, in 1997 after rapid growth. The company expanded to over 18,000 products and maintains BBB accreditation since 1999.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Home Audio Components | DIY home theater and stereo builders | $10 - $500 |
| Commercial Audio Systems | Pro sound contractors and installers | $50 - $1,000 |
| Raw Speaker Drivers | Custom speaker design enthusiasts | $20 - $300 |
| Amplifiers & Receivers | Budget AV amplification solutions | $100 - $800 |
| Mobile Electronics | Car audio upgrades and accessories | $15 - $400 |
| Electronic Parts & Capacitors | Repair and custom electronics projects | $1 - $100 |
Manufacturing
Parts Express primarily distributes products manufactured by third-party brands rather than producing in-house. It stocks components from over 200 suppliers in a warehouse in Springboro, Ohio. Some Dayton Audio branded items, listed as an alternate name, are offered but manufacturing origins are not specified.
Notable Products
- Dayton Audio Speakers - Budget raw drivers and assembled speakers for DIY projects.
- Capacitors and Crossovers - Components for speaker repair and custom crossover networks.
- Projector Mounts - Mounting hardware for home theater setups.
- Amplifiers - Class D and AB amps for home and car audio.
- Semiconductors and Adapters - Electronic parts for audio circuit building.
Reputation
Parts Express is regarded by audio enthusiasts and DIY builders as a reliable source for affordable, hard-to-find components and fast shipping from its large U.S. inventory. Professionals in commercial sound and OEMs value its wholesale options and extensive catalog. Some users note occasional quality variability in budget Dayton Audio products and mixed customer service experiences, though it holds long-standing BBB accreditation.