Vinyl is back! Well, it didn't really go away but its resurgence in recent years has seen it overtake the CD format of owning music. Many new releases are available as downloads (digital) or on vinyl only. Obviously, owning vinyl records requires a vinyl record player which is not quite as straightforward as going out and buying a CD player.
There are a whole host of things to consider with such a purchase which will be addressed throughout this article.
1. Size and Speed
Size and speed are both very important when dealing with vinyl. A vinyl record rotates on a disc called a turntable at different speeds. The speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and different-sized records play at different RPMs. Look out for record players with adjustable speed switches or you may find that your record collection doesn't fit.
Most record players will play 12-inch records at 33RPM and seven-inch records at 45RPM, but only some will play the less common 10-inch records at 78RPM.
2. How Do They Work?
These complex pieces of musical history are based on quite a simple idea. Grooves in the back of a vinyl record have tiny, microscopic ridges within them. It is these that make the needle vibrate which causes the sound. These sounds on their own do not cause a sound that can be heard by the human ear. These vibrations need to be amplified so that the sounds can be heard and enjoyed.
3. Can You Use Them?
Despite the complexities of how the sound is created, using a record player is quite straightforward. Hold the record by the edges and gently place it on the turntable.
‘This is vitally important to keep the record in tip-top condition,’ says music blogger Harry Peters from OX Essays and Revieweal. ‘Keeping the vinyl free of dust and grease keeps the sounds as clear as possible.’
Carefully lift the tonearm which houses the needle. It is important not to drag the needle across the record and instead, place it at the edge of the record. Music should begin automatically. Once you have finished, gently lift the needle and remove the record.
4. Manual vs Automatic
This all depends on you. If you have a steady hand and enjoy the process of moving the tonearm yourself then choose a manual record player. If you would rather this was done for you, then choose an automatic. There is a third option which is semi-automatic which means you place the needle manually and the record player lifts it off when the music ends.
5. How Much to Spend
Quite simply, you get what you pay for. There are some very cost-effective record players available and some very expensive, high-end players. Depending on your needs (and budget) dictate where you sit in terms of spending. One thing to avoid if possible is a second-hand model as this could lead to expensive repairs or poor-quality sound. Strangely, the cheaper options tend to have built-in speaker systems whereas more expensive, authentic, models do not.
Vinyl Eyezz has more helpful tips to help you choose a record player.
6. Maintenance and Upgrade Costs
You will need to make repairs at some point, but these should be infrequent and do not require a bank loan to finance. When purchasing your record player, it is worth researching the cost of replacement needles and tonearms.
‘It is not uncommon for people to upgrade some components every year,’ reports Jamie Sill, a lifestyle blogger at State of writing. ‘Higher-end models need new parts more often to maintain their sound quality.’
7. Where Are You Going to Put It?
This needs careful thought and planning. Remember, you are not just making a space for a CD player, a vinyl record player is much more sophisticated. The sound created from the record is based on vibrations through the needle. Therefore, if you place your new record player on an unstable surface you will hear a humming noise as the player vibrates. You must choose a sturdy surface to avoid this.
Vinyl is making a renewed appearance and it is worth noting that the resale value of records compared to CDs and digital downloads is massive. You won’t make a fortune from them, but it is nice to know that you can sell them without losing out on your initial investment.
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