Owning a record player is a music lover’s dream. This goes beyond the convenience of being able to carry around your favorite tunes wherever you go or switching on random background noise to draw out the silence. The decision to buy a record player is all about experiencing the music to the fullest.
Though the reasons to get a record player are straightforward enough like the desire to listen to your favorite music with a warmer, more authentic sound, there may be some less obvious aspects you need to consider. While you don’t have to be an audiophile investing thousands of dollars in a high-fidelity sound system to achieve the same level of appreciation for your music collection, there are some key things you should be aware of when looking to purchase a record player.
Even though vinyl is making a comeback, record players are still not as mainstream as they were in their heyday back in the 60s and 70s. You’ll need to do some research to make sure you’re spending your money wisely and protecting your record collection. While you may think you can just buy a reputable turntable and start playing your records, there are several other considerations.
Depending on how advanced you are and the size of your budget, there are many variations in the products currently on the market. For example, are you hung up on automation, or are you willing to manually move the tonearm and adjust the speed? Does the record player accommodate all the different vinyl sizes in your collection? Will you want a built-in preamp or is that a feature you’re skilled enough to add on your own? Do you want Bluetooth capability to expand your listening options? There’s a turntable to suit your needs and price range, even if you have a low budget.
Turntables aren’t for the faint of heart. They require tender loving care just like vinyl does. Needle cartridges need to be swapped out periodically to ensure a premium sound and prevent damage to the vinyl. Tonearms are meticulously weighted and aligned to maximize sound quality. Even the records themselves require upkeep. There are specific products and processes to clean your vinyl records. Proper turntable and record maintenance not only extends the life of your equipment and vinyl, but also translates into a superior listening experience, and that extends to how you store them as well!
With all the time and effort spent selecting and caring for your record player, be sure not to overlook one of the most obvious enhancements. Where you situate your turntable can actually make all the difference when it comes to the acoustics and well-being of your record player. If it’s placed on a less than the sturdy surface, the resulting vibrations will cause the record to skip. Don’t be swayed by aesthetic value alone. Be sure to set up your system in a location that isn’t easily affected by incidental activity or motion.
Once you set up your hi-fi system, you’ll undoubtedly want to expand on your hobby. Searching for records to add to your collection will open doors to new genres, artists, and unique shops. Even if you’re limited to the online marketplace, you can find others who share your interests and join groups to interact with people who can offer advice on maintaining your setup as well as improving your experience.
You may be a digital DJ, a vinyl purist, a little bit of both or perhaps you’re just caught onto the newly rising popularity and resurgence of vinyl. Whatever path you follow, you can be sure that your journey toward musical discovery will be something special.
