Buying My First Vinyl Player?

Question

Having listened to some vinyl records on youtube, I have decided that I would like to get hold of one in the future, but I am unable to work out how I should pursue this specialise piece of sound equipment. Essentially I would get something that gave music and songs that quality of sound you can't get with a CD nowadays, but I fear that obtaining an old machine as a record player that it would be a hassle in terms of maintenance and general upkeep.

My questions are, is there machinery out there that can meet my consumer demands? Or are majority of vinyl players good quality machines, and I'm simply worrying for no good reason?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

To get decent sound quality from vinyl, you will need a turntable, a stereo amplifier and a pair of speakers (and about £400). Do not, under any circumstances, buy one of those cheap and nasty all-in-one players - it will ruin your vinyl.



A good quality, bottom-of-the-range, entry-level turntable (e.g. the Pro-Ject 'Essential') will cost you around £150 or so (plus amp and speakers). If you spend any less, you will just be getting a glorified kiddy's toy.

Answer 2

Despite the other answer, vinyl is superior if care is taken, and many, if not most older players have an advantage over many newer ones. Stay away from all-in-one systems and rely on separate components.

There is maintenance you will need to do, keep the vinyl clean, and free from fingerprints, keep the turntable balanced and set up properly for tracking and anti-skate. Use care with the cartridge and stylus, and replace the stylus when it is worn, a bad stylus can ruin records.

If you love music, vinyl is great, if you are just a casual listener other forms are more than acceptable.

I've been listening to vinyl since the early 60's and my turntable is from the late 70's. I also have over 350 LP's, 300 CD's, 200 reel-to-reel tapes, and countless cassettes of mix tapes. I record our band digitally, and burn CDs. Vinyl is at the top of listening quality, with reel-to-reel very close in quality, but with bad equipment, and damaged vinyl, it ranks right at the bottom.

Answer 3

The advantages of vinyl are only to a small number of people that believe vinyl has a warmer sound.



Buying an old machine would be totally pointless.



Most of the vinyl players are junk.