Six Things Beginners Should Know Before Starting a Vinyl Collection

Collecting vinyl can be quite a rewarding hobby. However, if you start a collection without any knowledge of vinyl, you may be setting yourself up for failure. From the right turntable to cleaning your records, it’s important to know a few things before you become a collector. Here are six things you should know before you start collecting vinyl records.

The right turntable

The turntable you choose shouldn’t be ultra-cheap, but doesn’t need to be the type a DJ would use. It needs to fit your needs and should be able to provide great sound. When you choose a turntable, you should make sure you understand that a belt drive turntable is recommended for beginners.

The cartridge

The cartridge is an important purchase, but you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on it. You can usually get one from the same manufacturer as your turntable for around $50. This is something you can always upgrade later, if necessary.

The sound system

Your stereo is also quite an important piece of equipment. You will probably need a preamp, unless your turntable has one built in. A good preamp can be found for under $100. You will also want to make sure you get a good set of speakers with high quality sound to maximize the impact of your setup.

Collecting vinyl records

After you have the right set up for playing your records, you can start collecting vinyl. For many collectors, finding a bargain record shop with all types of used and new choices is a great way to start. You may even find records for less than a dollar, allowing you to build your collection quickly without spending a ton of money.

Another great way to find records for a low price is through Craigslist and eBay. Both websites have all types of collectors with plenty of options for you to choose from.

Cleaning your Records

If you don’t take good care of your records, you will have to replace them or deal with poor sound quality. A quality record cleaner can make a huge difference and can make caring for your new vinyl extremely easy.

Storing your Records

You never want to stack your records because they may warp. With vinyl, you want to store them standing up like a book on a shelf. This will keep the records in great shape for years to come.

There are many other things about collecting vinyl that you will want to learn along the way. However, these six tips will help you start collecting vinyl quickly and will allow you to enjoy your records for a very long time.

. Collecting vinyl can be quite a rewarding hobby. However, if you start a collection without any knowledge of vinyl, you may be setting yourself up for failure. From the right turntable to cleaning your records, it’s important to know a few things before you become a collector. Here are six things you should know before you start collecting vinyl records.

The right turntable

The turntable you choose shouldn’t be ultra-cheap, but doesn’t need to be the type a DJ would use. It needs to fit your needs and should be able to provide great sound. When you choose a turntable, you should make sure you understand that a belt drive turntable is recommended for beginners.

The cartridge

The cartridge is an important purchase, but you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on it. You can usually get one from the same manufacturer as your turntable for around $50. This is something you can always upgrade later, if necessary.

The sound system

Your stereo is also quite an important piece of equipment. You will probably need a preamp, unless your turntable has one built in. A good preamp can be found for under $100. You will also want to make sure you get a good set of speakers with high quality sound to maximize the impact of your setup.

Collecting vinyl records

After you have the right set up for playing your records, you can start collecting vinyl. For many collectors, finding a bargain record shop with all types of used and new choices is a great way to start. You may even find records for less than a dollar, allowing you to build your collection quickly without spending a ton of money.

Another great way to find records for a low price is through Craigslist and eBay. Both websites have all types of collectors with plenty of options for you to choose from.

Cleaning your Records

If you don’t take good care of your records, you will have to replace them or deal with poor sound quality. A quality record cleaner can make a huge difference and can make caring for your new vinyl extremely easy.

Storing your Records

You never want to stack your records because they may warp. With vinyl, you want to store them standing up like a book on a shelf. This will keep the records in great shape for years to come.

There are many other things about collecting vinyl that you will want to learn along the way. However, these six tips will help you start collecting vinyl quickly and will allow you to enjoy your records for a very long time.

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