A Beginner's Guide to Record Collecting and Playing
A Beginner's Guide to Record Collecting and Playing
Part 1: Getting Started with the Gear
The most important part of playing records is, well, the player! And some accompanying gear.
The Turntable (Record Player): What to Look For: Don't break the bank on your first one, but avoid the cheapest "all-in-one" suitcase players. While convenient, their sound quality is often poor and the heavy tonearms can damage your records over time. Key Features: Adjustable Counterweight and Anti-Skate: These allow you to properly set the tracking force of the stylus (needle) on the record, crucial for good sound and preventing damage. Replaceable Cartridge/Stylus: This ensures you can upgrade or replace the needle when it wears out. Built-in Preamp (Phono Stage): Many modern turntables have a built-in phono preamp. If yours doesn't, you'll need a separate one (more on that below). Manual vs. Automatic: Manual turntables require you to place and lift the tonearm yourself. Automatic ones do it for you. Manual offers more control and often better components at a given price point. Good Starting Brands: Audio-Technica (e.g., LP60X, LP120X), Fluance, U-Turn Audio, Pro-Ject (e.g., Debut Carbon Evo). Where to Buy: Dedicated audio stores, reputable online retailers (Amazon, Richer Sounds in the UK, etc.), even some larger department stores. The Phono Preamp (Phono Stage): What it Does: Records produce a very quiet signal that needs to be amplified and "equalized" (RIAA equalization) before it can be sent to a standard amplifier. A phono preamp does this. Do You Need One? No: If your turntable has a "built-in phono preamp" or "line out" setting, you can connect it directly to an amplifier's regular "line in" or "aux" input. Yes: If your turntable only has a "phono out" and your amplifier doesn't have a dedicated "phono in" input, you'll need a separate phono preamp. Where to Buy: Same places as turntables. Many audio brands make standalone preamps.
The Amplifier (Receiver): What it Does: Takes the amplified signal from the phono preamp (or directly from the turntable if it has a built-in preamp) and boosts it enough to power your speakers. Types: Stereo Receiver: Designed for two-channel audio (music), often with a built-in radio tuner. Integrated Amplifier: Similar to a stereo receiver but without the radio tuner. AV Receiver: Designed for home cinema, often with many channels. While it will work, a dedicated stereo amplifier generally offers better sound quality for music at a given price point. Where to Buy: Audio stores, online. Speakers: What to Look For: This is where the sound really comes alive! You'll need a pair of passive speakers (not powered, requiring an amplifier) or active/powered speakers (which have an amplifier built-in and can often connect directly to a turntable with a built-in preamp). Passive Speakers: Connect to your amplifier with speaker wire. There are "bookshelf" speakers (smaller, designed for shelves or stands) and "floorstanding" speakers (larger, stand on the floor). Active/Powered Speakers: Connect directly to your turntable (if it has a built-in preamp) or the phono preamp. They have their own power source. Consider Your Space: Smaller rooms might do better with bookshelf speakers. Where to Buy: Audio stores are best for auditioning, but online is an option too. Cables: RCA Cables: Connect your turntable to your phono preamp/amplifier. Speaker Wire: Connect your amplifier to your passive speakers. Ground Wire: Most turntables have a separate ground wire that connects to a ground terminal on your phono preamp or amplifier. This helps eliminate hum.
Part 2: Collecting Records
This is arguably the most fun part!
Start with What You Love: Don't feel pressured to buy "classic" albums you don't actually like. Begin with artists and genres you genuinely enjoy listening to. New vs. Used: New Records: Generally more expensive but pristine. You know what you're getting. Used Records: More affordable and a great way to discover new music. However, inspect them carefully! Where to Buy Records: Local Record Stores: The best experience! Support local businesses, get recommendations, and enjoy the hunt. Online Retailers: Discogs.com (huge marketplace for new and used, essential for cataloging your collection), Amazon, Rough Trade (UK), Boomkat (UK), Juno Records (UK), artist websites. Flea Markets/Charity Shops: Can be hit-or-miss, but you might find hidden gems for cheap. Record Fairs: Great for finding a wide selection from many sellers. Condition is Key (for Used Records): Visual Inspection: Hold the record up to a light. Look for scratches (hairline scratches are often okay, deep gouges are not), warps (flatness is good), and dirt/dust. Grading System (Commonly Used): Mint (M): Perfect, unplayed. Near Mint (NM): Nearly perfect, played a few times. Excellent (EX): Light signs of use, minor surface noise. Very Good Plus (VG+): Played more, some surface noise but enjoyable. Very Good (VG): Significant signs of use, noticeable surface noise. Avoid anything below VG for playing purposes if you can help it. Sleeve Condition: Also check the cover for rips, creases, seam splits, and water damage.
Part 3: Playing and Maintaining Your Records
Proper care ensures your records sound great and last a lifetime.
Handling Records: Hold by the Edges: Always hold a record by the edges or the label to avoid getting fingerprints on the grooves. Fingerprints contain oils that attract dust and can degrade sound. Never Touch the Grooves: Seriously, don't. Cleaning Records: Before Every Play: Use an anti-static carbon fiber brush to gently remove surface dust. Deeper Cleaning: For stubborn dirt or used records, invest in a record cleaning solution and microfiber cloth, or a dedicated record cleaning machine (manual or automatic). This is essential for good sound and reducing stylus wear. Setting Up Your Turntable: Level Surface: Place your turntable on a flat, stable, level surface, away from speakers to prevent vibrations. Balance the Tonearm: This is crucial! Follow your turntable's instructions to balance the tonearm (so it floats freely) and then set the tracking force (the weight of the stylus on the record) using the counterweight. Most cartridges have a recommended tracking force (e.g., 1.5 - 2.5 grams). Set Anti-Skate: This counteracts the inward force on the tonearm as the record spins, keeping the stylus centered in the groove. Set it to the same number as your tracking force initially, and adjust by ear if needed. Playing a Record: Clean the Record: Use your carbon fiber brush. Place on Platter: Carefully place the record on the turntable platter. Align the Stylus: Gently lower the cueing lever to lower the stylus onto the lead-in groove. Enjoy! When Finished: Lift the stylus using the cueing lever, secure the tonearm in its rest, and return the record to its sleeve. Storage: Vertical Storage: Store records vertically (like books on a shelf), not stacked horizontally. Stacking can warp them. Inner and Outer Sleeves: Inner Sleeves: Replace cheap paper inner sleeves with anti-static archival inner sleeves (e.g., Mobile Fidelity style). Paper sleeves can scratch records and shed dust. Outer Sleeves: Use clear plastic outer sleeves to protect the album artwork from dust, ring wear, and shelf wear. Climate Control: Store records in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Part 4: The Experience and Community
Slow Down and Listen: Record collecting encourages a more deliberate listening experience. Put on a record, sit down, and truly engage with the music. Artwork and Liner Notes: Enjoy the large format artwork and read the liner notes, which often provide insights into the music and artists. The Ritual: There's a satisfying ritual to cleaning a record, placing it on the platter, and dropping the needle. Connect with Others: The record collecting community is vibrant! Share your finds, discuss music, and discover new artists at local record stores, online forums (like Reddit's r/vinyl), and social media.
Welcome to the club! Enjoy the journey of discovering new music, appreciating classic albums, and building a collection that's uniquely yours.