The magic of vinyl

Swap algorithm-based music for the intimate joy of the vinyl and transform your music

A digital world it indeed is; but analogue formats continue to hold their own, invoking nostalgia and warmth. Specially so when it comes to music which has the power to set the tone for an occasion or simply help you unwind after a long day.

Audiophiles and music lovers have a singular fondness for the vinyl. Lately, new converts globally have also discovered the allure of the distinctive sound produced by a turntable stylus humbly tracing through the grooves of a record, complete and wholesome with its crackles and pops. Proof?

Today, even with the abundance of music streaming platforms and services, sales of vinyl in the US and the UK in the past few years have continued to rise. According to US 2022 Luminate Year-End Music Report, vinyl continues to be the leading format for album purchases for the second straight year.

The consistent boom in vinyl sales the world over has led to the upgradation of the bulky, old record players and many brands are now offering advanced and more sophisticated avatars. So, how do you choose the perfect record player and hop onto the trendy vinyl bandwagon?

Factors to Consider

With the wide array available online and in stores, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide on the model that will serve you best. Descendants of the phonograph, modern record players now come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports that enable seamless synergy with your computer as well. Pay special attention to the structural integrity of the model; it should have a weighty platter and a solid tone arm for reduced vibrations while in use.

While ‘turntable’ and ‘record player’ are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that a turntable—consisting of a platter, tone arm and cartridge—is just one of the components of a record player and can also be used as a standalone unit. You can customise your own sound system by using it in a combination of amplifiers and speakers of your choice. It is definitely more convenient to opt for an all-in-one record player model instead that does not need any external components as it already includes the preamp, amplifier and speakers.

Another essential determining factor while opting for a record player or turntable is the kind of drive it comprises of. While a belt drive uses a rubber belt to spin the records and it works best for those who prefer the music playing for long durations, a direct drive model has the motor directly under the platter to keep music in motion, making it more prone to minute rumbles across the vinyl while playing. Belt drives are more affordable and minimise the risk of scratching. But as direct drives offer more torque, they are preferred by music professionals such as disc jockeys who need to mix music in real time. They are also generally on the expensive side. The difference between the sound quality of both is minimal and hence, they work equally well when it comes to a residential set-up.

Take Your Pick

Rega, Pro-ject, Clearaudio, Sony, and Yamaha are in India with their record players and turntables and with a little market research you can source them at good discounts too. For beginners, CLAW’s Stag Portable Vinyl Record Player Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speakers is ideal.

Victrola’s Eastwood Bamboo is another record player that offers dual Bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers as well as a headphone jack. If you are looking at customising your sound then the Essential III Turntable by Pro-ject makes for an apt choice. Delivering a lively sound, it specialises in minimising motor vibration and guarantees speed stability. If your budget allows for some high-end audio delight, then go for Swiss manufacturer Thorens. Historically renowned their range of turntables, they have been leading technical innovation in record player manufacturing since 1883.

So, if you have been wondering what to do with the LPs gathering dust in your storage for eons or you just want to unplug from the relentless tyranny of digital times, then get yourself a record player and you won’t be disappointed. Check out the antique stores in your city just in case you want to take the old school route and make an adventure out of it. Happy hunting!