When storing your vinyl records, it can be tempting to stack them in horizontal piles. This could be to save space, or perhaps you just like the idea of a convenient stack somewhere near your turntable. There are several different reasons why you shouldn’t store records horizontally and why it’s better for the longevity of your collection to store them … Read More
How to Balance a Tonearm & Set Turntable Tracking Force
Adjusting your tonearm tracking force is one of the most important aspects of setting up your turntable. You need to apply the correct amount of downward pressure so the stylus can accurately track your records. Failing to set this correctly can result in poor sound quality, or worse, damaged records. If you’ve just purchased a turntable, there’s a good chance … Read More
Worst Vinyl Record Collecting Mistakes
As record collectors, we all make mistakes from time-to-time. Particularly when we’re new to the vinyl hobby, there’s a lot to take on and learn. Even the most seasoned of vinyl hoarders would be hard-pressed to say they never make a mistake or skimp over the details. If not, well, you’re a better man than me! We’ve rounded up the … Read More
Creative Ways to Display Your Vinyl Records
Besides the great sound, ritual, and process, a huge part of vinyl’s lasting appeal is undoubtedly the aesthetic. Enthusiasts hail the large format artwork and the sense of satisfaction that comes with physically owning the music you love as just part of the reason why vinyl record sales continue to grow year-on-year. Many album covers are pieces of art in … Read More
Best Online Record Stores to Grow Your Collection
Finding the best place to buy vinyl records online can be a minefield. Sure, there are many places to choose from, but not all online vinyl stores are made equal. A good record retailer will hand curate a selection of new or used records, often both. Many specialize in a particular handful of genres and offer exclusive pressings to their … Read More
Best Vinyl Record Storage Solutions
Owning physical copies of your favorite albums is the best way to experience music. They’re collectible, tactile, and in many cases, beautiful works of art. Best of all, with the right recording, mastering, and production, they sound fantastic. Unlike streaming services, of course, records take up space. As your collection grows, you’ll need to find more spaces in your home … Read More
Ten Things I Would Tell My Younger Record Collecting Self
Whatever we do in life, we never stop learning. Whether it’s through the school of hard-knocks or by following family, teachers and mentors, we never stop learning. Record collecting is no different. But what if you could go back in time. What would you do differently, and why? Here are the ten things I would tell my younger record collecting … Read More
Record Player Sounds Distorted? Here’s How to Fix It
When vinyl records are at their best, I wholeheartedly believe it’s the best way to enjoy music. As with any physical media, though, there are several reasons why they might not perform at their best. If your record player or turntable sounds distorted, there’s a good chance the reason falls into one of the following categories on this page. So … Read More
Parts of a Record Player – Turntable Anatomy Explained
Record players and turntables are outstanding feats of engineering. I hear all the time from new vinyl collectors about how amazing they find the playback process of a vinyl record. It’s little wonder folks find the mechanics of how a record player works so fascinating. After all, it’s a miracle the process even works at all! In the following guide, … Read More
Turntable Phono Preamps Explained – Do You Need One?
If you’re new to the world of vinyl records, it may surprise you to learn that you can’t simply plug your turntable into most sound systems, just as you might do with any other piece of audio equipment. (Or at least not without a phono preamp). The good news is, you might already own one… In this article, you will … Read More