Is investing in a record player and a record collection worth it?

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Grace

I'm a huge music person, and I have recently beome infatuated with the comeback of record players, especially since all my favorite bands are putting out their music on vinyl now. I have invested a lot in my digital music collection over the last few years and I have really nice, expensive speaker systems for my iPod and everything. But I REALLY want to start a record collection for some unfathomable reason.

I'm going to be a freshmen in college next year so I really have to get smart with my money and my concern is that I'll spend a ton of money on records and then decide to go back to digital.

The record player that my dad wants to buy me as a Christmas gift can convert records into MP3s so I was hoping I could have the best of both vinyl and digital music worlds.

Can you tell me if there is such a big difference between sound quality in records vs. iPod/ other digital music devices that I should spend this money?

I'm thinking of just having the record player and a couple vinyl albums that my dad wants to buy me for Christmas and then seeing if I like it enough to continue a collection, but I'm trying to decide if it's worth it now so I can get something else for Christmas.

I'm probably overthinking this but it's the whole need vs. want factor. I want to try this out because I'm really taken with it, yet I have litterally spent thousands of dollars on iPods and speakers and music from iTunes building up my music collection. And the songs from iTunes are way cheaper than the vinyl.

Answer
I have been pulled back into older technology by nostalgia and such.

But it has never been worth it.

Get a few records, and let it go at that.

What to get in a system for vinyl records?

Eon

Let me start by saying I know nothing of sound quality of music, and no idea on where to even start researching such a thing. Recently however, my mother has reached into the depths of her garage and pulled out her old classical and opera vinyls for me. (Thanks Mom!)

I do not have a stereo system . . . . or a record player.

So, what would I need to listen to these lovelies? Any tips, links or brand names would be much appreciated.

Answer
First is to understand that there is a big difference in the sound quality of turntables. Most of the cheaper options of playing back records is really not going to provide very good sound quality but the key is are you trying to get good sound or just play records. There are a couple of different ways to play back records it depends on the level of performance you want to achieve. Some of the newer cheaper options allow you to play records back through your computer via USB certainly a cheap way of allowing you to hear records but honestly will not provide very good sound quality.

The better option but more expensive and requires more equipment. You need a turntable, cartridge, phonostage, and some sort of equipment to allow you to listen to it back on (receiver and speakers, headphones etc.)

Rega is making one of the better inexpensive turntables, they are belt drive (which will provide the best sound) they have very good tonearms, but do need a good stand that will isolate vibrations back to the turntable as they have no suspension.

The phonocartridge is also very important but luckly there are a number of inexpensive cartridges that have great sound. Grado, Denon, Benz

All turntables require a phonostage which amplify the low level signal from the phonocartridge and then re-equalize the signal recorded on to the records to a flat responce. All records are recorded with high frequency's boosted and low bass frequency's reduced. The phonostage re-equalizes the signal so that all frequency's are back to a flat responce. Again there is a large difference in the sound quality of phonostages so choose wisely.

Setup and calibration is also essential to get good sound quality so it does take some time, patience and ether someone that can set it up properly or have it done by a store that specializes in turntable setups.

Lastly is a way to listen to the records on the turntable. A integrated amplifier and speakers with the turntable plugged into it is one of the better ways to listen to records. A headphone amplifier and headphones is another.

So yes your better off going to one of your local independent high end audio store as they carry the better brands of equipment and can help you put together a system that will meet your needs and budget.

Kevin
40 years high end audio video specialist

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Title Post: Is investing in a record player and a record collection worth it?
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