The Beginner's Guide to Vinyl Collecting

You want to start collecting vinyl. Maybe you inherited some records. Maybe you're tired of streaming's cold algorithmic grip. Maybe you just want to own music again. Whatever brought you here, welcome.

What You Need to Get Started

The Essentials (Bare Minimum)

Turntable - $150-300 for something decent
Speakers - Powered speakers ($100+) or receiver + passive speakers
Records - Start with 5-10 albums you actually love

That's it. Everything else is optional.

What You Don't Need Yet

$500+ cartridge upgrades
Audiophile cables
Record weights and clamps
Multiple turntables
A "listening room"

Ignore the gear obsessives. You can upgrade forever. Start simple.

Buying Your First Turntable

Budget Tiers

Under $150 - Caution Zone
Most turntables under $150 will damage your records over time. The cheap Crosley suitcase players apply too much tracking force and use ceramic cartridges that wear grooves down.

$150-300 - Sweet Spot for Beginners

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X ($150) - Fully automatic, built-in preamp
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($279) - More features, better cartridge
Fluance RT80 ($199) - Better sound quality, manual operation

$300-500 - Enthusiast Entry

Fluance RT82/RT85 ($299-449) - Audiophile-quality, upgradeable
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon ($399+) - European quality
U-Turn Orbit ($199-379) - American-made, customizable

Buying Your First Records

Where to Buy

Record Stores (Best)

Hear before you buy
Inspect condition in person
Support local business
Get recommendations from staff

Find record stores near you →

What to Buy First

Albums you already love.

Don't buy records because they're "important" or "collectible." Buy records you'll actually play. The collection grows from there.

Condition Matters

Learn the grading scale before buying used:

Mint (M) - Perfect, unplayed
Near Mint (NM) - Virtually perfect
Very Good Plus (VG+) - Light wear, plays great
Very Good (VG) - Audible wear, still enjoyable

For beginners: stick to VG+ or better. You'll hear the difference.

Caring for Your Collection

Handling Records

Hold by edges and label only
Never touch the grooves
Return to sleeve immediately after playing

Storage

Store vertically (never stack flat)
Avoid direct sunlight
Room temperature, moderate humidity
Use inner sleeves (poly-lined, not paper)

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Buying a Crosley/Suitcase Player
They look cute. They damage records.

Mistake 2: Stacking Records
Never store records flat in stacks. The weight warps them. Always vertical.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Condition
That $5 "deal" with scratches will sound like $5. Pay more for better condition.

Mistake 4: Chasing Hype
Limited editions, colored vinyl, sealed collectibles—the market is full of artificial scarcity. Buy what you'll play, not what you'll flip.

Next Steps

Find stores near you - Start digging in person
Check vinyl values - Research before you buy
Learn to grade records - Buy smarter

Welcome to the Club

Vinyl collecting is a lifetime hobby. There's always another record to find, another genre to explore, another shop to visit.

Take your time. Trust your ears. Buy what moves you.

See you in the stacks.