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Vinyl records have been making a resurgence in recent years and for good reason. With the rise of digital music, many people have forgotten about the rich, warm sound that only vinyl can provide. If you're new to vinyl and looking to start listening to music in this format, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
Turntable
The turntable is one of the most important components when it comes to vinyl records. There are two main types of turntables: belt drive and direct drive. A belt-drive turntable uses a belt to connect the motor to the platter, while a direct-drive turntable has the motor built into the platter. While both types of turntables can produce great sound, belt drive turntables are often considered to be the better option for high-end turntables because they provide smoother and quieter performance.
12-Inch Records
Most vinyl records come in two sizes: 12-inch and 7-inch. 12-inch records are the most common and are typically used for full-length albums. These records can play at 33 1/3, 45, or 78 revolutions per minute (RPM). 33 1/3 RPM is the most common speed for 12-inch records and is used for most albums. 45 RPM is used for single records and 78 RPM is used for older recordings.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of a vinyl record is largely determined by the quality of the recording, pressing, and turntable being used to play it. Vinyl records are analog, which means that they use sound waves to produce music. This results in a rich, warm sound that can't be replicated by digital music. Additionally, vinyl records often have a wider frequency response and lower noise floor than digital music, which results in a more natural and dynamic sound.
Buying Records
When buying records, it's important to consider the condition of the record. A used record may have scratches or other damage, which can affect the sound quality. It's also important to consider the type of music you like. If you're a fan of hard rock or heavy metal, for example, you may want to look for records from those genres. Finally, you should also consider the pressing of the record. Some pressings are considered to be of higher quality than others and can be found online or at a local record store.
Vinyl Collection
Building a vinyl collection can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Whether you're a fan of classical music, jazz, or rock, there are many great records to choose from. When building your collection, focus on getting records from your favourite artists and records from different genres and time periods. You can also look for rare and limited edition pressings, which can be valuable both for their music and collectability.
Shop Vinyl Records
Utopia Records is Australia’s largest heavy metal and hard rock specialty independent record store. The shop has existed since 1978 supplying Sydney and Australia with all things metal, hard rock, punk, alternative and anything in between. Shop vinyl records online with Utopia Records.
