Vinyl Gear 101 - Putting together a stereo system to play vinyl

For those new to vinyl, we address the most common questions about putting together a vinyl stereo system. We break down the 4 essential components of every system and demo two simple setups to get you started.

Gear used in this demonstration-

Setup 1:
Turntable with built-in Preamp - Audio Technica AT-LP120-USB
Powered Speakers - Samson MediaOne BT3

Setup 2:
Turntable - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon
Preamp - ART Pro Audio DJPRE II
Amplifier/Receiver - Denon AVR-591
Passive Speakers - Celestion (vintage speakers)

[WolfXCIX]

For the sweet love of christ, YES! All the information I want in the same place! I don’t have to search through random forums or subreddits just to find out what I need! Thanks Amoeba! Not only do you have THE best record store in the USA, but you also have the best channel for beginners in vinyl.

[yueeex]

These 5 minutes covered my whole night's research. LOL. Good job!

[Litro]

I've never in my life seen a more simple, quick, and helpful guide on anything ever, thank you so much!

[simetry]

Sorry to be dark but i imagine once the 60s genereation passes away there will be a lot of great used audio equipment online.

[MikeXiL]

the “and what the hell is a pre-amp!?” Got me lmaooo

[philipclark]

This was the most informative basic instruction on how to set up a system -- either for the beginner or the veteran. Clear, concise and really well presented. In a short period of time I received all the information to compare systems that would help me set up my first system. I can't wait to go shopping! Thank you, what great instruction!

[rossajohnson]

Just inherited my parents’ Bose 321 sound system (circa 2004) and pulled my Pioneer PL-7 direct drive turntable (about 1982) out of the attic. After replacing some missing speaker wires, I discovered what a preamp is. Now listening to some Rubber Soul. Sweet.

[vribgiv]

THIS WAS THE BEST, HOW TO VIDEO EVER. It's hell finding good how to videos. So many people do a terrible job. This was the perfect length, all the info, was very succinct. Great explanation. Thanks, will check you out again.

[tkdmaste]

Wish I had this video when I first was researching how to set up my system

[roberttroxell]

For me, the key to enjoy old vinyl is CLEANING records. I used a Dishwasher cleaning brush back when, but my records still crackled. I thought that was just how vinyl was. But I have since learned the importance of proper cleaning. I bought a Spin Clean and made my own cleaning solution. BIG improvement! I recommend it.

[chphotographix]

Literally the only video / article I've found that expressly says WHAT you need to make it work, telling the 4 essential components and their reasons.

[jamesst]

After watching this,  my brain feels like it's just run the mile in under 4 minutes.

[beaker]

This video has by far the BEST information to video length ratio of any of the ones I've watched. Thank you so much for this.

[lumiere]

For a newbie like me this distilled all the information i needed in 5 short minutes. now i can actually understand what i need to buy for my sound system, thank you guys so much!

[emilinaverse]

THANK YOU! OMG in less than 6min you explained exactly what a beginner-beginner needed to hear! Now... time to shop! Thank you, Amoeba!

[ezcompane]

This is a great and very informative video for beginners. I wish this was available when I started getting into the vinyl game several years ago. It would've saved me some time and a little bit of money from buying things that were not what I really needed.

[epasternak]

I started my journey in 1986 with Iron Maiden's Somewhere In Time album and was addicted into collecting everything by them, then all metal and everything punk rock. I am so glad vinyl is popular again, these are good times again we are living in.

Cheer's mates! 🍻 🍺

[SunShine-zrrm]

This was everything I needed to know to start, I looked through all my dad‘s old equipment it’s all from the 80s and 90s but I’m gonna try and piece something together and get this record player in the sound system working wish me luck!

[alexiszamora]

Ive collected and spun wax for years and learn something new....all the time. with this video, you went above and beyond and really appreciate it!

[pamelamccutcheon]

OMG! i love you already! I know I'm gonna have to watch this over and over, and take notes, as most of it is like a foreigh language to me, but I finally feel like I'm in the wheelhouse! Can't wait to tell you of my success!