Are Vinyl Records Really Worth It?

Vinyl records are a thing of the past—and a treasure of the future. But are they really worth it?

It can be a full-time hobby to keep up with technology as it evolves. Every year, I find myself donating or selling my favorite gadgets as they become obsolete. However, there’s one ancient technology that I’ve been buying more than selling and that’s vinyl. And I’m not alone. Vinyl record sales hit a 28-year high in 2016, according to Fortune Magazine.

Raoul Benavides, owner of Flashlight Vinyl, explains why he was able to open a record store in 2016, and why we miss listening to vinyl.

Video by Josef Lorenzo

"Juvie Fight Song" by Juvie

PBS

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[richardwhite]

Great video!!!! I totally agree with what you said about Vinyl. In my opinion, if you have a Decent Stereo System, they sound better then CD as well. There is a warmness to the sound that a CD cannot match. Don't get me wrong. CD's are cool, but they sound a little artificial to me but there is nothing like playing a record and the music that comes out of them. Also, it is so much more fun buying records and having something physical in your hand, with a large photo on the front, and some LP's have gatefold's which are so cool, liner notes etc. A CD just can't compete. Keep the vinyl videos coming!!!

[Theomite]

That's the best $1 record selection I've ever seen. Everywhere else I've been has it stacked on the floor front-to-back.

[RustyNickels]

I like to throw vinyl records to see how far they'll go.

[kagome]

I just got into collecting and listening to records after my dad recommended I start collecting, and I love it so far! I like how pronounced the stereo separation is on vinyl.

[VinylandKicks]

2:41 using glass cleaner to clean records is some bullsh*t

[brazenbull]

The last physical CDs I ever bought for a LOOONG while was at Circuit City before they died.

Deftones - Around the Fur & White Pony

And

Kottonmouth Kings- High Society


Decided I was sick of not actual owning music anymore. As of last year I'm 30 LPs deep into vinyl. All Black Metal. Just got my at-lp120x a couple days ago. It's good to have reintroduced tangibility into my music listening..

[goldenvinylspin]

Great video. I love how you made it fun. I hope to someday visit your store. You have the passion to keep things going. I just subscribed. Can't wait to see more videos.

[JasnAndersn]

Lp's are awesome, always have been. There is a resurgence in the format but it will not last due to the same greed that killed the CD. Albums are regularly priced from $30-$50 even for a shitty re-press and the rise continues. Supply will not bring down the cost of demand. Digital will always be king for cost, storage, and portability factor.

[leon]

For being a video about loving physical music there sure is a lot of poor handling and abuse happening to records in it.

[gb-nz]

I am a millenial, finally able to leave the rent trap recently, thus paying a massive mortgage. Vinyl is surely fascinating, I grew up with it like Gen X's and older guys. Just cannot afford it, unfortunately. I can barely afford a holiday or even going to concerts as often as I'd like to. The high costs of living in a city are out of control! I only have one really rich friend that collects vinyl. For us mere mortals, it is an out of reach hobby.

[jerryspann]

I remember back when CDs first came out, only the rich could afford the format. It was the same old BS, CD are superior to all other formats. No skipping, popping, or rumble. CDs where expensive and only audiophiles could afford them. Now that vinyl cost more than CDs, it the same BS, audiophiles, they same group of people that praised CDs are now sticking their noses up in the air.

[MLTUP]

I like vinyl for nostalgia. But its too hard to keep. It scratches or breaks if you even look @ it. I just found out one of my Journey albums is cracked. Its been sitting all cozy on the shelf for years. I have no idea how it broke.

[iix]

Rule of thumb;
Analog recorded music on vinyl.
Digital recorded music on CD.

[ThesGamingGuy]

Records have a warm natural sound that CDs just don't have. Yea CDs are cheaper and more convenient but nothing matches the rich sound and engaging experience of vinyl records.

[dannyterryva]

This was a great video. However, I do have to admit that I cringed at the multiple times of mishandling the vinyl records in this video! You should never touch the playing surface of the vinyl, that is a surefire way to damage the grooves! Handle the vinyl from the very edges only!

[heezy]

What is that first track playing? Sounds awesome

[jerrywcarman]

Vinyl has not killed the CD or cassette. In fact, sales are still as strong as ever. Question is, how much longer will people put up with paying those sky high prices? They've got to draw the line somewhere.

[jerrywcarman]

That warmth that you're hearing may be distortion. Is that such a good thing?

[savoirfaire]

No need to properly handle your records when you've got generic window cleaner.

[djwreck]

im more of a dj than an audiophile and when i dj with vinyl i handle them all kinds of crazy ways and they are still in great listening condition. lol records are more durable than people think lol