Getting into Vinyl Records? Watch this FIRST!

If you're thinking about getting into vinyl records, this short video is ESSENTIAL to watch first. People are going to steer you away from certain turntables, and they may not explain why, which can be really frustrating. I wanted to, in a simple manner, explain WHY people tell you not to get a Crosley or All-In-One record player so that you can dive into the hobby on the right foot. If you're a knowledgeable record fanatic, hopefully this video will be something you can share with new friends that want to join the wonderful world of vinyl.

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Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable -

Pro-Ject - Debut Carbon DC Turntable -

Polk Signature Audio S15 Speakers

Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver -

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[writerpatrick]

I've never heard one vinylphile mention any good record players.

[proteusblack]

Just so it's said here: Contrary to what is usually claimed, lp60's track at a proper 3.5 grams with a spring setting it and does in fact have anti-skating as demonstrated by the youtuber VWestlife.

[johnnydarko]

I know eventually I'll upgrade at some point as my vinyl collection grows but my lp60 works just fine and I've heard that it's the perfect beginner record player. I believe that to be true..especially for those who may not be sure if they want to fully invest right away. Just my take on it.

[WinkinLizard]

"It's gonna cost you roughly $300 to get you set up in the hobby."

"I put some links in the description for some gear i recommend that you can get started with."


Recommends a turntable for $380

[nievesofficial]

Definitely some good tips, however the LP60 is still a great entry table in my eyes, I’ve had mine for several years and have had minimal issues, also I never spent up to $300 on my setup, for someone who isn’t a complete audiophile who needs the 100% best sound possible I’d say a thrift store can meet your expectations in terms of speakers and a receiver at least

[PackinStackin]

Idk what is wrong with ur LP60 mine has been fine.

[fieldysgrl]

I have a Audio technica. I love it. It rarely skips and when it does it's because i dropped something heavy on the ground near it.

[slashedbeauty]

I appreciate this non-judgemental perspective! My entire beginner set up cost about $300 even with "elevated" choices thanks to Black Friday! I'm starting with the AT LP3 (a step up from the 60 since it has adjustable counterweight and antiskate) and edifiers 1280dbs. The next step is actually to get the speakers on stands, right now they're both in a small cubby right next to each other which defeats the stereo sound... something I got FLAMED for on reddit 😂 but it's what my space allows at the moment and sounds fine to my beginner ears. This hobby can definitely be snooty but right now it's bringing me joy to INTENTIONALLY listen to music again. I used to sit in my room and listen to music as an activity, not just background noise, and this brings me back to that which was my reasoning to start.

[Alex-pvhf]

I just got into collecting records and I bought a Crosley Discovery Record Player. I honestly don’t understand why people hate them. I love the way it looks and I haven’t had issues with any new records I’ve purchased skipping. The old used records I’ve found at the thrift of course are going to pop and skip from time to time but I honestly enjoy that aspect of it. It sits on my nightstand and the sound fills my room beautifully. Yes, the speakers don’t produce the clearest sound but if your into that old school record player sound it does just fine. You can even connect external speakers to it if you want. I got it for the experience of purchasing a beautifully illustrated record, opening it up, cleaning it, and placing it down on the turntable. Just that alone is worth the low price I paid for it. For a casual beginner I think it’s perfect and I highly recommend it. Of course you can pay hundreds of dollars for an audiophiles dream setup but I haven’t been persuaded yet to invest in it given how dated this tech really is. Just enjoy the music people it ain’t that serious.

[brendantingue]

I started out with a Crosley cruiser 4 years ago because I wanted something and being 13 at the time didn't want to listen to anybody's advice. I seriously regret that because I got 2 of my favorite albums of all time as my first LPs and now I'm going to have to get new ones because they are so damaged. I've upgraded now. Speaking from experience I 100% agree with everything you said in this video. Keep up the great work

[Kendlekutie]

My crosley has done be so much good for 7 years now, and all the records i have had since then are still in awesome condition. It's all in how you take care of your gear

[MrTech]

When I decided to start my vinyl record collection & DJ’ing, I started off with buying a pair of Technics SL1210-Mk2 and a job-lot box of 100 Techno records. I sorted that box out, sold what I didn’t want, made a little profit and bought another job-lot box of 100 records. Done the same thing over and over for years, it became a passionately satisfying hobby dealing with vinyl records. It’s always exciting to buy job-lot records as there’s often some good surprises. After years of buying and trading records, I had thousands in my possession, so I sold what I didn’t want and kept all my favourites. Now I have a nice collection of around a thousand vinyl records. I use Discogs quite often to buy specific records. I never thought I would develop such a strong passion for vinyl records, there’s something so special about holding a record, putting it on a turntable and manipulating it. There’s a unique warm noise to the sound of vinyl playing that can’t be explained to those who don’t quite understand the true definition of vinyl record sound. I DJ with vinyl and I’ve tried CD and digital but it’s just not the same. Using vinyl to DJ and to generally listen to music is a very special experience, one has to really practice it to understand.
With regards to the record player, I have only used the Technics SL1210-Mk2, so I have no experience with anything else but I must say that this player is extremely good. It’s such a robust piece of kit. If it’s set up correctly, maintained & looked after... it’ll last for decades. I regularly clean mine, ensure the settings are correct and service it periodically. These record players are getting on in their age now, but their prices just go up and up every year, they have such good reputation, I would highly recommend the 1210 Mk2 to anyone.
So.... Getting into vinyl was an excellent choice I made all those years back, Something I’ll never regret. I doubt I’ll ever part from my record collection. I’ve so much love for it.

[IsaruSoulance]

oh man less than a min in and I'm worried. so a friend who went through a break up gave me her vinyl player because if she kept it she would smash it. its been sitting on my desk for 3 years and I finally got the one vinyl I have desired to collect for many reasons and to truly decide if I want to get into it as a hobby, and its a Crosley all in one. (the one in your do not buy pic exact) This thing sounds eerie, its an analogue horror kind eerie which is cool, but I'm afraid for the records I have on it.

[nmfcproductions]

The Audio Technica AT-LP60 does have a set tracking force and anti-skating, but the tracking force is set by a tensioned spring instead of a counterweight and the anti-skating is also set by a tensioned spring.

[keithaw]

Everyone needs to start somewhere. I know I did. I started out with a Sony record player from Best Buy hooked up to a Magnavox AV receiver. I had no idea what I was doing. This was about 20 years ago when I got the “bug” and really wanted to get into vinyl. It took a lot of trial and error since I was doing it blindly and without any guidance. There wasn’t as much info online as there is now. If only I knew now what I knew back then, I’d have saved a lot of time and money. Fast forward to now and a lot of money later, I decided to stick with this hobby and for the past few years have been happy with it. I currently own a Technics SL 1100a w/Nagaoka MP 150/MP 200 stylus combo going into a Puffin DSP phono stage. I’m using a Reisong tube amp which got killer reviews and the reviews were right! It’s an inexpensive, but awesome sounding amp. Vinyl actually sounds pretty damn great when played with the right gear. Lesson learned.

[WordsRuinMusic]

Hi Matt. It might be worth mentioning to beginners that some old home theater receivers have a phono (turntable) input and often can be found for very little money. $20-$30 on craigs or thrift stores. Than all you need is a turntable and speakers. I think lots of parents or relatives have these sitting in there garage or attic when they get new systems, and some may be able to get them for free if they ask nicely;) I have been enjoying your videos. Take care. Charles

[jackmosley]

I agree with you on mostly everything you said but personally I'm happy with my LP60 and have never had any problems with it at all apart from needing to adjust the speed a little. As a starter its way better than a crosley, you can't really expect a starter to spent ridiculous amounts on a first try if they want to get into it.

[Gamerlife]

A GOOD key word good... entry set up will cost you at least 500 with speakers pre amp and reciever. If you get lucky you can cut some of those costs by purchasing secondhand or from a pawn store. I recommend newbies who want a great entry to look at the u-turn by orbit. Great, upgradable and you can find them for great deals on c list.

[rbwtxgf]

I've been curious about the hobby for a while now and after seeing some record players at a bookstore today, I decided to look this up. thanks for persuading me against buying one of those pieces of crap. I'm really excited about getting a good setup and getting to experience music in a new way.

[FuzzyDan]

I grew up in the 70s and 80s so my recent interest in vinyl collecting is just as much about nostalgia as it is the music. I have one of those all-in-one players that I got for a Christmas gift several years ago. When I started buying records again, I replaced the needle with a diamond one and I could immediately hear the difference (which is impressive since I suffer from tinnitus). I do understand why people who really want their collection to be pristine and get the most audio quality should really steer clear of the Crosleys and all-in-one units and it is my hope that I'll eventually be able to get a more sophisticated system. Until then, I am still going to happily spin records on the player I have. Love your channel, BTW. Very educational to us newbies.