“Hey Russ, Are record players worth it?” I’ve come across this question many times from people who are thinking of getting into the hobby of collecting vinyl records but are a little confused about it.
Whenever I’m asked this question, I respond with a simple counter-question:
Are they passionate about music? If the answer is yes, then a record player and collecting vinyl records are definitely worth their time, as vinyl records produce a warmth and richness in sound that is far superior to the digital options available today.
Whether you’re just starting your vinyl collection or looking to purchase your first vinyl player, it’s important to really think about your goals and what you want from your music experience. Vinyl offers something unique that digital formats can’t quite match, but it also requires a bit more effort and investment, both in terms of care and setup. So, if you’re ready to dive in, let’s explore whether a record player is the right choice for you!
Are record players and vinyl worth the investment?
The answer to this question completely depends on what your interests are. If you’re someone who is truly passionate about music, then the answer is yes, record players, turntables and vinyl records are definitely worth investing in.
If we look at today’s era, it has become very convenient to play music directly from your handheld devices through Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms, which is great and I’m not against it at all. But if you were to ask any audiophile what the best way to listen to music is, the answer will always be a vinyl record played on a record player or turntable.
Why? Because vinyl is an analog format of music, meaning it directly captures the continuous waves of sound, resulting in a perceived warmth and richness that can be lost when converted into a digital format. In addition to that, vinyl records give you a sense of ownership, something you can pass down to future generations as a heritage.
My grandfather, being an audiophile himself, left a great collection of vintage records (including Frank Sinatra albums) and his beloved gramophone for our family. My dad proudly displays them at his record store beside his own Pioneer PL-990 turntable. The gramophone has now become a symbol of our three generations’ love for music which will definitely be passed onto future generations.
Are record players really worth it or is it worth it to buy a vinyl player?
In my opinion, yes, they are worth it if you’re someone who is passionate about music and willing to dive into the vinyl world. They’re budget-friendly and a great entry point for starting your vinyl collection journey.
I know many audiophiles might not agree with me because, according to them, unlike turntables, record players (especially all-in-one suitcase models) are built with cheaper components due to their affordable price. This can lead to potential damage to vinyl records over time, and that’s actually somewhat true. I’m not going to lie.
But here’s how I see it: for people who are buying their first vinyl player while keeping to a budget, those who will play records only once or twice a month, or those who aren’t sure if they’ll stick with the hobby of collecting vinyls, a record player is a good investment compared to a turntable for them.
If you’re not aware of the difference between the two, a record player has everything built in, i.e. turntable, preamp, amplifier and speakers allowing you to play music right away. A turntable on the other hand requires additional components like an external preamp, stereo receiver, and speakers to produce sound from the records. For an in-depth difference, check Turntables vs. Record Players.
A great turntable setup will always need a good preamp and speakers to provide that high-quality sound experience, which can turn out to be expensive and a bit complicated for those who are just getting started.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to start with a record player to play your first few vinyl records. After you’ve accumulated about 15 to 20 records and are sure you’ll keep collecting, it’s a good idea to invest in a quality turntable setup that will cause less wear and tear on your records while offering an excellent sound experience.
Benefits of a record player
Let us now discuss in detail what benefits a record player has.
Has everything built-in
One of the major benefits of a record player is that it comes with all the components built-in such as the turntable, preamplifier, amplifier, and speakers. This means you can simply take the player out of the box, plug its power cord into the socket, and play your favorite records right away.
Affordable price
If we talk about the price, they are really affordable to purchase. Some models from Crosley and Victrola start as low as 49 USD, which is great for someone who is buying their first record player to get into the vinyl world.
Easy to carry
Another advantage of a record player is that you can easily take it with you, unlike a turntable setup that requires you to pack a lot of stuff, like the turntable itself, amplifier, and speakers, just in case you want to move it to another place which can be a hassle. This portability makes record players perfect for those who want to enjoy vinyl on the go, whether it’s for a weekend getaway or just moving it from one room to another without any issues.
Disadvantage of a record player
Just like every coin has two sides, record players come with their disadvantages too. Let’s now discuss them.
Cheap material used
A budget price comes with its own cost, which is that the quality is compromised. Record players are often made with cheap materials, mostly plastic that wear out quickly and they usually have a sapphire stylus with a lifespan of 40-100 hours, which if not replaced on time can even damage your records.
Sound quality
Because of the cheap quality components, like the stylus and built-in speakers, the sound quality doesn’t match up to that of entry-level turntables. This is one of the main reasons audiophiles prefer turntables over all-in-one record players.
No scope for customization
Unlike turntables, record players have a very limited scope for customization. You cannot upgrade the stylus or the tonearm and there’s no point in connecting high-end external speakers as the sapphire stylus won’t do justice to them. This means that if you’re looking to upgrade your setup for better sound quality in the long run, a record player might not be the best choice. Turntables on the other hand offer more flexibility for improvement over time.
Final beat
Record players are great for people who are just entering the vinyl world, as they offer the option to play records without having to spend a lot of money.
If you’re just starting your vinyl journey and feeling a bit confused, here’s my suggestion: buy a record player to play your initial vinyl records. Then, once you’ve built a sizable collection and know you’re fully committed to vinyl, consider upgrading to a better turntable setup that won’t damage your records in the long run.
Lastly, I would like to leave you with a quote.
In a world where everything is digital and instant, there’s something timeless and intimate about vinyl and record players that makes them worth every bit of the investment.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’ll be more than happy to answer them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do cheap record players ruin records?
The answer is yes, they do, because they are mostly manufactured in China and use cheap plastic components, sapphire styluses, and sometimes even ceramic styluses. These, combined with excess tracking force, can ruin your vinyl records.
Q: Is it better to get a record player or turntable?
Record players are affordable and offer the convenience of having everything built-in, such as a preamp and speakers. However, when it comes to sound quality they can’t match a good entry-level turntable. Therefore if you can, opt for a quality turntable instead of a record player.
Q: Is it OK to play a dirty record?
Playing dirty records is actually not a good idea because the dust and dirt particles can damage both the turntable stylus and the record grooves.
Q: Is it OK to touch records?
Never, I repeat, never touch the surface of your vinyl records, as the dirt from your hands can stick to the record surface and damage both your turntable/record player stylus and the record grooves. Always hold them by the outer edge and the record label.
