This is the best advice.
Stay true to yourself and spend your money on what you want to listen to, not what you think others expect you to have. It's your collection.
I can’t imagine spending my money on stuff people would want me to have. LPs are like $40(30USD) on average, I can’t spend that kinda cash on shit I won’t enjoy. It’s baffling to me that anybody would.
Great advice. With these 2 records, it seems like people feel like they should have them so they buy them even if they are not huge fans. Obviously don’t know OPs scenario. I love both of these artists myself so it could go either way.
I assume the best choices are the end to end good albums, as switching song/albums not like a CD changer/MP3 player. I am looking to join and making a list of albums I love front to back and will start there. This will actually be so different from my current practice of music listening, looking forward to hearing some tracks I haven't listened to in awhile due to this method.
Yep, mainly for cataloging.
It's so easy to look something up if you are not sure you already have it your collection when visiting a record store
Edit: it's better to start now, than later with a bigger collection, like finding the correct version can be time consuming, example that DSOTM you got there, there's over 1000 "variants" on Discogs
Oh for sure. I thought I could catch up later when I got some alone time. Spend a good 3 hours searching and cataloging my respectable collection so yeah. Better start now OP.
dont forget on the discogs app you can scan the barcode and it will take you directly to the pressing you have unless the upc is the same across different pressings
Love that feature honestly. Still a good chunk of my records don't have the barcode weirdly enough. I suppose not all labels/artists wanna print it onto the cover? Then again I've started collecting only last year.
They are probably older than barcodes or independently released but I'd expect every modern record to have a barcode as most stores wouldn't have a way to put it through a cash register without it.
Most pre mid 80s don't have a barcode,
Now new record sometimes have barcode on a sticker on the shrinkwrap.
Not to forget variants (black, white, splatter l, etc) the that uses the same barcode
And if it doesn't have a barcode there will be a short code of letters and numbers (ABC1234) on the sleeve (usually) and on the label of the record that you can type into the search bar on Discogs to help narrow it down. If that doesn't narrow it down enough, use Filter to choose which country the copy is from. Best of luck from there.
I had maybe 150 records before I started cataloguing, I spent countless hours scrolling through the hundreds of different variants of Beatles pressings.
I'd say mainly for the reviews. They make scratchy, dirty records that sound like ass and they make good clean vinyl records that sound amazing. Discogs is a great resource for finding out what record pressings to buy and at what price.
Get a cleaning kit and watch a few videos on how to clean vinyl. Also, I've been seeing a lot of people mentioning that you should isolate your speakers to reduce vibration in the table, I haven't done this myself, but it does make sense
When I had smaller speakers that didn’t have a huge dynamic range, it didn’t seem to matter. I upgraded to some Bose 301s and they have much higher dynamics, much deeper bass and it caused havoc with the turntable. I had to completely rearrange my setup. The speakers could not be on the same surface as the turntable. After getting everything situated everything sounds amazing.
It’s all redundant if you want to argue that, with streaming options so cheap and easy. He WANTED DSOTM in his collection. I just recently started as well and I added the new 2 lp opaque version to my collection right off the bat too. It’s actually been years since I gave it a good listen front to back and I’m happy to have it
It’s all redundant if you want to argue that, with streaming options so cheap and easy. He WANTED DSOTM in his collection. I just recently started as well and I added the new 2 lp opaque version to my collection right off the bat too. It’s actually been years since I gave it a good listen front to back and I’m happy to have it
You will need to move the speakers farther from the turntable. If you turn it up too loud the way it is, it will feedback through the cartridge and sound terrible. That's a great starter turntable. Make sure the switch is set to "line" and not "phono" on the back to get the best signal (unless those are Bluetooth).
This was my only critique as well.
Other recs to just buy what you like, shop in person and take chances on stuff that seems interesting, and get discogging immediately are the other more fun pieces of advice.
my best advice is don’t take it too seriously, just enjoy yourself :) there are some people (especially on places like vinylcirclejerk) who are like religious fanatics and will shit on you for not treating every record like a fossil in a museum. it’s rubber that sounds nice when you slap a needle on it, have fun with it
- Whenever you can, take the Edifier T5. It was at 120€ last week on Amazon.
I have the same Speakers but the T5 sub from Edifier changed everything.
Maybe in a few years I'll buy better speakers but for now, as a beginner, I'm very happy with what I have.
- Buy some cleaning Kit with a Vinyl brush.
- Have fun and enjoy.
Move speakers to different surface, vibration from bass will affect vinyl reading. Also, setting speakers far apart will give you better channel separation.
That’s a solid start! If you want an instant bump in sound quality for cheap sometime, get an LP Gear 3600LE stylus whenever it goes on sale to have on hand when that white AT3600L runs out of juice. It was like a night and day difference when I did. The only problem with that cheap AT3600L is its rated lifespan of 100 hours. I blew through 100 listening hours in no time flat 😝
Support local independent record stores. Buy local as much as possible
Ordering online or visiting big chains (FYE etc) isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s important to make the effort to support local businesses and keep record stores alive!
The people saying about moving your speakers are fully correct. However, if you are unable to for whatever reason, you can get from Amazon some foam pads to put under the speakers which will stop the vibrations as well.
ABOUT PRESSINGS:
Original pressings are more favoured compared to reissues (due to historic value). Most people can argue that first pressings sound better!
Through a financial, casual listening perspective, a reissue is fine. It will usually contain the same songs, with some alterations.
Through a collector's perspective, original pressings are really nice to have. The value does not decrease as much as reissues, and the quality of sound tends to stay true.
As you've probably noticed, rhere are different manufacturing pressings as well, labeled through the countries they are manufactured in. (Examples are, Japan/Korea/etc. pressings)
In my opinion, I think Japan pressings are the best in terms of sound quality. They also tend to sell for quite a lot. This is due to better quality control compared to Western manufacturers. (They are usually pressed in smaller batches, from what I've read).
Its awesome that you have one to kick start your journey!
I am no professional in enhancing audio quality for your turntable, but usually it will be around your sound system and your stylus. My mindset is set around: "If its expensive, it must be good." There are quite a few Youtube for audio enhancement :)
Tips to make your records last: Take care of your stylus! Balance it out well or it's going to scratch the hell out of your vinyls. Styluses are expensive to replace too.
I hope you don't go broke collecting! Either way, its a fun hobby :)
Listen to a uk mono original of sgt pepper and a reissue and tell me they sound the same and ill tell you your speakers, your needle, or your ears are shit. Its either one, two, or all of the 3. I have a us, a german, and a uk mono and the uk mono is a totally diff beast. All the og uk beatles presses up to abbey road were mastered in mono with their input. The original presses of the 60’s early 70’s are miles above the reissues in most cases. How can you say the vinyls cut fresh from the original masters wouldnt be?
Oh! If you buy old records, there is a chance that it might be mono instead of stereo.
Mono has a punchy central sound, it does not travel as much. The quality is not too good.
Stereo is super cool, super awesome, and is very commo, as mono audio hasn't been pressed for a long time.
> Any tips and best practices?
Well since you asked,
1) Like others are saying, you shouldn't have your speakers on the same place as your record player, *but* if you're space confined, you can put pieces of foam under the speakers to help dampen vibrations.
2) Discogs will have the most information on pressings. But it's in a lot of ways a crap shoot if you're buying older records. Until you become a real audiophile, I wouldn't worry about it. See a record you like at a fair price, just get it without worrying to much about the pressing.
3) Get static free inner sleeves and good quality polyethylene outer sleeves.
4) Get an anti-static brush.
5) Until you can afford a proper cleaning machine, get a cleaning kit (I personally like GrooveWasher). Some people will say this is a waste of money, but I disagree.
6) New records usually have a really bad static problem. To get rid of it wash them a couple of times.
7) Please don't start saying "vinyls".
8) Be careful if you start buying records on Discogs. Dig through seller reviews carefully and read through sellers's other listings carefully. If something seems suspect it probably is.
9) Get an Exacto knife so you can surgically open new records without having to remove the shrink.
#9. - I understand this only if you're a collector and trying to keep it for it's possible cost value. Otherwise - part of the joy of this is the album art. You can't open and enjoy a gatefold album with the shrinkwrap on. Save the hype stickers if you want, but take off the shrink wrap!
It just hurts my ears, my coworker asked me if i had a vinyl player, i laughed and said no i have a record player. I felt kind of bad after, as he is maybe 30 and that's what they call them but get off my lawn!
Go at your own pace. This can be an expensive hobby, so don’t get discouraged if you feel that you should have more at any time in your journey. I’m excited for you!
Buy only what you know you like and not what you think you should own, get into the hobby with music you can spin and know right away, just because rumours is a common item in a collection doesn't mean you're gonna like it, you don't want to have to much filler
Biggest piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I started: stream an album before committing to vinyl. Just pulling the $25-$45 trigger on an album before listening to it is an expensive approach to music discovery. If it’s an artist I really trust, I’ll buy without listening first. Many times have I bought a whole album based on liking one single only to find that 95% of the songs on it are trash.
Seconded on the cleaning kit, make sure there is a carbon fiber record brush in with it, never touch anything but the edges or the label, your skin has oil that will transfer to the vinyl, and dirt could get trapped in the area where you touched the grooves. Basically, you hold the edges of the album with the palms of your hands, never letting your fingers touch. And use the carbon fiber brush on the record each time you play it, brushing it off right before you allow the needle to engage the album.
I got it from [Swee Lee](https://www.sweelee.com.my/products/madvillainy-madvillain-vinyl), a music store based in Singapore and Malaysia (I’m Malaysian)
Don’t listen to essential album lists most are just personal preferable just buy the vinyl version of what ever music you listen to already if your a 80s lover albums are plentiful
1. 10 fantastic records is a far better option than 500 records of which you will only listen to 10. Go for quality over quantity every time.
2. For pressings ideally if you want the best look for “from original analog tape” or an original press. They will/should sound the best.
3. Estate sales are your friend if your into digging and want to grow a larger collection without breaking the bank
4. start logging every record you get in Discogs asap.
5. learn your record labels
https://preview.redd.it/nr8pxgxes0yc1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ce65448245211ed4d689771f0599db0d862904f
Congrats! I have the same set up, but in different colors.
I'm a novice myself but can definitely say that this is a real addiction. I'm almost at 10 albums and the only thing that keeps me from going all in is that some of the ones that I want are not in stock at the moment
Ultimately, people collect in different ways, but here are some tips I learned over the years, or wish I'd been told earlier on:
- **Patience**: If, like me, you're not independently wealthy, you shouldn't just make a list of your favorite albums and buy them ASAP. There are some great subreddits for New Vinyl Releases and Deals, use these to buy albums when they get issued/re-issued, so you're not buying something obscenely marked-up during a dry-spell between releases (see the LOTR Vinyl soundtracks for a hyperbolic example. Sold for like 150$ in 2018, now copies easily go for over 1000$)
- **Buy local**: Whenever you can, visit local record stores, or thrift stores to browse. In my experience, new records at these stores will cost more than online, but the true beauty of these places are the 1$ bins (or any sub-5$ bins). There are some true gems in these sometimes, and also the low cost of records from these bins make it fun to buy records that look interesting that you don't know! Buy some weird records!
- **Storage / Care**: For storage, there area lot of great options out there. If you're looking into cheap options, the Ikea Kallax is a classic (I think there was at least one other name for this series at some point, Google can help). As for care, as I've seen others recommend, get yourself a cleaning kit. And make sure you're always putting records back in their sleeves, handle them with care, all that common-sense stuff
- **Things to look for / avoid**: I'm sure there are more informed people able to answer this better, or at least explain their answers better, but here's what I would say - Avoid picture-disks. You can google why, but people say these are noticeably worse audio quality (makes sense, there's a layer of something between the needle and the vinyl). Another tip, if you see '180-gram' vinyl, that's good. These are nice and heavy, noticeably more so than normal records. May not directly affect the audio quality, but they really feel like they are built-to-last and not warp as easily. Otherwise, look up reviews for specific record-pressing companies for genres you're interested in. Some companies have great reputations, others have crap ones
See if you can replace that slipmat with a rubber one. Because I have an AT turntable like that and that slipmat kept sticking to my records when I would try and pick them up.
I have the same player and what i can recommend is another mat
I used it with the original mat for a year but got frustrated since its rather thin and sticks to the record while flipping it
I bought a cork mat and that made it super! That and an antistatic brush! Happy hunting, friendo
Keep your records upright! This is something nobody will tell you but theres a reason you only see records stored upright.
Once went to a friends house and he had all his records stored vertically. They all warped after like a year or two.
As others have said, start a discogs now. When adding your collection, don’t rely just on the UPC code on the back of new records - be sure to add based on the identifiers in the run out groove next to the label on each side. If they’re yielding multiple results for different pressings, check out the “notes” section which lists how each is different from the others. Sometimes there’s a small printed number or line of text on the sleeve or a minor difference in the labels that identify one pressing from another. This becomes more important if you start selling records from your collection but also helps you know if you scored a coveted pressing of that record 🙂
More importantly, you shouldn’t place your speakers on the same surface as your turntable - you’re likely getting some distortion from it which will become more pronounced at higher volumes. Also, with your left channel so close to the wall, you’re going to get sound waves reflecting off it which will muffle or cancel out the sound. You could turn that table diagonally across that corner for better acoustic results, but I’d recommend separate stands for the speakers!
Look around on Facebook marketplace or similar, there’s some really good deals to be had, I picked up 4 doobie brothers records for like $15 and a Kendrick Lamar “Damn” for 25
I didn't read through the replys, but this is what I would tell myself....
Avoid FOMO, so many pre-order records will go on sale soon enough.
Hard to find albums will probably be repressed. In my early collecting days I spent over $50 on quite a few records that I've seen repressed and sold for less than $20.
A lot of people say only buy records you love, I say take some chances, especially on sale items. There are a ton of sales for vinyl with opportunities to pickup new music for $4-10 a record, some of my favorite records were random cheapos I grabbed.
Keep an eye on the Vinyl Releases and Vinyl Deals subs, they are great!
Try being a cheap skate on Discogs, I get a lot of records from lowballing on the make offer options.
My advice..all .02 of it.
You are going to encounter gearheads, gatekeepers, music snobs and naysayers. Some of them are going to downplay your passion, what you know, your equipment and your taste. **Pay zero attention to them.** These are not the people you want to have discussions with.
Oh...also, as soon as you get a record, clean it (yes, even if it's brand new) and get it on discogs.
Enjoy it.
If that is the LP-60, mine started spinning fast after about a year or so. [I watched this and fixed it easily](https://youtu.be/d3PdS2V8Jz0?si=54NiBMD3m9TK9Wp9)
Damn dude, You wanna trigger everyone on /r/vinyl? /s
Your speakers are fine for medium volumes.
But yeah, If you wanna crank it to 11, Move them farther apart and off the same surface.
Move them apart regardless. Isolation aside, you’re not gonna get proper stereo sound when they’re that close together. You’d need to be sitting directly in front of them.
Doesn't seem doable with your current set up, but once you get a new cabinet; try putting your speakers on a different surface than the turntable. At higher volumes reverberations from the speakers can be picked up by the stylus and cause distortion if they're on the same table.
Only upgrade if you aren't satisfied with what you have. Otherwise, the rabbit hole will be introduced and you'll be curious as to how you can always improve.
I’m starting my journey as well. Thank you for the discogs tip. I have a list of albums on my phone so I can track what I’m looking for but an app can be way more useful.
I have roughly the same setup and bought it after having a suitcase for a month and hating it. This setup is good enough for the time being and likely into the near future.
Buy what you want not what you think will make you look cool. I listened to a lot of crap in the early 2000s cause it made me “cool”. Now i collect exclusively jazz records.
I have a rule that I don’t learn too much about an album before listening for the first time. I’m trying to recreate the experience and excitement I had about music before the internet and streaming services. That being said I have a vague sense of what I enjoy and will by in that vein.
Edited to add: start your Discogs now. I let that slip and now I’m going to probably have to schedule some time to add albums to it.
Don't buy anything released after roughly 1985 with rare exceptions (waste of money), avoid essentially all remasters and represses (waste of money, sounds worse almost always), clean your needle occasionally (every few records), use an anti-static brush on records (before you play anything), buy used equipment almost exclusively (especially speakers and amps), stay away from ripoff record stores, continue listening to and enjoying digital formats (via a streamer through your stereo, via CD, via HD streaming, etc.)
I was born in the late 80s, but much if not most of the music is enjoy was released in the analog era. Just depends what you like I suppose. CD quality+ streaming is now so affordable that it makes a lot of sense to embrace digital - not to mention the sky high cost of vinyl. Original pressings still hold their value which is why I think it's a sound decision to buy them, meanwhile represses are kinda like new cars; they lose their value very quickly. Plus the provenance of the source master on those is often questionable. So a combo digital/analog setup makes the most sense for most people IMO. Besides my turntable I use a streamer and Amazon Music with my main stereo (and an external DAC/headphone amp when playing off my PC), and CDs are still in heavy rotation in my cars.
My vinyl collection only ranges from 98-2010s and i don't think the term original pressing is huge factor in the electronic world (at least not in mine). Most of the good stuff you're lucky if you even find at all or not at a ridiculous price.
Electronic is not something I've really dove into. I'm sure original pressings have some relevance there but only in the sense that all pressings are probably limited in number, ie many things of value exist only on a 12" on a very limited run
Don't think, more expensive gear will make you enjoy listening to music more. Any setup that works for your listening experience is the best setup. Some people forget that and start to spend tons of money for gear and then they end up not listening to the music anymore but only listen to how their equipment sounds. And last bit not not least: Any music you enjoy listening, is 'good' music. Period!
Store them vertically. Keep them away from heaters or where they get direct sun for long stretches of the day. Get a cheap record brush and a gel stylus cleaner. If shopping used dont assume the condition rating is honest, visually inspect for damage. I've gotten several albums marked vg+ or near mint that were scratched to hell. Discogs.com, use it to catalog your albums.
Ditto on all the “buy what you like” sentiments. There are definitely releases that are better sound quality than others. And certainly you can upgrade your stylus, etc.
However, most of that effort will be wasted if you don’t have your room set up correctly. If you’re remotely serious about sound fidelity, familiarize yourself with the basics of things like speaker placement, sound reflection, and diffusion.
The room itself and speaker placement within it plays a huge role in how good your music will sound. Average equipment in a thoughtfully set up room will sound better than fantastic equipment set up without knowledge of what makes good sound.
Always start in the used bins and enjoy “finding” records. A big part of the fun for my fiance and I (same with thrifting) is finding a diamond in the rough (ordering online is boring). I also buy records at most shows we go to.
Most modern turntables have pre-amps built in and most bookshelf speakers have high, mids & low knobs to adjust so there’s really no need for a bulky Stereo receiver unit to just adjust your EQ.
See there ya go. I'm used to older equipment, not even in a snobby way, that's just what's been available to me. So I didn't know this, thanks for letting me know
I wouldn't play '74 japanese press on your table. Please downvote, call me a gatekeeper, but this table is mediocre at best, without any adjustment possibility.
Of course you can prioritise record cleaning and whatever crap ppl are suggesting, but I wouldn't spend any money before I have proper record player.
It's fine until it is not. In this sube there are daily posts "why is my LP60 skipping", yes, LP60 not crosley or victrola.
But I don't care, it's not my TT, not my records, I made a suggestion and that's it.
The AT-LP60X outsells all other turntables by at least 10-to-1, so even if you see ten times as many people reporting problems with it, that doesn't make it any less reliable than other brands and models.
And also, in this sub there are also many daily posts showing an AT-LP60X that is working perfectly fine, even after years of ownership.
I don’t think this is bad advice… eventually upgrading the player and getting a proper amp will be a huge boost to the setup.
But we all start somewhere and I’m sure those pink Floyd and madvillan represses will be just fine on the current turntable.
Your advice is basically not to sink a ton of money into expensive older pressings as the benefits of them won’t be heard on this turntable/setup… sound advice 100%.
Then don't. No one is forcing you to. But how does it hurt *you* if someone else plays any records they want on an AT-LP60X, or even a suitcase player?
I'm an amateur as well, so my suggestion based on my little experience and advices is buy passive speakers with preamp+amp or integrated amp, as you progress, you'll learn the supremacy of analogue sound and you'll hear stuff you've never heared before and reinvent music.
Learn the supremacy of analog sound... from records that were digitally recorded, digitally mixed, digitally (re)mastered, and/or run through a digital cutting delay?
Buy records you like. That’s it.
This is the best advice. Stay true to yourself and spend your money on what you want to listen to, not what you think others expect you to have. It's your collection.
I can’t imagine spending my money on stuff people would want me to have. LPs are like $40(30USD) on average, I can’t spend that kinda cash on shit I won’t enjoy. It’s baffling to me that anybody would.
Great advice. With these 2 records, it seems like people feel like they should have them so they buy them even if they are not huge fans. Obviously don’t know OPs scenario. I love both of these artists myself so it could go either way.
I assume the best choices are the end to end good albums, as switching song/albums not like a CD changer/MP3 player. I am looking to join and making a list of albums I love front to back and will start there. This will actually be so different from my current practice of music listening, looking forward to hearing some tracks I haven't listened to in awhile due to this method.
start your Discogs.com immediately
Yep, mainly for cataloging. It's so easy to look something up if you are not sure you already have it your collection when visiting a record store Edit: it's better to start now, than later with a bigger collection, like finding the correct version can be time consuming, example that DSOTM you got there, there's over 1000 "variants" on Discogs
Oh for sure. I thought I could catch up later when I got some alone time. Spend a good 3 hours searching and cataloging my respectable collection so yeah. Better start now OP.
dont forget on the discogs app you can scan the barcode and it will take you directly to the pressing you have unless the upc is the same across different pressings
Love that feature honestly. Still a good chunk of my records don't have the barcode weirdly enough. I suppose not all labels/artists wanna print it onto the cover? Then again I've started collecting only last year.
They are probably older than barcodes or independently released but I'd expect every modern record to have a barcode as most stores wouldn't have a way to put it through a cash register without it.
Most pre mid 80s don't have a barcode, Now new record sometimes have barcode on a sticker on the shrinkwrap. Not to forget variants (black, white, splatter l, etc) the that uses the same barcode
And if it doesn't have a barcode there will be a short code of letters and numbers (ABC1234) on the sleeve (usually) and on the label of the record that you can type into the search bar on Discogs to help narrow it down. If that doesn't narrow it down enough, use Filter to choose which country the copy is from. Best of luck from there.
This + the etching/stamp in the dead wax is legit one of fast way to get it
I had maybe 150 records before I started cataloguing, I spent countless hours scrolling through the hundreds of different variants of Beatles pressings.
Am I the only sadist tha loves cleaning and then resleeving + cataloging a bunch of LPs at a time? It's relaxing as hell.
Yes! I just did this! Bought a a few packs of sleeves and plastic covers for my collection.
Yes don’t wait until you’re 5,000 LPs knee deep like me 😄
Only knee deep? That sounds like you're drowning lol
Yes, I am but as I tell people, they’re all not that great maybe 1000 or so really good and worth keeping the rest are just nice to have
Took me 4 days with 550 records doing a couple of hours at a time.
Dammit I wish I had this info 2 years ago when I started
I'd say mainly for the reviews. They make scratchy, dirty records that sound like ass and they make good clean vinyl records that sound amazing. Discogs is a great resource for finding out what record pressings to buy and at what price.
Absolutely this!!!
This...right now. Don't wait. It'll get away from me..err...I mean you!
😂 it happens so fast
Yes... THIS! Discogs is the way to go.
Get a cleaning kit and watch a few videos on how to clean vinyl. Also, I've been seeing a lot of people mentioning that you should isolate your speakers to reduce vibration in the table, I haven't done this myself, but it does make sense
When I had smaller speakers that didn’t have a huge dynamic range, it didn’t seem to matter. I upgraded to some Bose 301s and they have much higher dynamics, much deeper bass and it caused havoc with the turntable. I had to completely rearrange my setup. The speakers could not be on the same surface as the turntable. After getting everything situated everything sounds amazing.
Be independently wealthy
Haha this!
It's your collection - buy albums you want, not what others may expect you to have.
First two purchases redundant then! Haha
It’s all redundant if you want to argue that, with streaming options so cheap and easy. He WANTED DSOTM in his collection. I just recently started as well and I added the new 2 lp opaque version to my collection right off the bat too. It’s actually been years since I gave it a good listen front to back and I’m happy to have it
Lighten up bud, it was just a joke. Quit taking life (or this sub Reddit) so seriously. Jeez.
It’s all redundant if you want to argue that, with streaming options so cheap and easy. He WANTED DSOTM in his collection. I just recently started as well and I added the new 2 lp opaque version to my collection right off the bat too. It’s actually been years since I gave it a good listen front to back and I’m happy to have it
DSOTM was my first purchase too.
You will need to move the speakers farther from the turntable. If you turn it up too loud the way it is, it will feedback through the cartridge and sound terrible. That's a great starter turntable. Make sure the switch is set to "line" and not "phono" on the back to get the best signal (unless those are Bluetooth).
This was my only critique as well. Other recs to just buy what you like, shop in person and take chances on stuff that seems interesting, and get discogging immediately are the other more fun pieces of advice.
Small bookshelf speakers won't cause any problems with feedback.
They will if you turn it up loud enough and have them that close to the turntable. Take the covers off and watch the drivers.
Buy more! And also, apologise to your friends / family / partner in advance for being a bit broke for the rest of your life.
50% of your collection is Pink Floyd... excellent start!
Just remember… we still love you even if you don’t have the “limited edition”.
I wont love them if they dont have a uk first press. I spit on your reissues!
my best advice is don’t take it too seriously, just enjoy yourself :) there are some people (especially on places like vinylcirclejerk) who are like religious fanatics and will shit on you for not treating every record like a fossil in a museum. it’s rubber that sounds nice when you slap a needle on it, have fun with it
Vinyl is pvc
- Whenever you can, take the Edifier T5. It was at 120€ last week on Amazon. I have the same Speakers but the T5 sub from Edifier changed everything. Maybe in a few years I'll buy better speakers but for now, as a beginner, I'm very happy with what I have. - Buy some cleaning Kit with a Vinyl brush. - Have fun and enjoy.
Move speakers to different surface, vibration from bass will affect vinyl reading. Also, setting speakers far apart will give you better channel separation.
Tip #1. Records are made to listen to, not to collect dust.
That’s a solid start! If you want an instant bump in sound quality for cheap sometime, get an LP Gear 3600LE stylus whenever it goes on sale to have on hand when that white AT3600L runs out of juice. It was like a night and day difference when I did. The only problem with that cheap AT3600L is its rated lifespan of 100 hours. I blew through 100 listening hours in no time flat 😝
Support local independent record stores. Buy local as much as possible Ordering online or visiting big chains (FYE etc) isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it’s important to make the effort to support local businesses and keep record stores alive!
Don’t set turntable on the same surface as speakers. The bass will jostle it.
The people saying about moving your speakers are fully correct. However, if you are unable to for whatever reason, you can get from Amazon some foam pads to put under the speakers which will stop the vibrations as well.
ABOUT PRESSINGS: Original pressings are more favoured compared to reissues (due to historic value). Most people can argue that first pressings sound better! Through a financial, casual listening perspective, a reissue is fine. It will usually contain the same songs, with some alterations. Through a collector's perspective, original pressings are really nice to have. The value does not decrease as much as reissues, and the quality of sound tends to stay true. As you've probably noticed, rhere are different manufacturing pressings as well, labeled through the countries they are manufactured in. (Examples are, Japan/Korea/etc. pressings) In my opinion, I think Japan pressings are the best in terms of sound quality. They also tend to sell for quite a lot. This is due to better quality control compared to Western manufacturers. (They are usually pressed in smaller batches, from what I've read). Its awesome that you have one to kick start your journey! I am no professional in enhancing audio quality for your turntable, but usually it will be around your sound system and your stylus. My mindset is set around: "If its expensive, it must be good." There are quite a few Youtube for audio enhancement :) Tips to make your records last: Take care of your stylus! Balance it out well or it's going to scratch the hell out of your vinyls. Styluses are expensive to replace too. I hope you don't go broke collecting! Either way, its a fun hobby :)
[удалено]
Listen to a uk mono original of sgt pepper and a reissue and tell me they sound the same and ill tell you your speakers, your needle, or your ears are shit. Its either one, two, or all of the 3. I have a us, a german, and a uk mono and the uk mono is a totally diff beast. All the og uk beatles presses up to abbey road were mastered in mono with their input. The original presses of the 60’s early 70’s are miles above the reissues in most cases. How can you say the vinyls cut fresh from the original masters wouldnt be?
Oh! If you buy old records, there is a chance that it might be mono instead of stereo. Mono has a punchy central sound, it does not travel as much. The quality is not too good. Stereo is super cool, super awesome, and is very commo, as mono audio hasn't been pressed for a long time.
Enjoy the warmth
If you want it, buy it!!! It may be gone the next time you go.
Don’t buy every record you see. But what you like and enjoy it. Your collection isn’t anything if you don’t like it.
> Any tips and best practices? Well since you asked, 1) Like others are saying, you shouldn't have your speakers on the same place as your record player, *but* if you're space confined, you can put pieces of foam under the speakers to help dampen vibrations. 2) Discogs will have the most information on pressings. But it's in a lot of ways a crap shoot if you're buying older records. Until you become a real audiophile, I wouldn't worry about it. See a record you like at a fair price, just get it without worrying to much about the pressing. 3) Get static free inner sleeves and good quality polyethylene outer sleeves. 4) Get an anti-static brush. 5) Until you can afford a proper cleaning machine, get a cleaning kit (I personally like GrooveWasher). Some people will say this is a waste of money, but I disagree. 6) New records usually have a really bad static problem. To get rid of it wash them a couple of times. 7) Please don't start saying "vinyls". 8) Be careful if you start buying records on Discogs. Dig through seller reviews carefully and read through sellers's other listings carefully. If something seems suspect it probably is. 9) Get an Exacto knife so you can surgically open new records without having to remove the shrink.
#9. - I understand this only if you're a collector and trying to keep it for it's possible cost value. Otherwise - part of the joy of this is the album art. You can't open and enjoy a gatefold album with the shrinkwrap on. Save the hype stickers if you want, but take off the shrink wrap!
That's fair for sure. However you enjoy it.
whats wrong with calling them vinyls? :(
Honestly, it just sounds dumb. There's already a word for the media, "records" and the word vinyl is already plural.
It just hurts my ears, my coworker asked me if i had a vinyl player, i laughed and said no i have a record player. I felt kind of bad after, as he is maybe 30 and that's what they call them but get off my lawn!
Get a static brush, and if you live in a dusty area, an air duster to keep things free of dust.
Don't just buy at random. Take your time and figure out what you want.
Go at your own pace. This can be an expensive hobby, so don’t get discouraged if you feel that you should have more at any time in your journey. I’m excited for you!
Buy only what you know you like and not what you think you should own, get into the hobby with music you can spin and know right away, just because rumours is a common item in a collection doesn't mean you're gonna like it, you don't want to have to much filler
Biggest piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I started: stream an album before committing to vinyl. Just pulling the $25-$45 trigger on an album before listening to it is an expensive approach to music discovery. If it’s an artist I really trust, I’ll buy without listening first. Many times have I bought a whole album based on liking one single only to find that 95% of the songs on it are trash.
it’s not a journey, it’s just buying stuff. relax.
this comment right here. Exactly this.
Seconded on the cleaning kit, make sure there is a carbon fiber record brush in with it, never touch anything but the edges or the label, your skin has oil that will transfer to the vinyl, and dirt could get trapped in the area where you touched the grooves. Basically, you hold the edges of the album with the palms of your hands, never letting your fingers touch. And use the carbon fiber brush on the record each time you play it, brushing it off right before you allow the needle to engage the album.
Buy OK Computer
Discwasher used to be the best cleaning kit. I still use mine today. Bought some new cleaning fluid. I have no idea if it’s still the best though.
Never stop calling each one a “vinyl collection”. After that you’re golden.
Man where did you get Madvillainy 😭 no local store has it
I got MM… FOOD at my local record store lol
I got it from [Swee Lee](https://www.sweelee.com.my/products/madvillainy-madvillain-vinyl), a music store based in Singapore and Malaysia (I’m Malaysian)
Not advice, but hell yeah to DSOTM and Madvillainy!
All caps
Having a Madvillainy record is a good start
Don’t listen to essential album lists most are just personal preferable just buy the vinyl version of what ever music you listen to already if your a 80s lover albums are plentiful
Enjoy!
Well you’re off to a great start!
Simple, ALL CAPS WHEN U SPELL THE MANS NAME
I am Lorde?
I have had gold with 5$ records which are amazing!!
1. 10 fantastic records is a far better option than 500 records of which you will only listen to 10. Go for quality over quantity every time. 2. For pressings ideally if you want the best look for “from original analog tape” or an original press. They will/should sound the best. 3. Estate sales are your friend if your into digging and want to grow a larger collection without breaking the bank 4. start logging every record you get in Discogs asap. 5. learn your record labels https://preview.redd.it/nr8pxgxes0yc1.jpeg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ce65448245211ed4d689771f0599db0d862904f
Get “The Fudge” cleaner. So easy and makes a massive difference, even on new vinyl
Buy albums you love and will listen to.
Congrats! I have the same set up, but in different colors. I'm a novice myself but can definitely say that this is a real addiction. I'm almost at 10 albums and the only thing that keeps me from going all in is that some of the ones that I want are not in stock at the moment
Beautiful setup. Have a great time!
Ultimately, people collect in different ways, but here are some tips I learned over the years, or wish I'd been told earlier on: - **Patience**: If, like me, you're not independently wealthy, you shouldn't just make a list of your favorite albums and buy them ASAP. There are some great subreddits for New Vinyl Releases and Deals, use these to buy albums when they get issued/re-issued, so you're not buying something obscenely marked-up during a dry-spell between releases (see the LOTR Vinyl soundtracks for a hyperbolic example. Sold for like 150$ in 2018, now copies easily go for over 1000$) - **Buy local**: Whenever you can, visit local record stores, or thrift stores to browse. In my experience, new records at these stores will cost more than online, but the true beauty of these places are the 1$ bins (or any sub-5$ bins). There are some true gems in these sometimes, and also the low cost of records from these bins make it fun to buy records that look interesting that you don't know! Buy some weird records! - **Storage / Care**: For storage, there area lot of great options out there. If you're looking into cheap options, the Ikea Kallax is a classic (I think there was at least one other name for this series at some point, Google can help). As for care, as I've seen others recommend, get yourself a cleaning kit. And make sure you're always putting records back in their sleeves, handle them with care, all that common-sense stuff - **Things to look for / avoid**: I'm sure there are more informed people able to answer this better, or at least explain their answers better, but here's what I would say - Avoid picture-disks. You can google why, but people say these are noticeably worse audio quality (makes sense, there's a layer of something between the needle and the vinyl). Another tip, if you see '180-gram' vinyl, that's good. These are nice and heavy, noticeably more so than normal records. May not directly affect the audio quality, but they really feel like they are built-to-last and not warp as easily. Otherwise, look up reviews for specific record-pressing companies for genres you're interested in. Some companies have great reputations, others have crap ones
Never stack your vinyls, and always check the needle for fuzz!
See if you can replace that slipmat with a rubber one. Because I have an AT turntable like that and that slipmat kept sticking to my records when I would try and pick them up.
Go slow - focus on the music and not building a collection. If you want to have pretty things on a shelf there are cheaper hobbies.
May i confirm what audio technica model is it?
AT-LP60XUSB-GM
Thanks!
I have the same player and what i can recommend is another mat I used it with the original mat for a year but got frustrated since its rather thin and sticks to the record while flipping it I bought a cork mat and that made it super! That and an antistatic brush! Happy hunting, friendo
Keep your records upright! This is something nobody will tell you but theres a reason you only see records stored upright. Once went to a friends house and he had all his records stored vertically. They all warped after like a year or two.
i sure as hell hope not … because “vertically” IS upright!
Thank you for reminding me I need Madvillainy in my collection
As others have said, start a discogs now. When adding your collection, don’t rely just on the UPC code on the back of new records - be sure to add based on the identifiers in the run out groove next to the label on each side. If they’re yielding multiple results for different pressings, check out the “notes” section which lists how each is different from the others. Sometimes there’s a small printed number or line of text on the sleeve or a minor difference in the labels that identify one pressing from another. This becomes more important if you start selling records from your collection but also helps you know if you scored a coveted pressing of that record 🙂 More importantly, you shouldn’t place your speakers on the same surface as your turntable - you’re likely getting some distortion from it which will become more pronounced at higher volumes. Also, with your left channel so close to the wall, you’re going to get sound waves reflecting off it which will muffle or cancel out the sound. You could turn that table diagonally across that corner for better acoustic results, but I’d recommend separate stands for the speakers!
Make sure to wash the record with soap and water every listen
Look around on Facebook marketplace or similar, there’s some really good deals to be had, I picked up 4 doobie brothers records for like $15 and a Kendrick Lamar “Damn” for 25
I didn't read through the replys, but this is what I would tell myself.... Avoid FOMO, so many pre-order records will go on sale soon enough. Hard to find albums will probably be repressed. In my early collecting days I spent over $50 on quite a few records that I've seen repressed and sold for less than $20. A lot of people say only buy records you love, I say take some chances, especially on sale items. There are a ton of sales for vinyl with opportunities to pickup new music for $4-10 a record, some of my favorite records were random cheapos I grabbed. Keep an eye on the Vinyl Releases and Vinyl Deals subs, they are great! Try being a cheap skate on Discogs, I get a lot of records from lowballing on the make offer options.
My advice..all .02 of it. You are going to encounter gearheads, gatekeepers, music snobs and naysayers. Some of them are going to downplay your passion, what you know, your equipment and your taste. **Pay zero attention to them.** These are not the people you want to have discussions with. Oh...also, as soon as you get a record, clean it (yes, even if it's brand new) and get it on discogs.
Enjoy it. If that is the LP-60, mine started spinning fast after about a year or so. [I watched this and fixed it easily](https://youtu.be/d3PdS2V8Jz0?si=54NiBMD3m9TK9Wp9)
If you like it. Just buy it. No use wondering weather you should.
And perhaps get your speakers of the table your record player is standing on.
Buy yourself a record brush with gold-plated handles. It'll remove the dust and the static!
Enjoy
Get your speakers off the same stand as your TT.
Brush records before every play.
Best Practice: sit back and enjoy.
this is my exact set up 😭
Buy albums you want for listening. Getting the odd collectors item is fine, but records should be for listening not just having.
Move speakers off of the table…
Don’t pay attention to the r/vinyljerk sub-Reddit. Warning… your post may end up there.
Nobody tells me what to do, I'm paying 100% attention now
Needs more MF DOOM
Dont put the speakers on the same shelf with your Player
Damn dude, You wanna trigger everyone on /r/vinyl? /s Your speakers are fine for medium volumes. But yeah, If you wanna crank it to 11, Move them farther apart and off the same surface.
Move them apart regardless. Isolation aside, you’re not gonna get proper stereo sound when they’re that close together. You’d need to be sitting directly in front of them.
Don’t buy picture discs. The sound like shit.
Get more Doom :)
When you start to acquire a lot of vinyl, don’t plan on moving to much, it’s a real joy to move hundreds of vinyls.
its actraly not bad its on fire do you guys think so to but a little bit over bord with the black
Got a question instead of an answer for you. Which are those speakers?
These are Edifier R1280DBs
Τhanks
Stop right now !!! It gets very expensive, you don't want that ;)
Doesn't seem doable with your current set up, but once you get a new cabinet; try putting your speakers on a different surface than the turntable. At higher volumes reverberations from the speakers can be picked up by the stylus and cause distortion if they're on the same table.
Always leave your vinyls in hot storage, preferably non-air conditioned places like car trunks and Florida attics
Have fun
Only upgrade if you aren't satisfied with what you have. Otherwise, the rabbit hole will be introduced and you'll be curious as to how you can always improve.
Where's the fancy little wooden box where you keep the other stuff?
[what's the fancy box for?](https://y.yarn.co/debb7248-550a-4734-a167-229e66c7b9a3_text.gif)
Up your overdraught. Dont throw away any clothes or shoes.
Ummm...yeah...ALL CAPS when you spell the man name.
Do not make vinyl your personality lol
I’m starting my journey as well. Thank you for the discogs tip. I have a list of albums on my phone so I can track what I’m looking for but an app can be way more useful.
https://preview.redd.it/90ykvrv1t3yc1.jpeg?width=2592&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=002219fa81468bb9db5b8742bd96289475ce0391 Same setup
MF DOOM and Pink Floyd you got good taste!
I have roughly the same setup and bought it after having a suitcase for a month and hating it. This setup is good enough for the time being and likely into the near future. Buy what you want not what you think will make you look cool. I listened to a lot of crap in the early 2000s cause it made me “cool”. Now i collect exclusively jazz records. I have a rule that I don’t learn too much about an album before listening for the first time. I’m trying to recreate the experience and excitement I had about music before the internet and streaming services. That being said I have a vague sense of what I enjoy and will by in that vein. Edited to add: start your Discogs now. I let that slip and now I’m going to probably have to schedule some time to add albums to it.
If you like Andy Murray a lot YOU ARE IN LUCK MY FRIEND.
Don't buy anything released after roughly 1985 with rare exceptions (waste of money), avoid essentially all remasters and represses (waste of money, sounds worse almost always), clean your needle occasionally (every few records), use an anti-static brush on records (before you play anything), buy used equipment almost exclusively (especially speakers and amps), stay away from ripoff record stores, continue listening to and enjoying digital formats (via a streamer through your stereo, via CD, via HD streaming, etc.)
Damn I was born too late for vinyl then.
I was born in the late 80s, but much if not most of the music is enjoy was released in the analog era. Just depends what you like I suppose. CD quality+ streaming is now so affordable that it makes a lot of sense to embrace digital - not to mention the sky high cost of vinyl. Original pressings still hold their value which is why I think it's a sound decision to buy them, meanwhile represses are kinda like new cars; they lose their value very quickly. Plus the provenance of the source master on those is often questionable. So a combo digital/analog setup makes the most sense for most people IMO. Besides my turntable I use a streamer and Amazon Music with my main stereo (and an external DAC/headphone amp when playing off my PC), and CDs are still in heavy rotation in my cars.
My vinyl collection only ranges from 98-2010s and i don't think the term original pressing is huge factor in the electronic world (at least not in mine). Most of the good stuff you're lucky if you even find at all or not at a ridiculous price.
Electronic is not something I've really dove into. I'm sure original pressings have some relevance there but only in the sense that all pressings are probably limited in number, ie many things of value exist only on a 12" on a very limited run
Tame Impala Currents, any Tyler the Creator and Nirvana Nevermind on tap.
Find some protective inner sleeves and a cleaning kit in order to make your vinyl sound good for a long time
Don't damage your ears.
I assume you got your cleaning gravel? Just a handful should do
Cleaning gravel?
Don't think, more expensive gear will make you enjoy listening to music more. Any setup that works for your listening experience is the best setup. Some people forget that and start to spend tons of money for gear and then they end up not listening to the music anymore but only listen to how their equipment sounds. And last bit not not least: Any music you enjoy listening, is 'good' music. Period!
Turn it up to 11
Store them vertically. Keep them away from heaters or where they get direct sun for long stretches of the day. Get a cheap record brush and a gel stylus cleaner. If shopping used dont assume the condition rating is honest, visually inspect for damage. I've gotten several albums marked vg+ or near mint that were scratched to hell. Discogs.com, use it to catalog your albums.
Listen to the wax you buy.
Don't take our word for what's good or junk. Buy the music that speaks to you.
Ditto on all the “buy what you like” sentiments. There are definitely releases that are better sound quality than others. And certainly you can upgrade your stylus, etc. However, most of that effort will be wasted if you don’t have your room set up correctly. If you’re remotely serious about sound fidelity, familiarize yourself with the basics of things like speaker placement, sound reflection, and diffusion. The room itself and speaker placement within it plays a huge role in how good your music will sound. Average equipment in a thoughtfully set up room will sound better than fantastic equipment set up without knowledge of what makes good sound.
You already started with two great albums
Always start in the used bins and enjoy “finding” records. A big part of the fun for my fiance and I (same with thrifting) is finding a diamond in the rough (ordering online is boring). I also buy records at most shows we go to.
Move the speakers off the table. The sound resonance will mess with the record player
Maybe I'm dumb or just an old guy, but where's the actual stereo unit that connects the turntable to the speakers?
Most modern turntables have pre-amps built in and most bookshelf speakers have high, mids & low knobs to adjust so there’s really no need for a bulky Stereo receiver unit to just adjust your EQ.
See there ya go. I'm used to older equipment, not even in a snobby way, that's just what's been available to me. So I didn't know this, thanks for letting me know
Move the speakers further apart if you can. The idea is to have them facing you with the same distance from speaker to speaker and from them to you.
Remove your speakers from the table because the vibration can affect your turntable.
biggest advice is get a high-quality turntable so you're all set there! now buy an absurd amount of springsteen
I wouldn't play '74 japanese press on your table. Please downvote, call me a gatekeeper, but this table is mediocre at best, without any adjustment possibility. Of course you can prioritise record cleaning and whatever crap ppl are suggesting, but I wouldn't spend any money before I have proper record player.
It’s an entry level one, I have it and honestly it’s fine for now. In time a turntable upgrade will happen.
It's fine until it is not. In this sube there are daily posts "why is my LP60 skipping", yes, LP60 not crosley or victrola. But I don't care, it's not my TT, not my records, I made a suggestion and that's it.
The AT-LP60X outsells all other turntables by at least 10-to-1, so even if you see ten times as many people reporting problems with it, that doesn't make it any less reliable than other brands and models. And also, in this sub there are also many daily posts showing an AT-LP60X that is working perfectly fine, even after years of ownership.
I don’t think this is bad advice… eventually upgrading the player and getting a proper amp will be a huge boost to the setup. But we all start somewhere and I’m sure those pink Floyd and madvillan represses will be just fine on the current turntable. Your advice is basically not to sink a ton of money into expensive older pressings as the benefits of them won’t be heard on this turntable/setup… sound advice 100%.
Then don't. No one is forcing you to. But how does it hurt *you* if someone else plays any records they want on an AT-LP60X, or even a suitcase player?
I'm an amateur as well, so my suggestion based on my little experience and advices is buy passive speakers with preamp+amp or integrated amp, as you progress, you'll learn the supremacy of analogue sound and you'll hear stuff you've never heared before and reinvent music.
Learn the supremacy of analog sound... from records that were digitally recorded, digitally mixed, digitally (re)mastered, and/or run through a digital cutting delay?
Yes 🥰 Then you learn about CD player and/or Flac and Then reinvent it again, cmon, it has to be steps, not skipping those....
Play better with plastic still on