Sure, clicking a button on your phone and having instant access to your top songs is convenient when you’re on the go, but why settle for anything less than the best when you’re at home? Record players elevate your music experience to a whole new level. The act of sorting through your vinyl collection, choosing the perfect album, lowering the needle, and hearing the tracks play in order is almost meditative. Once you switch to vinyl, you’ll never go back!
Trying to find the right record player to buy can feel quite daunting. With our helpful insight and recommendations, you can shop around the Algonquin vendor mall and feel like a pro! From the top factors to consider to the differences between brands, we’ve got all your questions and concerns covered so you can start enjoying your music.
The Resurgence of Vinyl
If you grew up listening to the greatest hits on your old Victrola record player, you may have been shocked by its recent rise in popularity—but it’s true! Whether it’s driven by nostalgia for simpler times, the collectability of the stylish album covers, or the return to physical media, one thing is certain: millennials and Gen Z music fans have brought this listening method back with a vengeance. Modern artists are forced to release vinyl versions of their albums, with some, like Taylor Swift herself, seizing the opportunity to create special limited edition versions, making them all the more collectible.
Why Should You Invest in a Record Player?
If you’ve never heard your favorite tunes coming out of a Crosley record player, you’re really missing out! There’s something about popping a vinyl in, watching it spin, and listening closely. But why are so many people die-hard fans of listening to vinyl? There are a few convincing reasons:
Vinyl Produces Great Sound
Fans of vinyl claim that the record sound system brings an unbeatable warmth and depth to the music that CDs and streaming platforms just can’t accomplish. The sound quality records offer is due to the fact that they are not digitally compressed, instead allowing a full dynamic range of volumes and sound wave nuances in the grooves. From hearing the slight crackle of the needle hitting the vinyl for the first time to the static once the album is done, even the small auditory details help create a unique ambiance for the listener.
Pro tip: Not all players are created equal—when you’re deciding between a Victrola or Crosley record player, you’ll want to scan the reviews for notes about the sound.
Vinyl is the Perfect Collectible for Music Lovers
Online platforms like Spotify or Apple Music may be convenient, but they aren’t helpful for those who like to show off their obsessions IRL! Whether you’re buying each new Crosley record player as it comes out or gifting a Victrola record player to a friend who shares your passion for vinyl, these players are the perfect collectibles for music lovers to invest time and money into.
Listening to Records Connects Generations
If you’re looking to start a collection you and your family can enjoy together, you can skip the Funko Pop—buying a Victrola record player is the perfect solution. As a nostalgia-based collectible, your parents and grandparents are sure to have some wisdom and anecdotes to share from the first time they listened to vinyl.
It’s easy to get the younger members of your family excited when current musicians are releasing their albums on vinyl every year! Gathering around your Victrola record player and deciding what to listen to can become a family affair.
Factors to Consider as You Shop for Record Players
Whether you’re buying a secondhand Crosley record player at a Chicago antique mall or investing in a brand new Victrola record player at a vinyl shop, it’s important to figure out what you’re looking for before you head out. When it comes to vinyl, everyone has different preferences - it’s just a matter of figuring out your own! As you shop for antiques in Melbourne, Florida, consider these important factors to find the right player for your needs:
Look Into Brands
When shopping for a turntable at the Florida vendor mall, one of the first factors to consider is the brand. While some of them may look similar, they’re each known for their own unique pros and cons. The brand you decide to go with will have a huge impact on the sound of your vinyl records and the overall listening experience you have.
Certain brand names have earned a reputation for producing higher-quality players suitable for valuable collections, while others produce just-okay players perfect for the more casual listener. But there’s no need to overthink it! There’s a brand for everyone—it’s just a matter of what elements you value most.
Crosley Record Players
As a brand, Crosley has been producing audio devices since the early ‘90s. In fact, before they were known for their vinyl players, Crosley had a long history in radio, broadcasting, and jukebox designs! But, if you were keeping track of the skyrocketing popularity of vinyl in recent years, you would recognize Crosley record players as the design just about every new record collector had on display in their home.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Crosley Cruiser Record Player?
Their most popular model, the Crosley Cruiser, is one of the most affordable designs on the market—but is it the best choice? With a suitcase-style case that is great for portable playing, Bluetooth capabilities, and retro-inspired looks (think the ‘50s to mid-century modern), these Crosley record players are popular with the younger crowd on a budget.
But many long-time vinyl collectors say that they don’t have the best sound quality and could damage records. If you have an expensive vinyl collection and prioritize sound over aesthetics, you may want to consider a different brand.
Other Popular Crosley Record Player Designs:
Crosley C10 Turntable
Nocturne Record Player with Speakers
Musician 8-in-1 Record Player
Victrola Record Players
Audiophiles will recognize the name Victrola as one of the top turntable manufacturers in America—and with good reason! Victrola record players come in all shapes, sizes, and styles to ensure there’s a perfect design for everyone. With easy-to-use functions and quick setup, they’ve remained one of the most popular choices for new and old listeners alike.
When shopping for a Victrola record player at a Crown Point antique mall or online, rest assured there’s a model for everyone. Something like the Journey Suitcase player is easily transportable and available in a wide range of colors to help make a statement in your space. But if you want something a little more high-end with an antique look to match your grandfather clock collection, something like the Navigator 8-in-1 Wood Record Player may be the way to go.
Other Popular Turntable Brands to Explore:
Consider the Usability
Usability refers to how easy or difficult a turntable is to set up, operate, and care for. This can include any design element, from how intuitive the buttons and knobs are to how often the needle needs to be replaced. The turntable may have a recommended experience level in the description, but the best way to find this information is by reading real product reviews.
Certain designs, like the Crosley record players, are advertised as beginner-friendly, while others, such as higher-end Victrola record players, may be better suited for someone who’s been handling vinyl for a few years. Be honest with yourself about your experience level and invest in one that matches you and your needs.
Ask About Portability
Portability refers to how stationary or moveable a turntable is. As you shop at the Highland antique mall, consider how easily transportable you’d like your player to be.
Do you want to be able to carry your Crosley record player from house to house to show your friends your go-to albums? Would you prefer a larger piece that can be set up in your living room and live in one spot in your home? There’s a design for every preference!
Decide Between Vintage and New
Part of the allure of collecting vinyl records and playing them in your home comes from the sentimental, vintage feel. To accomplish that in your own listening spaces, you’ll have to decide whether or not the player's age adds or detracts from that experience.
While vintage Crosley record players and other older brands will always have that antique aesthetic, similar to Art Deco designs, they may lack sound quality and require more care in the long run. On the other hand, more modern designs, like the Victrola record player, can mimic a similar style and play both new and old vinyl.
Inquire About Bluetooth Connect Options
While turntables are perfect for transporting us to the groovy sounds of the past, there’s a more modern element buyers should consider. The latest and greatest designs, like the Crosley record players, often include Bluetooth options, enabling you to connect your phone and listen to just about anything through the speakers. If you want a device that can play your favorite vinyl and double as a versatile option for playing contemporary tunes, you should look into Bluetooth compatibility.
Don’t Forget to Consider Your Budget!
Just because you’re starting a new hobby doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! When shopping for your first record player, there’s no need to shell out for a fancy machine. In fact, trying one with a lower price point is perfect for making sure you really want to invest time and money into it. Lucky for you, there are turntables at all price points.
As you explore antique malls in Northwest Indiana, you’ll often find a Crosley record player or Victrola record player being sold secondhand. These are great options to get started on this amazing auditory adventure. Just make sure they’re in working condition and play away.
FAQ for Getting Into Records
Whether you’re searching for a new Victrola record player or a vintage Crosley record player to match your vintage phones, you’re bound to have a few questions. Don’t worry; be happy; you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few of the most common questions on buying and owning a vinyl player answered:
What’s the Difference Between 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM Records?
When it comes to vinyl, RPM stands for revolutions per minute, referring to the different speeds at which vinyl records can spin. The most common ones on the market are 33 1/3, which rotates slower and longer, making it best for full albums, and 45, which is shorter and smaller, working best for single songs.
Pro tip: sometimes a 33 1/3 vinyl is called an LP, which stands for “long play.” This will help you determine which vinyl record is actually the full album you’re looking for and not the charting single.
Is There a Difference Between Record Players and Turntables?
Turntables are the part of the player that actually spin your vinyl around. A record player is a full system that includes the turntable, speakers, and amplifier. You can buy a turntable alone (especially if you’re a DJ), but you’ll almost always need a full Crosley record player or Victrola record player to listen to music in style.
What Are the Types of Turntables?
Sometimes, shopping for your collection comes down to the nitty-gritty details—like these specific variations:
Belt-drive
Direct drive
Idler wheel
How Often Should You Clean Your Vinyl?
A good rule of thumb for cleaning your player is to dust it off before each play. Just use a carbon fiber brush to dust off your records and a turntable to remove surface dust, and you’re all set! For frequent listeners, make sure to clean off the stylus once a week.
Whether you’re 9 or 99, anyone can own and enjoy vinyl. As you buy your first record player and get deeper into the hobby, you’re sure to meet like-minded people who enjoy music as much as you do. Visit your favorite local antique mall to connect ASAP!