For any music lover, getting into vinyls can be a rewarding experience. You can devote a lot of love, time and dedication to the old-school process of music. Getting started may seem rather daunting as getting a turntable set-up and a vinyl collection can be pretty hard on your wallet.
However, there are ways to get into vinyl without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips to get started on becoming a vinyl enthusiast on a budget. These tips are especially helpful for those just starting out and getting into it for the first time.
Selecting a turntable
When choosing your first record player, no matter what hardcore audiophiles may say to the contrary, going for one that you can afford (but is still a reputable brand) is totally okay. One of the best beginner turntables for those on a budget is the Crosley Cruiser Deluxe.
While this record player does have the potential to cause minor scratches over time, as they aren’t as well balanced as a more expensive set-up, this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone. You can replace the stylus with a diamond stylus, which is also provided by Crosley.
One of the greatest concerns for most people that first buy the Crosley Cruiser is that the audio quality of the built-in speakers won’t be as good as a more expensive turntable with a separate amplifier and speakers. However, the Cruiser’s built-in speakers provide surprisingly high-quality sound for what you’re paying for.
The only downside is that it lacks bass. This, however, is easily remedied as the Cruiser can link to a Bluetooth speaker and can also plug into high-quality speakers or headphones via an audio jack. There are also RCA jacks that can be connected directly to a pair of active powered speakers or the appropriate input of your stereo system.
A few other features of the Crosley Cruiser Deluxe are that it comes with a 45 RPM adapter, if necessary, has a pitch control knob and a platter auto-stop switch. When set to the on position, the platter will stop spinning automatically when the record plays to the end. The Crosley Cruiser comes in a variety of colours and can be purchased from Takealot.
Building your collection of vinyls
There are many stores and market stalls that sell both new and second-hand vinyls. Part of the fun of collecting vinyls is to go through bins and shelves of records and find gems. Second-hand vinyls can be extremely inexpensive and you may be lucky enough to find a record that you love for next to nothing.
The other option when collecting vinyls, especially new releases, is to search for and purchase them online. Raru offers a vast range of vinyls, varying in price and for those rare, limited edition vinyls, pacing yourself to one vinyl a month is a good way to ensure that you don’t overspend. This will also allow you to slowly build a collection over time that you love. An upgraded turntable set-up can always come at a later time when you’re able to afford it. For now, have fun and let the music flow!
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