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Here’s an interesting side effect of the whole COVID thing: Increased sales of stereo gear

Sales of vinyl rocketed over the course of the COVID pandemic as people sought to pass the time whilst in lockdown and isolation. In general, sales were up somewhere close to 30%, which, by any measure, is incredible. And now we’re seeing an interesting knock-on effect.

MusicWatch, a company that studies music consumption, just published something called “Revelations About the Vinyl Revolution,” which looked at record sales in the US. The report says that about 18 million Americans over the age of 13 bought a record last year, which was up 27% from 2020. Half of those folks were under the age of 25, too, so this isn’t a trend driven by old white guys. It also says that 95% of those people will continue buying vinyl in the future.

With so many people discovering the glorious audio from vinyl, we’re now in the midst of a boom in sales of stereo equipment. People are increasingly interested in hearing everything vinyl has to offer, so they’re buying up higher quality turntables, cartridges, amps, and, of course, speakers. The study says that one in three people are in the market for new gear over the next 12 months.

As an unabashed audiophile, I can say that once you get started on this journey, there is no end. If you’re part of this, I hope that your significant other is as understanding as mine. (Via The Vinyl Factory)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38022 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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