Ongoing History Daily: Tips for the New Generation of Vinyl Junkies

Why sales remain a tiny slice of the pie, there’s no denying that there’s been an interesting resurgence in the number of people interested in purchasing and collecting vinyl.  Here are a couple of tips. 

(1) Consider the source of the recording used to make the record.  If it’s a transfer from the original analogue master tapes, that’s good.  You want as little digital in there as you can get away with. 

(2) Thicker discs are generally good for two reasons.  First, the record stays flatter on the turntable, wobbles less, and produces less vibration and distortion.  Second, thicker vinyl allows the grooves to be cut wider and further apart, theoretically allowing for better sound. 

And tip (3): Try to get “virgin vinyl.”  This means the record has been made of non-recycled material, meaning no impurities which should mean a quieter playing surface.