The Best Vinyl Record Accessories
Even in the digital age, there’s no replacement for owning a physical album. While other technologies have come and gone, the old-school vinyl record is still unmistakably cool. The packaging is a work of art in its own right, and many prefer the sound for its warm, analog quality. Digging through old albums in a record store can be a rewarding treasure hunt, too. Of course, plenty of new music is released on audiophile-grade vinyl, as well. With all that in mind, we’ve selected a few of the best accessories out there to help you maintain and enjoy your record collection for years to come.
Victrola Wooden Record Crate
Think inside the box
Records should never be stacked flat because if they are, they’ll warp and playback quality will suffer. To avoid this, it’s important to store them upright. If you don’t have plentiful space to store them on a particularly wide shelf, this wooden record crate is an excellent alternative. It comes in white, black, and several different wood tones, so you’ll be sure to find one that matches your decor. In addition to providing storage space, this crate allows you to easily transport your collection between rooms or to bring it along to a party.
Pros:
- Vintage look with several color options
- Solidly constructed of real wood
- Portable
Cons:
- Assembly required (but no tools necessary)
Udreamer Record Player with Built-in Speakers
Play on, player
Whether you’ve acquired a large collection of vinyl or you just bought your first record, chances are you regularly listen to digital music, too. Although the Udreamer turntable has a commendable ’60s-style look, it’s also up to date with modern technology. With USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5 mm inputs as well as the ability to play all three vinyl speeds, this record player can handle it all. Two built-in 3-watt speakers provide plenty of volume, but you can plug in headphones or external speakers if you want.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution for listening to vinyl or digital music
- Vintage faux-wood exterior
- Tone arm lever makes it easy to carefully engage and disengage the stylus
Cons:
- USB and Bluetooth connections only serve as inputs, not outputs
Kaiu Vinyl Record Cleaning Set
Get in the groove
Over time, records can acquire dust and static, both of which are detrimental to sound quality. Even when you’re listening to a brand-new record, your listening experience may be hampered by dust that has accumulated on the stylus from previous use. With regular cleaning, new records can be preserved in top condition for many years. If you’ve never cleaned your previously used vinyl, it’s high time to give it some TLC. Use the anti-static carbon fiber brush or the microfiber cloth for a quick once-over before and after listening to an album. For a more thorough cleaning, use the velvet brush with the record cleaning solution.
Pros:
- Includes all the necessary materials for cleaning both records and stylus
- Stylus cleaner brush is stored within the bottle
- Silicone protector will prevent the solution from damaging the paper label on the record
Cons:
- Novices may need to look up more thorough instructions to supplement the brief manual
GOgroove Vinyl Record Storage Sleeves
Clearly necessary
You’ve done the hard work of digging through dusty record store crates to find some diamonds in the rough. Now what? In between listening sessions, protective sleeves will ensure that your treasures remain in pristine condition. GOgroove’s sleeves’ outer layer will prevent the covers from getting scuffed and faded as you flip through them. Of course, this might not be worth it if the artwork and the title were obscured by opaque plastic, but these sleeves are well-designed with high-clarity material and a seamless spine so you can flaunt your collection in its full glory. More importantly, the inner sleeve is a major upgrade to the flimsy paper sleeve that comes with most records. These polyethylene sleeves are much more durable, and they even cut down on the static electricity that would attract dirt and dust. This pack includes 50 sets of sleeves, which will protect a sizable collection.
Pros:
- Includes both inner and outer sleeves
- Outer sleeve protects the cover without reducing visibility
- Inner sleeve protects the record against scratches and static
Cons:
- Only available in 12″ LP size
Dynasty ProAudio UA2D USB Converter
Easy as one, two, three
No one wants to pay again for digital copies of albums they already own on vinyl. The Dynasty ProAudio UA2D allows you to digitize your record collection. With an input gain control, headphone monitoring, and LED indicators for output signals and clipping, you can dial in the perfect settings for an optimized recording. It works with any turntable, cassette player, or other audio device with RCA outputs. The built-in preamp also works with turntables that don’t have a line-level output, and the box can even be used as a standalone preamp to connect to headphones or a stereo system. This is a remarkably well-designed device that any vinyl lover will appreciate.
Pros:
- Plug-and-play functionality with Mac or PC computers (no need to install drivers)
- Accepts phono or line-level inputs
- Excellent controls for optimizing the recording signal
- Preamp also works for listening with headphones or a stereo
Cons:
- Audio recording software not included (but free and open-source options are available online)
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the meaning of the different sizes and playing speeds of vinyl records?
Most currently available records are playable at either 33 1/3 rpm or 45 rpm. The former is generally the standard for long-playing (LP) albums, which are 12 inches in diameter. Most singles are 7 inches wide and play at 45 rpm. Extended-play (EP) records are in between LPs and singles in terms of playing time, and they can vary in size and playing speed. The 78 rpm speed is an obsolete format that is rarely found today.
What is a phono preamp, and do I need one?
The electrical signal generated by a record player’s cartridge cannot be played directly through a stereo system. It needs a preamplifier (or preamp for short) before the stereo can amplify it. Some record players have a built-in preamp, and they output a “line level” signal that can be directly connected to a stereo. Others output the unamplified “phono” signal, and these require a separate preamp that is designed for record players. Check your record player for outputs labeled “line” or “phono.”
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