“I’ve looked at pictures that my mom has of me, from when I was four years old at the turntable. I’m there, reaching up to play the records. I feel like I was bred to do what I do. I’ve been into music, and listening to music and critiquing it, my whole life.”
Dr. Dre
Music has been a constant companion throughout my life, ever since childhood. I still remember the joy of switching cassettes in my grandparents’ cassette player, listening to those timeless ’80s classic tunes. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love for music, eventually leading me to learn the piano. From the days of cassette players to radio, then to Bluetooth speakers—and even playing my favorite tunes on the piano—music has always been an important part of my life.
Why I Decided to Dive into Vinyl
I’ve always found vinyl records to be incredibly classy, and I’ve been curious about what it would feel like to own them. Recently, I decided to take the plunge and got myself a vinyl player. Because, well, why not?
Spoiler alert: It’s an expensive hobby.
Getting into the world of vinyl players is like diving into a vast ocean of options. You can find a player for as little as $50, or you can spend as much as your budget allows. I did see some of the expensive ones for $5000 – which seems a lot. I wanted something decent, so I ended up getting the Audio Technica’s AT-LP60xBT. It’s a great entry-level turntable that didn’t burn a hole in my pocket. To make the experience even better, I paired it with a set of Edifier standing speakers, and the sound quality? Just wow.
The Joy of Listening to Vinyl
My First Vinyl Record: A Classic Choice
My first record? I went with a classic—Chicago / The Blues/ Today. Ever since my solo trip to New Orleans, I’ve been a huge fan of Jazz and Blues, and I was eager to hear how they would sound on vinyl. It’s perfect—it feels like my house has transformed into a Blues concert.
The Thrill of Hunting for Vinyls
Hunting for vinyls is a real adventure. I travel a lot, and now that I have a vinyl player, I find myself thrifting and searching for rare finds in local shops. The Last Bookstore in LA has an amazing collection of classic vinyls, and I’ve picked up many of my favorites from there.
Rediscovering Albums: Pink Floyd and Queen
I’m a big fan of Pink Floyd and Queen, so naturally, I had to add those to my collection. Owning a vinyl player has made me appreciate musical albums even more. Typically, we listen to one or two songs from an album, but with vinyl, you end up experiencing the entire album as a cohesive piece. The Dark Side of the Moon is a prime example—it’s an album that tells a story from start to finish.
Is Vinyl Worth It? The Vinyl vs. Digital Debate
The million-dollar question: Does listening to music on vinyl feel more authentic than digital?
I think so, absolutely. The crackling sounds and the richness of the audio are definitely a step up, though it’s not dramatically different from listening on a high-end headset. But for me, vinyl is less about sound quality and more about the experience. There’s something magical about taking a vinyl out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, pressing start, and watching the stylus glide over the record. It’s a ritual that never fails to bring a smile to my face. I highly recommend it.
The Joy of Collecting: A New Passion
Yes, it’s an expensive hobby, but if you enjoy seeking out your music, you’ll love spending hours in vinyl stores, sifting through thousands of records to find the perfect album. I started with just one, and now I have 11—and I’m super excited to see where this journey takes me as I expand my collection!
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or just starting out, what are your favorite records?
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