Starting a vinyl collection is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a music lover. There's something irreplaceable about holding a record, placing it on a turntable, and hearing your favorite album fill the room through an analog signal chain. It changes how you listen.
This guide walks you through everything from first equipment purchase to your tenth record. No audiophile gatekeeping, no snobbery — just practical advice to get you spinning records and loving it.
Choose Your Turntable
You need a turntable with adjustable tracking force and a replaceable cartridge. Our recommendation for most beginners: the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X ($129) for the simplest setup, or the AT-LP120XUSB ($249) if you want more features and upgrade potential.
Avoid suitcase-style turntables under $60 — they use heavy tracking forces that can damage records over time. Spending a little more on your first turntable protects every record you'll buy.
Get Speakers
You need powered (active) speakers — these have a built-in amplifier so you just connect them to your turntable with RCA cables. The Edifier R1280T ($99) is the most popular choice for beginners and sounds excellent with vinyl.
If your turntable doesn't have a built-in phono preamp, you'll need speakers with a phono input (like the Kanto YU4) or a separate phono preamp between the turntable and speakers.
Buy Your First Records
Start with albums you already love from streaming — music you know you'll sit down and listen to from start to finish. Use GoOffline to paste your Spotify playlist and get a vinyl shopping list with prices.
Buy 5–10 records to start. Mix new releases (guaranteed quality) with a couple of used records from a local store (affordable, and crate-digging is part of the fun). Don't overthink it — buy what excites you.
Set Up Your Space
Place your turntable on a stable, level surface away from speakers (speaker vibration can cause feedback). Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A dedicated shelf or table works perfectly.
Store records vertically, like books — never stacked flat. An IKEA Kallax shelf unit is the vinyl collector's standard: each cube holds about 65 records. Even a simple crate works for your first batch.
Learn Basic Care
Buy a carbon fiber anti-static brush ($15) and use it before every play — just sweep gently across the record surface to remove dust. This single habit prevents 90% of unnecessary surface noise and stylus wear.
Handle records by the edges and label only — fingerprints leave oils that attract dust and degrade sound. When you've built up 10+ records, invest in MoFi-style anti-static inner sleeves ($25 for 50) to replace the paper sleeves that come stock.
Play Your First Record
Place the record on the platter, start the motor, gently lower the tonearm to the lead-in groove (or press play if automatic). Sit down, listen to the full side without touching your phone. Let the music fill the room. This is the moment you'll understand why people love vinyl.
When Side A ends, flip the record for Side B. This is the vinyl ritual — the act of flipping creates a natural intermission that's been part of the album experience since the LP format was invented in 1948. Enjoy it.
Pro Tips
- Use GoOffline to convert your Spotify playlists — your streaming history is your vinyl shopping list
- Join r/vinyl on Reddit — the community is welcoming and full of helpful advice
- Visit your local record store — staff can recommend pressings and help you avoid overpriced reissues
- Don't chase colored vinyl or limited editions for your first records — focus on music you love
- Set a monthly vinyl budget ($30–$50) to keep the hobby sustainable and the anticipation alive
- Catalog your collection on Discogs from day one — it tracks value and prevents duplicate purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start a vinyl collection?
Turntable ($129–$250) + powered speakers ($99–$150) + accessories ($40) + first 5 records ($100–$150) = $370–$590 total to be up and running with a great setup and a small starter collection.
Should I buy new or used records?
Start with new reissues for guaranteed quality. Once you're comfortable evaluating record condition, used vinyl from reputable sellers and local stores is an amazing way to expand your collection affordably.
Is vinyl collecting expensive?
It can be as affordable or expensive as you want. Used CDs cost $1–$5. Used vinyl costs $5–$15. New vinyl costs $25–$35. After the initial equipment investment, spending $30–$50/month builds a meaningful collection over time.