Recordz
How do you start a record collection?
Start with a turntable that won't damage your records, then buy a handful of albums you already love, used where you can, in Very Good Plus condition or better. Set a monthly budget, learn to check condition before you pay, and log what you own so you don't buy duplicates. A collection grows best a record at a time, not all at once.
Get the playback basics right
You need four things: a turntable, a phono preamp, amplification and speakers. The preamp boosts the cartridge's very weak signal and applies the equalization records need. Crutchfield's rule is simple: it has to be somewhere, built into the turntable, the amplifier or powered speakers, or as a separate box, and you should use only one.
| Look for | Why |
|---|---|
| Adjustable counterweight | Lets you set tracking force to the cartridge's specification |
| Replaceable cartridge and stylus | Styli wear out; you need to be able to change them |
| Anti-skate adjustment | Keeps the stylus centered in the groove |
| Built-in preamp switch (PHONO/LINE) | Simplest setup with powered speakers |
Most guides warn against cheap all-in-one "suitcase" players. They often use ceramic cartridges on fixed tonearms, tracking at several grams rather than the roughly 1.5 to 2 grams a typical magnetic cartridge needs, and you usually can't adjust them. How much damage they do in practice is debated, and tracking forces vary by model, but a player you can't adjust leaves you no way to correct it.
Stylus wear matters too. The Discogs collecting guide says most manufacturers recommend replacing a stylus at around 1,000 hours of play, and to always replace the stylus on a second-hand turntable.
Decide what to buy first
Begin with music you know you'll play. Records you love teach you how vinyl sounds on your system, and you're unlikely to regret them later. Rare pressings and limited color variants can wait until you know what you're looking at.
New or used? New records are sealed and predictable but usually cost more. Used records usually cost less and include original pressings and titles that were never reissued, but condition varies. Most collections end up mixing both.
Set a budget
Pick a monthly amount and stick to it. Small, regular purchases teach you more than one big haul. Before paying a premium for a used copy, check recent sale prices for the exact pressing on Discogs: the low, median and high values come from up to 30 recent marketplace sales.
Where to buy
- Independent record stores: you can inspect copies, ask staff, and find used stock that isn't online.
- Record fairs: many dealers in one place, with room to compare prices.
- Online marketplaces: Discogs lets you buy a specific pressing in a stated condition from sellers worldwide; check seller feedback and shipping costs.
- Thrift shops, flea markets and estate sales: cheap and unpredictable.
Judge condition before you pay
Goldmine's grading guide notes that condition matters more to value than almost anything else, and that for most collectors Very Good is the lowest grade worth more than bargain-bin prices. In a store, slide the record out and check it under a light for scratches, warps and groove wear, and check the jacket for seam splits and water damage. Online, read the seller's grade and comments, and ask for photos when they're missing. Our grading guide explains each grade.
When you're ready to dig in person, the Recordz record store directory lists independent shops in 16 cities.
Starting a record collection FAQ
What records should I buy first?
Albums you already love and expect to play often. They're the best way to learn how records sound on your setup, and you're less likely to regret them than trend-driven purchases.
Do I need a phono preamp?
Yes, one is always needed somewhere in the chain. Many entry-level turntables have one built in, switchable between PHONO and LINE; otherwise use an amplifier with a PHONO input or a separate preamp. Don't use two at once.
Are suitcase record players bad for records?
Many use ceramic cartridges with heavy, non-adjustable tracking force, which most guides say speeds up groove wear. Models vary and the real-world damage is debated, but a turntable with an adjustable tonearm and replaceable cartridge avoids the question.
Should I buy new or used records?
Both have a place. New records are predictable but usually cost more, while used records are cheaper and include original pressings, with condition varying. Learn to grade before you spend much on used copies.
What condition should I buy used records in?
Very Good Plus (VG+) or better is a common target. Goldmine describes VG+ as showing signs of play that don't affect the sound, while Very Good copies have audible surface noise.
Last updated September 30, 2026.
Sources: Crutchfield: How to choose a phono preamp; Crutchfield: How to connect a turntable; How-To Geek: Your cheap suitcase turntable is slowly damaging your vinyl; The Discogs Guide to Record Collecting; Goldmine: Record Grading 101; Discogs: Vinyl record price guide.
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