Best LP Vinyl Records & Turntable for Beginner Audiophiles – Let’s Get Started!

My top artists and the perfect turntable for someone who is just starting out.

As a passionate lover of music, I have always dreamt of having my own 12″ vinyl records as a collection. And as we approach 2023, I am eagerly looking forward to finally starting this collection. I have been making preparations for some time now, carefully researching and surveying the internet for the best and most affordable vinyl players available. In my search for the perfect player, I have spent countless hours scouring through various YouTube reviews, studying each one meticulously.

I am determined to make the best investment possible and to ensure that my vinyl players can bring out the full potential of my collection. Well, as the budget is a little tight at the moment, I have decided to go for the vinyl player that got a 5-star review on What Hi-Fi, which will be revealed later in this post. With my excitement steadily building, I can’t wait to dive into the world of vinyl records and finally experience the pure, rich sound that only vinyl can deliver.

For quite some time, I have been deeply fascinated and captivated by the world of car audio as an audiophile. I have spent countless hours researching, experimenting, and perfecting my very own car audio setup and my home theater system, with a special focus on achieving the ultimate sound quality and clarity that truly brings out the beauty of music. Through my passion for car audio, I have been able to discover some of the budget-friendly sound systems available in the market, all of which I have meticulously studied and analyzed to further enhance my own setup.

My car has become a sanctuary of sorts, where I can fully immerse myself in the music from Jazz, Blues, and New Age to the weirdest music I’ve ever listened to and appreciate the nuances and intricacies of various songs and artists. Overall, my love for car audio has been an exhilarating journey that has contributed significantly to my appreciation and understanding of the power of sound.

First LP Vinyl Records Collection To Starts With

Lately, I have been grappling with the decision of what vinyl records that I will truly love should be. After much thought and consideration, the answer seemed to come to me almost effortlessly; it had to be none other than the TAEYEON’s INVU vinyl record. I was obsessed with her songs once again, after attending her The ODD of LOVE concert and this led me to decide on getting the LP vinyl. Though the record undeniably comes with a hefty price tag, I have been keeping my eyes peeled for it for quite some time now, and I am not one to be deterred by limited availability or cost.

Determined to add it to my collection, I ended up purchasing it from an authorized seller based in South Korea, whose trustworthy and reputable record-keeping has made them the go-to destination for any true crate-digger or audiophile aficionado. INVU Vinyl LP is a limited edition and I’m happy to be able to get one for myself for RM1,100 (around USD$241) on Shopee before it runs out of stock.

K-pop vinyl records have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, with fans and collectors alike seeking out rare and unique pieces to add to their collections. However, due to the limited availability of certain records and the high demand among avid fans, the prices of these vinyls can fluctuate greatly. In fact, it’s not uncommon for prices to skyrocket to thousands of dollars depending on the availability of stocks.

Many factors can influence the price of K-pop vinyl records, including the popularity of the artist, the rarity of the album, and the condition of the vinyl itself. As such, it’s important for enthusiasts to keep a close eye on the market and be prepared to act quickly when a coveted record becomes available. Despite the unpredictable nature of the pricing, there’s no denying the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction that comes from adding a prized K-pop vinyl to your collection.

Upon embarking on my quest to find some new LP vinyl records, I was delighted to rediscover my second vinyl LP collection, containing the esteemed Cigarette After Sex Cry vinyl LP. The allure of this album lies in its ability to transport me to a dreamy, ethereal soundscape, complete with moody melodies and captivating lyrics. As an introverted individual, I find solace and comfort in the introspective tone of the album, making it the perfect musical companion for my innermost thoughts and feelings.

I’ve been choosing my vinyl collection very carefully. The decision to purchase this particular record was certainly not made lightly, but I am immensely satisfied with my choice and look forward to many more hours of immersion in its enchanting sounds.

Choosing The Best Turntable Within Budget

When it comes to selecting the perfect vinyl player, several factors can affect your listening experience. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many options available. However, after carefully researching and considering my budget, I ultimately chose the Sony PS-LX310BT turntable. This particular model offers a sleek, modern design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

After using my Sony turntable for a few months, I felt it was time to upgrade to something better. I wanted a turntable where I could easily swap out the cartridge and have more control over the manual operation.

I started looking into other turntables and eventually found the Rega. Read the review of the Rega Planar 1 turntable. Its simple, vintage design stood out to me. I liked the idea of upgrading the sound quality and appearance, starting with swapping the cartridge.

Over time, I upgraded a few key parts. I replaced the original resin platter with an acrylic platter for Rega and swapped the stock subplatter for a Tangospinner subplatter aluminium one. The original setup had some wobble issues with the Rega subplatter and platter, and I wasn’t happy. These changes made a big difference in stability and overall performance.

Rega Planar 1 Acrylic Platter Upgrade

To take things even further, I went to a Hi-Fi specialist to have the turntable fine-tuned after the upgrades for Rega turntable. They adjusted the alignment of the Goldring E3 cartridge, and the difference was incredible. The sound quality hit a new level—the vocals and midrange became crystal clear, and my imbalance on the left channel completely disappeared.

The Hi-Fi specialist noticed a limitation with the Rega Planar 1 when aligning the cartridge using the international protractor, having to position it at the maximum length of the headshell.

Now, every time I play my records, the music feels alive. The instruments, vocals, and midrange stand out beautifully, and I don’t need to crank up the volume. This setup works perfectly with my Douk Audio T4 Pro and NAD 3130 integrated amplifier, and I’m really happy with how everything turned out.

Hi-Fi Sound System For Playing LP Vinyl Records

My current Hi-fi system setup has been a source of immense pleasure and satisfaction in my life. It has become an integral part of my daily routine as well as a constant companion of my leisure activities. I cannot express enough how thrilled and content I am with my Yamaha Aventage A860, the cornerstone of my system. To say that it has exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. It has proven to be an excellent investment that I’m glad I made. I eventually setup it on the NAD amplifier for turntable playback and the Yamaha for movies.

Paired with the Jamo S626 loudspeakers, which I have owned for quite some time now, the combination is nothing less than magical. As an audiophile, I hold sound quality to high standards, and I must say that it meets all of my requirements. While I might not be an expert or high-end enthusiast, I am more than happy with my setup. Recently, I decided to experiment with bi-wiring my front speakers, which turned out to be a game-changer. The deep, rich sound quality is so captivating that it has given me the perfect opportunity to test out some of my vinyl records collection. Check out my vinyl listening setup in small apartment.

One thing that I’ve noticed lately when it comes to sound quality is that having the right record to test it out can make a huge difference. If you’re looking to really hear the nuances and subtleties of your setup, then I definitely recommend checking out Cigarette After Sex. It’s got this great, calming vibe to it that just lends itself perfectly to really showcasing what your speakers and headphones are capable of.

And the electric guitar strings and vocals from Greg Gonzalez? Honestly, they’re just incredible. Every time I put this record on, I feel like I’m hearing things in a whole new way. So if you’re a music lover and you really want to maximize your listening experience, then don’t hesitate to give Cigarette After Sex a listen. You won’t regret it!

Making LP Vinyl Wishlist

There are few things that bring as much joy to a music lover as owning and collecting vinyl records. As a passionate collector myself, I have often wondered about the sound quality of LP vinyl, and have been eager to test them out. I have compiled a list of vinyl that I would like to add to my collection, not only to appreciate their unique sound but also to complete my collection.  I like Jazz, Blues, ballads and dreamy pop, probably some slow rock which suits my music taste.

However, I am also aware of the need to be financially responsible and not break the bank in the process. Therefore, my plan is to purchase these records gradually and within my budget. This way, I can indulge in my passion without worrying about any financial strain. I am committed to building my collection over time and enjoying the distinct sound and quality of each vinyl I add.

K-pop vinyl records are undoubtedly a highly sought-after item among avid collectors and enthusiasts. However, it is worth noting that the price range for these records can be quite steep, often ranging from RM250 to RM1k++ and beyond (estimate USD$50 and above). This is largely due to the limited availability of such items, as well as the fact that they are often produced in limited quantities. 

Despite the cost, many fans of this popular genre are willing to invest in these vinyl records, as they represent a rare and valuable possession. While some may view the high price point as a deterrent, it is evident that the quality and significance of these K-pop vinyl records make them a worthwhile investment for those who truly appreciate the artistry and culture that they represent. You can learn more about vinyl records buying guide for more details. Since I am located in Kuala Lumpur, I also recommend checking out some of the top spots to find vinyl records in Malaysia.

Where To Buy The Turntable

After spending an unparalleled number of hours browsing and researching turntables designed explicitly for those who are just starting out on their journey to becoming an audiophile, I finally settled on the alluring all-black, elegant, and polished Rega turntable. I purchased the highly-acclaimed e-commerce platform, Shopee, and was ecstatic to have gotten it for the lowest price possible, which was a real steal! The Rega turntable was priced at RM1800. I am beyond pleased with my purchase and cannot wait to put it to good use and spin more records!

Have you considered purchasing a 12″ vinyl record from an online marketplace? Well, I recently purchased my first LP vinyl record, and I must admit it was quite a unique experience. Specifically, I opted for the Cigarette After Sex & INVU LP on Shopee, which may have caught your attention as well. Other than playing your favorite records on the turntable, it is also important to take good care of the records and the player with some vinyl record accessories for beginners that can be found online.

Before making any purchase, I highly recommend conducting a comprehensive survey of the seller. This step will ensure their reliability and credibility reducing the chances of acquiring a counterfeit product. Additionally, it is crucial to identify a legitimate seller, one who has good reviews on Shopee and sells the same items as the intended purchase.

Overall, I had a smooth, stress-free, and secure purchasing experience. So why not give it a try? You too could enjoy the vast selection of records available on various online platforms with the assurance of safe and reliable transactions. Do check out some of the best Hi-fi turntables under $500 that you can get started with.

If you live in places like the United States, Italy, France, or other European countries, getting vinyl records is easy. You can buy them online from websites like Amazon, where you can find a lot of new releases from different types of music. Another website, Discogs, is great for used and rare vinyl records – it’s like a big online market for vinyl lovers. And if you’re in the United States, Amoeba Music is one of the biggest record stores where you can find a ton of vinyl records, from popular ones to more unique ones. So, no matter where you are, there are lots of ways to grow your vinyl collection and enjoy your favorite music!

Getting An Entry-Level Vintage Integrated Amplifier - The NAD 3130

NAD 3130 Integrated Amplifier

After tirelessly scouring the internet and reading numerous reviews and watching countless YouTube videos, my quest for the perfect integrated amplifier finally came to a close when I stumbled across the highly acclaimed NAD 3130. Despite its modest price tag of RM550 (around USD$110), I am thrilled to say that this outstanding piece of equipment has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From the moment I hooked up my turntable and played Pink Floyd’s iconic The Dark Side Of The Moon LP, I was blown away by the incredible difference between the Yamaha AV receiver and the NAD 3130. It truly is two completely different worlds.

I have been experiencing a disruptive hum from my built-in phono input during use, and it has caused me considerable frustration. After researching the issue, I have discovered that this grounding issue is a common problem in the audiophile community. Despite my efforts, I have yet to find a feasible solution to this problem on my NAD 3130. As a temporary fix, I have made use of the built-in phono preamp in my Sony turntable and used the Line input instead. In the meantime, I have also surveyed for external phono preamps, and took me a while to choose the best one.

Recently, I made some necessary adjustments to my audio setup. As I mentioned before, one issue I faced was a humming sound coming from my turntable phono input, which was actually caused by transformer interference from the nearby NAD stereo amplifier. However, after relocating my turntable away from the stereo amplifier, the humming noise disappeared. Another problem I encountered was buzzing from my speakers when connecting my AV receiver to my integrated amplifier using pre-out. But, I was able to solve this issue by purchasing a new RCA cable. Now, my audio setup is running smoothly and sounding better than ever! Problem solved.

For years, I had been longing to own an integrated amplifier and integrate it into my AV receiver setup. After much anticipation, my dream of achieving top-notch sound quality has finally become a reality. Discover how to flawlessly connect AV receiver to an integrated amplifier for an optimal audio experience.

When listening to your favorite songs, you want them to come alive and fill the room with sound. The NAD 3130 integrated amplifier that I have is perfect for achieving this, as it produces a wide range of sound that is truly impressive. On the other hand, Yamaha AV receivers may sound a little muddy and soft, which can be disappointing for music enthusiasts. It’s clear that if you are serious and want the best possible audio experience, integrated amplifiers are the way to go.

Invest in an External Phono Preamp

After conducting extensive research on YouTube video reviews of phono preamps, I decided to upgrade my vinyl setup by investing in an external phono preamp. You can read the review of the Douk Audio T4 Pro for music tests, features, and so on. The difference in the quality of my vinyl listening experience is truly remarkable. This little phono preamp is connected to the Sony turntable and NAD 3130 stereo amplifier for two-channel vinyl record listening. Thus, I can now enjoy my vinyl records even more, with enhanced sound quality and a richer listening experience.

My entire setup is performing at its best without any interference or noise (for now), allowing all of my cable interconnects to function flawlessly. Needless to say, I am thoroughly pleased with the quality of my system.

Final Thoughts

Starting a collection can be quite an exhilarating and overwhelming experience! As a collector, you are always on the lookout for new additions to your expanding collection. Often, collecting LP vinyl records serves as an exciting and immensely satisfying hobby, bringing incomparable joy and satisfaction to the collector. However, the expenses involved in acquiring new vinyl records can also be quite unsettling – new releases could cost you anywhere upwards of RM150 (around USD$31) and even go up to thousands of ringgit or dollars for limited edition pieces.

Hence, it is essential to take reasonable measures to prevent breaking bank when building your vinyl collection. A practical way to do this is by exploring and finding cheap vinyl records that are comparatively more economical than newer ones. And luckily for vinyl enthusiasts, Kuala Lumpur is home to some incredible vinyl record shops in Malaysia, with a diverse selection of records to suit every taste and preference.

So, on your next visit, make sure to explore these shops and unearth some hidden treasures to add to your best vinyl LP collection. With time, patience, and effort, building a vinyl collection is an experience you’ll never forget!

* This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use these links to buy something which helps us to maintain the blog and further creating exciting content in the future. Thanks.

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