These days the vast majority of the music we experience is stored digitally. The internet has not only changed how we consume music but also how much music we consume, and it has also changed the music itself. Somewhat counterintuitively, vinyl has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, seeing a year-on-year increase in sales for the last decade. According to the RIAA, vinyl record sales increased by almost 30% in 2020. While personal preference plays a significant role, a deeper examination reveals several compelling reasons supporting the enduring appeal of vinyl.
"Vinyl’s unique quality lies in its status as a lossless analog format, preserving sound in its purest form."
Digital conversion and compression are cumbersome
Unlike digital audio, which relies on conversion and compression, vinyl captures sound in its most authentic form. When you drop the needle on a record, you are experiencing the music as it was originally intended, free from the digital artifacts that can distort the listening experience.
To create a vinyl record, the finished recording is sent electronically to a lathe that cuts into a piece of lacquer. The music’s waveform dictates the shape of the grooves the lathe carves. This lacquer disc is then coated with metal to create the metal master (or “mother”) and is used to create the “stamper” (just a negative version of the mother). The stamper is loaded into a hydraulic press and pressed into vinyl stock, which creates the actual vinyl records.
During playback, your record player’s needle (or stylus) follows the record’s groove and produces an electrical signal using a tiny electromagnetic generator called a cartridge. This can be either a moving magnet (MM) or a moving coil (MC)—both use magnets and coils of wire to generate the signal. Once passed through a corrective equalizer and amplified, the electric current generated can create the physical movement of the speakers, which effectively reproduces the recorded sound in an all-analog playback chain.
When we stream music or listen to an MP3 file, we hear a digitally converted version of a studio recording.
This is often compressed to allow for more storage space on our smartphones or laptops.
However, this compression process removes frequencies that are inaudible to the human ear, reducing the expected quality of the recording.
"Embracing the true essence of sound."
It’s all in the groove
The grooves of a vinyl record are actually raw musical waveforms containing every single little nuance possible.
The grooves on a record are not just physical impressions; they are intricate representations of sound waves, capturing every nuance of a performance. This results in a warmer, more organic sound that many listeners find more emotionally engaging than the often sterile quality of compressed digital audio.
The grooves on a record are not just physical impressions; they are intricate representations of sound waves, capturing every nuance of a performance. This results in a warmer, more organic sound that many listeners find more emotionally engaging than the often sterile quality of compressed digital audio.
The Artistry and Cultural Appeal of Vinyl
Records have a mysterious retro feel, giving off a cool and distant feeling. Many people collect vinyl records or record players just for their beauty. One afternoon, they may suddenly want to listen to music, and a turnaround is a visual and auditory feast.
Whether it’s the sight and sound of a used record spinning and rustling on a vintage hi-fi system or the thrill of holding your favorite album in your hands, vinyl records are a lot of fun. It’s about experiencing the music of the new era with the inventions of the old era.
For others, collecting vinyl records can also be a viable hobby or even a source of income, with many vinyl record enthusiasts constantly searching through boxes for the best bargains. Years later, the record has become a precious collector’s item, and at this time, you can choose whether to resell it to the next music lover according to the actual situation.
"Renewal requires opening yourself up to new ways of thinking and feeling."
The resurgence of vinyl is not just a trend; it signifies a broader appreciation for the quality and experience of music. With sales of vinyl records and turntables at their highest levels in nearly three decades, collectors and casual listeners alike are increasingly drawn to the format.
Furthermore, the availability of affordable record players has made it easier for newcomers to explore vinyl. Budget-friendly options now exist, allowing more people to experience the joys of collecting and listening to records. Many enthusiasts enjoy the thrill of hunting for rare finds in record shops or at flea markets, enhancing the sense of community around vinyl culture.
"In diversity, there is beauty and strength."
While vinyl records offer a unique aural and visual experience, times have moved on. Vinyl and digital formats can certainly coexist harmoniously. Advances in technology have facilitated this convergence, allowing vinyl record lovers to enjoy the benefits of both formats at the same time, and in many cases, the two can work together to achieve better results.
Various turntable manufacturers, such as Crosley, Audio-Technica and WAVELEGEND now offer Bluetooth record players, so you can hook up wireless speakers and control your turntable via your smartphone.
"Where words fail, music speaks."
People like vinyl for the experience; it’s a deep, physical connection to music. Some listeners prefer the experience of dusting off the record, lining it up, dropping the needle, and kicking back, instead of just scrolling and tapping a screen. Listeners are more likely to engage in the listening process, and the medium encourages the consumption of a complete album as a piece of work. Sometimes it’s just nice to collect, even if it’s never listened to.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.