Gifts for Vinyl Record Collectors

Record collectors care as much about looking after their records as playing them: dust, static and sagging shelves are the enemy. Picking records for them is risky because they already know what they want. Care gear, storage, and a better setup to play it all on are the safer bets.

Under $25 6 ideas

  1. Boundless Audio Record Cleaner Brush

    A velvet and carbon fiber brush for a quick sweep before each side. Every collector should own one, and they wear out.

    Boundless AudioStocking stuffer

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  2. AudioQuest Anti-Static Record Brush

    A carbon fiber brush from an established hi-fi brand that pulls dust out of the grooves and reduces static. A small, useful stocking stuffer.

    AudioQuestStocking stuffer

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  3. Big Fudge Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit

    A brush, cleaning solution and stylus brush in one box. Good for the newer collector who has been wiping records on a T-shirt.

    Big FudgeGets used up

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  4. Invest In Vinyl Clear Outer Record Sleeves, 50 Pack

    Clear plastic sleeves that protect album covers from shelf wear and ring wear. Collectors go through these in bulk, so another pack never goes to waste.

    Invest In VinylGets used up

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  5. Behringer PP400 Microphono Phono Preamp

    A tiny preamp that lets a turntable without one plug into ordinary powered speakers or a receiver without a phono input. It solves a common setup headache.

    Behringer

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  6. Vinyl Me, Please: 100 Albums You Need in Your Collection

    Short essays on a hundred records across genres, with notes on what to pair them with. Good for the coffee table, and a nudge toward records they have not tried.

    Vinyl Me, PleaseBook

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Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Mobile Fidelity Original Master Sleeves, 50 Pack

    Anti-static inner sleeves to replace the paper ones that scuff records and shed dust. Collectors re-sleeve their favorite records first, so these get used.

    Mobile FidelityGets used up

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  2. Onzow ZeroDust Stylus Cleaner

    A soft gel pad that the needle is lowered onto to lift off grime, with no brushes or fluid. Gentler than a brush and lasts for years.

    Onzow

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  3. Crosley Record Storage Crate

    A wooden crate sized for LPs, about 40 to 50 records. Good for the overflow pile on the floor, or for keeping the current rotation next to the turntable.

    CrosleyFor display

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  4. Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting

    Photos and interviews from inside the homes of serious record collectors around the world. Collectors enjoy seeing their own obsession taken to extremes.

    Eilon PazBookFor display

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  5. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

    A thick reference book that collectors use as a checklist and a shopping list. It invites arguments about what was left out, which is part of the fun.

    Robert DimeryBook

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Under $100 4 ideas

  1. Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII

    A basin with brushes that scrub both sides of a record as it is turned by hand through cleaning fluid. Ideal for someone who buys used records at thrift stores and estate sales.

    Spin-Clean

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  2. Audio-Technica AT-VM95E Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

    A common upgrade cartridge for turntables with a standard half-inch mount. That includes Audio-Technica's own decks. Only buy it if you know their turntable takes a swappable headshell cartridge.

    Audio-Technica

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  3. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers

    Wood-finish powered speakers with two inputs, so a turntable with a preamp plugs straight in. A big improvement over the speakers built into cheap players.

    Edifier

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  4. Sony MDR-7506 Professional Headphones

    Studio headphones that have been in production for decades and are still everywhere in recording studios. Good for late-night listening when the speakers have to stay off.

    Sony

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$100 and up 4 ideas

  1. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Direct-Drive Turntable

    The standard upgrade turntable: adjustable tracking force, a switchable built-in preamp, and USB for digitizing records. A real step up from a starter or suitcase player.

    Audio-Technica

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  2. Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Turntable

    A belt-drive turntable with a solid wood plinth and an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge already fitted. It suits someone who cares more about sound than DJ features.

    FluanceFor display

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  3. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable

    A well-regarded audiophile entry turntable with a carbon fiber tonearm, available in several colors. It looks as good on a shelf as it sounds.

    Pro-JectFor display

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  4. Audioengine A2+ Wireless Powered Speakers

    Compact powered speakers with clear, full sound for their size, plus Bluetooth for when the records are put away. They fit on a shelf beside the turntable.

    Audioengine

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