Starting Your Vinyl Collection: What You Need to Know

So you want to start collecting vinyl. Maybe you inherited a turntable from a relative, maybe you heard a record at a friend's place and something clicked, or maybe you're just tired of the disposability of streaming. Whatever brought you here, welcome. Vinyl collecting is one of the most rewarding hobbies there is — part music appreciation, part treasure hunting, part interior design. Here's what you actually need to know to get started, without the audiophile gatekeeping.

## The Turntable You don't need to spend a fortune. You do need to spend enough to avoid damaging your records. **Avoid** all-in-one suitcase players (Crosley Cruiser and similar). They track too heavily and will wear your records prematurely. The built-in speakers also sound terrible. **Good starter options** in the €150–300 range: - **Audio-Technica AT-LP60X** — fully automatic, no setup required, sounds great out of the box - **Audio-Technica AT-LP120X** — manual, more features, the standard recommendation for good reason - **Pro-Ject Debut Carbon** — if you want to step up, this is where the jump in sound quality gets noticeable You'll also need **powered speakers** or an **amplifier + passive speakers**. For a simple setup, a pair of Edifier R1280T powered speakers (around €100) paired with an AT-LP60X will sound genuinely good.

## Your First Records Don't start with what you think you *should* own. Start with what you love. If your favourite album is a pop record from 2015, buy that. The whole point of vinyl is the physical connection to music that matters to you. That said, here are some practical tips: - **New vinyl** is the safest bet when starting out. No grading to worry about, no hidden scratches. - **Used vinyl** offers better value but requires some knowledge. Read our [guide to grading used vinyl](/blog/how-to-grade-used-vinyl-records) before your first used purchase. - **Start with full albums** rather than singles or box sets. Albums are the core of any collection. - **Don't chase first pressings** yet. Modern represses often sound just as good and cost a fraction of the price.

## Storing Your Records Proper storage is the difference between a collection that lasts decades and one that warps within a year. - **Store vertically**, like books on a shelf. Never stack records flat — the weight causes warping. - **Keep them away from heat and direct sunlight.** A shelf near a radiator or south-facing window will destroy records. - **Use inner sleeves.** Replace old paper sleeves with poly-lined ones — they prevent dust buildup and static. - **Outer sleeves** (clear plastic) protect the jacket from ring wear and shelf friction. They cost cents each and save euros in condition preservation. A basic Kallax shelf from IKEA holds about 100 records per cube and has become the de facto standard for record collectors. There's no shame in that — it works.

## How Much Should You Spend? New vinyl typically runs €18–35 for a standard LP. Used records range from €2 bargain bin finds to hundreds for rare pressings. A realistic budget for getting started: - **Turntable + speakers:** €200–400 (one-time cost) - **First 10 records:** €150–250 - **Storage:** €30–80 (a Kallax shelf + outer sleeves) - **Monthly budget:** Whatever feels comfortable. €30–50/month builds a solid collection over time. The beauty of vinyl collecting is that it scales to any budget. Some of the best records ever made can be found for under €10 in the used bins. ## Where to Start Shopping You're already in the right place. Browse our collection online or visit us at the shop on the Waversesteenweg in Brussels. We're always happy to help new collectors find their first records — that's genuinely one of our favourite parts of the job.