Record Players and Vinyl Stands: A Worthwhile Investment or Should You Go With Spotify?
The Unique Vinyl Experience
The sound and ritual of listening to a vinyl
From that first smell of vinyl fresh out of its sleeve to the warm, authentic sound that only a record can give you, listening to vinyl is something different. For those of us who love music, a vinyl has a special magic: that detail, that warmth and that depth that no other format can achieve.
More than just listening: living the music
But it's not just the sound; it's the whole ritual of putting on the record, putting down the needle and letting yourself go. Here you're not just listening; you're experiencing the music as it was in its time, enjoying a complete work, from beginning to end.
The Return of Vinyl: Back to the Origin
A story of changes and reunions
Let's take a trip down memory lane. From the 50s to the 80s, vinyl was all the rage . Artists created albums that demanded to be listened to in one go, without skipping a single song. And the covers... works of art in themselves.
The digital age and the transformation of music
But then came the digital era: CDs in the 80s and then streaming in the 2000s, with Spotify and company. That's when everything changed. Music was consumed song by song, and the idea of a “full album” was lost a bit.
The return to the physical format
Vinyl is making a comeback, though. In 2020, for the first time since the 1980s, vinyl sales surpassed CD sales, according to the RIAA. This is no coincidence; more and more people are rediscovering the pleasure of owning music in physical format and savouring analogue sound.
Vinyl vs. Streaming: Authenticity or Convenience?
Spotify: fast, convenient and for discovering music
This duel goes beyond music; it's about how we experience things. Spotify is fast and convenient; you have millions of songs at the click of a button, without worrying about space. Ideal for playing music while you work or discovering new songs.
Vinyl: An intentional way to enjoy music
But vinyl allows you to enjoy music in a different way. When you choose a record, you listen to it in its entirety, just as the artist intended. It is not so easy to skip songs here; it invites you to connect with each one.
Sound quality: unique warmth and richness
They say vinyl has a unique warmth and richness, and I couldn't agree more. Plus, a vinyl collection creates a special corner in your home: shelves, stands, boxes... In the end, your vinyl space is a reflection of you, a statement of style and personality.
The Place for your Vinyls: Furniture and Accessories
Vinyl Shelves
Our shelves come in a variety of styles, from vintage to modern. They are perfect for keeping your favorite records on display and ready to play whenever you want. Every detail is thought out to keep your records in perfect condition, while decorating your space.
The importance of style and safety
Do you have a special corner or a spacious living room for them? These shelves add style and ensure that your records are always safe.
Vinyl Boxes
For a more practical option, our vinyl storage boxes are ideal . Durable, they protect your records from dust and wear, and add a decorative touch to your space.
Variety of styles and finishes
Each box has its own style, with natural and modern finishes, so you can express your personality with them. Perfect for moving around and for small or large spaces, find the one that suits you best!
Vinyl Holders
If you need something simple, our vinyl records holders keep your records organized and ready to play at any time.
High quality materials
They are made of high-quality materials, so your vinyls stay safe and take up little space. With these holders, your vinyl records will always be ready for the next music session.
Stylish Vinyl Furniture
If you want to give your vinyl records a special place, our furniture is the perfect option. They are not only functional, but also designer pieces that elevate any space.
The fusion of design and functionality
Designed to be comfortable and aesthetic, our furniture is ideal for keeping your records close at hand, while decorating and adding a vintage touch.
A Space for Your Passion for Music
Celebrate and share your love for vinyl
For many, a vinyl collection is more than just music; it's passion. Creating a record corner, shelves, and special furniture is a way to celebrate that passion and share it.
Make your home a reflection of your personal style
A corner of your home filled with well-organized records, always ready to play, becomes a personal touch, an extension of your style.
Keep Them Spinning: Give Your Vinyls the Space They Deserve
At Keep Them Spinning we want you to get the most out of your collection. That's why we invite you to explore our vinyl record furniture and accessories options. Each product has been designed to offer you more than just storage, it offers you a way to display, care for and live your collection on a daily basis.
Between the convenience of streaming and the connection of vinyl
Whether you prefer the convenience of Spotify or are passionate about the vinyl experience, music is central to our lives. Vinyl gives you a physical and authentic connection, and at Keep Them Spinning we help you keep that connection organized and stylish.
Rediscover the Pleasure of Listening to Vinyl
There’s something special about spinning a vinyl record that you’ll never get with a music app on your phone. That “inconvenience” of vinyl forces you to devote time and attention to the music, rather than leaving it as background music for your daily life.
A good turntable can make this ritual even better: easy to use and with a sound quality that brings every note to life. I recommend the Fluance RT85N because it has all the qualities to offer a truly unique listening experience.
Fluance RT85N
The Fluance RT85N is an ideal all-rounder because it is easy to set up and use, while adding very little of its own “sound”, allowing you to enjoy each record as it was recorded.
High Quality Materials
This turntable is built with top-notch materials, including an acrylic platter, a sturdy base (the heaviest among non-DJ turntables), effective sound isolation feet, and the best phono cartridge in our test, the Nagaoka MP-110 .
Comfortable Listening Features
It features a lift lever so you can raise and lower the tonearm comfortably, as well as a counterbalance dial and an auto-stop function. It is a belt-drive turntable that easily switches between 33 rpm and 45 rpm. However, it does not support 78 rpm records.
Integrated Phono Preamplifier?
It doesn't have a built-in phono preamp, but that shouldn't be a problem: most audio receivers already come with one. (What's a phono preamp for? I'll tell you later!)
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: Perfect for Lows and Mids
If you prefer more modern recordings with plenty of bass and mids, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO may be the ideal choice for you. Although it is not as “neutral” as the RT85N, it offers accurate bass, a wide soundstage and great detail in the mids and highs.
Easy to use and high quality
The EVO is simple to set up, built from high-quality materials, and includes the Sumiko Rainier cartridge , which delivers excellent sound. Switching between 33 rpm and 45 rpm is as easy as flipping a switch, and it also supports 78 rpm records (though you'll need to change the belt).
Improvement Options
If you're interested in upgrading your system gradually, the Pro-Ject offers a variety of upgrade options. However, like the Fluance, the EVO does not include an integrated phono preamp.
Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT: Ideal if you want Bluetooth
Do you prefer a turntable with a built-in phono preamp or Bluetooth output? The Audio-Technica AT-LPW50BT is an excellent choice. While it doesn't quite match the sound quality of models from Fluance and Pro-Ject (due to a less heavy base and platter, and a more basic-grade AT-VM95 cartridge), neither came close to matching this model's ease of use and functionality right out of the box.
Connectivity and Simple Functionality
This belt-drive turntable supports 33 rpm and 45 rpm records (with easy speed changing), though it does not play 78 rpm records. Bluetooth connectivity is intuitive, and you can also opt to use an external phono preamp in the future.
Quality and Finish
Its materials aren't as premium as those on the main models, and it's only available in a rosewood finish, but for everyday use, it does the job just fine.
U-Turn Orbit Basic: Sound Quality at a Good Price
If you can do without features like quick-change speeds, auto-stop, and a lift-up lever, the U-Turn Orbit Basic gives you good sound quality at a great price. This turntable is a snap to set up, and it's also highly customizable: you can order it with a built-in phono preamp, choose a color, upgrade the cartridge, or add a lift-up lever later. It's a simple design that gets the job done.
Angels Horn H019: An All-in-One That Sounds Good
All-in-one turntables (turntable, speakers and amplification in one box) often get a bad rap when it comes to sound, but the Angels Horn H019 sounds much clearer and fuller than most. With a wood finish, metal platter and sturdy, adjustable tonearm, it looks and feels like a good quality turntable.
Features and Connectivity
This model includes an Audio-Technica AT-3600L phono cartridge, Bluetooth, and analog audio input so you can play music from your phone or other sources. It requires a little initial setup, but the manual clearly explains how to do it.