In recent years, the resurgence of vinyl records and turntable sales has captured the interest of younger, music-loving audiences and more seasoned audiophiles alike. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in 2022 saw a significant uptick, marking a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year, while turntable sales also surged, reflecting a renewed appreciation for the analog format among Millennials and Gen Z.
Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to vinyl for various reasons. For some, the format’s retro appeal and trendiness make it a desirable music playback medium. Meanwhile, Generation X listeners appreciate vinyl for its analog nature, free from the distractions of screens and connectivity.
Learning to Love the Ritual of Playing Vinyl
Vinyl records offer a tactile and immersive listening experience that many younger audiences are learning to love. Much of the best music ever made was originally released on vinyl, and playing these records on a high-performance audiophile turntable brings listeners closer to the artists’ and producers’ true intentions. This pursuit of musical authenticity resonates strongly with Millennials and Gen Z, who value genuine and unfiltered experiences.
The ritual of playing vinyl, even in today’s best audiophile retailers, involves a series of deliberate actions—selecting a record, carefully placing it on the turntable, and gently lowering the needle. This process creates a deeper connection to the music, contrasting sharply with the instant gratification of streaming services. The analog sound, complete with its characteristic warmth and depth, offers a nostalgic charm that digital formats often lack. That’s why most audiophile stores are selling not just modern audiophile turntables but often a hand curated collection of LPs that can sell for as much as $100 a pop.
What Are the Real-World Disadvantages of Listening to Music on Vinyl
Despite its appeal, vinyl is not without its downsides…
- Limited Dynamic Range: Vinyl has a dynamic range of about half that of a compact disc and falls well below that of high-definition streaming services like Amazon Music, Qobuz, or Tidal.
- Harmonic Distortion: That “warm sound” beloved by audiophiles is actually second-degree harmonic distortion caused by the turntable’s stylus vibrating in the record’s groove. While this distortion adds character, it runs counter to the goal of high-fidelity, ultra-low distortion audiophile electronics.
- Investment Concerns: Building a vinyl collection requires significant investment in both money and storage space. In contrast, streaming offers virtually limitless access to music at a fraction of the cost.
- Wear and Tear: Vinyl records wear out over time, unlike digital music, which remains pristine regardless of how often it is played. While record washing and cleaning is part of the vinyl ritual, it is close to impossible to mitigate the effect of scratches, grit and grime and even slimy fingerprints.
- High Cost of LPs: The price of new vinyl records has soared during the pandemic, with mainstream releases often costing $20-$30 or more. Even used vinyl has become more expensive due to its resurgence in popularity.
Modern Music Sales Are Booming, But Physical Media Is Close to Dead
Despite the boom in vinyl sales, physical media remains a small fraction of overall music sales. According to the RIAA, in 2022, physical media (CDs and LPs) accounted for just 8.8 percent of total sales. This figure is unlikely to increase substantially, despite incremental growth in vinyl sales. Streaming services offer nearly every album ever made for the price of a single compact disc from decades past, making physical media less relevant in the modern music landscape.
Final Thoughts About the Modern Resurgence of Vinyl
For those interested in exploring vinyl, a good turntable can be purchased for $500 or less. Listening to music, particularly vinyl, can also have health benefits. Studies show that listening to 15 minutes of soothing music can often lower diastolic blood pressure by 10 points, providing a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety—an appealing prospect for Gen Z listeners.
Millennials, often characterized by their preference for experiences over possessions, find value in the experiential aspect of vinyl playback. An audiophile-grade music system not only serves as a tangible asset but also as an “experience machine,” allowing users to travel through time with music. Whether it’s Jimi Hendrix live in Maui from 1968 or Taylor Swift’s latest tour, the depth and richness of vinyl can make each listening session a trip out of reality and back into time without ever leaving your living room.
While vinyl will likely remain collectible and nostalgic, its growth may slow as physical media continues to naturally phase out in our cloud-based world. Many audiophiles believe that vinyl will never actually die, but as history has shown, it can fade away and may do so again. The pending divorce between physical media and audiophiles highlights the inevitable shift toward digital formats, marking the end of an era for vinyl enthusiasts.
CONTACT:
Company Name: Nazarian Films
Contact Person: Eliott Nazarian
Eliott@nazarianfilms.com Los Angeles, California Www.Nazarianfilms.com