New, used vinyl records available online, in store
Sound Advice
By Don Lindich
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
Q: I am a musician and especially enjoy classic rock. Over the past few months I have built a system around your recommendations, specifically the Acculine A3 tower speakers, Pro-ject Debut III turntable and a vintage NAD receiver. To say I am happy is an understatement! I’ve never been happier with an audio purchase than I have been with the Acculine speakers, and I am falling in love with my record collection as I hear sounds on them I never heard before.
Notice I said “old record collection.” Unfortunately, no one sells new vinyl anymore, and I am finding I prefer the sound of records to my CD player. Do you know anywhere I can get new music, or brand-new copies of older recordings on vinyl?
ERIK HARRIE
Bethel Park
A: I’ve had an awful lot of positive feedback recently from readers purchasing the Acculine speakers, which is why I am including your comments in this column. Some recognition is clearly due for Acculine’s efforts, and I commend the company. It’s been one of the most successful recommendations I’ve ever made.
Congratulations on putting together such a nice system for vinyl playback. I’ve long thought that every music lover should have a turntable in his or her system not only for the warm, magical sound quality, but for the depth and breadth of music that is available on vinyl. The low prices make it easy to build a great collection at low cost, and there is so much music to explore that will never see the light of day on CD.
There are several online retailers that offer new vinyl. The best I have seen is musicdirect.com, which has more than 3,250 different offerings. Some other choices are themusic.com, which has 707 titles. You can try www.lpnow.com for new, out-of-print records.
I looked through musicdirect.com as I wrote this column and quickly found titles from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones. You probably won’t find everything you are looking for, but you are sure to find some titles that will make you smile … at least until you see the price, which can range to up to $50 for a two-LP, import version. Most of them were $29.99, a bit more than a CD but your only option if only the best will do.
I haven’t shopped for new vinyl in a while as my hometown, Pittsburgh, has one of the best used record stores in the world, called Jerry’s Records. You can take an online tour of Jerry’s store at this field trip post. Jerry is a warm, wonderful and funny man, and the story behind his store is a great read. He has well over a million and a half records for sale, and if you are a vinyl lover, you will want to hop in your car and take a field trip of your own. Just be sure to bring lots of cash! Jerry’s prices are very low, and the records are very clean; but there is so much good stuff there, you may need a moving van to take it home.
