Musings on Vinyl's 19 Years of Growth
Vinyl records is almost at two decades of consecutive growth with 7.9% in the past 19th year. Safe to say vinyl is here to stay. Although for many of us, vinyl never left.
Here are a few of our thoughts.
Source: Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) 2020 to 2025 Year End Reports
Aspects of the analogue revival that matters
'Unplugging' and going completely offline in an online world taken not full effect, however, vinyl brings back the intentionality and disconnect from digital media. 19 years of growth signals this revival as fully 'revived'.
Vinyl (and physical media) continues to bring people together through artist release events, Record Store Day, and a growing number of vinyl bars and cafés in central areas.
In a digital listening environment, the room is filled with the sound of shuffling tracks, artists and playlists. Is a song not matching the mood? Skip. A feature of convenience. Physical media brings back the friction and tactile experience when enjoying an album in its entirety. Experienced as the artist has carefully arranged.
Closer to the artist
Rosé’s Rosie on a Linn Sondek LP12.
Artist engagement for vinyl can go beyond an album's song order. It could be the small inclusion of an autographed card or going the entire mile for an analogue experience of Sturgill Simpson’s 'Mutiny After Midnight' released only in physical formats (vinyl, CD and cassette) and still hit the Billboard 200 charts.
Exclusives can be a drawcard, take note of Seoul's vinyl scene. Under the umbrella of recent pop music, Laufey's A Matter Of Time came with an additional 7" single hidden in the jacket (album cover), Australian-raised k-pop sensation Rosé released an extra song available only on her vinyl release, and a few tracks on Raya's recent album was pressed with a different recording compared to the final digital versions (spot the Naim and Rega).
Setting up the next generation
A lot of focus on in vinyl's popularity is placed on our younger generations and their preferences driving this growth. Notably, the community, tactility, and escaping the digital algorithm-ity (I couldn't think of a better one… Exclusivity?).
Enabling new music lovers to recognise quality music will undoubtably amplify their listening experience and enjoyment. Bring them along to hear the difference of your hi-fi system and swap out your classic black or 180g 'audiophile-grade' vinyl for a colourful and collectible LP.
Starting the musical journey with doesn't have to be complicated either. Rega's Planar turntables are a great option for a first turntable that is manufactured in the UK and will bring the music to life. We'd pair this with a pre-loved amplifier that a parent or family friend have gifted a second life (another testament to quality hi-fi's longevity) or an all-in-one system that is capable of streaming if the need arises.
Looking to enjoy your vinyl records? We'd love to invite you to a listening session and hear the difference - give us a call or email (and bring your vinyl).
- Sam
All the features of the award-winning Planar 1 turntable with the addition of a built-in high quality MM phono stage, making this the ultimate ‘Plug and Play’ turntable.
Key Features:
Integrated high quality Rega MM phono stage
RB110 tonearm with ultra-low friction play bearings
Factory fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
EBLT advanced drive belt
Phenolic resin, flywheel effect platter
High quality, 24 V low noise synchronous motor
From Rega
The Planar 2 was developed over two years alongside the latest Planar 3. Featuring the RB220 tonearm, a new 24 V low noise motor, acrylic high gloss laminated plinth, newly designed central bearing and so much more. Every feature of this innovative new turntable is designed to extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl collection.
Key Features:
RB220 precision tonearm
24 V low noise, low vibration motor
10 mm float glass opti-white platter
Advanced EBLT drive belt
From Rega
Your first step into quality hi-fi with the iconic Linn Sondek LP12. With Linn's founding 'source first' principle, your turntable is integral to extracting the most information from the record grooves to reproduce sound as close as possible to what the artist intended.
Linn’s Majik LP12 has been the entry point for our long-time Linn clients’ Sondek LP12. The Majik configuration is a compelling offering for enjoying your vinyl collection today with endless potential to upgrade as you continue on your hi-fi journey.
From Linn / Sondek LP12