Vinyl records

In short: A record stores music as a groove in plastic (vinyl). A stylus (cartridge) follows the groove and converts the vibrations into an electrical signal that is amplified. Vinyl has been enjoying a comeback for years.

In more detail: The groove is a mechanical image of the sound wave. Stereo is recorded by deflections in two directions.

In detail

• Speeds: 33⅓ rpm (LP), 45 (single, maxi) and formerly 78 (shellac).
• Turntable: Drive, tonearm, cartridge, preamplifier (a phono preamp is needed if the amplifier has no phono input).
• Care: Remove dust, do not touch the grooves with bare fingers, store upright, protect from heat.
• Stylus: A wear part; replace after roughly 500–1,000 hours.
• Sound: Analogue sounds warmer to some; objectively digital playback has greater dynamic range.
• Value: Rare pressings can have collector value (audioformate-mp3-flac-und-co).