Are Vinyl Records Really Worth It?

Vinyl records are a thing of the past-and a treasure of the future. But are they really worth it?
It can be a full-time hobby to keep up with technology as it evolves. Every year, I find myself donating or selling my favorite gadgets as they become obsolete. However, there’s one ancient technology that I’ve been buying more than selling and that’s vinyl. And I’m not alone. Vinyl record sales hit a 28-year high in 2016, according to Fortune Magazine.
Raoul Benavides, owner of Flashlight Vinyl, explains why he was able to open a record store in 2016, and why we miss listening to vinyl.
Video by Josef Lorenzo
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[@richardwhite2344]

Great video!!!! I totally agree with what you said about Vinyl. In my opinion, if you have a Decent Stereo System, they sound better then CD as well. There is a warmness to the sound that a CD cannot match. Don't get me wrong. CD's are cool, but they sound a little artificial to me but there is nothing like playing a record and the music that comes out of them. Also, it is so much more fun buying records and having something physical in your hand, with a large photo on the front, and some LP's have gatefold's which are so cool, liner notes etc. A CD just can't compete. Keep the vinyl videos coming!!!

[@historiamagistravitae7062]

+Richard White: Actually CDs i.e. digital can replicate the "vinyl sound" with absolute precision. However the thing is, the "vinyl sound" is completely dependent on your audio equipment. The "warmness" is simply the lack of higher frequencies due to the RIAA EQ roll-off starting from 16 kHz. If you don't like the high frequency content in digital, you can always boost the bass or tone down the treble.

[@richardwhite2344]

Well, you are entitled to your opinion but I Disagree. First let me say I have a very high quality Stereo system, all separate components, and I cannot count the number of times I have bought a CD of a vinyl album that I have expecting the sound to be much better on the CD and that has not been the case. Two examples: John Denver's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1, 2, and 3. When I compare the sound between the CD and the Vinyl, the vinyl sounds much better, sounds much more natural, Another example is the "Grease" soundtrack on CD. The sound is sub-par. The vinyl album sounds much better. I remember when I was a small boy in the 60's, My dad was in the military and was stationed in Japan at the time. He bought a hi-fi there in the 50's, It had tubes and it had the most incredible sound quality. I agree that the sound is based on how good your Stereo is, but at least on my system I can tell the difference right away. I will say that some CD's sound better, but more often then not, the in my opinion, I find Vinyl better, and besides you have a big photo and liner notes to look at. CD's are much too small, but they are great to play in the car. Take care

[@redcomusic]

OMG that age-old vinyl vs. CD argument. You know, it really all depends on your hardware AND if you have an EQ unit, you can tweak either format to your ear's liking. But...there's another "music format" that gives you everything you love about vinyl, but actually makes a great companion to your modern digital life (now that you know how to make digital sound good). It's got that same 12" tall cover, has all the artwork and photos you've come to expect from traditional album packages, lyrics of course. And just like vinyl, the music is literally etched into this format. And it's a much, much OLDER format. What is it? I made a teaser video of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJbNZWWBg6yHgZI (comment, like, subscribe for the update!)

[@vinylcity1599]

Richard White my last name is White too! It actually has higher resolution than CD, even though it has limitations! CD'S are clearer and louder, but LP's are more in depth and richer because it captures ALL of the information of the studio Master! Albeit with limitations!

[@manuelleivatalledo615]

Just passing here to remind you, despite of the format you end up buying, the songs are recorded on a computer = digital 🤡

[@Theomite]

That's the best $1 record selection I've ever seen. Everywhere else I've been has it stacked on the floor front-to-back.

[@kagome122885]

I just got into collecting and listening to records after my dad recommended I start collecting, and I love it so far! I like how pronounced the stereo separation is on vinyl.

[@brazenbull636]

The last physical CDs I ever bought for a LOOONG while was at Circuit City before they died. Deftones - Around the Fur & White Pony And Kottonmouth Kings- High Society Decided I was sick of not actual owning music anymore. As of last year I'm 30 LPs deep into vinyl. All Black Metal. Just got my at-lp120x a couple days ago. It's good to have reintroduced tangibility into my music listening..

[@Jas0nAnders0n]

Lp's are awesome, always have been. There is a resurgence in the format but it will not last due to the same greed that killed the CD. Albums are regularly priced from $30-$50 even for a shitty re-press and the rise continues. Supply will not bring down the cost of demand. Digital will always be king for cost, storage, and portability factor.

[@meroinheroin]

Aged like milk lol

[@danteerskine7678]

@@meroinheroin it's funny how the vinyls survived all these decade and CDs and tapes are nowhere to be found today. Vinyls are cool but are way too fragile compared flash memory. On flash memory, you can have your own music collection in your pocket, flash memory are also resistant to scratch, accidental falls, heat, water, dust and they're cheaper now. Vinyls are expensive and can be damaged by dust and scratch, they have more cons but people love them.

[@meroinheroin]

@@danteerskine7678 it's harder for me to engage with digital streaming, or flash memory compared to mixes on vinyl. To each their own, but I'll always take vinyl if I'm able.

[@RustyNickels]

I like to throw vinyl records to see how far they'll go.

[@jamierobb78]

Further than a cd. Just another way in which vinyl kicks cds ass.

[@RustyNickels]

CD's are infinitely better but I prefer listening to music on my Zune.

[@117rebel]

“You’re a monster!” - Gingerbread Man from Shrek

[@johnventer4815]

You obviously have no appreciation for vinyl. Stick to your cds or digital downloads

[@jerryspann8713]

I remember back when CDs first came out, only the rich could afford the format. It was the same old BS, CD are superior to all other formats. No skipping, popping, or rumble. CDs where expensive and only audiophiles could afford them. Now that vinyl cost more than CDs, it the same BS, audiophiles, they same group of people that praised CDs are now sticking their noses up in the air.

[@James-ev5dy]

This is really well made!

[@VinylandKicks86]

2:41 using glass cleaner to clean records is some bullsh*t

[@leon9021]

record store owners should know better

[@mclaine33]

Yea that's just disgusting. Dude needs to do some more research if he thinks that's "appropriate" way to clean them.

[@dannyterryva]

This was a great video. However, I do have to admit that I cringed at the multiple times of mishandling the vinyl records in this video! You should never touch the playing surface of the vinyl, that is a surefire way to damage the grooves! Handle the vinyl from the very edges only!

[@Rewiredotorg]

Point taken. :)

[@goldenvinylspin]

Great video. I love how you made it fun. I hope to someday visit your store. You have the passion to keep things going. I just subscribed. Can't wait to see more videos.

[@gb-nz]

I am a millenial, finally able to leave the rent trap recently, thus paying a massive mortgage. Vinyl is surely fascinating, I grew up with it like Gen X's and older guys. Just cannot afford it, unfortunately. I can barely afford a holiday or even going to concerts as often as I'd like to. The high costs of living in a city are out of control! I only have one really rich friend that collects vinyl. For us mere mortals, it is an out of reach hobby.

[@M3LTUP]

I like vinyl for nostalgia. But its too hard to keep. It scratches or breaks if you even look @ it. I just found out one of my Journey albums is cracked. Its been sitting all cozy on the shelf for years. I have no idea how it broke.

[@terrancebates3662]

Awesome Video !!!!!!!!!

[@SQDLVR]

Awesome video! :-)

[@astella3]

A place to socialize

[@leon9021]

For being a video about loving physical music there sure is a lot of poor handling and abuse happening to records in it.

[@rygdoomed442]

Leon thepro when he touches the grooves?

[@Theomite]

WINDEX! *WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN-DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEX!!!*

[@The90sGamingGuy]

Records have a warm natural sound that CDs just don't have. Yea CDs are cheaper and more convenient but nothing matches the rich sound and engaging experience of vinyl records.

[@nodcarillol.6550]

Another Crosley hispter talking shit about CDs.

[@The90sGamingGuy]

@@nodcarillol.6550 Crosley turn tables are shit and i know that. You don't know me so yea

[@michaelb9664]

People really need to stop perpetuating this myth about warm vinyl and cold harsh CDs. It’s all nonsense. The recording and mastering plays biggest part and all being equal CD technically wins. The reality is if you compare the same well recorded material on LP & CD on a good high fidelity system you’d be hard pressed to pick a preference for one over the other.

[@The90sGamingGuy]

@@michaelb9664 That is true a well mastered CD does sounds fantastic, i noticed this after buying some rock and jazz CDs released in the 80s. With that being said there are albums masterred or remastered within the last twenty years that sound good.

[@heezy6894]

What is that first track playing? Sounds awesome

[@joeya5147]

what song is at the very start?

[@savoirfaire3469]

No need to properly handle your records when you've got generic window cleaner.

[@germusic2022]

Thank you ,records rock🙏🎼🎸

[@iix23]

Rule of thumb; Analog recorded music on vinyl. Digital recorded music on CD.

[@djwreck1200]

im more of a dj than an audiophile and when i dj with vinyl i handle them all kinds of crazy ways and they are still in great listening condition. lol records are more durable than people think lol

[@jerrywcarman1483]

Vinyl has not killed the CD or cassette. In fact, sales are still as strong as ever. Question is, how much longer will people put up with paying those sky high prices? They've got to draw the line somewhere.

[@aaronmartinez5029]

That’s why I buy used and ore owned LP’s and get good bulk deals from eBay 😅

[@jerrywcarman1483]

That warmth that you're hearing may be distortion. Is that such a good thing?

[@Albee213]

LPs are awesome. They are fun to play, look at, and listen to. There is something magical about them compared to other formats. HOWEVER, they do not sound better that CD or other well mastered digital. There is no measurable evidence to support LPs having superior sound quality. Sure there may be certain A/B comparisons of the LPs sounding better but over all CDs are superior in every way except cool factor. LPs are not and exact copy of the master tape/digital source while CD/digital that is mastered correctly is an EXACT copy of the original master tape. Love records, play records, enjoy music... Just don't fool yourself that they are the superior sound reproduction. Plus LPs are not a format for everyone. This format is for dedicated music lovers that have time to not only collect, handle and clean them for enjoyable use. Most people just want to listen to music and cleaning an LP is just out of the question. Enjoy music in all formats Except tapes they suck lol

[@nodcarillol.6550]

Exactly

[@cameronrhodes604]

1:57 EVIL!!!!!!!!!! 😤😤😤😤😤😤😠😠😠

[@ChristinaGina]

Cameron Rhodes agreed, that was cringe.

[@GerrodCarper]

✊👀

[@markwissman2452]

My 1000 songs I purchased on my IPOD aren't worth anything...my 1000 record collection is probably worth 1000's of $

[@dalyjuice24]

If you want your vinyl to be worth it please don't handle your records as shown in this video!

[@KirillKhalitov]

Is vinyl production chemical processes safe for environment?

[@nodcarillol.6550]

No

[@christianlozano6495]

Anyone know the song that comes up on 1:39 and ends at 3:00...? Would really appreciate it

[@Rewiredotorg]

The song is called Last Dance in Paris by Anders Johan Greger Lewen!

[@jerrywcarman1483]

When you ask if vinyl is really worth it, I'd ha5 to say no. Not for the money you'd have to spend. It's not just the cost of records over CDs, that's high enough. It's the cost of turntables and tonearms, cartridges and stylus, phono preamp, etc that could run into the thousands. I was looking online and I could spend $5000.00 for a CD player, but I think I can do a lot better. I go for practically, and for now, CDs and cassettes beat vinyl. Jerry W Carman

[@ron9721]

Nice Site,just started up everyone invited 🍹😁👍

[@7JANEWAY]

Where is this store?

[@julianguffogg]

Well you would say that wouldn't you!

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

Vinyl is digital,they record the music at the studio digitally and then create a record from the digital master.With cd you own the music too

[@geetarbube]

Rock Chops Generally, with new music. There are some exceptions.

[@livinaftermidnight9651]

New music yes for the most part. First pressings of 60's through late 70's were analog from start to finish.

[@h2ofield]

Digital lps begin in 1985 (Dire Straits)

[@nodcarillol.6550]

Unless you are ready to spend money on quality equipment and you are really passionate about it. But if youre gonna buy records and play it on portable Crosley shits then no.

[@gdawg1585]

I've had a Victrola for 3 years now and got a scratched up mono copy of Beatles VI for Christmas and it played beautifully minus a few crackles

[@vinylcity1599]

Not to mention it's a "hi resolution" analog format! Yes, it has limitations, but it captures 100% of the audio information on the master tape, even hi resolution digital only captures 85%!

[@Rewiredotorg]

Great point! No wonder it sounds so good!

[@Albee213]

No analog format captures %100. That's impossible. Digital can capture and reproduce a wave signal exactly. Learn how digital works, most statements made about it are false. Learn how analog tape works, in a away its the same as digital. It captures frequencies at rates similar to how digital does.

[@michaelb9664]

Vinyl is “high resolution”? 😂 Far from it! The RIAA equalisation required to both cut and playback vinyl is enough proof in itself to put that one to bed.

[@Dagger-Deep]

That place has a very cold environment, it needs some posters, paintings, etc.

[@gregorypegg7402]

I agree!

[@acatssoftnose3940]

Not all us want a record store with posters and paintings all over the place. Some of us love the minimalist aesthetics, and the peace and clarity it brings to our minds when deciding on records. We all need a record store that resonates with us.

[@gregorypegg7402]

I also agree!

[@h2ofield]

Nah.. blank walls suck..I don't buy that ethereal stuff...how about have album covers on the wall & switch them up?

[@mrhoffame]

I kind of agree. One of the keys to vinyl as compared to other formats is that it incorporates MORE of your senses in experiencing music than any other formats. There is more touch, bigger visual, etc....so to me the power of vinyl is the extra stimulation of the senses so when I go to a record store it doesn't have to look like bathroom wall at CBGBs or anything, but I do like when it has a bit more a of presence and personality to it.

[@fab60s64]

Yeah Records are wonderful and i only have Records, but the cleaning of them if you have a large collection as i do is slavery! And so slow ,you have a coffee next to you some music playing and maybe a bit of a puff and then you notice the sun is getting up again!

[@jackofalltradesmercury207]

Cds are better 👍👍👍👍

[@TheMaxx111]

So the oldest customer you have is 60?

[@jerrywcarman1483]

The title of the video is: Is vinyl really worth it? In my opinion, no it's not, especially given the price. Vinyl to me has gotten unaffordable. I'm afraid it's going to be CDs and cassettes for me.

[@obec_18luv19]

Como cuando te averguenzas de ser lo que eres y quieres sonar y pretender lo que en realidad no eres solo por encajar 0:52 soy "raoul rodriguez" en vez de Raúl porfavor, thank you!. 🤣

[@eloyreveronrizzo]

His last name is Benavides...

[@maxinemuldoon2065]

No their not worth it! I was a teenager of the 80s done that been there and there’s no way I’d pay the price of them now. I get the price of inflation but they are simply not worth 25 to 35 pounds. It’s totally BS!

[@alvarogomez2080]

You can not make a video about loving records and then abusing them... WINDEX IS FOR GLASS YOYO. STOP TOUCHING THE GROOVES. Holy crap nobody shop there!!!!

[@kpower77]

2.16 OMG please handle your records correctly, cringing here

[@JM-xp8te]

I think it’s a waste of space and energy. Have fun with higher electricity bills.

[@fredisausthevenision1071]

Dont compare vinyls with cd. two stories completely different. Vinyl is four collections and history. cd is only good four listing to music. ps i been collecting vinyls cassettes cd and ather stuff since 1985!!!🇮🇹

[@jfbujv]

if its not a CD i dont want it

[@cameronrhodes604]

Dominator 87 enjoy ur terrible sound quality

[@sunforged1662]

Cameron Rhodes Actually CDs are objectively better with sound quality.

[@cameronrhodes604]

Sunforged oh yes compress that sound quality because that totally makes the sound better

[@cameronrhodes604]

Sunforged yes make fun of me cause I'm autistic because autistic people totally shouldn't be equally treated

[@cameronrhodes604]

Sunforged I'm waiting for a response