Vinyl sales are still on the rise - but trouble is brewing

[@Channel33RPM]

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[@joecrachemontange4613]

My problem is not having enough room for them.

[@geochi13]

Same! We have a nice problem!

[@alerobabes01]

Me too so I buy CDs

[@JimmyV1530]

Exactly I'm at 500+ but really don't have much more room, so I always purge when I purchase new albums.

[@CVinyl]

Me too 🏗

[@papoosee]

Exactly

[@ryanlenihan427]

I know I don’t speak for all young people, but getting into the vinyl hobby as a teenager has been very fun, even though I don’t buy very many new records at the moment. I just enjoy listening to and caring for my collection, rather than just streaming

[@axelfiedel3793]

I'm in the same boat as you man. In fact I collected movies and CDs ever since the pandemic ironically enough when pretty much it was a booming business for streaming, and I thought I was weird but then because I'd rather own a movie on Blu-ray rather than stream now that I see videos like Physical Media versus streaming it turns out I was in the right place in history.

[@superzapper]

Lots of stores have bumped prices up to $28 and $34 for a single album for both new & old releases . It's a tipping point for me . Sub $20 is fine for a regular black vinyl but the rest is pure greed . Again the music industry will kill itself .

[@joelbrandenburg6746]

stores don't bump up prices in a vacuum, look at the distributors that control the supply

[@kentgoodall2516]

A single new release in Australia at jb hi fi will set u back almost 100 bucks yep 100 bucks I wanted to buy body counts Mercless on vinyl U gotta be kidding hell no way it's a joke

[@Prognosis__]

@@kentgoodall2516I only buy at at JB Hi Fi when they have a 20% off sale but they don’t have many music albums..I prefer to buy used if possible

[@ThiKu]

They, the store, will make literally negative money selling at less than $20 😂

[@annkopfer6713]

You must be at the tipping point with finances right now...an icrease of approx 10 singles isnt that much...can say more wont be snarky...will.leave it right here!😅

[@rEdf196]

My new vinyl purchasing has dropped off bigtime . the drastic rising cost of records, concert tickets and uncertainty about the future of my community, friends, the economy and a pop culture that feels more dull, bland and conservative with each passing year. Feels like the lyrics of The Who's 1979 release Long Live Rock.

[@fddr360]

many of those top sales records are never gonna be listen to on an actual turntable...

[@matepoon]

My vinyl purchasing has dropped by probably 75% due to the insane price rises the last few years. I've now been adding to my old cd collection. There are some great bargains out there for cds, especially at the thrift stores. Although those stores are also starting to wisen up now, and charge more for less common discs.

[@juliosanchez95]

This is the golden age of vinyl. Fantastic audiophile reissues and they are cheaper than ever if you adjust for inflation. I hope the fools get out of the way. More records for me. The Beatles White Album in 1968 was $108 if you adjust for inflation. Stop complaining about prices.

[@matepoon]

@@juliosanchez95 Found the record company executive over here. :D

[@Blindowl1234]

Yeah I'm 65 and buying more used Cd's rather than records due to the high cost

[@MickSupper]

As long as your paycheck stays ahead of inflation.

[@lukeaus]

Here in Brisbane Australia twice a year there is a book/cd fair and every year I go to this for second hand CDs, what I am noticing is the number of people buying second hand CDs is really growing. I don't think it will ever turn into the revival of the record market but second hand CDs are really growing.

[@JavierLopezElMagnate]

About 10 years ago, i made one of the biggest mistakes i've ever made. I'd been lugging around after a few moves, with around 1400 cds. I'd started collecting CDs in the late 80s early 90s. Anyways, I got rid of my CDs. I went to a a local used book seller and tried to unload and they said they couldn't sell them so they passed. Anyways, Goodwill got my CD collection. At the time streaming music was new, reliable and i could get just about anything I wanted. Since then I've realized my mistake. So much so, I began collection CDs AND records. The streaming business has changed and many times I'll look for an album and realize that half the songs aren't available on the service. So most of my current collection has been buying in the used market. There isn't much I want or need that is new. Sure, there's a handful of releases that I've bought new, but maybe10 records/CDs in the last year? In total last year, I've bought maybe 30-40 records and 40-50 CDs... CDs i typically pay $2-$6, Records, $5 -$15 used.

[@livinaftermidnight9651]

My issue is not the higher price, but finding anything that I want that I don't already have.

[@stefandebruin8118]

Same here.

[@Trick1504]

Cost of vinyl has got out of hand. So started getting second hand CDs and vinyl again. From Music Magpie, vinyl net and vinyl tap here in Scotland.

[@juliosanchez95]

This is the golden age of vinyl. Fantastic audiophile reissues and they are cheaper than ever if you adjust for inflation. I hope the fools get out of the way. More records for me. The Beatles White Album in 1968 was $108 if you adjust for inflation. Stop complaining about prices.

[@dietmarsteiner1070]

​@@juliosanchez95CDs prices are nearly at the same level as they were in the late 80s/early 90s! Vinyl prices have tripled, almost quadrupled! How do you explain that with inflation?

[@mariodc5438]

Aside from the rising cost, the quality control is what’s putting me off purchasing new vinyl. Brand new vinyl that is warped has become more rampant based on my experience. I mean paying 40 bucks only to see a dished record is really frustrating.

[@projectpat006]

Bad pressings from record plants are a reason people are backing off as well

[@RicoStanky]

I've noticed that being a trend as well. I've been lucky on all my Triple 6 and Memphis records not having any issues. Can't say the same for "Is this It" by The Strokes. Had to send 2 copies back because of skipping issues.

[@donaldsullivan9731]

Hello Frank, This is an interesting topic and I look forward to reading other's comments. I just hit 70 so I don't think I was part of any vinyl revival, more like a sustaining role. LOL. I'll keep on buying vinyl, as long as it's available. Thanks for another interesting vid, keep on spinnin'!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you!

[@user-cu7xs5el3w]

$30-$40 for a color vinyl record is fucking ridiculous

[@andrewdonohue1853]

i have a decent number of records but not a massive collection. many of my records are old records i bought off ebay. the prices on new are NOT CHEAP and i have been buying some CDs to add to my physical media collection

[@dead_formats]

And yet, I visited my local record store this saturday morning past (here in Australia) and I counted thirty people in the shop, not including the two ladies working! I couldn't believe how busy it was and there was nothing special about the day... People seemed to range from young to old. It was great to see - but pretty crammed to browse...!

[@southpakrules]

But were they buying though?

[@Prognosis__]

I usually go sat morning..unfortunately a used album I had found and wanted had a deep scratch on it..I’m surprised the record store didn’t notice it

[@davidlacey2588]

CDs never went away as far as I was concerned and found some fantastic ones in the charity shop. 5 for a £1! I love vinyl but new and used are insanely expensive now.

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

I haven’t bought any physical media this year. That’s a new feeling more me. Enjoying listening to my current library of CDs and vinyl.

[@Channel33RPM]

It's nice to enjoy what you have.

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Currently spinning Badlands debut on vinyl!

[@Channel33RPM]

Great album.

[@michaelhiob8011]

I agree with you Frank. For me, the price of new vinyl is prohibitive. Therefore, I’m VERY selective on new vinyl purchases. On the other hand, I’m finding a lot of used vinyl at very reasonable prices in local shops and on line at places like Facebook Marketplace.

[@TKRVideoCentral]

Hi Frank! Speaking for myself, while I have cut back on vinyl in favor of CD's again recently, that's mainly so I can rip it and have it on my computer. Which I desperately need to do again - over Christmas, my media drive unexpectedly crashed, I lost over 500K of digital files I've been collecting for the past 27 years or so. Since I depend on them to do my various shows on my channel, it's been absolutely devestating, and thank goodness I didn't get rid of anything; although it will take time, I can rerip my CDs and slowly rebuild about 70% of what I had...but now I have to budget to try and get that which I lost again that I had only digital files of...some of which are not replacable automatically...so I can't honestly say how I'm going to be spending this year yet..we'll see....cheers, take care, best to the fam (when's Sherri coming on again?)

[@Channel33RPM]

Sorry to hear about your digital library... that sucks man. I will have Sheri on in the next month or so. Have a good weekend.

[@chazg66]

TKR - 2 terabyte externals are $ 50 - 75 US. Have had 2 hard drives for tunes for at least a decade. Happy i did when my old "disc" style hard drive started getting wonky back in 2018. Better safe than sorry.

[@MG87-es4qj]

years ago, I ripped my collection a few times. Trying to get the most out of the file codec, Flac to Alac to WAV (the best I have found). I used the Nimbie automated CD copier. Load 100, come back later to load another 100. It will kick out the ones it can't find and you can deal with those individually. It was easy to get through 1500 CDs in a week. It was about $650 but I was able to sell it for $500.

[@joet_swbo101]

I created a cloud server using Synology with Raid 0 backup. This will ensure that I never lose my music.

[@davidtaylor328]

Cool Video Frank & I personally think that ( in time ) record sales will slow down because of like you said higher prices but I pray that I'm wrong. I still & always will Love Records & I pray that vinyl Never goes away again. I truly love your videos because of all of the topics you cover & also the fun stuff like your Channel 33 Room ( office ) & - All - of The Cool Stuff you show. Music was & will Always will be my life & your Videos bring me complete enjoyment watching them. PLEASE - Keep up the Great Work you do & yes , I will Keep on Spinning. 👍🏻🎵🪙🎵👍🏻

[@1999zrx1100]

In my late 60’s, after buying tons of Jazz releases to fill some wholes in my collection I got into streaming for a very short time. It’s convenient but just doesn’t do it like vinyl, so I upgraded my turntable, again and got back to buying albums.

[@jjquinn2004]

Late 60s, eh? I started buying 45s around 1967-68. Then in April 1969, I bought my first album: Iron Butterfly"s "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida". No jazz, though!

[@bergunx]

As a “young” retiree in my sixties, I have started slowing down on my vinyl LP purchasing and honestly, that will increase throughout 2025 since cost is a major factor. As a lifelong physical media music collector, I’m starting to purchasing more CDs now since they are a better value, IMHO. For me, I slowly returned to vinyl LPs around 2010, when I was mainly buying used stuff since the prices back then was very reasonable. Now, the cost is insane, for vinyl, which has caused me to rethink this whole hobby…. Once again.

[@michaeltache3681]

Record stores are asking too much money especially for used records. They go right to sales on eBay. Some go by discogs ASKING prices…which is crazy to me. Last week I saw a 2010 repress of big L lifestyles of poor and dangerous at my local store for $200 in VG+! I audibly laughed but was also upset as I’ve been looking for this for a couple years. I could easily find one on eBay for at least $60 cheaper. Record stores have lost hundred if not thousands in sales over last 2 years from this…for me alone.

[@tschorsch]

I mostly buy vinyl of smaller artists through bandcamp, the indy label, or from the artist directly. I don't care at all about buying vinyl for my back catalog unless it's vintage and a bargain. I will occasionally buy new vinyl from an older artist if they actually create new material. Adjusted for inflation, prices are the same as when I started buying music. Digital downloads and streaming just happen to be dramatically cheaper than physical media ever was.

[@JOSEZAMBRANOCASSELLADIRECTOR]

Since I tend to like most music from the 60's 70's and 80's (the best), I usually find the titles I want from bargain bins, and they sound WAY better than the re-releases, which were sourced from a digital file. the amount of amazing music available for a buck or two is priceless, if you know were to look.

[@michaeltache3681]

Totally true. I recently got into a lot of soul and the $1 bins helped me start my journey,

[@SPAZZOID100]

The source being a digital file has nothing to do with the sound quality. It’s all down to the mastering engineer.

[@srh361]

I've cut back on vinyl as the prices are sky rocketing.

[@chrisrenoir]

It’s hard to know the specific stats, but a large percentage of the Taylor Swift sales are not really sales of records, but sales of collectable merch that just happens to be in the form of a record. It’s therefore not being purchased as a medium to playback music. Therefore it is hard to compare sales to those being sold to people who actually want to listen the music.

[@madcyantist8243]

I bought fewer records last year for the same reason as most but also because I bought so many in 2023. I could see the writing on the wall, and realized that I should get what I could before prices skyrocketed. But for me, one of the best parts of vinyl is "discovering" music. And so that's what I'm doing this year. Which means more digging; less shrink-wrap.

[@mikemoniz4441]

I just got back into listening to and buying records in the last year and a half after not really listening to them for 3 decades. My wife is not into listening to music at home nor wanted the equipment in our living space. To make a long story short, I now have a dedicated listening room with newer, more up to date equipment. I started with CD's and downloads, eventually bought a new turntable, brought out the old records, and started playing them again. Since then I have added a streamer. But records really bring me back to my youth so I started buy again. I've added around 100 in the past year to my original 150. My current goal is to get to 300-400 and then slow down. I try not to spend more than $30 per album, but have broken that rule occasionally. I really like watching channels like yours with large collections. But in all practicality, I would never listen to that many so I won't buy that much. Hell, I have albums I bought over 40 years ago that I couldn't tell you what they sound like.

[@gmassa7404]

Totally agree. For 2025, I've already and plan to cut way down on purchases. My collection is pretty much where I want it, so it will have to be a band/artist I really like or a repress I can't pass up. Nothing so far this year, just waiting on some pre-orders.

[@mikewalters8253]

I gave up on Vinyl due to cost and high dollar for used, I have been buying CD's mostly used at estate sales, yard sales and eBay. With CD's you can buy used and will still sound like its brand new, LP's on the other hand not so good. Looking to purchase a nice media streamer as well but first will be a higher end CD player. The main thing is in my opinion is to play the music and enjoy it

[@josearqco]

I'll keep on buying both CD's and vinyl!

[@lexpeters735]

About 5 years ago I returned to record buying after my son in law gave me a tutorial about the experience of spinning records. As if I didn't know!!! I dragged some of my old records out for fun and realised I missed the overall experience. I have repurchased most of my favourites, hundreds, so now I'm just waiting for a reissue or two of some yet to be available. Records here in Australia have sky rocketed to about 70-80 dollars, pricing people out of the market. I expect this year I will buy no more than 10-15 in total.

[@australian12extendedmixes53]

It's all about the price tag, here in Australia our major music retailer JB Hi-Fi only 2 years ago would release a series of coloured vinyl for $42 (AU) each which was reasonable and would also sell black vinyl records between say $26 - $32 (AU) which is very affordable, skip 2 years to now and those same new releases are between $70 - $100 (AU), absolutely ridiculous and will drive people away from vinyl, and whilst i love the idea of it but Record Store Day is now an excuse to release these very limited edition records for absurd prices, but also scalpers buying and re-selling double or even three times the price of it's original RSD price, it's all about greed from the record companies to people trying to rip other people off, it's sad! I started buying records as a kid in the late 70's, when CD's came in i was still buying records but were a lot harder to come by as the major stores would stop selling, so was all about 2nd hand stores, the revival in the 2010's was awesome at first until a few years ago, now i've almost come to a complete stop because of the price tag.

[@GreatWhiteBud420.]

haven't bought a record now in almost a year, prices got to crazy for me

[@unspecified2472]

Since I never really stopped collecting records…just before the vinyl revival became red-hot, was a period when I purchased some amazing grail titles for CHEAP!!! Now I’m at saturation point. There are a few very limited grails I’m still looking for, but now, I’m only purchasing new material from my favorite older bands and occasionally a new record from a new or “new to me band.” I can’t believe how “picky” I am now. I used to error on “buy it!”

[@paulchavez9263]

As someone else said, sometimes you just have to enjoy what you have, and pull a few albums from that shelve or crate you haven't touched or flipped through in a while. Sometimes you just have to be a proud lion, happy from your vinyl hunts and content in the winter time. Winter time is one of the best seasons for vinyl listening when it is either windy, snowy or just flat out freezing outside.

[@baybae92]

A lot of new pressings suck - I feel bad, but I usually only buy new stuff from big retailers or labels so I can return them easily if need be. As far as used stuff, I’ve stumbled across some dope smaller stores here in the Bay Area that I’ll be hitting up more this year.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

I have also cut back on my vinyl purchases however something happened this last Christmas. People were gifting records as Christmas gifts 🎁 I also got 4 records as gifts and a birthday gift for Jan 2025 this hasn’t happened in over 25 years. It was normal back in the day but now so much nowadays. The other is people are gifting it to friends and family who don’t have turntables. My sister just purchased a New mini Dannon hifi system for about $400 AUD

[@Blindowl1234]

Way over priced for used stuff. I've been collecting for 50 years. I've pretty much stopped due to high prices. I'm waiting on the bottom to drop out and prices cut in half or more.

[@PatrickRyder-k1n]

Me too.. when I buy on eBay I always haggle and work out a good deal...I won't overpayany more!!

[@neilfisher7999]

Recently, I started buying cds again. I have always been a fan of the format because it is more convenient to store them and handle them. Since you don't have any surface noise, they always sound good. It's debatable whether cds sound better than vinyl or vise versa. I think they just sound different. Not better or worse. But the biggest reason I started buying them again is they are cheaper than vinyl, so they are a better value. I can buy 2 or 3 cds for the price of 1 vinyl record. I can see a resurgence of cds because of the value proposition. I don't think vinyl will go away anytime soon, but I can see cds cutting into vinyl sales. Streaming is going to continue to be the primary way to listen to music. It's the least expensive and gives you access to virtually everything available. I enjoy all three formats for listening to music. I would say I listen 80% to streaming, 15% to cds, and 5% to vinyl.

[@raggeragnar]

Hello Frank ! I also have almost everything I want from the back catalogue. Apart from a few grails, that is. New releases and reissues that I want still finds their way to my shelf off course, although there’s fewer that draws my attention and interest. /R

[@eternalhalloween1]

The place where I was able to get records isn't there anymore. But it leaves me time to really appreciate the few I do have. 30 isn't such a bad number.

[@freeman10000]

Fact is that vinyl records have become stupidly expensive. Luckily, Compact Discs are inexpensive and awesome.

[@DoctorOboogie]

I live in France and in Europe major record companies use the same politic of increasing (high) prices. The best thing to do is going to the Record Fairs where you will be able to enjoy yourselves with reasonable prices. (and negociate too !)

[@djsirroundsound1301]

Im 54 I have been buying every one on that list other than number 9 and I plan to buy way more vinyl in 25 then i have ever bought.

[@DobezMusic]

CD revivals in full effect! I still personally collect vinyl as well but the (obvious) prices of vinyl, and the fact I found I wasn't listening to newly released albums as much when I only got them on vinyl, got me back to mainly focusing on my CD collection over the last couple years. No regrets as I've found I really do love CDs much more than my records.

[@dustinanderson2738]

I'm a father, and I can say those numbers are also inflated by dads buying their kids albums in order to include them into the hobby.

[@stevemurakami4879]

I'm 61, retired, and never dumped my small collection of old records or CDs, and started buying records again last year - I never stopped buying CDs, but it slowed down roughly from 2010. This revival of interest in vinyl is mainly fueled by my getting back into rock after being late in the game discovering The Warning, The Pretty Reckless, and Halestorm, and 6 months ago starting to help a friend catalogue and sort his massive autographed record collection (imagine every record on your shelves behind you autographed by at least one member of the band, then double that number; and quadruple the number of CDs you can see there!). I buy a lot of back catalogue stuff on eBay in Ex or better condition, so it gets expensive. I've also gotten into Japanese releases with Obis on them (expensive again). Local independant record stores see me every couple of weeks or so, too, for older used records and Record Store Day releases. And I don't care what other people say, I love picture discs, because they're visual art and musical art combined. They're going to decorate my music room/man cave when I get around to building one. I can afford all of this because I have investment income that is growing about 10-20% a year - the smartest thing I ever did was learn how to invest my money and live within my means.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Hi Frank! I got the Tuk Smith LP the other day, after you featured it. I like it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. As far as the pace of record sales is concerned, I can see it slowing down, but not going away. The prices have slowed sales down. I think twice before buying anything now. Like you, I already probably have everything I have ever wanted in records and CD's. I know that I am a bit obsessive, but, if those are most of the records and CD's you have, in the background of your videos, my collections would dwarf yours. I have over 11,000 7" and 78 rpm records inventoried alone. CD's have never gone away like it was predicted. Sure, used CD's can be purchased cheaply, and I wish those prices were around as I was building my collection, but, I already have all the CD's I want. I can see sales increasing because it is often way cheaper to buy an SACD of the latest audiophile record release. If a record is too rich for my blood, and I don't absolutely have to have it, I will buy the CD version, if at all. Hopefully, prices will be going down soon. Everything starts with the prices of fuel. When the oil pipeline was shut down, which goes through the center of our countries, not only did it end 66k U.S. and Canadian jobs, but it told the world oil producers that we didn't care, so they took advantage of us. As the oil pipeline starts up again, OPEC will lower prices to lower than it would cost to pump our own oil, to stay on top of the market. The only interference would be our governments raising taxes. But, were should all benefit.

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad you dig the Tuk album! Some good points you make here.

[@bobby666666]

Take Smith was a member of the band called Biters. Their material is very good, too.

[@jimstamatic]

Thanks for the great videos, Frank! In 1975 a new vinyl record was $5-$8USD, which is roughly $25-$35 in today's dollars, so a $50 new vinyl record today is way over priced, especially when we can often get a new CD version for less than $20. In 1990, a new CD was $15-$18USD, which is roughly $35-$42 in today's dollars. I typically buy used CDs for $2-$5 each at my favorite used store. One day in that last few years, I grabbed 10 Neil Young CDs for $20(so I guess I saved nearly $400 in today's dollars). When I go on a hunt, I like coming home with a smile on my face, not a hole in my wallet.

[@timconklin2164]

I'm curious I hear about vinyl doing better in sells but what about record players? Are people mostly getting cheaper ones or getting better players? Would love to see you do a vid on that and see what vinyl fans have to say about it.

[@derekpye4141]

Hey Frank I've recently switched gears to reinvigorating my CD collection for a few reasons. First the price of Records has gone crazy, I don't mind paying for some stuff I'm really looking for, but to buy no records for "exploratory" reasons is impractical. Second, getting back into Records over the last 15 years has led me down the road of massive upgrades to my stereo, and after recently adding a vintage high end CD player to that system, boy I can tell you it sounds very impressive, dare I say I am enjoying it more than records in most cases. CD's were almost blasphemy to me over the past 15 years, so much so I didn't even give them a chance on adding a component to my main stereo lol I will always be a record enthusiast for nostalgic reasons, and will always have my core record collection, but CD's allow me to satisfy my collecting music itch and not break the bank. If fact its brought the fun back to going out and grabbing a bunch of music for a very reasonable amount of money. And actually I'm enjoy the new world of finding the nuances of CD collecting, limited pressings, different source and mixing sources. Finding CD's from some artists that have not been added to streaming services and will definitely never be released on vinyl due to limited demand. Its been a blast so far. Surprisingly, new CDs aren't the cheapest, looking at $30 CAN for some of the newer stuff I picked up, similar to record prices a few years ago, the bargains are in used for sure. I also found a cool storage solution where I ditched all of the jewel cases and have pretty slick inner and outer sleeves lol. It definitely presents better I feel, adds a little cost, but nothing like I pay for quality record inner and outers. I love all forms of music in general, but enjoy collecting, and CD's are going to be my choice of media for the majority of collecting I feel, only buying records of the stuff I really want, which is typically vintage! Cheers!

[@ummagumma7826]

Be interesting to see where higher end vinyl audio components are trending. Bought some 1990 Klipsch speakers over the summer. But I don't see myself making any other upgrades for awhile. My interest in new vinyl purchases is waning. Still love the albums I do have but I'm hardly digging deep into my collection. 20% of the collection gets 80% of the play. I have 100 records I'd like to sell but don't know the best way to recoup as much money that I overspent

[@andrewskivington6453]

I've cut down to a couple of vinyl titles a month and canceling subscriptions, had 2 with VMP (which is another story entirely with those guys). Also going for more CD boxsets vs vinyl as they seem to represent more for less, for example a hard back book for the Police Synchronicity box vs a pamphlet for the vinyl version or titles like Mad Man Across The Water CD box which came with a surround mix on blu ray. Back in the day I would buy all the formats - all the vinyl colors too - but picking one option now... this week Kraftwerk announced Autobahn 50 and went for the Dolby Atmos version. The Mrs is also happy I've cut down on buying them too. Every time she thinks she has too much stuff, she comes in my music room. I think she's secretly jealous.

[@Panelguy66]

I tried to slow down my record buying last year and after counting my discogs entries i went over 400+ again lol i must try harder this year🥳

[@JohnWick-yw4oo]

I’ve slowed down buying due to vinyl being too expensive myself. There’s a lot of music that’s on CD, but not yet on vinyl, whether it’s because the label doesn’t have the funds to produce them, there’s a copyright owner’s issue going on, or they just haven’t got to it yet. I buy the CD because I don’t ever see it reaching vinyl anytime soon. I’m tired of waiting. I would buy it if it were available on vinyl, but I keep checking and there’s nothing, popular music, just certain albums still on CD for the foreseeable future.

[@Matias-music-71]

costs are insane , but I still buy vinyl quite often .., just never new stuff .., I buy records used , and still enjoy finding that little gem here and there

[@Channel33RPM]

Nothing like finding a grail in the wild...

[@juliosanchez95]

This is the golden age of vinyl. Fantastic audiophile reissues and they are cheaper than ever if you adjust for inflation. I hope the fools get out of the way. More records for me. The Beatles White Album in 1968 was $108 if you adjust for inflation. Stop complaining about prices.

[@Matias-music-71]

@ I got the White Album for 10 bucks in 1994 when it was in a bargain bin under all the CD's .., so yeah I can complain and will .., if I have to work to this day and age 2 hours of my time to afford the average 45 dollar new disc ???.., nope too costly .., and when some folks want 50 bucks for a fair copy of say Floyd Animals at some record show .., nah getting silly .., you wanna pay those prices .., knock yourself out ,

[@motojake65]

For me, I'm coming up on the big Six Zero...and I started collecting during covid(2020). I only have about 425 records, and also sold off or traded in all of my cd's and cassettes, so I still have alot of back catalog stuff I'd like to get, whether I find used original at a good price or new. The prices of the "new" back catalog issues are getting pricey I agree, so I may have slowed down a bit. But its still fun collecting, and thats what its about ! 🤘

[@aceman3577]

If the prices keep going up then yes vinyl will go away all they have to do is lower the prices but the music industry is very greedy

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

I suppose part of the equasion is how well the local record store has become a part of the fabric of the community

[@Channel33RPM]

Absolutely true 👍

[@ka-pop2243]

Interesting observations and questions. Like you, I have most of the records I'd put on a want list but will occasionally buy something. Since most of the stuff I'm interested in is older I usually buy used rather than new. Many titles can be found cheaper than their corresponding re-releases (if any exist). I think there *may* be a resurgence in CD interest because CDs are where records were just a few years ago; I can find a plethora of used CDs for 50¢ (USD) up and I rarely pay more than $2 each. Not long ago, LPs were much the same - they were cheap and plentiful at yard sales and thrift shops. Plus, people my age (mid 60s) are buying records, at least in part, for nostalgia. Now 90s kids are getting to the age where they have more "disposable income" (kind of an oxymoron, I know) and will want to scratch their nostalgic itch too. I wish I could say where the vinyl hobby/industry/market will be in the future but I can't even hazard a guess.

[@Daniel-79]

I buy most of my records from thrift stores, so I haven’t been as impacted. I have noticed a trickle down effect though. Thrift stores used to charge as low as 49 cents to 2 dollars but now I have noticed that 2 dollars is cheap and most want 4-5 dollars. That’s ok if it’s a good record but that’s what they want for garden variety junk. If they have something decent they will try and get record store prices. Once in a while I get lucky and find something good 👍

[@12_inch_spinnerz]

Thankfully my local record shop gets tons of great VG+ to NM original pressings in, and they price them very affordable I refuse to purchase re-issues because the couple i have purchased sound like crap

[@stefano.b65stef77]

Hi, there are quite a few albums i've left behind over the years, I've started giving them a new chance, it's like buying a new one

[@carravagio16]

you should do a poll of if people slow down in purchasing vinyl / cds do they spend it elsewhere like upgrading gear and such. hope you and sherri and the kids are good.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good question.

[@bowtiesarebrilliant]

I’ve been having to pick and choose what to get, but I’ve also been able to find things for great deals lately. Target had a clearance sale over the Christmas season for $8 each, and I grabbed a few of them, especially because those were albums that cost $25 or over. I’m really picky and choosy with stuff, mainly for price, but also for room, because you can only fit so much (especially if you live in a small house or apartment).

[@hocktooey]

I bought a new table and have been buying more records in the past three months than I have for years: new bands too: The Fractal Sextet; HUMANBEING; Jeff Parker; The Chicago Experiment; Dave Easley, Julian Lage; Michael Muller; Joshua Redman, Mark Knopfler; Daniel Villarreal, et al. I think there is a strong market for new music, especially through Bandcamp artists. Ebbs and flows--that's the market for music.

[@piratecraig1]

Gidday Frank, prices out here in Australia are off the charts! Second hand go from $30-40 for a decent quality unit, new pressings $50 - 60 plus. I bought 4 new discs last week, set me back $275 bucks. Still worth it in my book.

[@LouisMazzei]

I’ve noticed for about the past year the Walmarts and targets (Long Island, NY) have less and less vinyl, particularly a target I went to last week, there were maybe 50 records total including a few in the damaged and reduced pile at the end of the aisle, and I’ve also noticed at my local record store more and more used Walmart, target, and Barnes & Noble exclusives in the “new arrivals” used bins

[@jjquinn2004]

I don't buy vinyl anymore but I have had conversations for people who always reviewed the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI). In 1969, I started buying LPs at a "full-service" record shop and the price was US$4.00 ($3.77 plus state tax). There were a couple of discount stores, e.g. Kiddie City, Two Guys, Korvette's, etc, that charged about 50 cents less. Nowadays however, using the US CPI use a multiplier of 8.5 times (2024), which means about $30-$33 for a current vinyl. I read somewhere that somewhere wrote that anything more that $20 is a "ripoff". Don't think so, given that $20 now is an equivalent to $2.00 - $2.50 for a 1969-70 dollars. Not realistic.

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

I would love to buy more vinyl records but the prices keep me limited on my purchases. For new releases if they can just keep the prices from $23,99 to 27.99 then that would be great.

[@EdRZ-sw3mt]

I was an audiophile back in the seventies and had a pretty nice system and many vinyl albums. Fast forward to today, I have no vinyl, some archived CD's in storage, and everything I listen to is high-res streaming from Apple Music. I figured that it's worth paying a little over $100 per year for streaming, and have millions of albums immediately available to me that don't take any physical space.

[@michaelmathes1991]

I have many cd's or albums that are not on streaming or they eventually and fine them. Always like a hard copy.

[@EdRZ-sw3mt]

@@michaelmathes1991 Those rare one's are what I keep in my CD storage archive.

[@michaelmathes1991]

@@EdRZ-sw3mt I have quite a bit that you can't rarely see for sale and no streaming. Both CDs and vinyl.

[@Proacguy2-vi6cv]

In Canada, I have the following choices: vinyl at $50 with taxes, CD at between $15-$20, hi-res streaming at $10-15 per month or a physical movie at under $15.00 or streaming at a similar price. For me the odd man out is unfortunately vinyl.

[@skyediver]

I’m buying less vinyl (desired legacy collection is basically complete) and while CDs are cheap, I’m fine using hi-rez files over CDs

[@joeaverage3444]

I'm exactly your age. I've started buying (used) CDs again, because historically they are still very cheap. A used CD of a popular album by a major band would cost you $10 about 25 years ago, and oftentimes today, you can pick up a copy of that same album for $5. And personally, I find it vastly unreasonable to spend (in some instances) up to ten times that amount on the identical album on vinyl. For poorer sound quality and much more susceptibility to wear. At the moment, I am fattening up on all the classic albums on CD that I've always wanted, and I hope CDd will stay as budget friendly as they are now for some time.

[@Don_Alejandro-f7g]

Vinyl SALES (monies) are still rising. But CD unit sales are still way ahead. David Gilmour's latest album has sold SIX times more CDs than vinyl on Amazon.

[@cspiegs1]

I try and buy records now when they are on sale. I recently purchased the last 6 months of Blue Note and Acoustic Sounds new jazz releases when they had their end of year 30% and 50% promotions (the 50% off promotions were from Sound of Vinyl and Discover Universal).

[@pgh45rpms]

These trends have no affect on me. I gain enjoyment and satisfaction with the tactile medium records (78-45-33), cassettes and CD's. I buy what I like and can afford. I even own a vintage 1919 floor model, hand-cranked Victrola that still works. .

[@SpyderTracks]

I’ve finally started to slow down on vinyl, I’ve been going nuts since 2016 really putting all my money into my system and records. I’m now up to around 1800 including box sets, but feel I’ve really got my core collection nailed now including some originals I particularly wanted. No way I could recreate my collection at today’s prices, a lot of my early 00s and 90s that were never repressed have gone up 10 times on the used market. I don’t do digital other than to evaluate something before hunting down the vinyl, or to stream in the kitchen or something.

[@margroningen]

I wonder if the most determining factor could be what releases will see the light of the day in 2025. For instance, the expected Beatles (Rubber Soul) and Pink Floyd (Wish You Where Here) box sets could attract many buyers, plus a possible McCartney, Elton John or Bob Dylan album. All in all, 2024 was a year without many 'blockbusters' so to speak. So, let's wait and see if the biggest names in the music industry come up with giant releases. That will, I do think, determine the outcome of 2025. But as mentioned by others, the prices are insane. I'll have to be selective too. Many new records , over here in The Netherlands, are 35/40 euro. double albums 60 euro. That's massive compared to 5 years ago. Anyway, great topic! ~Marjet

[@physicalmediaeu]

that same thing happens to me. I'm lucky enough to already have the back catalogue I want, so mostly buying new, and it's crazy expensive. Of course, I buy way less now.

[@chrisdull84]

I’ve been buying cds lately because you can get them dirt cheap and it’s especially nice when it’s not on streaming

[@analogue33]

I also do a lot of hi resolution streaming myself with Quobuz! Im trying to catch up a bank overdraft for awhile now, and have less money to buy LPs! But I still will buy record's now and then when I can, they just sound so good and lifelike! Now I'm actually playing what I bought over these last 8 years I've been collecting! Record's are like physical books, people realize that and there not going away! They do need to drop those insane price's, that's what killing us!😮😊

[@JimmyV1530]

Frank, I still do plenty of buying of used albums, which are very affordable & plenty of places to purchase. My local record shops, Facebook auctions, Whatnot auctions are very addicting & I have gotten some great buys all around the $20 (US) price point. I only purchase VG+ or better in used vinyl - this really helps my addiction. 😁

[@nothingimportant4504]

Definitely seen the prices creeping up in Texas the last year. While it has definitely impacted my overall volume, I’ve begun to shift back into new stuff I might’ve missed out on a few years ago, that people are selling back to the record stores, usually preowned is about 60-75% of the new record cost the places I shop. I think the used market will continue to thrive, and we’ll see a cycle in the next ten years of people buying used Taylor Swift records for $10, for the nostalgia and discovery.

[@MickSupper]

Yep, if you can buy used newer releases or rereleases that are still being pressed then those prices will always be low.

[@lonnieke]

I bought most of my LPs used 10 years ago cheap, I got lucky and hit some honey holes. rarely do I buy new. I have about 500. I'm always looking tho

[@TheJay1976]

I'm curious what do think of the Sony turntable PS-LX310BT?

[@MrAustrokiwi]

Due to bad production I stopped buying records(LPs) from one company( specializes in metal). For most of 2024 I only purchased high quality first pressings (second hand) and for impulse buys I have resorted to singles( second hand) its more fun and less competition in the record stores. {One of my Turntables has a tone arm with the Stevenson geometry. That geometry really makes singles "sing".}

[@Muni517]

I just wonder, what is a cost of material (vinyl) as a % of the final record price?

[@jabberdouche]

As the fad wears thin with some, I believe some will get out of it and list their collections on Discogs. It will become more of a buyers market.

[@lynnwilson4205]

I haven’t bought a new vinyl in about a year. Just have too many at this point. Also just priorities have also determined that decision a bit. Listen to a record or eat.

[@AG-bp3ll]

Prices have driven me out mostly, but I still bought a few on Bandcamp to support some smaller artists I like. Universal did have a pretty nice 50% off sale at the end of the year and I finally bought a box set I wanted from Monty Python. At these prices the record has to be really special in some way for me to get it and that is going to be a few a year at most.

[@Cimone90]

Everything is cyclical. The prices will rise until the market won't bear it anymore and people stop buying then the market price will drop with reduced demand. Prices will drop until demand picks up and then prices will rise again

[@williamchandlee7790]

Yeah I'm kind of getting nervous about the vinyl prices I believe streaming is probably going to eventually take over because it's not that expensive and you can get it actually free so we'll see and like another person said the room vinyl you only have so much room in your place so that's a problem that comes around with vinyl so I don't know what I'm going to do I know I am slowing down I have to but we'll see what happens let's hope it all works out that's all I can say keep on spinning 🤘😛😢

[@MarkDauner]

I used to say that I bought records for the experience. Great sound, big artwork, the act of pulling a record out and dropping the needle onto it. I love all that and I still buy some records despite rising prices, but streaming has come a long way. High res streaming options combined with cool ways to stream them like with the Wiim devices, and even the Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio options on some tracks have made the streaming experience a lot of fun for me. I use Roon to manage my personal lossless collection which I really love. I'm pretty happy with digital right now. If we could only get the streaming services to pay artists better then we'd really be getting somewhere.

[@Channel33RPM]

I agree.... streaming has come far, and can sound excellent.

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

That’s only new and reissues. I have been active on various auction and sell sites and the used / older markets are very strong. Metal has been going nuts. Plenty of bargains on deep catalog and niche groups.

[@MickSupper]

Online auctions for used records is ridiculously expensive!

[@CounterRhythms]

Agreed. I bought my girlfriend 2 records for Christmas and it cost me $100. For 2 records! It's just not sustainable. I have pretty much everything I want so I don't buy much for myself.

[@usquebaugh1]

This weekend I online ordered the new Smashing Pumpkins - Aghori Mhori Mei for just over $25 CAD and the Rosali - Bite Down for just over $22 CAD ('brand new' prices that I can handle). As well, my local shop recently had a bunch of used Near Mint vinyl (and I trust their grading) for $19.99 including Shame - Food For Worms, Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud and Beachwood Sparks (self-titled); I've been seeing more availability of newer 'used' titles (new-ish = within last 3 years). So I'm being much more discerning but still finding titles at deals I can live with. ✌ EDIT: Changed $2 to $22 :)