Colored vinyl records
Best Christmas Gifts for Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors in 2020
With the holiday season approaching we've put together a list of Christmas gift ideas to help you choose the best possible present for the vinyl enthusiast in your life, whether completely new to records or a seasoned collector.
As the hobby doesn't stop at just shopping for records, we tried to cover everything from vinyl care & cleaning kits, turntable accessories & setup tools, organizing & record storage solutions, to audio components and various gadgets, mostly in the lower price ranges.
KAIU Record Cleaning Kit
This all-in-one cleaning kit from KAIU has everything you need to keep your record collection in top condition. It contains liquid solutions and specifically designed accessories for record and stylus cleaning, and also a step-by-step instruction manual in case you need it. The microfiber towel and anti-static carbon fiber record brush are ideal for light cleaning, while the velvet brush and spray-on solution allow deep groove cleaning. The stylus cleaner solution and brush helps remove dust, grit and particles accumulated on the diamond tip.
Boundless Audio Record Cleaner Brush
An anti-static carbon fiber record cleaning brush is an essential accessory for any turntable. Dry brushing your records regularly before and after playback increases the lifetime of your stylus and vinyl, significantly improving sound quality. The ultra fine carbon fibers safely and effectively remove dust and dirt particles from the grooves, while also eliminating static build up. Boundless Audio's record brush uses a pivoting assembly with a self-cleaning system, has two rows of premium carbon fiber bristles in an aluminum shell and comes in a matte anthracite grey finish.
Mobile Fidelity Record Cleaning Brush
The MoFi brush features a proprietary cleaning pad that gets deep into the record grooves and helps wipe away all the debris collected on your vinyl. Its unique ergonomic handle provides a good grip and helps you apply the right amount of pressure for a good scrub. The brush is designed for multi-purpose use, both wet and dry cleaning, however it's advised to use a separate one for each method.
Beat Breakerz Record Cleaning Cloth
Reusable lint free micro-fiber cloths are essential vinyl cleaning accessories that remove dust and fine particles from the record grooves without scratching them. You can use it dry or in combination with a record cleaning solution.
Lasermedia VNC-8 Record Cleaning Fluid
Lasermedia's VNC-8 vinyl cleaning fluid has a professional pre-mixed formula, without any harsh chemicals like Isopropyl alcohol or ammonia which can weaken plasticizers in records. Made with 1 micron filtered de-ionized water as base, proprietary amphiphilic non-ionic surfactants and other ingredients, it easily lifts accumulated dirt and contaminants from the grooves leaving no fluid residue. Just spray the cleaning solution on the record avoiding the label and gently wipe with a quality micro-fiber cleaning brush or cloth in the direction of the grooves. No post cleaning rinse is needed.
Vinyl Cleaning Work Mat
A practical non-slip cleaning mat made of a soft, velvet-like material with two spindle sizes to accommodate records, cds and dvds. Suitable for both dry and wet cleaning, the mat will securely grip the record so it doesn't slip during the process. It also ensures records are completely flat and reduces the risk of scratching.
Record Label Protector
This handy tool keeps record labels dry during wet cleaning by sealing them in an airtight enclosure using rubber o-rings.
Rolling Record Cleaner
The roller has a liquid free tacky surface which picks up dust and other debris when being rolled over a record. Although it creates a sticking effect, it doesn't use any adhesive or residue that could stick to your vinyl. After every couple uses the roll can be easily cleaned under running water using a little soap, as the surface loses its tackiness when wet allowing the particle buildup to rinse away. Once it's completely dry again it will be as sticky as new and ready for the next record.
The Record Butler
The Record Butler is a practical tool that allows you to safely and confidently grip and handle your records, avoiding greasy fingerprints. It's made of high quality chromo board and soft, lint-free anti-static fleece which is also an excellent dust collector. So not only it provides protection during handling but is also perfect for a quick dust off before and after playback. You can watch a video here on how to use the Record Butler.
Antistatic Record Cleaning Arm
Record cleaning arm with carbon fiber brush, which follows the grooves of your record and cleans them effectively during playback. Easy to install on any turntable with a plinth, the arm must be set parallel to the record surface using the height adjustable base. Optimum downward pressure can be set by adjusting the position of the sliding weight on the arm. Designed with a conductive path from the tips of the carbon fiber bristles to the ground wire on the arm base, then to your systems ground terminal, it dissipates static charges and reduces the attraction of airborne dust during playback.
Boundless Audio Stylus Cleaner Brush
It's a well-known fact that regularly cleaning your stylus will increase both the lifespan of your stylus and vinyl, while also maintaining audio fidelity. Boundless Audio's stylus brush with over 24k premium quality carbon fiber bristles enables you to effectively do that. The soft carbon fiber bristles and specially painted handle are electrically conductive, so beside safely removing built-up dust and dirt from the stylus tip, the brush can also drain static charge from the stylus eliminating unwanted pops and clicks during playback.
Audio-Technica AT607a Stylus Cleaner
The AT607a stylus cleaner is a small bottle of quick-drying, non-abrasive solution combined with an applicator brush conveniently attached to the bottle's cap. Its special cleaning formula efficiently dissolves residue on the stylus tip extending its life and improving performance.
GROOVEWASHER SC1 Stylus Cleaning Kit
GrooveWasher's kit comes with their SC1 stylus cleaning fluid and a 4.6" long stylus brush with curved handle. The liquid is a variation of the GrooveWasher G2 fluid with a bit more organic alcohol. The brush has long and dense nylon bristles cut in a dome shape, and can clean the underside of the cartridge as well as the stylus. It can also be used dry to remove lint.
Momila Stylus Cleaner
A soft gel-like polymer bubble that pulls dust and debris from the stylus tip when lowered onto its surface then quickly lifted. When the it gets dirty, the surface can be easily cleaned with warm water and a bit of mild detergent, so this stylus cleaner will last you a long time. As a bonus the lid of the container features a built-in magnifying glass so you can closely inspect your stylus' condition.
Ortofon Stylus Pressure Gauge
Ortofon's stylus pressure gauge is a simple pivot type scale that helps you correctly set the tracking force according to the cartridge manufacturer's specifications. This force is the downward pressure applied by the weight of the tonearm through the stylus onto the record. Setting it is absolutely essential for optimal playback and to reduce mistracking or excessive record wear. You simply place the stylus into the groove at the desired tracking force marking and adjust the tonearm's counter-weight until the pivot scale is in balance.
Neoteck Digital Stylus Force Gauge
Compact high precision digital stylus gauge for accurate measurement of vertical tracking force. With a capacity of up to 5.00g the scale has a blue backlight display, a non-magnetic stainless steel weighing area, and comes packaged in a leatherette case for protection.
Cartridge Alignment Protractor
A universal two-point high contrast cartridge alignment protractor based on the more common Baerwald alignment curve. It's an essential tool for any turntable owner, ensuring an accurate installation and alignment of half-inch mount phono cartridges. Incorrect alignment causes distortion and can generate tracking errors. The Nobsound protector comes with a printed link to a turntable setup guide with instructions.
VTA & Azimuth Alignment Block
VTA (vertical tracking alignment) and Azimuth alignment block made of durable clear acrylic with UV print. It comes with easy to follow instructions and a protective leather carry case.
Pro-ject Strobe It RPM Calibration Tool
Pro-Ject's Strobe It is an acrylic disc used to check and calibrate the rotational speed of your turntable, for 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM at both 50 and 60 Hz. It's designed to be used with alternating current (AC) lighting because the light flashes depending on the power mains frequency (50 or 60Hz). Placed on the rotating platter the pattern on the disc will appear to be stationary when the turntable's speed matches the speed printed on the calibration disc. The flipside also includes a cartridge alignment tool.
TAZstudio Cork Platter Mat
Cork platter mats with unique and original designs, handmade by TazStudio. They are good alternatives to standard felt mats, as cork prevents static build-up and grips records better. Also, they are well-suited for metal turntable platters thanks to the cork's enhanced damping properties.
Rubber Platter Mat
Made of a proprietary silicone rubber composite this platter mat provides a flat, scratch and slip resistant surface for your records. It incorporates non-slip grooves and a recessed center to ensure records lay flat regardless of label thickness. Compatible with all standard 12" platters, the rubber's dampening properties provide a good isolation from unwanted platter micro-vibration.
Mobile Fidelity Inner Sleeves
Premium quality, three-ply, anti-static inner record sleeves, also used by Mobile Fidelity for their own record releases. Back construction consists of a paper layer sandwiched between two sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a translucent HDPE front.
Mobile Fidelity Outer Sleeves
An essential item for any record collection, MoFi's Archival Record Outer Sleeves protect your vinyl covers from wear, denting and all sorts of debris. Featuring 4mil (0.100mm) thickness, these polyethylene sleeves are sized large enough to provide a close fit while allowing enough room to also accommodate most gatefold jackets.
Seamzeazy Record Jacket Repair Strips
Easy to use repair strips that replace the edge of damaged record sleeves from the inside. Watch this video for instructions.
CBS Laboratories STR100 Professional Frequency Test Record
CBS Laboratories' STR100 record features various tracks for testing sound frequencies, tone arm resonance, tracking, and playback loss. Use these to find the optimal settings for your turntable and get the best possible sound from your system. It comes complete with two four-page instruction insert.
Record Doctor Record Clamp
An easy to use and functional accessory that yields notable sound improvements for most turntables, by reducing unwanted resonances and record slippage. Using a brass ferrule clamp mechanism around the spindle, it tightly bonds the record to the turntable platter, holding it firmly in place during playback. Having a low mass (under 300g) it doesn't apply excessive stress to the turntable bearings or cause damage to the record label. The Record Doctor record clamp is available in black non-resonant phenolic body or clear non-resonant acrylic body, with a textured aluminum knob for precise clamping force.
Audio Technica At618 Record Weight
Constructed of machined brass with a protective rubber cover, Audio Technica's 600g AT618a disc stabilizer nicely fits over your turntable spindle and holds records firmly in place, reducing resonance and improving sound quality.
Turntable Lab Stainless Steel 45 Record Adapter
Turntable Lab's custom made 7" adapter machined from high quality stainless steel for stability and durability, which makes it weigh more than standard aluminum adapters. It comes in a conical shape so it's easier to slip records on/off when listening to records.
Q UP Automatic Tonearm Lifter
The Q UP is a high precision device that safely lifts your tonearm at the end of the record, designed to fit on most manual turntables with pivot type tonearms (independent of shape, thickness or height). Based on a trigger-and-lift design it only interacts with the tonearm at the end of record so it doesn't adversely effect the tonal quality of your system in any way. The Q UP can be installed in minutes, without tools and has adjustable height, trigger sensitivity and lift force.
Stones Throw 45 Crate
Custom 7" wooden record crate from Stones Throw, made from laser-cut 6-ply alder with two inset polished metal Stones Throw logos on each end. Constructed with snap-lock joints, water-based glue and pin nails to ensure durability, the box is finished with a clear acrylic coating and can hold up to 80 7-inch records.
Warm Stylus Record Storage Cube
Easy to assemble eco-friendly mahogany plywood record storage crate with 2 color ("American Rustic Black" and "Natural Wood") interchangeable panel design, featuring two convenient grip handles for effortless maneuverability.
Songmics Record Holder
Bamboo record holder with special grooves carved on the base to prevent your vinyl from slipping. Easy to assemble, with only four screws to put in place, this simple structure can hold up to 50 records, and comes with bottom pads to protect your furniture from scratches.
TunePhonik Two-Sided Wooden Record Dividers
Set of six precision laser-cut wooden record dividers with dual-sided engraved tabs to organize and alphabetize your collection. Made of lightweight yet durable wood with an organic natural finish, these functional accessories are ideal for records stored on shelves, and are ready to use straight out of the packaging with no assembly or labeling required. For records stored in crates you can opt for TunePhonik's vertical dividers, designed to be flipped through.
45 LIVE Record Stand
Now-playing record display stand designed to support vinyl by the label, eliminating pressure put on the sleeve and disc by traditional record holders. Constructed from durable, high quality stainless steel, the stand has a minimalist design with stylish matte black finish. A protective mat on the underside of the unit reduces the risk of damage to your furniture.
Records On Walls Display Frame
Triple pack of Records On Walls' unique display frame, designed to fit both single or double LPs. Made of plastic with a small strip of foam to safely hold your records, they are easy to install on any surface with a single screw. The records can be easily swapped out by simply sliding the them out and putting a new one in.
KAIU Wall Mount Record Shelf
Unobtrusive floating record shelf by KAIU made from solid oak, available in black or natural wood finish. Fixed to the wall using two screws it can hold records of all sizes and prevent them from slipping or falling over thanks to an angled resting position.
KAIU Record Frame
Made using FSC certified solid pine wood, shatterproof crystal clear acrylic and featuring a magnetic open/close mechanism, the KAIU record frame comes pre assembled ready to be hanged on the wall. Available in black or natural wood finish.
Turntable Lab: Fractal Miles Superior Tote
Heavy duty black cotton canvas tote bag with thick shoulder straps, featuring screened Turntable Lab logos on both sides, that comfortably hold about 30 records.
Technics Roll Top Record Backpack
Perfect for record shopping or to comfortably carry around up to 30 records, this multi-functional roll top backpack from Technics is also highly suitable as an everyday backpack. Made of tough 600D polyester fabric it features a zippered front pocket and a convenient padded laptop compartment. It comes with padded back, base & shoulder straps, adjustable clasp closure and a sturdy grab handle.
Odyssey Carpeted Record Case
Made to carry and store up to 90 records the Odyssey CLP090E is made of plywood with heavy-duty felt carpet glued over for protection. The case features a detachable lid with a carrying handle, flat steel corners, and a locking draw bolt latches.
Arched Wood Headphone Stand
An ideal resting support for over-the-ear headphones, featuring a curved top that approximates the shape of a listener's head, and distributes weight evenly without the risk of causing dents or creases in padded headbands. The Asona headphone stand is made from premium 3/8-inch plywood, alternating dark and light wood layers, and is finished in a warm walnut veneer on both sides. High enough to accommodate even fully extended headphones, it features four soft padded feet, and comes with a cloth cover that protects the headphones from dust and harmful UV light.
Headphone Hanger
Sleek and stylish headphone stand featuring an arc-shaped walnut headband rest, and a sturdy aluminum base with anti-slipping protective silicone pads.
Bookshelf Speaker Stands
The SANUS Natural Series NF36 is a 36" stand for bookshelf speakers up to 25 lbs. A rounded hardwood pillar with patented wire management channel supports a 6" x 6" top plate with adjustable-height brass studs and neoprene pads providing isolation and resonance damping for the speakers. The base features adjustable carpet spikes and screw-in polyester feet for stability. The NF36 is available in two models, with the pillar in black or cherry wood finish. The base and top plates are made of anti-resonant MDF and have a smooth black-lacquer finish.
Pro-Ject Wallmount It 1 Turntable Shelf
Pro-Ject's resonance-free Wallmount It shelf is designed to prevent unwanted vibrations reaching your turntable via vibrating floors, but also clear up precious floor or shelf space. Constructed from a rigid welded steel frame with a black veneered wooden board shelf isolated by four height-adjustable spiked feet, the platform has a surface area of 18.1" x 13.9" and a maximum load of 66 lbs (30kg). For maximum performance it's recommended to install the shelf on a solid wall, such as brick or concrete.
Pangea Audio Vulcan TT Turntable Stand
Pangea Audio's Vulcan TT stand provides a rigid 19mm top platform for a turntable, a middle shelf for another component and a specially-designed bottom shelf for record storage. It has a steel bolt-together design with premium 0.625" thick MDF shelves featuring a scratch and stain-resistant vinyl covering. The steel X-brace on the bottom shelf adds strength and rigidity to the stand, reduces lateral motion and minimizes vibrations. As you add weight in the form of vinyl records, the X-brace tightens making the stand even stronger. The Vulcan TT sits on four tapered cone feet with carpet-piercing spikes, and an optional set of Mini Sonic Saucers that can protect wood or tile finishes. Total recommended stand storage weight capacity is 240 lbs (110 kg). Extra component and record storage kits are also available, which are easy to install thanks to the modular design.
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
The 2M Red entry-level, audiophile-grade cartridge is the base model of Ortofon's popular 2M Series, featuring a new design developed in conjunction with Danish Industrial designer Jens Møller-Jensen. It features the Japanese company's trademark split pole pins, which enables moving-magnet cartridges to have flat frequency response, just like a moving-coil cartridge. The 2M Red also uses an improved engine, which provides an optimized sound reproduction and a high level of sonic accuracy. The cartridge body is made of Lexan DMX plastic and a metal top plate featuring holes for headshell mounting. It features a tipped elliptical diamond stylus, and is upgradeable with the 2M Blue stylus unit which has a nude elliptical diamond. Also available pre-mounted on a dedicated 2M Headshell the Ortofon 2M Red makes for a significant upgrade over a stock cartridge.
Ortofon SH-4 Headshell
Ortofon's sleek, metallic SH-4 headshells have an ergonomic design with a long finger lift and short construction, which makes it easier to watch and place your stylus on the record groove. The SH-4 is available in four colors (pink, blue, black & silver) and comes with gold plated wire terminals and mounting screws included.
Audio-Technica AT6003R Cartridge / Headshell Storage Case
The Audio-Technica AT6003R is designed to store three sets of headshells with or without mounted cartridges, holding them securely in an upright position. The capsules provide dust and UV protection, and have a slit on the side to accommodate headshell finger lifts. Rubber feet on the bottom of the case provide increased stability.
U-Turn Pluto Phono Preamp
A dedicated phono preamp can be a major update that improves the final sound of a system, especially if you're using an entry-level turntable with built in phono stage. U-Turn Audio's low-noise preamp for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges combines high-quality components and elegant circuit design to accurately boost your turntable's signal. It features a single high-performance gain stage for low THD (total harmonic distortion) and a subsonic filter to remove low-frequency noise. The RIAA equalization network consists of WIMA film capacitors and precision resistors for remarkably clear and accurate amplification. Housed in a stainless steel enclosure which shields sensitive electronic components from interference, the Pluto comes in a black or white finish, both having a silver front and back plate.
Numark PT01USB Portable Turntable
Compact, battery or AC powered turntable with USB connectivity, a built-in speaker, hard dustcover and integrated carry handle. In addition to the built-in speaker, it features RCA line-level outputs and a 1/8" headphone jack. The PT01USB has a belt driven operation with ±10% pitch control and 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM settings. It's the perfect companion for record collectors who need a private listening station in any record shop or flea market.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Turntable
The Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT is a fully automatic belt-drive turntable, an updated model of the highly popular AT-LP60, with a completely reshaped body, redesigned tone arm base and head shell, and Bluetooth connectivity. It wirelessly pairs with speakers, headphones or other devices, but of course thanks to its built-in switchable phono preamp, it can still be connected directly to amplifiers or powered speakers. Available in four color combinations (black, brown/black, gunmetal/black, and red/black), the AT-LP60XBT comes with an external AC adapter, a detachable RCA output cable (3.5 mm to RCA), 45 RPM adapter, and a removable hinged dust cover. Thanks to its low price point and easy setup it's an excellent option for beginners just getting into vinyl.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red
A step up from a budget model (like the AT-LP60) is Pro-Ject Audio's Debut Carbon DC, which is an excellent out-of-the-box turntable, but also allows future upgrades. It's a two-speed belt drive record player, featuring a 8.6" carbon-fiber tonearm, an updated DC power supply for speed stability, and the acclaimed Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge for exceptional musical detail. The turntable comes with a resonance-reducing MDF plinth, a sizeable steel platter, low-noise AC motor with effective decoupling, stable isolation feet that protect the unit from vibrations, and is available in 9 different colors (black, shiny red, green, blue, yellow, silver, purple, white and walnut mat).
The Art of Sound: A Visual History for Audiophiles
Organized chronologically, this richly illustrated book tells the story of sound recording throughout the acoustic (1877–1925), electrical (1925–45), magnetic (1945–75), and digital era (1975–present), showcasing specially commissioned photography of iconic and rarely seen objects from the collections of the EMI Archive Trust, accompanied by detailed specifications.
Colored Vinyl
Gifting vinyl never gets old! You can browse through our showcase of more than 2,500 colored records, then head over to Discogs to hunt down a rare copy of a given release, or just go to Amazon and find an available colored pressing.
Drive-By Truckers
The Black Keys
Queen
Erra
Mr. Bungle
Polyphia
Various
State Champs
Blink-182
The Rolling Stones