Get ready for Record Store Day 2024 this Saturday, April 20, by gearing up with essential accessories to elevate your vinyl experience. Whether you’re seeking the perfect turntable or enhancing your audio setup, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of must-have add-ons falling into two main categories: maintenance and audio fidelity improvements, ensuring your precious records are cherished for generations to come.
Best Powered Speakers: Klipsch the Nines, By Sarah Jones
Klipsch The Nines top our list as the ultimate turntable speakers, offering audiophile-grade quality in an all-in-one system. With an internal preamp, they seamlessly connect to any turntable with a moving magnet cartridge. This feature is especially handy for older models or high-end players lacking a built-in preamp. Plus, The Nines comes equipped with a grounding peg for your turntable’s RCA cables. On the hardware side, each speaker boasts an eight-inch long-throw woofer, one-inch tweeter, custom DSP, and a powerful amp delivering up to 480 watts. In addition to turntable support, The Nines handle native playback of 24-bit digital audio files up to 192kHz through their optical audio or USB ports. This versatility, along with an HDMI port for home theater use, justifies their $1,499 price tag. Whether as top-tier turntable speakers, a Bluetooth audio system, or part of your home theater setup, The Nines deliver exceptional sound—just make sure you have ample space for these 19-inch tall, 13.38-inch wide speakers.
Best Preamp: Cambridge Audio Alva Solo, By Cambridge Audio
A crucial component bridging your turntable and amplifier, the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo enhances your music with its sleek design and powerful features. Encased in an all-aluminum shell, this 10-watt preamp offers 39dB of gain, RIAA equalization, and a built-in subsonic filter to refine your vinyl’s sound. What’s more, its integrated power supply means a clean setup with just one cable. Measuring under seven inches wide and two inches tall, the Alva Solo easily fits into any turntable setup. Cambridge Audio’s thoughtful labeling of input and output ports simplifies connectivity, even when viewed from different angles.
Best Record Weight: Andover Record Damping Weight, By Andover Audio
For distortion-free vinyl playback, the Andover Record Damping Weight is a game-changer. Weighing 9.35 ounces, this weight sits snugly atop your record’s label, with a spindle cutout ensuring perfect alignment. By stabilizing your vinyl, it reduces distortion, improves dynamics, and enhances bass and soundstage depth.
Best Record Cleaner: Spin-Clean Record Washer Complete Kit, By Spin Clean
If there’s one tool every vinyl enthusiast needs, it’s the Spin-Clean Record Washer Kit. This simple yet effective kit uses a mixture of water and cleaning solution to immerse your album, removing dirt and grime from the grooves. A few clockwise rotations and the soft brushes inside do the rest, reducing surface noise and clicks. Finish with the included cleaning cloth for a noticeably cleaner sound.
Best Turntable Slipmat: Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat, By Pro Spin
Eliminate static and enhance sound quality with the Pro Spin Cork Turntable Mat. Designed for 12-inch and 7-inch vinyl, this mat absorbs vibrations, ensuring your records spin smoothly without accumulating felt residue in the grooves. Upgrade to cork for a cleaner, distortion-free listening experience.
Best Record Brush: Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush, By Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Combat static clicks and pops with the Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Anti-Static Record Brush. Its fine plastic bristles clean your vinyl’s grooves while eliminating static, ensuring a crisp, clear sound. Simply place the brush over your spinning record for optimal results, reducing surface noise with each play.
Best Turntable Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Bronze Moving Magnet Cartridge, By Ortofon
For those upgrading their turntable cartridge, the Ortofon 2M Bronze is a top choice. Building upon the acclaimed 2M Red and 2M Blue, this cartridge features a Nude fine line diamond-tipped stylus and split pole technology for a clean, precise signal. Dutch-made and premounted, it effortlessly plugs into your turntable’s tonearm, delivering exceptional sound quality and preserving your vinyl collection.
Best Power Conditioner: WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner, By WAudio
Eliminate electrical noise and protect your equipment with the WAudio AC Power Filter Power Conditioner. With 10 outlets (six filtered), it reduces interference and digital noise, ensuring pristine sound quality. Safeguard against electrical spikes and enjoy noise-free listening with this essential accessory for your audio setup.
Best Vinyl Subscription: Vinyl Me, Please, By Vinyl Me
Looking to expand your collection beyond Record Store Day? Vinyl Me, Please offers a monthly subscription service, delivering premium pressings of classic albums to your doorstep. Choose from genre-specific clubs or a generalist option, starting at $46 per month. Skip the crate digging and let Vinyl Me, Please curate your collection with high-quality albums and box sets. Prepare for Record Store Day 2024 with these essential accessories, elevating your vinyl experience to new heights. Whether preserving your records or enhancing audio fidelity, these add-ons ensure your cherished collection is enjoyed for years to come.