It wasn’t a bubble, not even an adverse reaction to streaming, but not even something to do with Boomers. The rebirth of analog music is now an ultra-consolidated trend. According to Bilboard, which collects US sales figures, records accelerated during the first year of the pandemic generating a turnover of $ 626 million that could rise to $ 1 billion by the end of the year.
In Italy, if for a moment we let go of streaming music and focus on physical support and more specifically on vinyl records, according to data from Fimi (Federation of the Italian music industry), we see constant growth, with an increase of 2.5 % exceeding 15 million euros. Indeed, the first three of 2021 marked the overtaking of the LP on CD. In short, vinyl records continue to be very strong, so much so that what is left of the industry that printed and distributed them today struggles to keep up with the growing demand.
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However, the same cannot be said of audio systems that in some way have never completely succumbed to the lure of digital, even for a matter of sound physics. Let’s talk about the good old turntable.
Let’s get our hands on right away: as audiophiles know, the analog sound is warmer and more defined but it is by no means better. Indeed, from a technical point of view, if we move from the Hi-res parts, digital coding guarantees a higher quality engraving and reproduction. What changes with vinyl is the aesthetic of the sound which is warmer and softer. But a lot depends on how the music was recorded. The vinyls recorded in analogue studios in the seventies between transistors, reels and magnetic tapes have a different sound from those of today. And then the quality of the turntable also counts. On the market, it ranges from one hundred to one thousand euros. The top of the range is the Technics SL 1210 MK7 heir to the historic SL-1200 turntable. The engine is direct drive, the braking speed is adjustable on four different levels, thanks to the controls positioned under the aluminum plate. You can find it in specialized stores and online for no less than 999.99 euros. The RP 7000 is of the highest level but at a more affordable price. Also in this case it is a professional product of a young company in this sector that has been able to build a name in a short time. Also for enthusiasts, Rega Planar 3 should be mentioned. Design is the first thing that strikes you: essential, clean and precise. If you are looking for the turntable Apple you have found it. Certainly Steve Jobs would have loved it.
Going down in price, however, it must be borne in mind that modern turntables differ not only in the quality of the materials but also in the connection to the speakers.