Where Can I Buy New Records?

by James Leahy

Do not for one minute think that you cannot buy new records to spin on your vinyl rig today. Yes they may be harder to source then yesterday but as many of you reading this know the benefits are worth the trouble. So now you know better you have no excuse for not dusting off your turntable and getting back to the basics of Hi-Fidelity sound reproduction.

You can go to various record bars around your local area and can find some real second hand hardly played bargains but today they usually sell only used vinyl and do not have an extensive selection of new titles to choose from. So it can take some time to visually inspect every prospective purchase. I know I have picked up some mint condition LP's at very reasonable prices to add to my personal ever growing collection.

For new vinyl records, I like so many others simply find it easier to order online from reputable stores like Acoustic Sounds with a full catalogue of Audiophile recordings. They ship internationally, on time every time and have a catalogue of over 5,000 titles. Most general titles sell for the equivalent to their CD counterpart unless it is a special import or limited edition Audiophile pressing.

Acoustic Sounds, double boxes all orders in heavy cardboard with added corner protection. Every album is factory sealed and of great quality. They would be my first pick for quality assurance and a vast catalogue with an easy to use website and fast service.

I usually order 180~200 gram Audiophile vinyl pressings with some half speed master recordings available from selected record labels. These are well worth the extra effort and expense as the increased sounds quality can be amazing compared to standard L.P.'s. After hearing the difference you will never want to go back to normal vinyl again. Some are not even much more expensive, you would be surprised.

If you are located within Australia you may wish to check out Quality Records. When buying vinyl there is always the chance of getting a pressing that is damaged or a dud. The cost of returning your order to overseas mail order websites can outweigh the cost of the product that is defective. Consider this when making your next purchase.

When buying Digital you really have many more options. I have found Amazon to be great. Certainly better than fumbling around your local record store wasting half your Saturday morning and finding they do not have the titles you want and imported or deluxe editions are special order only items and more expensive than if you just went online and ordered them yourself.

I am convinced that Amazon really is the best way to buy CD's as you can so easily see every format and record label for any particular Album or Artist you are interested in. Just about every Album listing on Amazon has complete track listing audio samples so you can have a quick check that you are not buying another dud album that you have never heard before.