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Collecting vinyl is only half of the fun of owning a record player. Once you build up your knowledge, you can enjoy testing out more advanced turntables as well as experiment with setting up a crisp listening experience filled with high-performance speakers and stylish vinyl record holders.
As nostalgia continues making its way into the mainstream beyond belly chains and jelly shoes, record players are having a major moment in home decor and tech. Vinyl enthusiasts now have the opportunity to take advantage of modernized record players that have evolved and come with more advanced features such as Bluetooth and the ability to play multiple speeds. Plus, artists today have begun adding vinyl record releases in addition to streaming, allowing you to enjoy spinning popular artists today or classics from the past.
Whether you’re an experienced record collector who knows how to safely clean vinyl, are a beginner starting your record-playing journey or are just looking for gifts for music lovers, there are a few things every record collector should have in their arsenal.
From unique pieces of home decor that’ll turn your favorite records into wall art to vinyl-storing essentials, there are a mix of must-have items for every aesthetic and budget — especially during Amazon Prime Day.
Keep reading to discover all of the essentials every collector should own.
What Are the Best Vinyl Record Player Accessories?
Below, ShopBillboard rounded up some of the bestselling vinyl record player accessories to shop now.
Keep your turntable and records in tip-top shape using EVEO’s 4-in-1 cleaning kit. Within it, you’ll find everything you may need, including a velvet brush and cleaning fluid specifically for albums, a hands-free turntable needle gel cleaner and a duster brush.
Looking to show off your records? You can spotlight whatever you’re listening to with Yuan Dian’s Light-Up Vinyl Record Stand. This stand can not only be mounted to your wall, but has a built-in glow to shine a light on what tunes you’re spinning for the day.
Part of keeping your vinyls in pristine shape is making sure your record player needle’s force isn’t too heavy. That’s where a turntable stylus force scale comes in, like this one from Amazon, available for under $15, as of this writing.
Here’s how it works: lay the device on a still record, then turn the turntable on and wait until the device zeros out. Place the needle on the center dot and read the grams on the display. The scale will measure the force or pressure exerted to give you a gauge on how it’s affect sound quality and the longevity of your LPs.
Getting a package filled with new vinyls can be exciting, but since they’re made from delicate materials you need to be gentle when opening packages. This blade is versatile and can be used to records, open letters, boxes and more.
Spotlight your record collection with this storage holder that can fit up to 50 12-inch LPs or 7-inch singles. If you’re prone to dropping things, the design was built to be shatterproof and features durable materials like break-resistant acrylic and wood.
These outer sleeves may seem like a basic accessory to own, but they’ll go a long way in protecting the quality of your records. Included is 25 sleeves made from a high-density polypropylene that will stand up to water damage while keeping out dust and dirt that could scratch or ruin records.
Even if you’re new to owning vinyl, your guests don’t have to know that, and this record player stand can assist in giving off the vibe that you know what you’re doing. The top portion allows you to keep your record player in a safe spot that also puts it on display. Underneath are slots for storing your vinyl, while the side comes with a hook to hang your over-ear headphones or tote bags.
For less than $15 (as of this writing), Pyle’s Phono Turntable Preamplifier will help boost your turntable’s signal if it’s not already built into it. What this does enhance the sound quality and overall better your listening experience. Even if your turntable has one built-in, if you want better quality, then an external one like this will only sharpen the sound.
Want to take your vinyl with you on the go? Add this carrying case to your cart and worry less about scratching or damaging records. It can hold up to 30 records and is made from a heavy duty vinyl material that’ll protect your precious collection from bumps and tumbles thanks to its edge guards and lock system. This is a much better way to carry your collection than in a backpack or tote.
And, of course, if you collect vinyl, make sure you have a record player turntable to play spin it on. Angel Horns Vinyl Record Player System is currently 15% off and comes in a convenient briefcase for portability. It supports three playback speeds and can play three different record sizes: 7 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches. You won’t need speakers either as it has built-in ones and Bluetooth capabilities, which allows you to connect your phone and stream music.
For more product recommendations, check out Billboard‘s roundups of the best record players and turntables, portable CD players and the best celebrity headphones.
