If you are a regular reader of What is Hi-Fi?you probably know more than a few things about records.
Vinyl is a format that continues to fascinate, despite being over 100 years old and experiencing high ups and downs.
So we dug up some facts that even the most avid record fan probably doesn’t know.
Want to learn more about the longest running consumer audio format of all time? Head up…
Heavier records don’t always sound better
You’ll likely see the 180g sticker (and higher price tag) on fewer records these days. Records mostly hit the 120-140g mark in the 20th century, and marketing trends for 180g records only entered the late ’90s.
Heavier records come with some practical advantages, such as better resistance to collisions. However, despite the emerging consensus that heavy vinyl is “audiophile-grade”, there is no sonic benefit to 180g of vinyl.
If the record was too light and couldn’t stay stable, that would affect the sound quality – although you are very unlikely to find a record this bright in the wild. If the record is heavy enough to remain stable, adding more weight will make no difference to the turntable’s record reading process.
In the opposite case, when the record is too light to stay stable, the stylus will fail to stay firmly in the groove, which can affect the sound quality. As long as the record is flat and the pitch stays centered, adding more weight shouldn’t affect the sound.
We asked several hi-fi manufacturers if record weight can affect sound quality. Interestingly, there was no consensus on the ideal weight of vinyl and its effect on sound quality. Some argue that heavier records make a difference, citing reasons such as reduced vibration transfer to the stylus, greater stability and less resonance during tracking. Some have dismissed it as a myth, suggesting that a heavier disc simply gives customers the impression of higher quality. What was unanimous, however, was that the quality of the recording and the care taken during mastering/pressing are very important – a really well recorded and produced 140g record will always sound better than a poorly recorded and produced 180g record.
45rpm records sound better
This time, we actually have the kind of record that sounds better with a clear reason behind it.
The 45rpm record was introduced in 1949, only a year after the 33⅓rpm record. The 33⅓rpmLP dominated the albums, while the 45rpm record was the ‘singles’ format.
However, 45rpm records actually sound better. Because the record spins faster (45 revolutions per minute vs 33⅓), the needle moves through the surface of the vinyl in a second. Therefore, the wiggles in the record grooves are more spread out, making it easier for the stylus tip to follow.
Think of it as a flipbook with 20 pages rather than 10. You’ll have to flip the book faster to keep the characters moving at the same speed, but the animation will be much smoother as there’s more detail to work with.
A phono stage doesn’t just amplify
Of course, a phono stage is needed to amplify the very quiet signal from the turntable cartridge to a level that allows you to plug it into your sound system. But did you know that it also measures the frequency of sound?
To withstand the physical limitations of the vinyl format, records are compressed with weak bass and boosted treble according to the RIAA’s calibration curve. The phono stage then uses the reverse of this curve during playback, restoring the original tonal balance and ensuring that the sound is accurate and full-bodied.
Record sales in the UK have increased by over 3000% since 2007
It’s no understatement to say that records have had a rough ride in terms of popularity.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in the US peaked in 1978 when more than 500 million units were sold, only to drop to less than a million units in 2006 when the format was believed to be dying. It is surprising then that the number of units sold in the US has since increased to 43.6 million by 2024.
Historical vinyl sales data is a little harder to come by in the UK, although we hit a similar low in 2007 with 205,000 records sold according to the BPI. Fortunately, we’ve also seen a similar increase, with 6.7 million vinyl records sold in the UK by 2024 according to ERA.
The recording lines are roughly the width of a human hair
Despite reaching lengths of over 500 meters on a 12-inch LP, the cracks in the record are usually only 0.04-0.08mm wide, or 40 to 80 microns. It’s a wonder we can retrieve that data at all.
What’s even more interesting is that this data recovery is achieved through a tonearm, which is usually nine to 12 inches long – making the tonearm 3000 to 7500 times longer than the slits that drive it.
Monty Python broke an important rule of filming
How many grooves does a record have? Two, of course – one on each side. It’s the same route that goes on throughout the length of the record.
There are exceptions, however. Monty Python’s Matching a Tie and Handkerchief it has two separate wheels on one side. Depending on where you drop the needle, you’ll hear the same song in two different sets.
MORE:
Great turntables: top record players tested by our expert reviewers
Our complete guide on how to set up a turntable
And our tips on What to consider when choosing your turntable