The Vinyl Comeback: How to Start Collecting Records

Vintage vinyl record collection with turntable and album covers on wooden shelf

The Vinyl Comeback: Everything You Need to Start Collecting Records in 2026

Published: March 24, 2026 | OnlyCodes Editorial

Why vinyl, why now

Vinyl sales have grown every year for nearly two decades. In 2025, vinyl revenue overtook CDs globally for the first time since 1987. The appeal is not nostalgia. Records sound different. The ritual of selecting an album, cleaning the disc, dropping the needle, and committing to a full side without skipping tracks changes how you listen. In an age of algorithmic playlists and 30-second skips, that is worth something.

In Singapore, the vinyl scene is small but growing. Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur all have dedicated record shops. Online sellers on Shopee and Carousell carry both new pressings and secondhand finds. The barrier to entry is lower than most people think.

What you need to start

Turntable: S$300 to S$800

Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (around S$450): The most recommended starter turntable for a reason. Direct drive motor, adjustable tonearm, built-in phono preamp (so you can connect directly to powered speakers or an amp without extra gear). The USB output lets you digitize records if you want to. Solid build quality that lasts years.

Audio-Technica AT-LP60X (around S$200): The budget option. Fully automatic, belt-drive, built-in preamp. It works and sounds decent, but you cannot upgrade the cartridge or adjust tracking force. Good for casual listening, limiting if you get serious.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO (around S$800): The audiophile entry point. Carbon fibre tonearm, Sumiko Rainier cartridge, and a level of detail that reveals why people pay more for vinyl. No built-in preamp, so you need a phono stage or an amp with phono input.

Cartridge and stylus

Your turntable cartridge is the single biggest factor in sound quality. The needle (stylus) reads the groove. The cartridge converts that movement into an electrical signal. A worn stylus damages records permanently, so replacement matters.

100Sounds RC-AL100 (S$128, down from S$160): A solid replacement cartridge for Audio-Technica turntables. Clean tracking, good channel separation.

100Sounds RS-AL100 replacement stylus (S$55, down from S$69): Keep a spare. Styli wear out after 500 to 1,000 hours of play depending on tracking force and record condition.

100Sounds RS-DJ100 (S$63, down from S$79): DJ-oriented stylus with higher tracking force tolerance. Better for scratching or heavy use.

Record care

Dust is the enemy. Every speck of dust in a groove creates a pop or click. Clean your records before every play.

100Sounds LR-CL100 record cleaner (S$52, down from S$65): A brush and cleaning solution kit. Use it before every session. Takes 30 seconds and extends the life of your records significantly.

Anti-static inner sleeves (around S$15 for 50): Replace the paper sleeves that come with most records. Paper sheds fibres into the grooves. Poly-lined or MOFI-style sleeves prevent static buildup and keep records clean between plays.

Storage and transport

If you start buying records regularly, you need proper storage. Records warp if stored at an angle or in heat. Always store them vertically, never stacked flat.

Selektor Classic Bag 30 LP (S$41, down from S$59): Holds 30 12-inch records. Built for DJs but works perfectly for carrying records to a friend's place or protecting your collection during a move. Available in multiple colourways including the Thet Pink collaboration.

Selektor Crossbody Bag 40 (S$34, down from S$49): Holds 40 7-inch singles. Compact, shoulder-strap design. Great for digging at record fairs.

Speakers

You need either powered speakers (built-in amplifier) or passive speakers with a separate amp. For a first setup, powered speakers are simpler.

Edifier R1280T (around S$130): The budget default. Warm sound, built-in tone controls, two inputs. Not audiophile-grade but perfectly acceptable for a starter setup.

Kanto YU4 (around S$400): Bluetooth, phono input built in, and genuinely good sound. If you want one pair of speakers that handles vinyl, streaming, and TV audio, these are the pick.

Where to buy records in Singapore

Singapore: Hear Records (Chinatown), Roxy Records (Excelsior), The Analog Vault (Duxton), Vinyl Kakis (online). Sunday flea markets at Scape and Haji Lane often have vinyl sellers.

Bangkok: Zudrangma Records (Charoenkrung), Fathorn Records (Ari), Nista Records (Thonglor). Bangkok's secondhand market for Thai pressings and Japanese imports is underrated.

Kuala Lumpur: Tandang Store (Petaling Jaya), Teenage Head Records (Bangsar). Limited selection compared to Singapore but growing.

Online: Shopee carries new pressings from major labels. HMV Japan ships to Singapore with excellent packaging. Discogs is the global marketplace for secondhand vinyl with seller ratings and price history.

What to buy first

Start with albums you already love. Do not buy records because they look cool on a shelf. Buy music you will actually listen to from front to back. Your first 10 records should be albums you can listen to repeatedly without reaching for the skip button.

New pressings of classic albums (Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, Radiohead) are widely available and typically cost S$35 to S$55. Limited coloured vinyl pressings cost more but do not sound better. Standard black vinyl is the reliable choice.

Total startup cost

| Setup | Cost | |-------|------| | Budget (AT-LP60X + Edifier + 5 records) | S$530 | | Mid-range (AT-LP120X + Edifier + cleaning kit + 5 records) | S$850 | | Serious (Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO + Kanto YU4 + cleaning kit + 10 records) | S$1,700 |

The bottom line

Vinyl is not cheaper than streaming. It is not more convenient. It is not higher fidelity in most home setups. What it offers is intention. You choose an album, commit to a side, and listen without distraction. In a world optimized for skipping, that is increasingly rare and increasingly valuable.

Where to buy

100Sounds cartridges, styli, and record cleaners are available at Swee Lee in Singapore. Selektor record bags are also stocked at Swee Lee. Audio-Technica turntables are available at Swee Lee and selected electronics retailers.

FAQ

What's the minimum budget needed to start collecting vinyl records? You'll need around S$300-800 for a turntable, with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB at S$450 being the most recommended starter option. This includes a built-in preamp so you can connect directly to speakers without additional equipment.

Why is vinyl becoming popular again despite digital music being more convenient? Vinyl offers a different listening experience that changes how you engage with music - the ritual of playing a full album side without skipping tracks. The physical format provides a more intentional way to listen compared to algorithmic playlists and 30-second skips common with digital platforms.

How often do I need to replace the stylus on my turntable? A stylus typically needs replacement after 500 to 1,000 hours of play time, depending on tracking force and record condition. Using a worn stylus can permanently damage your records, so keeping a spare replacement is recommended.

Can I find vinyl records easily in countries like Singapore? Yes, the vinyl scene is growing in these regions with dedicated record shops in Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. You can also find both new pressings and secondhand records through online sellers on platforms like Shopee and Carousell.

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