My uncle has been collecting vinyl records for over 50 years. As time went by, records were no longer in fashion, the turntable broke down, and like all old stuff, they were relegated into the darkest corner of the store room. A few months back, my dad visited his place and somehow one topic led to the other and they started to talk about vinyl records. That’s when my uncle dug out all his collection – almost 200 pieces. My dad called me excitedly about his findings, and handpicked a few dozens for me. When I took them out from the dusty sleeve, this was what greeted me:
If this were cassette tapes, I probably would just dispose them, because playing mouldy tapes will damage the tape head, and if mould infects the tape surface, the playback would sound cloudy.
Vinyl records, however, are pretty hardy. After all, they are made of plastic. You could say the same for compact discs, but the silver coating where the digital data is printed are susceptible to corrosion. Irony as it sounds, CDs do not last as long as vinyl records under adverse conditions, which could render the entire disc unreadable.
Mouldy records? Just wash it with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water.
Does this method of washing cause further damage to the vinyl records? Well, after washing more than 50 records, I can say that this method does not introduce any additional scratches. If it had, then every piece of vinyl washed in this manner would be full of scratches. But no, many of them turned up restored with sparkling shiny surfaces (how I wish I could could do the same for mouldy books).
And what about groove noise? Again, this wet wash does not make it significantly worse. While many records post-wash played with groove noise and crackles, some records play with little clicks. So, the wash should be able to remove any loose dirt in the groove and will not introduce new dirt. If there are records that I really want to improve the sound, I could go for ultrasonic cleaning separately.
Okay, there are more professional ways to clean records, and it depends on how valuable the records are. But given the state of the records I saw, I have nothing to lose. In fact, I have learned through this experience that vinyl records are hardier than I thought. Still, there is no harm taking extra care in cleaning records if given a choice. So ya, if you happen to find a mouldy first-press Beatles record, you might want to send to a professional cleaner to restore it carefully.
Now you may ask: why bother to wash them? Because these are music that you will never find online. Despite living in a digital world with music streaming sites available at your fingertips, many of these music on the vinyl records are not digitised due to copyright. Hence, if it only takes a wash to restore the sound, then it shall be done. Also, it will fetch a higher price if I were to sell them on Carousell.
Now with over 100 vinyl records at my parents house, what would be the perfect turntable for them to relive the old music?
Automatic Bluetooth Modern Turntable: Audio-Technica AT-LP3XBT
People are throwing away old cassette tapes, sad, but well, audio manufacturers don’t make new tape decks anymore. A lot of people are also selling their CDs for less than $5 a piece, and they too suffered the same fate of receiving little love from audio brands who are not manufacturing decent CD players.
Fortunately, vinyl records have been met with strong resurgence in recent years. Everyone is buying newly minted records or crate digging for old records at vintage bazaars, like The Retro Factory Vintage Flea Market at Katong Square happening every month. One would never imagine that an old music media format player like the vinyl turntable are still being manufactured, with brand new models launched every few months.
Take the AT-LP3XBT for instance, just launched in Singapore on 24 Oct. It’s a brand new model from Audio-Technica and comes with features that even a child can play vinyl without requiring any skill to place the needle onto the record. Just press the “Play” switch and then the platter will start spinning, the tonearm will lift off, move in position, and lower down, automatically. After reaching the end of the record, the tonearm will lift up and move back to storage position, and the platter will stop spinning. Like magic. To play the smaller 7-inch record, just twist the knob from “12” to “7”, and switch the speed from 33 1/3 RPM to 45 RPM, then hit “Play”.
The AT-LP3XBT is compatible with conventional audio equipment, with a switch to either use the built-in amp via “LINE” mode, or to use your preferred external pre-amp via “PHONO” mode. These features may seem similar to the entry-level AT-LP60XBT, but the AT-LP3XBT uses a more versatile tonearm system with adjustable counterweight, anti-skate, removable headshell AT-HS3, and VM95C cartridge with conical stylus.
Any turntable enthusiast would know the benefits of upgrading the turntable cartridge. I too have compared phono cartridges and they deliver clear difference. So with the LP3XBT, you can upgrade the cartridge and adjust the ideal tracking force based on the spec.
Weighing 5kg, the AT-LP3XBT comes in black and in white, and if you observe closely, the body and the dust cover are designed with curved frame, which requires more manufacturing effort than the usual boxy shape. For the modernists who only own wireless headphones or speakers, they can pair it conveniently with the AT-LP3XBT. It might not make sense – why listen analog music over wireless digital – but in this day and age, offering Bluetooth 5.2 aptX Adaptive Audio connectivity expands the user base to the digital generation who is starting to dabble into old-school analog music. Eventually, they will switch to analog RCA connectivity, and then from built-in amp to external phono preamp. The AT3XBT is a turntable that can grow with your equipment upgrade.
Relive the Memories
Music has the power to trigger memories, and that was what I managed to do for my parents. After cleaning a fraction of the records, they started playing some of them and reminiscing the old times. My mum found a record that she bought on her birthday in 1972, and when I challenged her on her authenticity to this memory, she showed proof on the sleeve, where she signed and dated the purchase. I was speechless: a solid 50 years ago!
As for my dad, he found joy with this Reggae record by Roberto Delgado.
I am just so glad that my parents are finding purpose in playing back these old vinyl treasure, and more glad that turntables remain available for purchase in 2022. The AT-LP3XBT is a new modern turntable model that offers audiophile versatility with modern conveniences which suits both the active aging population and the new digital generation exploring vintage music. If you prefer a slightly more professional turntable with a more solid plinth but also with Bluetooth connectivity, do check out my review of the AT-LPW50BT.
The AT-LP3XBT retails at S$418, available at Audio-Technica shop at The Funan, and reputable audio shops. Visit the official website for more info.