David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
David
Chief Content Editor at - searchturntablesSarah, a Philadelphia-based product review writer, boasts 7.5 years of experience in musical equipment, specifically turntables. She has contributed to various online publications, offering expertise on the latest gear. Outside of writing and attending concerts, Sarah enjoys family time and her pets.
“vinyl player” and “record player” are often used interchangeably to describe devices that play vinyl records. However, some people might use the term “record player” more broadly to refer to any device that plays records, including those made of materials other than vinyl, such as shellac. In this response, we will provide information on the similarities and differences between the terms, along with a table comparing their features. Additionally, we will present some statistics related to vinyl and record players.
- Vinyl Player Characteristics
- Record Player Characteristics
- Comparison Table: Vinyl Player vs. Record Player
- Vinyl and Record Player Statistics
Vinyl Player Characteristics
A vinyl player is designed to play vinyl records, typically made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl players can play records at different speeds, such as 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, or 78 RPM, depending on the turntable and record type. Modern vinyl players often include USB connectivity, built-in preamps, and pitch control.
Record Player Characteristics
In its broadest sense, a record player refers to any device that can play records, including vinyl records and those made of other materials, like shellac. However, in most cases, people use the term “record player” to mean the same thing as a vinyl player. Like vinyl players, record players can play records at different speeds and may include various features.
Comparison Table: Vinyl Player vs. Record Player
Aspect
Vinyl Player
Record Player (Broad Sense)
Materials Played
Vinyl records (PVC)
Vinyl records and other materials (e.g., shellac)
Speeds
33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM
33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM and others
Common Features
USB connectivity, built-in preamps, pitch control
Varies depending on the specific record player
Vinyl and Record Player Statistics
According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl record sales in the United States increased by 28.7% from 2019 to 2020, reaching $619.6 million in revenue. This increase in sales has also increased demand for vinyl and record players. Although there is limited statistical data on the sales of vinyl players and record players, the rising interest in vinyl records suggests a growing market for these devices.
Summary
The terms “vinyl player” and “record player” are often used interchangeably to describe devices that play vinyl records. However, some people might use the term “record player” more broadly to refer to any device that plays records, including those made of materials other than vinyl. Both vinyl and record players can play records at different speeds and may include various features. The increasing popularity of vinyl records has led to a growing demand for vinyl and record players.