Introduction

Our Top 3 Picks (2025)

• Why We Love It: Diamond-tip ceramic cartridge and RCA outputs for future speaker upgrades.
• Deal Alert:Currently 11% off for Prime members!

• Why We Love It: Built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and retro design.

• Why We Love It: Fully automatic, anti-skate control, and built-in preamp. A perfect first component for someone who wants to build a hifi system over time.

3 Best Turntables Under $100 (2025)

1. ION Audio Max LP – Best Overall

• Price:$79 (Check Today’s Price )
• Key Features: Vinyl conversion software, replaceable cartridge, RCA/Bluetooth outputs.
• Pros: Easy vinyl-to-digital conversion software, minimal vibration.
• Cons: Belt may degrade with heavy use.

2. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed – Best Portability

• Price:$49 (Check Today’s Price )
• Key Features:Retro suitcase design, 3 speeds, built-in speakers.
• Pros: Great for dorm rooms or small spaces.
• Cons: Limited bass response.

Avoid This Mistake: Don’t stack records on the lid—it can warp over time.

3. UDreamer Vinyl Record Player

• Price:$39 (Check Today’s Price )
• Key Features: Fully automatic, belt-driven anti-skate control, built-in preamp.
• Pros: Unbeatable price.
• Cons: Less durable construction.

4. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK – Best For Beginners

• Price:$149 (Check Today’s Price )
• Key Features: Fully automatic, belt-driven anti-skate control, built-in preamp.
• Pros: Great starting turntable to upgrade over time.
• Cons: No Built-in Speakers.

Comparison Table

Model	Price	Drive Type	Built-in Speakers	Rating
ION Audio Max LP	$79	Belt	Yes
Victrola Vintage	$49	Belt	Yes	½
UDreamer	$39	Belt	Yes
Audio-Technica LP60X	$149	Belt	No

FAQ Section

Can you get a decent turntable under $100?

Final Verdict

Need More Help?

• Related Reads:
  • 10 Affordable Turntable Accessories
  • How To Clean Vinyl Records

The post The Best Turntables Under 100 (2025 Budget Picks + Expert Tips) appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

For the New Vinyl Voyager: Essential Starter Kit

• The Humble Hero: Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush: Dust and static are the enemies of a good listening experience. A best record cleaning brush for beginners is your first line of defense. Gently whisk away dust before each play to minimize pops and crackles, preserving your audio quality and your records. Look for soft, non-abrasive brushes with carbon fiber bristles for effective cleaning without damaging your grooves. We recommend the super affordable Boundless Audio Record Cleaner Brush which is available on Amazon.

• Shielding Your Treasures: Protective Outer Sleeves: Think of these as little suits of armor for your precious vinyl. I store every record in my collection in an outer sleeve. You can get 100 of them for around $25 so it is worth it to invest in high-quality, affordable inner sleeves for vinyl records. Acid-free and anti-static options offer the best protection, shielding your records from dust, scratches, and ringwear. By keeping the records from getting dirty, they’ll even help improve the sound quality of your every day listening experience. Remember, prevention is key, and these affordable investments will ensure your collection stays pristine for years to come. We use the Invest In Vinyl Clear Plastic Sleeves which are available on Amazon.

• Beyond the Brush: Cleaning Solution for Deeper Cleans: While the brush tackles surface dust, sometimes your records need a deeper clean – particularly if you have any old records in your collection. A gentle cleaning solution, specifically formulated for vinyl, paired with your brush, can remove stubborn grime and dust, further enhancing your audio experience. Opt for solutions that are alcohol-free and non-abrasive to avoid damaging your records. There are plenty of options out there but we really like the Boundless kit which includes solution, a stylus brush, and a brush. You can get it on Amazon.

• Grounding the Sound: Turntable Mat for Enhanced Clarity: Even a minor upgrade like a turntable mat can make a surprising difference. These mats, typically made from cork, felt, or rubber, help dampen vibrations from your turntable, leading to improved sound clarity and reduced resonance. Experiment with different materials to find the one that best suits your setup and sonic preferences. Personally, we’ve had great experience with cork mats and I’m happy to recommend this one from Hudson Hi-Fi that you can buy on Amazon.

• Setting the Force: Stylus Force Gauge for Optimal Tracking: This unsung hero ensures optimal tracking and protects your records. A stylus force gauge is an affordable tool that helps you set the correct tracking force for your specific cartridge. This crucial step maximizes sound quality and minimizes record wear, preventing costly damage over time. You can pick one up for cheap from Amazon.

Beyond the Basics: Fine-Tuning for the Discerning Ear

• Anti-Static Inner Sleeves: Go the Extra Mile: Upgrade your basic inner sleeves with anti-static options. These offer superior dust protection and significantly reduce static discharge, a major cause of pops and clicks. The investment is small, but the improvement in sound quality can be noticeable making them one of the best accessories for a record player you can score. We recommend the Invest In Vinyl inner sleeves you can pick up for cheap on Amazon.

• Sharpening the Sound: Upgraded Stylus for Detail Retrieval: Consider investing in a higher-quality stylus. This “needle” plays a crucial role in sound reproduction, and a better stylus can extract more detail and sharpness from your records, offering a richer listening experience. Which stylus is the best upgrade for you will obviously depend on which stylus you already have. As one example, if you’re using a U-Turn Orbit like the one we recommend in our Best Record Players guide, you may want to consider the Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge which is available on Amazon.

• Unlocking Potential: External Phono Preamp for Boosted Signal: Many turntables lack built-in preamps, which amplify the weak signal from the cartridge. Adding an external phono preamp boosts the signal strength and improves sound quality, especially noticeable with budget turntables. Research options with features like adjustable gain and built-in equalization for a tailored listening experience. The Fosi Audio Box sure looks pretty and has great reviews on Amazon.

• Quieting the Rumble: Isolation Feet for Reduced Vibrations: External vibrations can negatively impact sound quality. In fact, you may find that simply walking past your turntable can make it skip (we had that experience with our Pro-Ject Classic turntable). Vibration-dampening isolation feet help decouple your turntable from the surface, minimizing unwanted vibrations and leading to a cleaner, more focused sound. Explore different materials like cork, rubber, or even spring-loaded designs to find the best fit for your setup. These rubber isolation feet on Amazon are both cheap and effective.

• Start Small, Upgrade Gradually: Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and gradually upgrade as your needs and budget evolve.
• Maintenance is Key: Regularly clean and maintain your accessories for optimal performance. A clean brush and well-maintained stylus will ensure your records and your investment last for years to come. Be sure to check out our guide on How To Clean Vinyl Records for more info.

The post 10 Affordable Record Player Accessories Every Vinyl Newbie Needs in 2025 appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

Part 1: Your Turntable Won’t Turn On! Don’t Panic, Try These Fixes:

Feeling the chills because your turntable won’t budge? Don’t worry! Before giving up, check these common culprits:

• Power: Is it plugged in? Double-check! Ensure the power source is functional and the power adaptor is securely connected. Some models have separate power switches, so confirm it’s on.
• Fuse: Some turntables have internal fuses. Check your manual for location and replacement instructions.
• Model-specific issues: Research online forums for common power problems specific to your model. You might find helpful troubleshooting steps or known fixes.
• Power Cord issues: Perhaps your power cord is shot. Consider a Universal Replacement Power Adapter like this Universal Replacement Power Adapter – they’re pretty cheap and work across various models.

Bonus: Check your turntable’s manual for a detailed troubleshooting guide. Perhaps the solution is common to your model.

Part 2: Spinning Woes: Turntable Platter & Distorted Sound:

Is your turntable playing at the wrong speed or with distorted audio? Fear not! Here’s the fix:

• Platter speed: Check the turntable belt for wear, stretching, or slipping. Replace it if needed. For some models, you can buy a replacement directly from the manufacturer. In other instances you may need to do a little research to find a belt that’s a perfect fit. Before you do that, ensure the speed selector is correct and the platter is clean.
• Audio distortion: Cartridge or tonearm misalignment can cause distortion. Consider professional calibration for better sound. Alternatively, clean your stylus, check cartridge life, and consider replacing faulty audio cables. Sometimes a new set of audio cables is all you need.

Bonus: Invest in a Turntable Cartridge Alignment Kit for home calibration or visit a professional for a fine-tuned turntable.

Part 3: Skipping & Sticky Turntable Annoyances:

Skipping records and a jammed tonearm are frustrating! Here’s how to get your turntable back on track:

• Skipping: Clean your records and stylus well. If you don’t already have one get a record brush. They’re pretty cheap and if you have a record collection you should definitely own one. Naturally, you should also check for warped records. If the record doesn’t sit flat on the turntable – it’s probably warped and won’t play right. As noted above, you may need to adjust the Tracking Force according to your cartridge’s specs. Ensure the tonearm is level and well-balanced.
• Stylus Tracking: A filthy or broken stylus won’t track properly. Clean it and replace it when needed. Cartridge adjustments and Tracking Force adjustments might also be required.
• Stuck Tonearm: This can happen due to physical obstructions or issues. Gently remove debris and ensure the tonearm moves smoothly. You may need to seek professional help if you can’t figure this out. In the Seattle area, we recommend calling Trails and Turntables.

Bonus: Regularly clean your turntable and maintain proper stylus care. Invest in a Cleaning Kit and/or a Quality Stylus Brush for best performance. Check out our guide for How To Clean Vinyl Records for more information.

The post Don’t Panic! Your Turntable Won’t Turn On? Try These Fixes Now! DIY Guide appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

It’s gift guide season! Over the last decade, we’ve shared gift guides for vinyl lovers, kitchen and cooking enthusiasts, kids, and coffee lovers. This year, we’ve updated our most comprehensive gift guide for your favorite coffee drinkers.

It’s true. We love coffee. We love it so much, we even launched a monthly Coffee & Vinyl Pairings subscription service featuring some of our favorite roasters from around the country. We’ve featured San Francisco’s Sightglass Coffee and Lady Falcon Club, Charleston’s Second State Coffee, Seattle’s Slate Coffee Roasters, Bellingham’s Camber Coffee and more. Needless to say, we think our Coffee & Vinyl Pairings would make an extra unique coffee gift for a coffee lover (shameless plug!).

Here are 17 gifts that we think any coffee lover would appreciate.

Fellow Stagg Kettle, $85

For craft coffee lovers, a kettle with a swan neck style spout is essential. Temperature also matters and the built-in thermometer makes it easier than ever to achieve the optimal brew temperature. But the real highlight of the Fellow Stagg Kettle is the swoon-worthy design. An easy upgrade for the coffee-lover who has everything. Just ask us: Kasey recently gifted one for a very appreciative Matthew. A perfect coffee lover gift!

Clay Imports Poco Ceramics Set, $14 – $46

Every coffee lover needs a set of go-to cups and mugs in various sizes. Made from reclaimed clay and glazes from Clay Imports’ tile factories, each piece is unique, dishwasher and microwave safe. We fell in love with Clay Imports’ tile (which we’ll be featuring in our upcoming renovation project!) and were stoked to hear that they were releasing home goods shortly before the holidays. Stay tuned for more IRL photos of these!

Ratio 6, $339 

Ratio is following up their cult-ish Ratio Eight with a lighter (and more affordable model) for those who love their morning pour over, but prefer to take the guesswork out of it. The Ratio 6 is currently available for pre-order. We’re guessing it’s worth the wait. Once again, this is a product we can recommend from personal experience.

Chemex, $50

We have a pantry full of coffee makers and tools. Nonetheless, the Chemex has continued to be the most enduring part of our morning routine. Its stylish design is considered a classic for a reason and it never fails to deliver.

Reusable Stainless Steel Drip Cone, $35

Speaking of the Chemex, this titanium stainless steel drip cone is reusable and allows you to you to skip the paper filters, making it more economical and arguably, more eco-friendly.

Maestri House Pour Over Coffee Scale, $30

Making perfect pour over at home means getting your ratios of ground coffee to water right, which means that a digital scale is essential. The Maestri House Pour Over Coffee Scale offers everything you need to brew the perfect cup.

Aeropress, $30

Indestructible and incredibly easy-to-use, the Aeropress is a great choice for making coffee while traveling, camping, or simply for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Miir Travel Tumbler, $28

We love Miir. The Seattle-based company not only designs stylish, beautiful products (like this sleek Travel Tumbler), but every MiiR product sold helps fund *trackable* giving projects. You can find a code at the bottom of your slick new thermos and identify how a portion of the money you spent is helping people.

Miir Pourigami, $35

Did we mention we love Miir? Well, not only are they a stylish mission-driven company (as noted above) but they’re also dishing out some innovative devices like their new Pourigami. It’s a portable coffee dripper made from three stainless steel panels that can interlock, giving you the freedom to make pour over anywhere you go.

Manual Conical Burr Mill Coffee Grinder, $25 – $50

Speaking of making coffee on the go, a coffee mill is a great option for grinding coffee away or at home. It offers conical burrs which offer fairly uniform grinding and a high degree of control over the size of your grinds.

Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker, $20

The Takeya Cold Brew Coffee Maker is a perfect gift for the cold brew lover in your life. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and produces great-tasting coffee.

Craft Coffee: A Manual: Brewing a Better Cup at Home, $15

No matter how long you’ve been brewing coffee at home, there’s always room for improvement. Whether you’re into Chemex or French Press, Craft Coffee will give you all the know how you need to up your coffee game.

Brew: Better Coffee At Home, $18

The title says it all: Brew will help you make better coffee at home. Described as “an indispensable and accessible guide for any specialty-coffee lover who wants to make better coffee at home,” this would make a nice addition to any coffee lover’s bookshelf (or coffee table).

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Maker, $25

For the friend or family member who can’t stop raving about their trip to Italy, get them a Moka coffee maker. This coffee maker makes rich, dark coffee that’s a lot more concentrated than drip coffee and is the perfect thing for a small kitchen.

Hario V60 Coffee Dripper, Olive Wood, $43

The Hario V60 Coffee Dripper is easily one of the most well-known and beloved tools in the world of pour over coffee and this version, with that gorgeous olive wood base, is sure to impress any coffee lover.

Kinto Coffee Brewer 5 Piece Stand Set, $174

Have we mentioned that we love pour over coffee? This beautiful stand set is on the pricier side, but would surely be appreciated by someone who loves to look at their coffee maker as much as they enjoy using it. It’s not just a tool, it’s an object.

Coffee & Vinyl Pairings, $30 – $180

Okay, we’re biased, but we think our very own Coffee & Vinyl Pairings are the perfect gift for any coffee lover. Each month we feature a unique artisan coffee from one of our favorite domestic roasters, paired with an exclusive, limited edition vinyl record by a new band or artist to fall in love with. We’ve featured exclusive releases from Ben Gibbard, Local Natives, Arlo Parks, No Vacation, and many more! All for about the same cost as most other standalone coffee subscriptions.

We’d love to hear your feedback. What are your favorite holiday coffee gifts, or other unique coffee gifts, for the java lover in your life?

The post 17 Unique Coffee Gifts for Coffee Lovers appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

Vinyl records are a classic way to listen to music, and they can last for many years if they are properly stored. In this ultimate guide to vinyl record storage, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your collection safe and sound.

• Choose the right storage location: Vinyl records should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in attics, basements, or garages, as these areas can be prone to extreme temperatures and humidity. One option for storing your vinyl records is a record storage cabinet. This type of cabinet is specifically designed to store vinyl records vertically, which helps to prevent them from warping. Many record storage cabinets also have shelves or drawers for storing other accessories, such as inner sleeves, outer sleeves, and record cleaning brushes. Here’s an example of an affordable record cabinet.
• Store your records vertically: Vinyl records should be stored vertically to prevent them from warping. You can use a record crate, shelf, or cabinet to store your records vertically. If you are storing your records on a shelf, make sure to use dividers to keep them from leaning or falling over. Vinyl record storage dividers are a great way to keep your records organized and upright on a shelf. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can find the perfect ones for your collection. Here are some we like from Amazon.
• Use inner sleeves: Inner sleeves are essential for protecting your vinyl records from dust and dirt. When you are playing a record, be sure to remove it from the inner sleeve and place it in an outer sleeve before putting it back on the shelf. Vinyl record inner sleeves are made of a soft material that helps to protect your records from scratches and dust. They are also anti-static, which helps to prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can attract dust and dirt. Here are some you can pick up from Amazon.
• Keep your records clean: Vinyl records should be cleaned regularly to remove dust and dirt. You can use a soft brush or a record cleaning machine to clean your records. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a record cleaning machine. A vinyl record cleaning brush is a great way to remove dust and dirt from your records. Be sure to choose a brush that is specifically designed for vinyl records, as other types of brushes can damage the grooves. We love this cleaning brush from Mobile Fidelity Labs. For more information on this, check out our post about How To Clean Vinyl Records.
• Avoid over-handling your records: The more you handle your vinyl records, the more likely they are to become damaged. When you are playing a record, be careful not to touch the grooves. If you need to move a record, hold it by the edges to avoid touching the grooves.
• Invest in a good turntable: A good turntable will help to protect your vinyl records from damage. When choosing a turntable, be sure to select one that has a counterweight and anti-skate control. These features will help to prevent the stylus from tracking too heavily on the record, which can cause damage. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Bluetooth Turntable is a great option for those who are looking for a good quality turntable at an affordable price. It has a counterweight and anti-skate control, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, so you can listen to your records wirelessly. You can find more recommended turntables in our post about The Top 5 Recommended Turntables.

By following these tips, you can keep your vinyl record collection safe and sound for years to come.

What are your favorite vinyl record storage tips? Share them in the comments below!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Record Storage: How to Keep Your Collection Safe and Sound appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

Blonde Redhead is one of my favorite bands of all time. From their 1995 self-titled debut to 2014’s Barragan, a span that includes 9 full length albums, they’re part of an elite group of bands whose albums could each be reasonably considered a masterpiece. You might think it’s hyperbole but consider the albums we’re talking about: Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons, Misery Is a Butterfly, Penny Sparkle, 23, and so on. Indeed, over the course of those two decades, their albums have easily been some of the most consistently rewarding listens in indie rock. So it’s an honor to announce that they’re this month’s featured artist.

They just released their first album in 9 years (their 10th studio album) titled Sit Down For Dinner. Our vinyl features a pair of tracks from the album, album opener “Snowman” and album closer “Via Savona,” alongside an exclusive alternate version of “Snowman.”

The a-side features album opener “Snowman.” It’s built around a shuffling, driving rhythm and quietly persistent acoustic guitar. It’s a vibe that sprawls out sonically, living in three dimensions with darkly lit keys and little distant hoots filling the soundscape, like the cacophony and unrest of some foreboding jungle, to accompany vocalist Amedeo Pace as he croons, “Have you seen, have you heard, of a love that has no crime?” It’s a mesmerizing cut.

On the b-side, we open things up with an alternate version of “Snowman” that gradually launches off to a skittery rhythm before orbiting the planet to a chorus of lovely vocal ticks and that same steady melody from the album version of the song. Whereas the original is quietly menacing, though, this version feels more unworldly and almost celebratory.

The collection closes out with the lush and gorgeous ambient track “Via Savona.” Twinkling strings and bright keys fill the air like fireflies twinkling in the moonlight. It’s both pensive and uplifting like a breeze on a cool night.

It’s an incredible release and we think you’re going to love it!

We pressed the standard edition of this vinyl on hot pink vinyl alongside a deluxe edition silver and hot pink a-side/b-side vinyl for subscribers who’ve been with us for a year. This release is available exclusively through our Pairings Box and Coffee & Vinyl subscription services but is selling out quickly.

The post TK102: Blonde Redhead – Snowman EP appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

Why Clean Vinyl Records: Eliminating Pops and Clicks

We’ve talked a lot about getting the most from your vinyl collection by building a solid hi-fi system (read our guide to the top 5 best turntables). We recently posted a complete guide to buying the best turntable or record player. But, for optimal sound, keeping your records clean is just as important as having good equipment. The purpose of this post is to teach you how to clean vinyl records to get the best sound from them.

You know those pops and clicks that many people associate with vinyl records? Unless your record is scratched or scuffed, the culprit is the dirt and dust that has collected in the grooves of your records. Get rid of the dirt in the grooves, get rid of the pops and clicks.

So, how do you clean a dirty vinyl record? Here are three methods for cleaning vinyl records:

Method 1: Vacuum-Powered Record Cleaning (Professional Method)

Perhaps the best way to deep clean your dirty vinyl records is with a vacuum-powered vinyl record cleaner.

Why Choose a Vacuum Cleaner:

The benefits of a vacuum cleaner made specifically for cleaning vinyl records is that it sucks up the dirt and dust that has settled into the grooves of the vinyl while simultaneously minimizing pressure and physical contact with the delicate record itself.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Prepare your equipment – Ensure your vacuum record cleaner is set up according to manufacturer instructions
2. Place the record – Securely position your vinyl on the cleaning platform
3. Apply cleaning solution – Use the recommended amount of cleaning fluid on the record surface
4. Operate the vacuum – Turn on the machine to remove dirt and cleaning solution
5. Dry the record – Allow the record to fully dry before playing or storing

We’re NOT recommending using a normal vacuum cleaner on your records. There are many vacuum machines on the market that are made to clean vinyl records but you’ll get the most bang for your buck from the Record Doctor VI Record Cleaning Machine.

There are fancier models out there – including the Pro-Ject Vinyl Cleaner VC-E – but they’re more than twice the price but offer the same results.

Method 2: Record Washer System (Mid-Range Solution)

If you don’t want to shell out for a vacuum cleaner for your records, you can go with a less fancy record washer.

We like the starter kit from Spin Clean. It’s a manual system composed of brushes and rollers that uses an accompanying solution to clean your records. You simply insert the record into the cleaner, rotate it by hand a few revolutions, and you’re done.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Set up the washer – Fill the washer basin with distilled water and the recommended cleaning solution
2. Insert the record – Place your vinyl between the cleaning brushes
3. Rotate the record – Gently turn the record 3-5 complete rotations in each direction
4. Remove and rinse – Take out the record and rinse with distilled water if recommended
5. Dry completely – Use a microfiber cloth to dry, or place in a drying rack

It does involve a little more pressure on your records so it’s not quite as optimal as the vacuum based systems but it’s more than sufficient for most collectors. It’s also a good solution for someone who wants to deep clean very dirty vinyl records.

Method 3: DIY Hand Cleaning Method (Budget-Friendly)

The best way to clean vinyl records without a fancy washer or vaccum? You easily clean your records by hand with just a brush, some cleaning solution, and a microfiber cloth. It is easy too. There are really just  four steps on how to cheaply and easily clean vinyl records, DIY style:

Step-by-Step Process:

• • 1. Prepare your brush – You’ll need a record brush. . We use (and recommend) the Mobile Fidelity Record Cleaning Brush but there are plenty of good options. For example, we also have and often use the AudioQuest Record Clean Brush. You don’t need both but with exceptionally dusty records we’ll sometimes give both a shot before moving on to washing a record.
    2. Brush the record – Begin by gently brushing the surface of the record in a circular motion (always follow the grooves) with the brush. Don’t use too much pressure here – your goal is to pick up larger dust and dirt on the record but you don’t want to damage the grooves.
    3. Apply cleaning solution – Apply a small amount of your selected cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth (not directly on the record)
    4. Clean in circular motions – Gently wipe the record surface following the direction of the grooves
    5. Rinse if necessary – For heavily soiled records, you may need to rinse with distilled water
    6. Dry thoroughly – Use a clean microfiber cloth to completely dry the record before playing or storing

DIY record cleaning is really as easy as that! Here’s more:

Honestly, I recommend doing this step every time you play a record. I don’t wash my records often but I do lightly brush them before most plays. However, if you bought a record used, the record has been in storage for a long time, or it just looks visibly soiled and brushing is not cutting it – you’ll want to move on to the next steps for a deeper cleaning.

The Best Vinyl Record Cleaning Solution

Although some people use a combination of water and dish soap, we don’t recommend it. Instead, we recommend using a cleaning solution designed for use on vinyl records. However, not all record cleaning solutions are created equal. In particular, we recommend avoiding any that contain isopropyl alcohol. While it will clean the muck off your record, many people report that over time it’ll also damage the protective coating on your vinyl. If you are going to use a solution with isopropyl alcohol – use is sparingly.

So what is the best vinyl record cleaning solution? The archivists at The Library of Congress use a combination of a mild surfactant called Tergitol with deionized water. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. We think this is the best vinyl record cleaning solution. You can pick up a Tergitol-based concentrate from Amazon. You only need to add a couple drops to your water. You can pick up the deionized water from Amazon as well. Lightly spray the disc with the Tergitol solution and let sit for about 4-5 minutes. Then using a record brush like the ones we described above, lightly wipe the discs in the direction of the grooves to clean up the soapy mixture.

Repeat this process one more time using only the deionized water (so no Tergitol) to clean off any remaining soapy residue.

Dry The Record

There is no trick as to how you clean vinyl records with microfiber cloth. Using a soft microfiber cloth just gently pat the record dry. You may want to let the record dry for up to thirty minutes before returning it to it’s sleeve to make sure it’s completely dry. Excess moisture can cause the sleeve to mold and damage the record.

If you really want to protect your investment, place the newly cleaned records in fresh archival inner record sleeves like these ones from Mobile Fidelity.

The post How To Clean Vinyl Records Updated 2025 appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

You may have noticed I described her as *mostly* undiscovered and that’s because some folks are definitely taking notice. And when people do discover her they tend to speak in superlatives. For example, The Luna Collective featured her in an article titled, “Mila DeGray Has Arrived and She’s Here to Stay.” Early Rising called her “the soon-to-be monarch of the underground indie/alt pop world.” Meanwhile, The Hidden Hits confidently predicted that folks are “about to become obsessed with Mila Degray and her undeniable charisma.” She even landed a coveted spot of Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist. We’re very proud to feature four of her earliest singles on this month’s wax.

Our a-side kicks off with her latest single, “Bumble Bee.” It’s a beautiful, stripped-down acoustic jam about longing for a lost love built around a softly strummed guitar riff and Mila’s vocals as she sings, “And all of the shit we did / The fighting, I’m sorry for everything / I still love you / Come see me soon.” An uneasy ambiance underlines the melody as it builds amid stately piano licks and tense strings before closing out to DeGray sadly humming along to the tune.

It’s followed up by the bright and springy “Purple Ribbon” which opens with a simple, bright bouncing tune before gradually building energy as it rolls forward amid blinking guitar riffs and tight percussion. You’re gonna love it.

The b-side opens up with the fiery and anxious “Skinny Brittle Bones.” Built around a hazy guitar riff to accompany DeGray as she sings, “Sometimes I find it hard to speak when you are staring right at me / Sometimes I hard to put the words together like I love you.” The cut features crunchy, burning hot guitar licks that absolutely shred up the chorus which made it an early favorite in our home.

The collection closes out with the fuzz-soaked, shoegaze-inspired vibe “Not Nancy.” It opens simply enough but as it moves forward ringing, reverb-laden guitar riffs ring out and threaten to swallow Mila’s voice whole. It’s a total jam.

I know you’re going to love this one as much as we do.

We pressed the standard edition of this vinyl on neon violet vinyl alongside a deluxe edition neon violet and white a-side/b-side vinyl for subscribers who’ve been with us for a year. This release is available exclusively through our Pairings Box and Coffee & Vinyl subscription services but is selling out quickly.

The post TK101: Mila Degray – Purple Ribbon EP appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

I cannot tell you how many times we’ve spun these tracks in our home. We were introduced to the music of Brooklyn-based songwriter Peter Wagner, who records as Furrows, by KEXP producer Owen Murphy and it was love at first listen. Wagner’s lyricism is vivid and poetic, his songwriting is atmospheric and cerebral. In other words, this is music you can get lost into. It’s music you can obsess over. And, for those reasons, it’s also the perfect record to mark our 100th release in this series.

As you’d expect, people are already beginning to take notice. Furrows have been featured in Under The Radar, The Big Takeover, Stereogum, and dozens of other outlets. His full length, Fisher King, is easily one of my ten favorite albums of 2022. Featuring three tracks from the album and a non-album bonus cut, I think you’re going to love this collection.

The a-side kicks off with the technicolor and shimmering cut “Grey Cities.” It’s a lush vibe of brisk, strummed acoustic guitar riffs and ghostly ambiance to accompany Wagner as he softly croons, “In the ruins, of this living memory we’re crawling up a stairway / to something real / in the open, unseen / Unseen, but always there.” A standout for sure.

It’s followed by the buoyant and dream-like single “Burial.” It’s based on a hypnotic rhythm and shimmering harmonics to accompany Wagner across a dusty, psychedelic landscape. It’s lush and absolutely gorgeous.

The b-side opens with a personal favorite the steady and wind-swept cut “Wasteland.” This one rolls along at an easy pace amid twinkling vibes and slow guitar strums: “Empty inner vision / Threading a broken design / Helpless are the hands that guide you.”

The collection closes out with the non-album single, “Never Here.” More crisp and grounded than the other tracks in the collection, Wagner is still plaintive his gaze still firmly directed towards the sky as he sings, “Now I’ve fallen into space among the stars / I’ll wait here till the end / All you have is all you’ve ever been.”

It’s a lush, vivid collection and we hope you love it as much as we do!

The post TK100: Furrows – Never Here EP appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

The post White Bike reimagines The Postal Service’s Give Up appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.

The post Top 6 Turntables of 2023: Reviews and Recommendations appeared first on Turntable Kitchen.