CD or Vinyl? Which One Should You Collect?

By Kayla Harper

 

It is ironic that in the era of accessible music streaming platforms, that are virtually inexpensive, physical formats of music have made a significant comeback.  Both vinyl records and CDs have increased in value as a response to the growing demand of avid collectors to own physical copies of their favourite albums.  With the popularity of physical formats, many artists and labels have fed into the hype by releasing exclusive variations of certain albums as well as other collectors items.  All of the discussion of album variations, audio gear and tech, as well as knowing which format is best for you (if not both!) can make it intimidating to start collecting.  So, if you are interested in starting your physical format music collection, but need help deciding which best fits your lifestyle, continue reading to find out from an avid long-term collector of both CD and LPs.

Compact Discs (CDs)

Cost

CDs are typically cheaper to collect than LPs.  New CDs retail at roughly $12-$30 CDN (retrieved from Universal music and Warner music e-commerce stores). However, they can become pricey when buying exclusive collectors editions such as boxsets, if they are signed, or on a basis of rarity.  In addition, if you shop for CDs, new and used, at your local record stores rather than online or at chain businesses, you may find them for even better prices, sometimes under $10 CDN!

Equipment

There is a lot less that needs to be taken into consideration when finding the perfect set-up to listen to your CDs. In fact, most if not all vehicles have CD players built into them.  Further, it does not matter as much what kind of CD player you buy for your home, as CDs are not as impacted by this.  What does matter is the sound quality you desire of your CD player.  If you are not picky about excellent sound, you can still get decent sound out of virtually inexpensive CD players starting at roughly $50 CDN.  However, CD players and audio equipment can get pricey if you want an advanced, high-quality setup.  However, this is not necessary as, unlike vinyl, your CDs will not be damaged if they are played and handled carefully on a car stereo or basic CD player.

Sound Quality

CDs use digital sound, which is a replication to analog.  In modern days of streaming, most streaming services have options to contain higher quality replications of the analog sound files, so in many cases it is the same if not better quality than CDs.  From a technical standpoint, CDs are said to be better quality than vinyl as they do not have as much interference from external factors like turntable quality, dust/residue on the needle/vinyl surface, etc.  However, vinyl utilizes analog audio formats which have their own advantages which we will get further into under the vinyl portion of this article. Additionally, CDs tend to scratch and actually wear out faster with consistent play than vinyl records.

Maintenance

CDs are often packaged in plastic jewel cases, which make it difficult to damage the actual disc when it is being handled or transported in baggage, etc.  Even digipaks offer considerable protection.  The packaging of CDs is often exceptional on it’s own and they do not need any additional steps taken to maintain their condition.  However, CDs should still be handled with care as the discs can become scratched, and even crack if they are handled roughly, or with consistent use.  In addition, jewel cases and digipaks can also become damaged quite easily if they are dropped continuously, stepped on or under substantial weight, and otherwise handled carelessly.

CDs do not require an extreme amount of maintenance the way vinyl records do, but they may require a basic cleaning every once in a while if they are used frequently.  However, this is not too costly or difficult as it is no different than cleaning a DVD, if anyone remembers back when we still used those!

Convenience

CD literally stands for compact disc so, they tend to be more convenient to collect due to their size in comparison to the size of vinyl records.  The physical CD along with the equipment required to play CDs takes up a lot less room.  In addition, their size and packaging makes them flexible for transportation from place to place.  The position they are in, whether laying down, stacked or standing up right does not impact the long-term quality of your CDs because of this CDs are durable and long-lasting.

When it comes to being a collector, sometimes it is difficult to get your hands on exclusive releases either because of cost, demand or both.  In addition, we may also come across songs which were never released on a physical format, or are “unofficial releases.” In these cases, it may be nearly impossible to obtain a physical copy of that music.  No worries, this is not as big of an issue when collecting CDs because CDs are much easier and cheaper to get custom makes of since you can burn CDs from your own home with the proper equipment!

 

All in all,  CDs are a cheaper alternative to other physical formats, are somewhat durable, portable and low maintenance. They are readily available online, at many chain stores, but also most local music stores (which I recommend being your initial go-to).   Additionally, it can also be fun to burn your own CDs as it is not too difficult and can add some cool, custom items to your collection!  But when it comes to sound quality the collection of CDs is almost pointless in the age of streaming if that is what you are going for and they typically do not resell very high.  If you just want to collect inexpensive physical formats and do not care about an immersive sound experience than CDs are just fine!  However, this is not to undermine my other favourite mode of physical format music; vinyl.

 

Vinyl Records (LPs/EPs)

Cost

In comparison to CDs, vinyl is much more expensive. This price contrast, in part with regular inflation, is due to the limited amount of pressing plants and high demand. New LPs typically range from $30-$100 CDN (retrieved from Universal music and Warner music e-commerce stores).  However, this price can quickly become even higher when buying boxsets, exclusive collectors items,  standard albums with multiple LPs and on a basis of rarity.  Despite the high prices for new vinyl, adding used vinyl to your collection is more affordable as many local record stores carry used vinyl for anywhere from $6-$20 CDN (on average).

Equipment

Vinyl collectors need to invest a lot more into the proper equipment to play their records, as settling for the cheap turntable option can damage your records long-term, resulting in lost investments, and more money spent on replacing damaged items in your collection.  Though you can buy high-quality turntables with a built in pre-amp to avoid having to buy an amplifier, many vinyl enthusiasts who are also audio-snobs (this is not meant offensively, I resonate with you; I AM you), like to invest in a high-quality turntable, amplifier (with PHONO setting), and high-quality speakers, in order to achieve the best sound-system for their records.  In the end, many high-quality sounding systems can amount to well over $1000 CDN.

However, that is not to say that you cannot achieve an exceptional sounding system, with a good quality turntable for less.  If you are looking for a less-pricey, but still good-quality set-up, I would recommend checking out Audio Technica or TEAC turntables.  Many of these options come with built-in pre-amps, and have options to connect to bluetooth speakers (which are honestly not preferable for sound-quality, but they are not terrible and are inexpensive compared to alternatives), or can be hooked up to your choice of speakers.

Sound Quality

Vinyl records contain analog sound.  Essentially this means they are as accurate to the original master recording of that particular album as it gets.  Many people report music sounding richer, fuller, and warmer, almost like the artist is playing the music live in the room with them  when they listen to vinyl.  Analog sound is what digital MP3 files on streaming services as well as CDs are trying to replicate as closely as possible for the best sound, vinyl does not have to replicate analog sound because that is what it is.  Of course, the sound quality of records can be impacted by the sound system we play them on, how often we clean them as well as how we store them.

 

Maintenance

In order to get long-term use and quality out of your vinyl collection they require some regular maintenance.  Like CDs, vinyls can collect dust, pet-hair and residue easily, this can impact the overall sound of your record, but also scratch and damage it.  So, they should be cleaned regularly with the proper tools.  This can be done with static brushes during regular use, but it would be wise to invest in a spin-clean system to give your records a more thorough clean on occasion. However, this is not entirely necessary as records were not always cleaned to such an extent back in their day.  I now own original records of my grandpa’s from the 70s and they still play exceptionally well even though they’ve collected dust and the odd scratch.  Cleaning is recommended though if you want to keep the quality of your records in pristine condition.

In terms of storage, vinyl records should ideally be stored away from heat, standing upright (not stacked or laying down), and not packed too tightly or angled too heavily, to avoid warping overtime.  A popular preference for at-home vinyl storage is the IKEA cube shelves, which are the perfect dimensions to fit your collection standing upright.  To maintain the quality of your records while they are being stored, it is recommended to invest in inner sleeves and outer sleeves.  Inner-sleeves are superior to the paper sleeves that usually come with vinyl records because they are less likely to scratch or leave residue on your vinyl in long-term storage and regular use.  Outer-sleeves are recommended to maintain the sleeve and gate-fold of the vinyl, this usually contains art work special to the album.  Of course, these sleeves are not mandatory and you can get by without them, many records I own of old collections still play just fine, but they do preserve the quality and life of your records.

Aside from the actual records, your turntable should also be cleaned and restored on a regular basis to maintain the quality of your records and the sound of your turntable.  This includes: investing in the proper slipmats; cork and rubber are of popular preference because they do not accumulate as much static or dust which can damage your records or the sound, however, felt mats are just fine too; cleaning the stylus (needle) with regular use as it also collects dust and residue which can impact the sound quality and damage the records.  In addition the stylus should be replaced every couple of years depending on the amount it’s used and what kind of needle you have.  Typically, the higher the quality of the stylus, the longer playing time you have before it should be replaced.  This is usually specified on the packaging or the website of the brand which you decide to buy.

Convenience

Vinyl records take up more space than CDs and so you’ll need to consider this when you start growing your collection because they also have to be stored a specific way as was previously discussed.  In addition to the records themselves, your audio set-up (turntable, speakers and possibly amp) will take up more room.  However, when compared to CDs for overall longitude and playing life, vinyls even when not cared for meticulously, will usually outlive CDs.  CDs can become damaged and cracked much easier than a vinyl record, especially if you are using the maintenance tips from this article.

When it comes to collecting vinyl, like CDs, there are many exclusive releases or albums that were never officially released on vinyl which are pressed on unofficial bootleg vinyl.  Since this can sometimes be difficult for collectors to get their hands on, or if they want to make their own custom vinyl, it is possible, but often more expensive than burning a CD since you usually have to pay another company to do it.  Depending on where you get it done, and who does it, the quality may also be less than if it were an official pressing.  However, they are still fun to collect!

 

From reading about how vinyl is more expensive, higher maintenance, and a more elaborate set-up you may be leaning towards CDs.  However, this article was not meant to undermine the feeling you get when you pick out a record from your collection, put it on and close your eyes. It is one that not even a CD can match.  The rich tones of the analog sound make it feel as if the artist is playing in the room with you, this is something that no other physical or digital format of music can match.  As well as the ultimate longitude and playing life.

 

In conclusion, if you are going for the ultimate sound quality and are willing to invest in top-notch or even slightly advanced audio gear, vinyl records are the way to go.  If you do not care too much about sound and just want to collect for the fun of owning a physical format, CDs are convenient in size and more affordable.

Collecting physical formats is a fun hobby for any music lover because it introduces a new way to enjoy the albums we love.   Furthermore, many artists include additional treats in their physical album copies such as posters, photos and other collectibles.  There is also no better feeling than holding a physical copy of your favourite album for the first time.  If you are considering starting a collection of your own, I hope this article has helped you to determine which physical format fits your lifestyle best, and if you weren’t looking to start a collection before reading, I hope you are now! Get out there and start collecting!