VINYL 101

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES FOR VINYL RECORD COLLECTORS

Welcome to Latin Gold Records' comprehensive guide to vinyl collecting. Whether you're just starting your vinyl journey or looking to enhance your existing setup, this page offers curated resources to help you build the perfect listening experience and discover the best places to find records.

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ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

  • Your turntable is the heart of your vinyl setup, and choosing the right one depends on your listening preferences and budget.

    For Beginners Looking for Quality

    Audio Technica LP120

    • Price range: $250-300

    • Includes needle and slipmat

    • Solid entry-level turntable with good sound quality

    • Link to product

    Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

    For Dedicated Enthusiasts

    Technics Direct Drive 1200MK2

    A Note on All-in-One Systems: While convenient, all-in-one systems like Crosley briefcases sacrifice sound quality to accommodate multiple functions. They're fine for casual background listening, but if you're interested in experiencing vinyl's full potential, we recommend investing in separate components.

  • Your receiver or amplifier converts the turntable's signal into sound for your speakers.

    Key Considerations:

    • Ensure it has a PHONO INPUT specifically for turntables

    • Consider your space constraints and needed features

    Recommended Options:

    For Home Theater Setups

    • Pioneer receivers (5.1 or 7.1 channel)

    • Great if you want to integrate with your TV system

    • Link to example

    For Dedicated Vinyl Setups

    • Emotiva BasX TA1

    • Slim profile that fits in record cabinets

    • 2-channel with Bluetooth capability

    • Clean, crisp sound quality

    • Link to product

  • Your speakers determine the final sound quality of your system. Quality speakers are worth the investment.

    Recommended Brands:

    • Klipsch

    • Polk

    • Bose

    • B&W (Bowers & Wilkins)

    Pro Tip: You can often find quality used speakers on Facebook Marketplace or eBay for around $100. This is a great way to get high-end sound at an affordable price.

    For Modern Setups

    • B&W 600 Series

    • Slim, floor-standing design

    • Clean, precise sound profile

    • Link to product

    For Vintage Warmth

    • Vintage Bose 901s (1980s)

    • Warmer sound profile

    • May require more maintenance

    • Can be found used for $400-600

  • The right accessories can enhance your vinyl experience and protect your investment.

    Essential Accessories:

    • Big Fudge Cleaning Kit - Includes velvet brush, spray, and stylus cleaner

    • Premium Stylus Cleaner - Extends the life of your needle

    • Record Weight - Improves stability during playback

    • Anti-static Brush - Reduces dust and static before playing

    • Slipmat - a rubber or cloth slipmat will help stabilize your record without damage.

    • Speaker Wire

    • Record cartridge with needle

  • Proper storage extends the life of your records and makes your collection accessible.

    Popular Options:

    • IKEA Kallax - The standard for many collectors

    • Custom Record Cabinets - For a personalized touch

    • Record Cabinet and Storage (@record.cabinets in Glassell Park, CA)

  • Proper care ensures your records sound great for years to come.

    Recommended Cleaning Routine:

    1. Use an anti-static brush before and after playing

    2. Clean with a velvet brush and record cleaning solution monthly

    3. Keep your stylus clean with dedicated stylus cleaner

    4. Store records vertically in proper sleeves

    5. Handle records by the edges and label

Supporting Independent Record Stores

At Latin Gold Records, we believe in supporting the independent record store community that keeps vinyl culture thriving.

Why Shop Independent?

  • Direct support to small business owners and the vinyl community

  • Better artist compensation compared to big box retailers

  • More unique and rare finds

  • Knowledgeable staff who share your passion

  • Community building and connection

Record Store Directory

Supporting independent record stores helps sustain the vinyl community. Here's our curated list of the best places to find records.

  • Atwater Village/Los Feliz

    • Record Safari - Website

      • Run by Alex Rodriguez (Glasshouse/Coachella Record Stores)

      • Extensive selection across genres

      • Great prices on rare finds

    • Jackknife Records - Discogs

      • Currently online only through Discogs

    Glassell Park/Eagle Rock/Cypress Park

    • Permanent Records/Permanent Records Roadhouse - Instagram | Website

      • Bar/venue with record shop

      • Specializes in metal, goth, psych, and hard rock

      • Great Instagram feed with frequent updates

    • Pop Overbite Records (Eagle Rock) - Website

    Hollywood

    • Amoeba Records - Website

      • LA's iconic record store

      • Massive selection across all genres

    • Rubycon Records - Website

    • As the Record Turns - Website

    • The Record Parlour - Website

    • Counterpoint Books and Records (Franklin) - Website

    Silver Lake

    Echo Park

    • Cosmic Vinyl - Website

      • Coffee shop/record store combo

      • Great selection of surprise finds

      • Vegan goodies available

    • Sick City Records - Website

      • Formerly on Sunset Blvd

      • Known for punk, goth, and new wave

    Boyle Heights

    • Sonido de Valle - Website

      • Latin-owned shop

      • Exceptional dollar bins

      • Specializes in Latin, cumbia, salsa, jazz, ranchero

    Highland Park

    • Estuario - Website

      • Puerto Rican-owned

      • Focuses on world music and ambient

      • Original pressings of seminal Latin albums

    • The Artform Studio - Website

      • Run by Adrian Younge of Jazz Is Dead

      • Rare jazz, funk, soul, and Brazilian

      • Regular DJ performances

    • On Maritime - Website

      • Wide genre range

      • Great finds and hat selection

    • Arroyo Records - Website

      • Great dollar bins

      • Impressive wall selection

    • Rappcats - Website

    • Gimme Gimme Records - Website

    Pasadena Area

    The Valley

    • CD Trader - Website

      • Only dedicated record store in the Valley

      • Extensive selection for crate digging

    • Run Out Groove (Burbank) - Website

    • The Midnight Hour (San Fernando Valley) - Website

    • Yes Baby Vintage (Burbank) - Website

    • Atomic Records (Burbank) - Website

    • Hear Me Out/Licorice Pizza (Ventura Blvd) - Website

    • Freakbeat Records (Sherman Oaks) - Website

    Pop-Up Vendors

    • El Marchante - Instagram

      • Latin American and Caribbean music specialists

      • Great source for Fania Records

    • WeShare Records - Instagram

      • Japanese-owned

      • Specializes in city pop and funk/soul

      • Frequent ISC Record Fairs at Homage Brewery

    Downtown LA

    • In Sheep's Clothing/ISCHiFi - Website

      • Started as an audiophile bar in Arts District

      • Now on Fairfax Blvd with NYC location

      • Hosts listening sessions

    • Going Underground Records - Website

    • CommonWave HiFi - Website

    • The Last Bookstore - Website

    • Music Plaza (K-Town) - Website

    West Side

    • Dusty's Records - Website

    • Revolution Records (Melrose) - Website

    • Nivessa (Pico) - Website

    • The Record Collector (Fairfax) - Website

    • Quality Electronics x DJ Repair Shop (Santa Monica Blvd) - Website

    • Record Surplus (Santa Monica) - Website

    • Headline Records (Melrose) - Website

    • Supervinyl (Melrose) - Website

    • Deadly Wax (Chatsworth) - Website

    • Asteroid Vinyl (Inglewood) - Website

    • Soundsations (Westchester) - Website

    • Angel City Records - Website

    • High Fidelity - Website

      • Latin-owned

      • Classic rock, funk, and jazz

      • Collaborated with Grammy Museum for Black History Month 2023

    Long Beach

    Other LA Area

    • Sanfords Vintage (Pico Rivera) - Website

    • Moonshine Records (Whittier) - Website

    • Lovells (Whittier) - Website

    • Rhino Records (Montclair) - Website

    • Record Recycler (Torrance) - Website

    • Boogie Maru Sounds (Torrance) - Website

    • Black Hole Records (Torrance) - Website

    • Bionic Records (Buena Park) - Website

    • PM Sounds (San Pedro) - Website

    • Dr. Strange (Rancho Cucamonga) - Website

    • Spinning Plates (Covina) - Website

    • Glasshouse Record Store - Website

      • Curated by Coachella record store manager

      • Sources from across the US

      • Physical shop in Pomona (check for current status)

    • Mono Records -Website

      • Run by John

      • Affordable vinyl and rare African finds

      • Local pickup available off the 110

    • Paradise City Records -Website

      • Disco, house, world music

      • Specialty in unusual finds

    • Driptone Records -Instagram

      • Specializes in punk, metal, Japanese imports

      • Appears at Los Feliz Flea

    • Kultura Ink -Instagram

      • Latin-owned

      • Rare Latin music at reasonable prices

      • Appears at LA record fairs

    • Light in the Attic Records -Website

      • Independent label specializing in obscure reissues

    • 818 Records -Website

    • Latin Gold Records -Website

    • Stellar Remnant -Website

    • Shaka Sounds -Website

    • Econojamsounds -Website

    • Straight Wax Homie -Website

    • Vinyl Me Please -Website

      • Monthly vinyl subscription

      • Includes art print and cocktail recipe

      • Focuses on classic, out-of-print albums

    • JB's Record Lounge -Website

      • Based in Atlanta

      • Deep soul and funk selections

    • Brittany's Record Shop -Website

      • Based in Cleveland

      • New hip-hop releases and more

    • Funktrunk Records -Website

      • Based in Virginia

      • Rare grooves of funk, soul, jazz, and disco

    • Turntable City -Website

      • Based in South Carolina

      • Fast shipping and competitive prices

      • Exceptional funk and soul collection

  • SPAIN

    • Barcelona City Records (Barcelona, Spain) -Website

    • La Viniloteca (Palma, Mallorca) -Website

      • Natural wine bar and record shop combination

    • Discos Paradiso (Barcelona, Spain) - Website

    MEXICO CITY

    SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

    GREECE

This resource guide is maintained by Latin Gold Records and is updated regularly. Have a favorite record store that's not listed? Let us know and we'll add it to our directory!

Last Updated: March 17, 2025