A vinyl record is one long groove, wound into a spiral. Your turntable's needle rides inside that groove and turns its tiny bumps into music. It is a simple idea, made with a lot of care.
In this guide: how a record is made, why vinyl is booming again, how to look after your collection, and an easy way to start with a Denon turntable.
How a Vinyl Record Is Made
- The master is cut. The music is cut into a soft lacquer disc by a fine cutting needle. This is the original, and it can only be used once.
- The stamper is made. The lacquer is coated in metal, usually nickel, to create a hard negative copy called a stamper. One stamper is made for each side of the record.
- The record is pressed. A hot lump of PVC plastic, called a biscuit, is placed between two stampers with the paper labels on either side. A press squeezes it flat into a disc, and the grooves are pressed into the surface.
- It is trimmed and cooled. The extra plastic at the edge is trimmed off and the record cools flat.
- It is checked and packed. Records are inspected, then slipped into inner sleeves and covers.
That is why a record is a physical thing: the music is shaped into the plastic itself.
Why Vinyl Is Back
- Sales keep growing. US vinyl revenue passed $1 billion in 2025, up 9.3%. It was the first time since 1983 and the 19th year of growth in a row (RIAA data, as reported by Music Week).
- It feels special. Large artwork, liner notes and the small ritual of putting a record on make music feel like an event.
- You listen properly. A record side lasts about 20 minutes. You sit down and listen to the album, instead of skipping songs.
- It's a collectible. Limited editions, coloured pressings and signed copies are loved by fans.
Young listeners are driving it. Many want something more hands-on than a streaming app. - Sound. Many listeners enjoy the warm, natural feel of analogue sound. Whether vinyl is "better" is a matter of taste, but the experience is hard to match.
How to Look After Your Records
Handling
- Hold records by the edges and the center label. Never touch the grooves.
- Put a record back in its sleeve straight after playing.
Cleaning
- Brush with a carbon-fibre brush before each play.
- For deeper cleaning, use a proper record cleaning solution and a soft cloth. Do not use household cleaners.
Storage
- Store records upright, like books. Stacking them flat causes warping.
- Keep them away from heat, sunlight and damp. A car or a sunny shelf is a bad place.
- Replace dusty or torn inner sleeves with clean ones.
The turntable
- Clean the needle (stylus) gently from back to front with a stylus brush.
- Keep the dust lid down when not playing.
- A needle wears out with use, so ask your dealer when to replace it.
Start With a Denon Turntable
Denon has been a trusted name in hi-fi for decades, and its turntables are made for easy starts. The Denon DP-300F is a good example.
- Fully automatic. Press one button and the arm lifts, plays and returns on its own. This also helps protect your records.
- Belt drive. A design known for smooth, quiet spinning.
- Built-in phono preamp. Records need a small boost before an amplifier can play them. This one has it built in, so you can connect it to powered speakers or an amplifier without extra boxes.
- Upgrade-friendly. The cartridge can be changed later when you want to improve the sound.
- Solid base. A heavy plinth helps cut vibration for a steadier sound.
It suits anyone who wants to enjoy records straight away, without a complicated setup.
A simple vinyl system: Denon turntable + powered speakers (or an amplifier and bookshelf speakers) + a few records you love. That is all you need.
Check current models and specs with PRO FX before you buy- visit www.profx.com.
Quick Answers
Do I need a separate phono preamp? Not with a turntable that has one built in, like the Denon DP-300F. Otherwise you do.
Are CDs or vinyl cheaper? CDs usually cost less than new records.
How often should I clean my records? Brush them before each play and deep clean when they look dusty or sound noisy.
Can I play records on any speakers? You need an amplifier or powered speakers. The PRO FX team can help you choose.
Ready to Spin?
Want help choosing a turntable, speakers or an amplifier to go with it? The PRO FX team will help you put together a vinyl setup that fits your room and budget. Get in touch with us.