Small Luxuries: Vinyl

Small Luxuries: Vinyl is the perfect guide and gift book for both aspiring and veteran vinyl record and turntable enthusiasts.  Alongside images showcasing the most popular vintage and collectible turntables among today’s growing ranks of enthusiasts, knowledgeable longtime stereo and music journalist Ken Micallef walks you through the history of turntables and vinyl records, as well as notable manufacturers and models, explanations of how turntables work together with amplifiers and speakers, advice for collecting both hi-fi gear and vinyl records, and more. The book includes insights into many aspects of the growing vinyl hobby, including: - History and Technology – Beginning with the Victrola and continuing through today’s precision turntables, Micallef highlights key points in the evolution of the turntable, its basic workings, and proper setup and maintenance.- Historic Brands and Models – From classic makes like Dual, Thorens, Linn, and Technics to modern favorites from names like U-Turn, Pro-Ject, and Rega, the book features an array of storied manufacturers and models past and present, including details of their origins and features, and addresses the eternal vintage vs. modern debate.- Collecting Vinyl – When it comes to collecting records themselves, there is plenty to take into consideration, and Micallef brings his hard-earned knowledge to bear on everything from the most collectible albums to understanding grading systems and pressings, and caring for and enjoying your growing collection. Driven in part by a desire for a more intimate connection to the music we enjoy, and in part by a return to more tactile experiences in an increasingly digital world, vinyl records continue to be a profitable segment of the recorded music business and a popular hobby among audiophiles and music lovers. Small Luxuries: Vinyl is the ideal companion for these enthusiasts, whether they are just getting into the vinyl hobby or are more seasoned collectors. Small Luxuries celebrates the artistry of the everyday objects that shape our style and stories. Each volume explores the craft, culture, and character behind these beloved obsessions, revealing how they evolve into lifelong passions. Richly illustrated and insightfully written, the series is a tribute to the makers, materials, and memories that turn familiar belongings into extraordinary icons of personal expression and style. Also available from the series:- Small Luxuries: Watches- Small Luxuries: Film Cameras- Small Luxuries: Sneakers

Ken Micallef is a New York–based freelance journalist, contributing to Stereophile Magazine, AnalogPlanet.com, and Downbeat. Ken spends his spare time buying/selling vacuum tubes and growing his already-massive collection of jazz records, with a focus on the recordings of Eddie Lockjaw Davis and Trini Lopez. When in New York, Ken can be found most weekends at the Jazz Record Center.