It’s that time of year – the holidays are looming and you’ve found yourself searching for Christmas gift inspiration for the vinyl collector in your life.
Having worked in the industry for some time, I have offered hi-fi component, turntable, accessory, and vinyl storage recommendations for longer than I care to admit. So, in this guide, I’ll share with you the best gifts for vinyl lovers that have come up over the years!
In a hurry?
Here are our favourite vinyl gifts on the market right now:
| Ortofon 2M Red | A premium option over stock cartridges, and it has great upgradability itself. | Find out more |
| Spin Clean Vinyl Cleaning System | A go-to for mass cleaning sessions of record collections, making the process quick and easy. | Find out more |
| Pro-Ject Phono-box MM | An excellent phono stage with good value for money, outperforming most built-in phono stages in amps and turntables. | Find out more |
The best gifts for vinyl lovers
1. Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Available as stylus, cartridge, and headshell
- Easy upgrade path
- Exceptional sound quality
To start, let’s talk about the Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge – a gift that any vinyl enthusiast will appreciate, especially if they’re looking for a step up from the “stock” stylus.
Known for delivering impressively clear, rich sound, this cartridge is a solid upgrade that’s compatible with a range of headshells, meaning you’re giving a gift that won’t sit in a drawer waiting for the right setup.
The 2M Red comes with an elliptical diamond stylus, which offers precise tracking and clarity that lets listeners experience the most from their favourite records. It’s also exceptionally durable, making it an easy choice for anyone serious about vinyl while also remaining an accessible upgrade.
This is also available as a premounted headshell fit for S- or J-shaped tonearms, meaning that should your gift recipient wish to plug and play and not fiddle with tiny screws and cables, they can.
2. Spin Clean Vinyl Cleaning System
- Quick and easy use for mass record cleaning
- Cleans both sides of the record simultaneously
- Includes wash fluid, drying cloths, one pair of brushes, and rollers
The Spin Clean Vinyl Cleaning System is for someone who wants to spend an afternoon or entire weekend deep cleaning their record collection.
A microfibre cloth and anti-static brush will suffice for quick cleaning, however, if you are or know a collector who has boxes and boxes of records, this vinyl cleaning system is an efficient way to work through them all.
Comprising wash fluid, drying cloths, one pair of brushes, and rollers, the all-in-one kit makes for a very convenient gift.
All your recipient will need to do is fill the bath with diluted cleaning fluid, spin the record three times, and dry the record. Easy!
3. Pro-Ject Phono Box MM
- Dedicated external phono-stage
- MM input
- Small and compact
A phono stage is an un-sung hero for any good record setup.
If your lucky gift recipient has a turntable with a phono stage built-in or an amplifier with one, they’ll be all set.
However, offloading this duty to an external dedicated phono stage will make a dramatic difference.
Its job is to take the minimal voltage of the stylus and bring it up to a level an amplifier can understand as well as add in all the low frequencies that aren’t inherently picked up by the stylus. We recommend the Pro-Ject Phono Box MM as a great Christmas gift that someone will actually use!
4. Ortofon 2M Blue Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Available as stylus, cartridge, and headshell
- All Ortofon cartridges are built on the same platform, making them interchangeable
- The elliptical design sits deeper in record grooves
The Ortofon 2M Blue, the “bigger brother” of the 2M Red, is the ideal upgrade for anyone who loves the 2M Red but wants to get even more from their vinyl collection.
With its nude elliptical diamond stylus, the 2M Blue sits deeper in the grooves of each record, pulling out details you may have never noticed. This brings out clearer highs and fuller lows, making music sound remarkably fresh.
The 2M Blue is easy to work into any setup. It’s available in three forms: a stylus if you’re moving up from the 2M Red, the full cartridge for a complete change, and a headshell version that’s pre-mounted and ready to go, fit for S- or J-shaped tonearms.
The 2M Blue is, again, another easy upgrade for a vinyl enthusiast, that will make a considerable difference.
5. Pro-ject Clean-IT Carbon Fibre Stylus Brush
- Delicate stylus cleaning brush
- Made of conductive carbon fibres
- Maintains optimal sound and eliminates static charges
When it comes to vinyl, having a nice stylus and setup is great, but dust is the bane of any collection. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to pick out cat hairs and dust from my setup before I could enjoy it!
I can honestly say that this little Pro-ject Clean-IT brush has made a difference in my life. It’s super important to keep a stylus clean, as it’s such a tiny point where even a single hair or speck of dust becomes a mountain.
A build-up on the needle not only interferes with tracking but it won’t do your stylus any favours either.
So, while it might seem like a small tool, this brush is invaluable.
6. Show And Listen LP Frame
- Fits all standard record sleeves
- Display your favourite records
- Easily wall mountable
Most music lovers can name their top five albums with ease, though their number one pick often changes with the seasons, moods, or life events.
If your loved one won’t pass on the opportunity to show off their favourite record, why not gift them something that displays their vinyl in all its glory?
For serious collectors, the Show and Listen LP Frame is an ideal way to feature rarer finds – like a signed record, an original pressing, or a prized piece that’s not often played but deserves to be proudly shown.
It can be hung on the wall like a picture, presenting the artwork of the album in a sophisticated fashion.
7. AVCOM Complete Turntable Maintenance Kit
- An all-in-one kit to keep a turntable in optimal condition
- Includes set-up tools, cleaning equipment, and digital weighing scales
- Comes in an aluminium case
We’ve covered some gift ideas for those who already know their way around vinyl and turntables, but what about a gift for someone wanting to dive deeper into vinyl?
The AVCOM Complete Turntable Maintenance Kit has everything one needs.
Alongside the essentials like anti-static and stylus brushes, it includes an Azimuth gauge and a precise scale for setting the counterweight balance just right.
These tools help ensure the needle sits perfectly in the grooves and tracks smoothly, which is crucial to getting the best sound.
8. AudioQuest Conductive Carbon Fibre Record Cleaning Brush
- Removes static from records with ease
- Non-scratch brush
- Carbon fibres don’t hold static charge for continuous use
Back to the topic of cleaning, not only is dust the bane of a record collection, but another issue you have to contend with is static.
In all honesty, there is not much you can do to prevent this, simply touching or existing around them will generate static.
You can improve the situation by using an anti-static brush like the AudioQuest Conductive Carbon Fibre Record Cleaning Brush to remove static from your vinyl, providing a smoother listening experience.
9. AVCOM Record Storage Rack, Black Triangle
- Suitable for up to five records
- Solid metal construction
- Practical yet stylish storage solution
If you cast your mind back about three ideas, you’ll remember the wall-mounted record display, but what if your friend or family member wants to store more than one vinyl with a stylish solution?
The AVCOM Record Storage Rack is a convenient way to house records while keeping them safe and secure.
It holds up to five records, keeps them spaced out for easy reorganisation, and presents them stylishly and practically.
10. Project Carbon EVO 2
- Carbon-Fibre tonearm
- Ortofon Pick-it cartridge pre-loaded
- Fully manual
So far, we’ve mainly discussed accessories to go with a pre-existing turntable setup, but what about gifting someone an entirely new turntable?
The Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 Turntable is a fantastic choice. It features a carbon tonearm, which is lightweight and rigid, and comes fitted with an Ortofon Pick-it cartridge – just a step below the 2M Red mentioned earlier.
To upgrade the stylus later, the 2M Red or 2M Blue can be swapped in easily.
The Evo 2 itself is a beautifully minimalist turntable, designed with a “less is more” philosophy that keeps the focus on quality and simplicity. It also comes in a variety of fun colours.
11. AVCOM Turntable Stroboscope and Needle Configurator
- Measures turntable rotational accuracy
- Protractor stylus guide on the reverse side
- Sits in place of a record
The AVCOM Turntable Stroboscope and Needle Configurator is a handy tool for checking that your turntable’s rotational speed is steady.
Placed on the turntable platter, the stroboscope’s lines will appear to blur into a stable pattern when the speed is consistent, making it invaluable for perfecting a new setup or fine-tuning a more manual deck.
On the reverse side, you’ll find guides and protractors to help with precise tonearm alignment – a much better approach than just using your own judgement.
Spending a little time with these tools can make a noticeable difference in sound quality.
12. AVCOM Record Dampener
- Secures records to platter
- Minimises vibration and warping
- ABS and aluminium construction
The AVCOM Record Dampener preserves and maximises the performance of your vinyl. It screws down on the record and by flattening it, the dampener reduces vibrations and minimises warping.
You can have the most well-maintained setup in the world, but if your record is warped or the unit isn’t stable, the sound of your records can be affected.
This is why a handy accessory like the AVCOM Record Dampener can be so invaluable, making for a great gift for any vinyl lover!
13. AVCOM Record Collectors Unit
- Four spaces for records
- Dedicated amplifier shelf
- Stylish walnut finish
For a more substantial storage solution to house an ever-growing record collection and condense the mess of cables into one unit, the AVCOM Record Collectors Unit is perfect.
There are four compartments for records, a space for an amp, and a shelf for the turntable.
This is a fantastic gift for any vinyl collector looking to create a stylish hi-fi setup or condense and neatly display their beloved records.
FAQs
Why are people buying vinyl again?
The resurgence of vinyl comes down to a few things, not only is it now in fashion to have a record player, but music lovers have also recognised that with the right setup, the higher level of detail and audio purity from vinyl will sound better than any digital formats. There’s also the tangible, ritualistic act of putting a record on, which can bring you a lot closer to the music than a streaming service.
How can you tell if vinyl is good quality?
You can tell if vinyl is good quality by looking at the record in good lighting and identifying any scratches. If you can see a scratch, you’ll also be able to hear it on playback. When buying second-hand records, check for warping. If you look at the edge of the record you should be able to see if the record is nice and flat or wobbly.
Why do audiophiles love vinyl?
Audiophiles tend to love vinyl primarily due to its audio resolution. Vinyl brings an analogue warmth to the sound. There’s also the ritualistic process of putting a record on – something many enthusiasts gravitate toward. Digital formats operate on a sample-per-second basis, typically 44,100 data chunks per second. Vinyl, being analogue, is essentially continuous and not limited by the read and write speeds of digital media.
Final thoughts
In summary, there are lots of things on the market that a vinyl enthusiast would love this Christmas. Everything from a phono stage to a stylus brush is a useful bit of kit, meaning you can find some really convenient and exciting stocking fillers as well as a whole new turntable!
Whether they’re trying vinyl for the first time or a seasoned veteran, anything on our list of the best gifts for vinyl lovers will ensure they enjoy their records for years to come.
Everything being said, most of our gift ideas wouldn’t get you very far without actually having a turntable. If you’re looking for some knowledge on how to pick out your first turntable, check out our guide to the best record players for beginners.
Or if you or someone you know has a vinyl collection that is spilling out beyond its designated room, take a look at our favourite vinyl record storage solutions.
And to build a hi-fi system from scratch, here is our complete guide to putting together your setup.
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