A few weeks ago on HA (see: here), I mentioned that I was in the market for a vinyl player. Almost any vinyl player will do. I have no expertise in this field. Specifically, though, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO in satin green was on the top of my mind. I fantasized about friends coming together, socializing about political affairs, nursing on dry gin martinis (with olives) and listening to that underrated Lykke Li album.
Since that post, the algorithm gods really did their part in ensuring I live out my aforementioned fantasy. One day, I received a notification from Google that the vinyl player that I have been eyeing on was on sale. Yes, that one. The elusive satin green that was out of my budget. I knew I didn’t want to spend $871, but I knew $500 was reasonable. I clicked on the link that sent me to SSENSE. I thought about it really hard. I did some mental sprinting and some basic math. Could I actually afford this right now? I placed it in my cart. And removed it multiple times.
Ultimately, in the span of an hour, I purchased it. The psychology of SSENSE stating that there’s only a few remaining made it ever more urgent. Or any company who participates in this feature. Ugh. As someone who over-saves, this was an impulse, but premeditated purchase. I wanted to buy something fun for us to enjoy because what if the apocalypse arrives. (By the end of the day the satin green version was sold out!)
This was a birthday gift for Daniel. Selfishly, it was for me too. I, an amateur audiophile and Daniel who is much more advanced, would both consider this an investment purchase. It has good resale value too according to the audiophile nerds of Reddit.
At the time of purchase, I imagined a straightforward and rudimentary setup. Vinyl player + speakers (that I already own) = full setup. Turns out, owning a vinyl player is a full ass money trap. The required accoutrements alone. Don’t do it! New speakers. Mine were not compatible. Well, kind of, but not great. A table for the player. Or we could just leave it on the floor? And records. I underestimated the cost per record. They’re truly so so expensive.
As costly as this has been, I couldn’t think of it going any other way. Playing music on on vinyl is hands on and tactile. Touching buttons on a screen just doesn’t hit. There’s due process for you to play music. It’s cumbersome, but rewarding. Opting inconvenience for a better listening experience. The first album I really wanted was, of course, Lykke Li’s EYEYE. Which I purchased a few days later. The analog process of playing music is unrivalled. It feels warm and soothing.
Perry