Q I am a musician and especially enjoy classic rock. Over the past few months I have built a system around your recommendations, specifically the Acculine A3 tower speakers, Pro-Ject Debut III turntable, and a vintage NAD receiver. To say I am happy is an understatement! I've never been happier with an audio purchase than I have been with the Acculine speakers, and I am falling in love with my old record collection as I hear sounds on them I never had before.
Notice I said, "old record collection." Unfortunately, no one sells new vinyl anymore and I am finding I prefer the sound of records to my CD player. Do you know anywhere I can get new music, or brand-new copies of older recordings on vinyl?
ERIK HARRIE, BETHEL PARK, PA.
A Congratulations on putting together such a nice system for vinyl playback. I've long thought that every music lover should have a turntable in their system not only for the warm, magical sound quality, but for the depth and breadth of music that is available on vinyl. The low prices make it easy to build a great collection, and there is so much music to explore that will never see the light of day on CD.
Several online retailers offer new vinyl. The best I have seen is Musicdirect.com, which has more than 3,000 offerings. Other choices are Themusic.com, which has 707 titles. You can try Lpnow.com for new, out-of-print records. At Musicdirect.com I found titles by artists such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. You probably won't find everything you're looking for, but you are sure to find titles that will make you smile -- at least until you see the price, which can be up to $50 for a two-LP, import version. Most are $30, more than a CD but your only option if only the best will do.
My hometown, Pittsburgh, has one of the best used record stores in the world, Jerry's Records. If you visit Soundadviceblog.com and click on "Field Trips," you can take an online tour of Jerry's store. Jerry is a warm, wonderful and funny man, and the story behind his store is a great read. He has 1.5 million-plus records for sale, and if you are a vinyl lover, you will want to hop in your car and take a field trip of your own. Just be sure to bring lots of cash! Jerry's prices are very low and the records are very clean, but there is so much good stuff there you might need a moving van to take it home.
