How to enjoy physical music without breaking the bank

Young people have grown up in a world of digital music, with every tune just a few clicks away at little to no cost. But that’s not stopping them embracing the more expensive alternative of buying physical music.

In fact, figures from Aviva show that nearly one in five (18%) 18 to 28-year-olds own a vinyl record player, along with 16% of people aged 29 to 44.

And overall, more than a third of us (34%) own a record player, a cassette player or a vintage radio.

It’s easy to understand why.

There’s something special about putting on a record or CD, poring over the artwork and leafing through the sleeve notes. And as for the analogue sound on an vinyl LP - it’s like nothing else. 

But it can be an expensive hobby.

So how can you enjoy physical music without spending more than you can afford?

1. Buy music second-hand

If you want to start or grow your physical music collection, the second-hand market is your best friend.

You can find countless bargains in charity shops, local record fairs, online marketplaces like Vinted and car boot sales - and many of them will be as good as new.

So if you’re on a budget and on the lookout for classic albums that everyone should own, like Rumours, Sgt Pepper and Abba Gold, start here.

And you might even find a few hidden gems, obscurities and deep cuts along the way.

Just remember to check the condition before buying.

You don’t want to end up wasting money on scratched records that don’t play.

2. Don’t feel pressured into buying a high-end sound system

If you’re looking for recommendations online, you’ll soon find audiophiles insisting you need a high-end turntable, amplifier and speakers.

But entry-level players or a good-quality second-hand record player, paired with decent speakers or headphones, are more than good enough if you’re listening to music at home for fun.

So don’t be put off by reviews warning you against more affordable devices.

Listening to music doesn’t have to come with a price tag of thousands of pounds.

3. Set yourself a budget for buying albums

Instead of buying records or CDs on impulse, decide in advance how much you’re willing and able to spend on music each month.

If you set a budget and stick to it, you’ll be able to treat yourself to a new album and really enjoy it, without worrying about the financial consequences.

4. Don’t feel you have to buy everything

A record collection doesn’t have to be huge and you don’t need to own every release by your favourite artist.

Just having a few carefully chosen favourites can be enough for most people, especially if you don’t have lots of space at home.

5. Listen before buying

One advantage of streaming is that you can try before you buy.

So listen digitally before you decide whether it’s worth forking out for the physical album and adding it to your collection.

Music’s there to be listened to and enjoyed, so this approach can help you avoid wasting money on albums that you’re unlikely to play more than once.

6. Look after your equipment

Music players will come with storage and maintenance instructions, so make sure you know how to look after them and ensure they last longer.

7. Build your collection over time

Finally, don’t be afraid to start small.

Every music lover’s record collection began with a single disc, so you can’t expect to build it all overnight.

Take your time, shop around for bargains and only buy those albums you know you'll come back to again and again. 

You can then grow your collection naturally - and at the same time, keep your finances on track.