The resurgence of vinyl and record players is more than a passing phase, with the ongoing demand for vinyl showing no signs of fading.

In the UK over 6.7 million vinyl LPs were sold in 2024 an increase of 9.1 % versus sales in 2023.

• Younger audiences, in particular Gen Z are now surprisingly a key driver in the ongoing demand and popularity of them.

Why the appeal remains strong

There are many reasons why we are turning back to vinyl albums and record players:

• Tactility & ownership: With streaming, music is intangible. Vinyl provides something you can hold, display, interact with, album art and notes, the physical activity of placing the needle to start playing.
• Listening mindset: Many vinyl users say that the ritual of playing an LP encourages more intentional, immersive listening, and makes for a better leisure activity.
• Sound and design: While not everyone agrees it’s always “better sound,” many appreciate the aesthetic of turntables, vinyl collections, and dedicated setups.
• Collecting: Limited edition discs, coloured vinyls, record‑store culture, and communities all feed into the vinyl resurgence and the ongoing popularity of the hobby. The fact that independent record shops are thriving again in the UK is a delight to see for us as an independent retailer.

Of course, the vinyl revival isn’t just about records, it’s also about listening to them. That means the turntable becomes a integral part of the setup. As records continue to be popular,  the demand for good turntables does not fade.

• A need for quality playback: unpredictable or poor setups can ruin the experience
• A rising expectation of style as well as function: people truly into their music will often treat their turntable and vinyl setup as part of their home décor and lifestyle, not just a “retro gadget”.
• A wider range of formats and features: turntables now often take advantage of advances in technology. Many now come with modern features including Bluetooth, USB, and compact technologies to help cater to space conscious buyers.

Our guide to getting it right

Putting a turntable on any old surface should work, but why would you if you are serious about enjoying vinyl? When want your setup to look right and last, then the turntable stand that you choose becomes surprisingly important.

1. Getting more consistent sound quality

• External vibrations (footsteps, speakers booming, floor flex) can cause problems with payback such as skips, distortion, and poor tracking.
• The most important factor when choosing a record player and hi‑fi equipment stand is to ensure the turntable is placed on a sturdy, level surface… Ideally … isolated from the floor as much as possible to prevent unwanted vibrations.

2. Long lasting care for your equipment and records

• Your vinyl and your stylus will always benefit from having a good home setup. A shaky surface or one that transmits vibrations can accelerate wear and fatigue in what can be quite sensitive equipment. As well as this is can also be a clear cause of poor playback.
• Many stands offer dedicated storage for the records themselves. This helps prevent leaning, warping, dust accumulation or damage for your record. And of course is much more convenient with everything safely in one place.

3. Functional organisation & ergonomics

• Having a stand built or chosen for the job means you can integrate space for your records, accessories, speakers or pre‑amps. Instead of a messy and disorganised pile of gear, you get a streamlined, convenient setup.

4. Living room looks

• The setup is often a visual focal point in a living space or dedicated listening room. A stand that complements your décor matters. Design, material, finish—they all play a part.

5. Looking to the future

• If your vinyl habit grows, you’ll be wanting plenty of storage capacity. Along with ample space for speaker and amp integration, cable‑management, and generally good accessibility to all parts. Choosing a decent stand from the start will be sure to save you headaches later.
• Materials and build quality matter. Cheaper furniture may sag under the weight of a heavy turntable and your growing collection of records, or transmit unwanted resonance.

Choosing a Good Record Player Stand: What to Look For

Here are some criteria we have put together to help you pick a record player or hifi stand that will support your turntable and vinyl hobby.

• Stability/weight: A heavier and generally sturdier base always helps. Try to avoid hollow or wobbly shelving if you can.
• Vibration isolation: Look for stands with built‑in inculation against vibrations such as rubber feet, spikes, damping materials on the shelf brackets, or at least capabilities to add your own.
• Level surface & height: Obviously you want to make sure the top shelf is level wherever you place your set up; the height should also allow comfortable operation of turntable and tonearm.
• Size/depth: Make sure you measure your equipment and check the useable width depth and height of the unit you like
• Vinyl storage: If you have or plan to build a vinyl collection, it is a good idea to look for a unit with shelving or compartments sized for LPs.
• Cable management / accessory space: Helps keep things tidy and looking good
• Material & build quality: Solid wood, thicker metal frames, reinforced joints—better quality equals better performance and longevity.
• Aesthetic match: Be sure to choose a style that works with your room; whether retro wood, industrial metal, minimalist modern.  Over at Price Crash Furniture we have plenty of styles, colours and sizes to chose from
• Budget vs performance: Cheaper stands can work for a basic home set up if you don’t have lots of equipment. But for heavy setups or ultimate audiophile goals, spending will pay off.