Welcome to the blog hub for Rocky Mountain Records — the place where every article, guide, review, and story published on RMR lives in one convenient spot. Whether you’re brand new to vinyl records or a longtime collector chasing rare pressings and better sound, this page brings together all of our content in a single feed so you can easily explore everything the site has to offer.
At RMR, the goal is simple: help grow the vinyl community by making record collecting more approachable, more informed, and more fun. From turntable setup guides and beginner tips to deep dives on vintage audio gear, record store spotlights, vinyl care, cassette culture, CDs, hi-fi equipment, and music history, this page acts as the complete archive of our latest posts and featured content. If it relates to physical music media or the culture surrounding it, you’ll probably find it here.
While other sections of the site organize content into specific categories like vinyl basics, turntables, stereo gear, and collecting guides, this page is designed for discovery. It’s the best place to browse newly published articles, uncover hidden gems, and explore topics you may not have searched for directly.
Getting into Vinyl: What you Need to Know
This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know to start your vinyl journey, from choosing a turntable and speakers to buying your first records and understanding the basics of record care. Start building a vinyl collection you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Why Are Vinyl LP Records So Expensive…Or Are They?
Were records really cheaper in the past? We compare vinyl LP and CD prices from the 1970s through today, adjust them for inflation, and see what music actually cost compared with wages and everyday expenses.
Audiophile Records – Mobile Fidelity Original Master Recordings
What makes a Mobile Fidelity audiophile pressing different? We compare a MoFi Original Master Recording to an original pressing to find out what you can actually hear.
Rodriguez
Rodriguez - Cold Fact and the undiscovered genius.
What Is a Cutout Album? Why Records Got Marked, Drilled & Discounted
What are cutouts on records. Clipped, sawed, or punched, what is the deal.
How Much Is My Record Collection Worth?
Do CDs wear out from being played? Not like vinyl. Learn how long audio CDs can last, what causes CD rot, whether scratches matter, and how to protect your CD collection.
Jukebox History: How the 45 RPM Changed Music Forever
Do CDs wear out from being played? Not like vinyl. Learn how long audio CDs can last, what causes CD rot, whether scratches matter, and how to protect your CD collection.
Do CDs Wear Out? How Long Do Audio CDs Last?
Do CDs wear out from being played? Not like vinyl. Learn how long audio CDs can last, what causes CD rot, whether scratches matter, and how to protect your CD collection.
What to Expect when Selling Vinyl Records
Selling LPs to a Record Store If you're thinking about selling a large collection of vinyl records, you have plenty of options. You can sell the records yourself online, list them on Facebook Marketplace, or spend the time identifying, grading, photographing and selling individual records on Discogs. Or, you can [...]
Goldmine Magazine
Learn about Goldmine Magazine - the original Discogs.
Record Grading Explained
Vinyl grading explained in simple terms. Learn how record collectors grade vinyl records and album covers, what terms like Mint, Near Mint, Very Good Plus, and Good actually mean, and how condition affects a record’s value.
What is Anti Skate on your Turntable?
Learn how anti-skate works, how to set it correctly, and why proper adjustment can improve tracking, sound quality, and record and stylus life. This simple guide explains everything you need to know about setting anti-skate on your turntable.
Pioneer PL-50: It’s Built Better Than Many Modern Turntables
Back in the mid- to late-90s, I bought my first serious stereo system at an auction. It consisted of three pieces that, at the time, felt like the ultimate hi-fi setup: a Pioneer PL-50 turntable, a Pioneer SX-828 receiver, and a pair of Pioneer CS-99 speakers. I spent countless [...]
Why Japanese Vinyl Pressings Are So Highly Sought After
Discover why jazz lovers continue to embrace CDs for their exceptional sound quality, affordable prices, detailed liner notes, and vast selection of classic and modern recordings. Whether you're a longtime collector or just getting into jazz, compact discs remain one of the best ways to experience the music.
What Is an SACD? Why Super Audio CDs Are Making a Comeback
Discover why jazz lovers continue to embrace CDs for their exceptional sound quality, affordable prices, detailed liner notes, and vast selection of classic and modern recordings. Whether you're a longtime collector or just getting into jazz, compact discs remain one of the best ways to experience the music.
Why Jazz on CD Is Still One of the Best Ways to Listen
Discover why jazz lovers continue to embrace CDs for their exceptional sound quality, affordable prices, detailed liner notes, and vast selection of classic and modern recordings. Whether you're a longtime collector or just getting into jazz, compact discs remain one of the best ways to experience the music.
Fluance RT87 Review: Is the Upgrade Over the RT85 Worth It?
I upgraded from the Fluance RT85 with an Ortofon 2M Blue to the new RT87 flagship turntable and put it to the test. With upgrades like a carbon fiber tonearm, dual-plinth isolation, a heavier acrylic platter, and weight-based anti-skate, the RT87 refines an already excellent platform—but is it worth the extra $250? Here’s my real-world take after living with both.
Review: VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Hands-on review of the VPI HW-16.5 record cleaning machine covering build quality, vacuum performance, real-world workflow, noise, and whether it’s still worth it for serious vinyl collectors today.
Vinyl Record Static: Why It Happens and How to Remove It
Static electricity is one of the biggest frustrations for vinyl collectors. Learn why records become charged, how static affects playback, and the best methods for reducing dust, pops, and crackle.
Scavenged Goods
A punk-inspired vintage shop on Colfax where curated clothing, collectibles, and the occasional vinyl record come together in a tight, DIY-style retail space.
FM Denver: Fashion & Vinyl Records
FM is one of Denver's most unique destinations, combining fashion, art, events, and the excellent Love Vinyl Records shop under one roof on South Broadway.
Spaceman Guitars & Vinyl
Spaceman Guitars is a Lakewood music shop where guitars, vinyl records, turntable repairs, and old-school music culture come together under one roof.
Goldmine Vintage
Goldmine Vintage isn't a traditional record store, but its carefully curated vinyl section makes it a worthwhile stop for Denver music lovers exploring South Broadway. Hidden among the vintage clothing and retro treasures are records selected with passion rather than volume.
Electric City – HiFi Repair & Records
Electric City Repair & Records is a hidden gem for Colorado vinyl enthusiasts, offering vintage audio repair, turntable restoration, hi-fi equipment, and records in Westminster, Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain Record Show
A Denver vinyl lover’s dream, the Rocky Mountain Record Show brings together top record dealers, collectors, poster artists, and vinyl-only DJs for a full-day digfest at Denver Sports Castle. Expect crates of music, great energy, and food trucks to keep you going while you hunt for your next favorite record.
Do You Need a Turntable Tracking Force Gauge?
A tracking force gauge, sometimes called a tonearm scale, is one of the most useful tools for vinyl enthusiasts. This guide explains what it does, why proper tracking force matters, and how a simple gauge can help improve sound quality while protecting your records and stylus.
Bluetooth Turntables
Bluetooth turntables make vinyl more accessible than ever. By sending sound wirelessly to compatible speakers and headphones, they eliminate much of the complexity associated with traditional stereo systems. Whether you're just starting your record collection or looking for a simple listening solution, a Bluetooth turntable offers convenience today with the flexibility to upgrade to a wired setup later. Discover why wireless vinyl continues to grow in popularity among new and experienced collectors alike.
Drop to Pop Records & Curio
Drop To Pop Records and Curio is a Denver vinyl shop on North Broadway offering a curated selection of new and hard-to-find records across multiple genres, known for its knowledgeable staff and carefully chosen inventory.
Tru Records
Tru Records is a new Denver record store located on South Federal Boulevard, focused on buying, selling, and trading vinyl records while building a welcoming, community-driven space for music lovers. Recently opened after its grand opening, the shop is already becoming part of Denver’s growing vinyl scene. I haven’t visited yet, but it’s on my list and I’ll update this listing with firsthand impressions soon.
The Ultimate Gift for Music Lovers: A Turntable and the Soundtrack of Their Life
What if a gift could tell the story of someone's life? Pairing a turntable with records from every year—or every decade—they've been alive creates a deeply personal gift that blends music, memories, and nostalgia into something they'll enjoy for years to come. Perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, retirements, or any special occasion.
45 RPM Records Explained
45 RPM records helped define modern music culture, from jukeboxes and hit singles to today's audiophile pressings. Learn their history, why they have a large center hole, and whether they really sound better than LPs.
Denver Record Store Road Trip
A curated Denver record store road trip connecting the city’s best vinyl shops including Twist & Shout, Wax Trax, Recollect, Angelo’s, and Chain Reaction—plus map stops and a listening bar finish for the perfect vinyl day out.
Kissa Bars: How Japan Inspired Today’s Vinyl Listening Culture
Discover the history of Japanese jazz kissa bars and how their listening-first culture inspired today's vinyl bars, listening lounges, and record nights.
Vinyl Night at 4 Noses Brewing: Weekly Vinyl Events
Every Wednesday, 4 Noses Brewing in Denver hosts Vinyl Night, where guests can bring records to play, discover new music, and receive their first beer free. A must-visit event for local vinyl enthusiasts.
The Peach Crease Club: Bring Your Own Vinyl Nights
The Peach Crease Club combines vintage records, curated music, craft cocktails, and a welcoming 1970s-inspired atmosphere. Learn why this RiNo hotspot is becoming a favorite destination for Denver vinyl enthusiasts.
Vinyl Night at Odyssey Beerwerks | Weekly Vinyl Event in Arvada
Every Thursday, Odyssey Beerwerks hosts Vinyl Night, where guests bring records to play, enjoy beer specials, and participate in themed music evenings featuring everything from 80s classics to genre-focused playlists.
Vinyl Night at Fiction Beer Company
Fiction Beer Company hosts Vinyl Night twice each month, inviting Denver-area music lovers to bring their favorite records and help create the evening's soundtrack. A fun, low-key event for vinyl collectors and music fans alike.
Slipmats Explained: What They Are & What They Do
A simple guide to turntable slipmats—what they do, how they affect sound, and when to use them vs a rubber mat.
The Complete Guide to Turntable Parts
Confused by terms like cartridge, stylus, tonearm, platter, and anti-skate? This complete guide explains every major turntable component, what it does, and why it matters for vinyl playback.
Do Speaker Cables Really Make a Difference?
A no-nonsense guide to speaker wire, gauge, and banana plugs—focused on real-world home audio setups, not high-end audiophile theory.
Record Weights and Clamps: Upgrade or Meh?
Are record weights worth using on your turntable? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down what they actually do, when they help, when they don’t, and whether they’re a smart upgrade or just vinyl hype.
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at Odell Brewing’s Sloan’s Lake Brewhouse
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at Odell Brewing's Sloan's Lake Brewhouse gives Denver music fans a chance to share records, discover new artists, and enjoy an evening built around vinyl culture and community.
Why New Vinyl Records Pop & Crackle and How to Fix
Brand new vinyl records can still pop and crackle due to static, dust, paper sleeves, or setup issues—not just bad pressings. Learn the real causes and how to fix noisy records quickly.
Sony MegaStorage: How 2 CD Players Became 1 Giant Music Jukebox
A thrift store RCA CD changer kicked off a chain reaction that led to a daisy-chained Sony 300 and 400 CD changer system—and a 700-disc living room library I never planned to build.
Record Storage: Shelving, Cabinets & Display Solutions for Vinyl Collections
Looking for the best way to store your vinyl collection? Learn about IKEA Kallax shelves, Crosley storage furniture, credenzas, and other record storage solutions that keep your LPs organized, protected, and easy to browse.
How to Connect a Turntable to a Receiver (Phono Input vs Phono Preamp Explained)
Trying to hook up a turntable can be confusing if you don't have the right equipment. Do I need a phono preamp? Does my turntable have one? Learn more...
Protect Your Vinyl Records
Whether you own 20 records or 2,000, proper storage is essential for protecting your vinyl collection. Learn how to prevent warping, control humidity, organize albums, and keep your records sounding their best for decades.
Beginner Turntable Guide for Vinyl Collectors
A beginner-friendly guide to choosing your first turntable. Compare budget, mid-range, and upgradeable record players and learn the key features that matter most.
Denver’s Vinyl Listening Bars: Where Music Becomes the Main Event
Streaming made music more convenient. Vinyl listening bars are making it meaningful again. Across Denver, a new kind of nightlife has quietly emerged — spaces built around intentional listening, analog sound, curated vinyl selections, and the idea that music deserves more attention than background noise. Inspired by Japanese jazz [...]
Why Gen Z Says “Vinyls” (And Why Collectors Cringe)
Gen Z saying “vinyls” might sound wrong to longtime collectors, but it’s really just proof the format is still alive, evolving, and bringing new people into the hobby. And honestly—that’s a good thing.
MoFi, Analogue Productions, UHQR & Nautilus: What Audiophile Vinyl Pressings Actually Mean
Audiophile vinyl pressings from labels like Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, Analogue Productions, UHQR, and Nautilus often come with premium pricing and bold claims of superior sound. But what actually makes them different from standard pressings—and are they really worth it? Here’s a clear breakdown of how these records are made, why they cost more, and when they actually deliver a better listening experience.
White Label Promos vs. Test Pressings: What’s the Difference?
If you collect vinyl long enough, you’ll eventually encounter two terms that often get confused: white label promos and test pressings. At first glance they can look similar—both may have plain labels and minimal artwork - but they actually serve very different purposes in the record manufacturing process. Understanding [...]
What Is a White Label Promo Record, And Why Are They Valuable?
If you spend any time digging through vintage vinyl, you’ll eventually come across a record with a plain white label that simply says “Promotional Copy” or “Not For Sale.” These are known as white label promo records, and for collectors they can be some of the most desirable versions [...]
Can You Fix a Warped Record? (Safe Methods That Actually Work)
Warped vinyl records are one of the most common problems collectors run into—especially in dry climates like Denver. But can you actually fix a warped record, or is it permanently damaged? Can You Fix a Warped Record? Sometimes. Slightly warped records can often be improved or made playable, but [...]
How to Clean Vinyl Records Properly | Best Methods & Cleaning Tools
Keeping your vinyl records clean isn't just about appearances—it directly affects sound quality, stylus life, and the longevity of your collection. Dust, fingerprints, static, and debris can cause pops, crackle, and unnecessary wear on both your records and turntable cartridge. Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon [...]
How to Read Deadwax: Matrix Numbers, Stamps & Etchings Explained
If you’ve ever flipped a record over and noticed strange numbers, letters, symbols, or handwritten markings near the label, you’ve been looking at the deadwax (also called the runout groove). For vinyl collectors, this area can reveal who mastered the record, where it was pressed, and sometimes why it [...]
Understanding Modern Vinyl Pressings: Analog vs. Digital Sources
Vinyl records have made a major comeback in recent years, but not all pressings are created equal. Collectors and music enthusiasts often wonder whether modern vinyl sounds the same as albums produced in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Understanding the source material and production process helps answer that question. [...]
12 Vinyl Record Terms Every Collector Should Know (Beginner to Expert)
LP, RPM, Deadwax, 180gm, original pressing...what does it all mean?
Cassette Tapes on the Rise
Cassette tapes are making a surprising comeback with Gen Z listeners. From nostalgia and analog aesthetics to digital burnout and affordable collecting, younger music fans are rediscovering the charm of physical music formats....
Original Pressings vs. 180g Vinyl: What’s the Difference?
In many cases, an original pressing can sound more dynamic and authentic than a modern 180 gm reissue — but a well-made reissue can also outperform a worn or poorly produced original. The best record is the one that was mastered and pressed with care.
How to Use Discogs
For vinyl collectors, Discogs is more than a marketplace – it’s a research tool, a catalog, and a community hub. Whether you’re tracking a personal collection, hunting rare pressings, or just curious about what makes a record valuable, Discogs provides the data and transparency that collectors need.
Growing Popularity of CDs in the Streaming Age
CDs aren’t just surviving in the streaming age — they’re quietly thriving. As listeners push back against subscription fatigue and digital overload, physical formats that offer ownership and quality are finding new relevance...
Records are Back (and what comes next)
Over the past few decades, vinyl has gone from a niche collector’s hobby to a mainstream cultural movement. Record stores are busy again, pressing plants are backed up (even in Denver), and younger listeners - many of whom grew up entirely on streaming are actively choosing physical media.
It’s Time for a 5 CD Changer
Over the last few years, vinyl records have made a massive comeback, but quietly, CDs are starting to return too, especially among music fans who miss actually owning their music. And one of the best, cheapest, and most fun ways to rediscover your collection is by picking up a 5-CD changer.
