In a resounding testament to the enduring allure of analogue sound, vinyl record sales in the UK have once again soared to new heights, marking an impressive 16th consecutive year of growth. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) reports that nearly 6 million LPs were purchased in 2023, solidifying vinyl’s resurgence and highlighting a thriving market for physical music.
Since its nadir in 2007 when a mere 200,000 LPs were sold, vinyl has experienced an unbroken ascent. The year 2023 witnessed an 11.7 per cent increase in vinyl LP sales, reaching an annual level not seen since 1990. This momentum is more than four times the growth rate observed just a year ago.
Nearly 6 million LPs were purchased in 2023, solidifying vinyl’s resurgence and highlighting a thriving market for physical music…
While streaming continues to dominate the music landscape, the allure of physical formats remains unyielding. Vinyl LPs, in particular, have emerged as a focal point for music enthusiasts, with the market hitting its highest annual level in over three decades. The demand is reflected in the staggering sale of over a quarter of a million vinyl albums in the past week alone – the highest sales week for the format this century.
The success of vinyl in 2023 can be attributed to a plethora of new releases from a lineup of diverse artists. Leading the pack is Taylor Swift, with her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) claiming the title of the year’s top vinyl seller. Swift’s dominance is complemented by other chart-toppers including Lana Del Rey, The Rolling Stones, Blur, and Lewis Capaldi.
British artists have played a pivotal role in fueling the vinyl renaissance. Over 40 per cent of the 100 most-purchased vinyl LPs of 2023 are releases from the past two years, featuring stellar albums by The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz, and more. The appeal of these artists, both domestically and internationally, showcases the global impact of the vinyl resurgence.
Classic catalogue titles continue to play a significant role in driving the vinyl market. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours continues to captivate audiences, set to be among the year’s top 10 best-selling vinyl LPs for an eighth consecutive time. Other classics and re-issues include titles from The Courteeners, De La Soul, Oasis, Pink Floyd, and Wham!, further solidifying vinyl as a timeless medium.
HMV’s Resurgence and Physical Retail Support
The return of HMV to its original flagship store on London’s Oxford Street after a four-year hiatus underscores the unwavering demand for music in physical formats. Independent record stores across the UK have also played a crucial role in sustaining the vinyl boom. Events like Record Store Day and National Album Day have significantly contributed to the strengthened demand for physical albums.
While vinyl takes centre stage, the CD market is inching closer to plateauing, registering its lowest annual decline in nearly a decade. Simultaneously, cassette sales have topped 100,000 units for a fourth consecutive year, indicating a nostalgic resurgence for this retro format (although are they being collected rather than listened to? We think so).
One thing is clear: the vinyl renaissance in the UK is more than a trend; it’s a cultural revival. With vinyl LPs leading the way and physical formats defying the digital wave, the music industry is witnessing a harmonious blend of modernity and nostalgia. The crackle and warmth of vinyl are here to stay.
Introducing the Pro-Ject Perspective Final Edition record player
With vinyl sales booming, is the time right to upgrade your record player?
Pictured is the Pro-Ject Audio Perspective Final Edition. This limited-edition turntable, meticulously handcrafted in Europe, is restricted to a mere 400 units, and is hailed as the culmination of a legendary model’s manufacturing journey.
The Perspective Final Edition pays homage to its illustrious predecessor, the Pro-Ject 6.9 Perspective, originally launched in the 1990s. The iconic transparent plinth, reminiscent of the groundbreaking 6.9 Perspective, reflects Pro-Ject’s venture into high-end turntables.
Implementing a decoupled sub-chassis with three adjustable springs, this turntable strategically isolates vibrations from reaching the needle, ensuring a pristine audio experience. A trio of height-adjustable aluminium spikes reduce the contact area and minimise vibration for an unparalleled sonic journey.
Included in the Perspective Final Edition package is the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, valued at £365. This meticulously crafted cartridge, mounted on the turntable’s nine-inch one-piece, carbon fibre tonearm, promises a nuanced and immersive listening experience.
Each unit comes with a personalised certificate of ownership, and enthusiasts can connect directly with Pro-Ject to request a bespoke, serial-numbered plaque for their unique turntable.
The Perspective Final Edition is priced at £1,299 (€1,399), and is available now.
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
KEF has reimagined one of its most recognisable models for a new generation. The Coda W is an all-in-one active speaker system, inspired by the brand’s original Coda series, which made Hi-Fi audio more accessible when it launched decades ago. Designed to deliver both the tactile satisfaction of vinyl playback and the convenience of wireless…
The Luxe Review 
In a resounding testament to the enduring allure of analogue sound, vinyl record sales in the UK have once again soared to new heights, marking an impressive 16th consecutive year of growth. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) reports that nearly 6 million LPs were purchased in 2023, solidifying vinyl’s resurgence and highlighting a thriving market for physical music.
Since its nadir in 2007 when a mere 200,000 LPs were sold, vinyl has experienced an unbroken ascent. The year 2023 witnessed an 11.7 per cent increase in vinyl LP sales, reaching an annual level not seen since 1990. This momentum is more than four times the growth rate observed just a year ago.
While streaming continues to dominate the music landscape, the allure of physical formats remains unyielding. Vinyl LPs, in particular, have emerged as a focal point for music enthusiasts, with the market hitting its highest annual level in over three decades. The demand is reflected in the staggering sale of over a quarter of a million vinyl albums in the past week alone – the highest sales week for the format this century.
The success of vinyl in 2023 can be attributed to a plethora of new releases from a lineup of diverse artists. Leading the pack is Taylor Swift, with her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) claiming the title of the year’s top vinyl seller. Swift’s dominance is complemented by other chart-toppers including Lana Del Rey, The Rolling Stones, Blur, and Lewis Capaldi.
British artists have played a pivotal role in fueling the vinyl renaissance. Over 40 per cent of the 100 most-purchased vinyl LPs of 2023 are releases from the past two years, featuring stellar albums by The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Depeche Mode, Gorillaz, and more. The appeal of these artists, both domestically and internationally, showcases the global impact of the vinyl resurgence.
Classic catalogue titles continue to play a significant role in driving the vinyl market. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours continues to captivate audiences, set to be among the year’s top 10 best-selling vinyl LPs for an eighth consecutive time. Other classics and re-issues include titles from The Courteeners, De La Soul, Oasis, Pink Floyd, and Wham!, further solidifying vinyl as a timeless medium.
HMV’s Resurgence and Physical Retail Support
The return of HMV to its original flagship store on London’s Oxford Street after a four-year hiatus underscores the unwavering demand for music in physical formats. Independent record stores across the UK have also played a crucial role in sustaining the vinyl boom. Events like Record Store Day and National Album Day have significantly contributed to the strengthened demand for physical albums.
While vinyl takes centre stage, the CD market is inching closer to plateauing, registering its lowest annual decline in nearly a decade. Simultaneously, cassette sales have topped 100,000 units for a fourth consecutive year, indicating a nostalgic resurgence for this retro format (although are they being collected rather than listened to? We think so).
One thing is clear: the vinyl renaissance in the UK is more than a trend; it’s a cultural revival. With vinyl LPs leading the way and physical formats defying the digital wave, the music industry is witnessing a harmonious blend of modernity and nostalgia. The crackle and warmth of vinyl are here to stay.
Introducing the Pro-Ject Perspective Final Edition record player
With vinyl sales booming, is the time right to upgrade your record player?
Pictured is the Pro-Ject Audio Perspective Final Edition. This limited-edition turntable, meticulously handcrafted in Europe, is restricted to a mere 400 units, and is hailed as the culmination of a legendary model’s manufacturing journey.
The Perspective Final Edition pays homage to its illustrious predecessor, the Pro-Ject 6.9 Perspective, originally launched in the 1990s. The iconic transparent plinth, reminiscent of the groundbreaking 6.9 Perspective, reflects Pro-Ject’s venture into high-end turntables.
Implementing a decoupled sub-chassis with three adjustable springs, this turntable strategically isolates vibrations from reaching the needle, ensuring a pristine audio experience. A trio of height-adjustable aluminium spikes reduce the contact area and minimise vibration for an unparalleled sonic journey.
Included in the Perspective Final Edition package is the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, valued at £365. This meticulously crafted cartridge, mounted on the turntable’s nine-inch one-piece, carbon fibre tonearm, promises a nuanced and immersive listening experience.
Each unit comes with a personalised certificate of ownership, and enthusiasts can connect directly with Pro-Ject to request a bespoke, serial-numbered plaque for their unique turntable.
The Perspective Final Edition is priced at £1,299 (€1,399), and is available now.
Audio-Technica Hotaru first review: floating, glowing turntable elevates vinyl playback
The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a music system like no other. This limited-edition turntable combines analogue vinyl playback with magnetic levitation and reactive lighting. Only 1,000 units have been made, each priced at €9,999. The design is intended as both a high-end music system and a sculptural object d’art. The Hotaru uses a floating structure and…
100 years in the making: Bang & Olufsen limited-edition Centennial audio collection strikes a pose
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
Stylish KEF Coda W all-in-one speaker system unites vinyl, streaming and TV audio
KEF has reimagined one of its most recognisable models for a new generation. The Coda W is an all-in-one active speaker system, inspired by the brand’s original Coda series, which made Hi-Fi audio more accessible when it launched decades ago. Designed to deliver both the tactile satisfaction of vinyl playback and the convenience of wireless…
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