Bluetooth turns vinyl records into a streaming source, and perhaps that's the point.

For older folks, a big selling point of vinyl is the nostalgia process and how it slows you down. It’s a break from all the “content” that only exists on your phone. Slowing down with a record is a way to switch off, like an after-work martini, but without the hangover. But a lot of newcomers love records for different reasons. It’s a collectible, like a poster or a t-shirt. In fact, 41% of vinyl buyers don’t play their records. So are Bluetooth turntables a gateway drug, or just another fad?

“While Bluetooth turntables allow you to stream your vinyl records to other devices, they don’t turn vinyl into just another indistinguishable media source. The appeal of vinyl lies in its tactile nature and the slow, crafted listening experience it provides,” touring musician Arnold, aka theRave, told Lifewire via email.

Streaming can be a bit soulless, especially if you’re worried about the small share of streaming revenue your favorite artists actually get. Records, on the other hand, give you a much closer connection with the artist. You can hold it in your hand, read the liner notes, and gaze at the big, beautiful artwork on those 12-inch sleeves. That alone might be enough for some people, and might explain the BBC survey that found 7% of vinyl buyers don’t even own a turntable.