The narrative surrounding vinyl records has undergone a dramatic transformation, and recent surveys show that more than 50% of vinyl buyers are under the age of 35. So the “old man’s hobby” trope is officially debunked now. Compounded by nostalgia, more Indians are taking the analogue route to rekindle their emotional connection with music, rather than letting an algorithm control their mood and vibe. With domestic record pressing resuming in 2023 and monthly sales of around 5000 LPs, things are looking up for anyone looking to drop the needle. For the serious collector, vinyl isn’t just a format but a high-stakes ritual of preservation.
Recognising this shift, UltraProlink has taken a sharp turn into the analogue world with its new GramoKraft collection. Quite a shift from a brand usually associated with digital lifestyle and portable power accessories, it’s a move that signals vinyl has moved beyond the hobbyist phase and into the “luxury lifestyle” tier in India. For the true connoisseur, the ownership of a record is merely the starting point of a lifelong commitment to preservation and archival excellence.
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The preservation protocol
The seasoned audiophile understands that the pursuit of analogue warmth is a meticulous discipline rather than a passive benefit of the format. A single fingerprint or a stray particle of dust is not merely a cosmetic blemish but a sonic intrusion that manifests as a distracting pop or crackle during the most delicate passages of a recording. While some romanticise these imperfections as part of the format’s charm, they are in reality the antithesis of the artist’s original intent and the engineer’s careful mastering.
The digital aisles of Amazon India are already populated by a variety of utility-focused options from established international names like Big Fudge and Hudson Hi-Fi, as well as domestic players like SmileDrive and Claw, yet the arrival of the GramoKraft 5-in-1 Vinyl Care Kit (Rs 3,499) introduces a fresh perspective to the market. As the newest entrant in this space, GramoKraft seeks to provide a singular, branded ecosystem for the collector who values a more integrated approach to maintenance rather than a piecemeal selection of accessories. Its flagship cleaning tool features a curved velvet pad designed for a precise rocking motion that penetrates the grooves to restore the record’s sonic integrity, marking an ambitious expansion for UltraProlink into the analogue domain.
Architecture for your archives
A curated vinyl collection deserves a presentation that reflects its cultural and personal value, especially when integrated into a high-fidelity system. Unlike the utilitarian wire racks often found on digital storefronts, the GramoKraft collection offers several purpose-built solutions for displaying and securing these analogue treasures under a single, unified aesthetic.
The Wooden Crate on wheels (Rs 6,499) provides a heavy-duty housing for 100 LPs and offers the mobility required for everyday living spaces. For those who prefer to keep their immediate rotations accessible, the Wooden Record Storage Case (Rs 4,499) offers a mid-century aesthetic that elevates the visual appeal of any listening station. If your life, literally, depends on preserving your records under the most extreme conditions, then the Aluminium Flight Case (Rs 7,999) provides the kind of structural reinforcement typically reserved for high-end electronics. DJs, travelling musicians, or enthusiasts should find this an especially handy accessory. Its unique design features a front lip hinge, allowing you to browse your collection without removing the entire stack.
The invisible essentials
Gramo Kraft has introduced a range of Inner and Outer Sleeves (ranging from Rs 999 to Rs 1799) for the real aficionados know that what you don’t see matters most. The U-shape HDPE inner sleeves are designed to eliminate static, which is the silent killer of high-fidelity sound. “Vinyl asks you to slow down. To listen with intention. To value the ritual. GramoKraft was born from that belief, not as a departure from technology, but as a return to the soul of the sound.” says Pankaj Mirchandani, Founder & CEO, UltraProlink.
This commitment to organisation is further supported by a range of alphabetical dividers in plywood, acrylic, or flexible PP, alongside modular storage boxes and folding canvas slings that ensure a collection remains both orderly and aesthetically pleasing within a singular brand framework.
What this means for the Indian market
The launch of GramoKraft at this price point confirms that the Indian vinyl community is maturing. We are no longer just buying the records, we are investing in the infrastructure of listening. The global market continues to defy expectations, with vinyl revenue projected to grow at nearly 9% annually through 2032, and this growth places a greater responsibility on the listener to master the fundamental tenets of maintenance.
Vertical storage to prevent the inevitable warping caused by horizontal stacking, climate control to avoid the degradation of PVC in India’s humid conditions, and the disciplined use of anti-static brushes to preserve the lifespan of both the record and the delicate stylus. What this really means is that the “infrastructure of listening” has become as vital as the music itself. In an era where music has become increasingly ephemeral and often feels like a disposable commodity, the vinyl record stands as a defiant, physical anchor to our cultural history.
