The 5.5 million vinyl long-playing (lp) records sold in the united states per year pales in comparison with the 1.26 billion digital downloads. the grooves in vinyl records create sound waves that are similar to those of a live performance, however, which means they provide a more authentic sound, which in turn means nightclub djs, discerning music listeners, and collectors will always prefer them. firms that sell lps position themselves for a niche segment of diehard consumers. they are in the stage.