Converting Vinyl to Digital Files with Vinyl Studio

Marc HenshallUncategorized5 Comments

In this tutorial, you will learn how to convert your vinyl records to digital files using a software package called Vinyl Studio. Vinyl Studio is an all-in-one package that allows you to record your vinyl records, import individual track information, split your recording into individual tracks, and then save them as individual files as a complete album. Vinyl Studio also … Read More

Austrian Audio Announces Availability of the Full Score One Headphone Amplifier

Marc HenshallNewsLeave a Comment

Best known for their award-winning headphones and microphones, Austrian Audio is breaking into the headphone amplifier market with the new Full Score One. Announced alongside The Composer headphones model later last year, The Full Score one is now available across the UK and EU markets.  Said to be the perfect companion to Austrian Audio’s The Composer reference headphones, the Full … Read More

Classic Albums: Fleetwood Mac (1975)

Marc HenshallClassic Albums6 Comments

The release of Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album in 1975 saw the band move distinctly away from their British blues roots. The arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham symbolized more than a change in personnel; it heralded the birth of a sound that would become iconic. (Huge thanks to VMP for supplying the reissue copy of this record). Founded in … Read More

MC Pro Review: Quietest Phono Preamp Available?

Marc HenshallReviewsLeave a Comment

The MC Pro phono preamp by Michael Fidler (Classic Audio Ltd) promises a whisper-quiet signal-to-noise ratio, alongside hyper-accurate RIAA performance. Having been suitably impressed with Michael’s Spartan 15 moving magnet phono stage, can his first venture into the delicate world of moving coil amplification knock it out of the park once again? As is the case with all Michael Fidler … Read More

Best Budget Phono Preamps for Amazing Sound

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews6 Comments

If you’re buying your first vinyl setup, you’ll need to make sure you have a phono preamp somewhere in the signal chain. In straightforward terms, a phono preamp amplifies the signal up to a level suitable for the AUX input on your Hi-Fi receiver. Also, it will apply an equalization curve to inverse the standard frequency adjustment made during the … Read More

iFi Zen Phono Review: Better than the Mani 2?

Marc HenshallReviewsLeave a Comment

The iFi ZEN Phono lists some impressive specs for a phono preamp sitting in the sub-$200/£200 price bracket. iFi makes the bold statement that “you will fall in love with your LPs all over again,” but with such stiff competition in the market, how does the ZEN phono measure up? Having reviewed many affordable phono preamps here at Sound Matters, … Read More

Audio Technica AT-LPW50BT Review

Marc HenshallReviews2 Comments

Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, a rosewood veneer MDF plinth, and a sleek carbon fiber tonearm, Audio Technica’s LPW50BT combines stylistic flair with impressive sound. Is this the levelling-up manual turntable you’ve been looking for? Pros Cons Engaging and well-balanced sound. Bluetooth was temperamental to connect (in my experience). Excellent build quality from both a look and feel perspective – a joy … Read More

Best Headphones for Vinyl Records in 2024

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews, Uncategorized9 Comments

For most of us, speakers are the most common choice for vinyl playback. Speakers allow you to fill the room, generate an atmosphere and share the musical experience with friends and family. There are times, though, where a set of great headphones and a more private listening experience is advantageous, or perhaps (if you live with housemates or close-contact neighbors), … Read More