A VINYL RECORD WEBSITE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

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and experience from your vinyl records.

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Sound Matters: Your Online Vinyl Record Magazine

Cut Through The Jargon. Spin More Records.

Hey! I’m Marc from Sound Matters (that’s me holding the copy of Aladdin Sane at my local record store.
 
Welcome to the Sound Matters community where all about regaining a more authentic music experience. We believe in the vinyl format as the best way to own music and experience music. Audiences are more invested in music when they own it physically, and this ultimately leads to a more enriched music culture.
 
After completing a BSc Hons degree in Music Technology and spending the best part of ten years working for the audio brand Shure, I went full time sharing my experience and expertise to help vinyl enthusiasts and the wider music community get the most from their vinyl records and listening experience.
 
Subscribe to and enjoy the best tips tricks and features to enhance your love of music – especially on vinyl.
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Record Cleaning GuidesDirty Records Spoil the Vibe!
Clean Records Sound Better!
The best record cleaning advice
Record Storage GuidesProtect Your Investment
Look After Your Records
Store them safely
Getting Started with VinylStart spinning records today!
Vinyl Guides for Beginners
Start your new vinyl hobby
Vinyl Gear Buyer GuidesThe best sound at any budget
Make an informed choice
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Product ReviewsGear under the spotlight
Trusted Reviews
Life's too short for lousy gear!
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What our subscribers say:

"This is the BEST LP-care website. . .Bar-none! Thank you Sound Matters!"
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"Just wanted to say thanks for the valuable service you provide to the vinyl community. After almost 20 years, I pulled my vinyl from storage, purchased a new turntable and connected to my soundbar (also a new purchase). I found your site and use you exclusively for all my vinyl needs, purchased a record cleaner system from GrooveWasher and cork turntable mat based on your articles and recommendations. Thanks again and keep up the great work!"

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I tried to research humidity and record storage many times (I live in a really wet region) and didn’t find any real help. You guys are always the best."

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AS SEEN IN...

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Far from being yesterday's fading, forgotten format, vinyl records have survived and flourished as the music medium of choice for not only baby-boomers, but all ages. Every record a collector acquires comes with a story of its own, and recent events prompted many vinylholics, including Graham Sharpe, to look more closely at their reasons for collecting, take stock of existing collections and rediscover old favourites.

"Quite simply, they are desirable items - beautiful and artistic.
The great tradition of creative and artistic expression through the vinyl medium continues, and complements the digital age."

Marc Henshall - Sound Matters
June 12, 2025

Pro-Ject Flatten It: Can It Fix Warped Records

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May 14, 2025

Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Kit with Custom Sound Matters Logo

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April 30, 2025

Time to Upgrade Your Vinyl Protection: Inner Sleeve Options from Vinyl Storage Solutions

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April 16, 2025

HumminGuru S-DUO PRO Review: Genius or Gimmick?

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April 3, 2025

Top Rules for Record Collecting

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OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Join me for a pilot episode of a potential new series heading to record stores around the country with a few pitstops in some of the nations most beloved pubs along the way. I found some interesting vinyl records that I didn't expect to find and some a classic first press that I took a punt on. I enjoyed a beer in the Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn but also The Cittie of Yorke and The Blue Posts. Classic London pubs. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Ultrasonic Cleaned Vintage Vinyl: (Use Code VPSOUND12 for $12 OFF AND Grab a FREE Album from their extensive bargain bin selection for Orders $75+ CAD): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector
Record Shopping & Pub Hopping in London
Thinking of starting a record collection? For many, myself included, it's the best way to enjoy music to the max. But, it's not for everyone. In this video I cover why you shouldn't get into vinyl record collecting unless you can handle eight key elements that will either have you falling in love with the format, or running for the nearest digital alternative. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Ultrasonic Cleaned Vintage Vinyl: (Use Code VPSOUND12 for $12 OFF AND Grab a FREE Album from their extensive bargain bin selection for Orders $75+ CAD): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector
Don't Get Into Vinyl if You Can't Handle THESE Things!
Reviewing the new Pro-Ject Flatten It: Full review linked to this short. How bad of a warp can it fix?! 👀🎧 I let a vinyl record bake in the sun to see if we could then later save it from the warped mess it became using a record flattener. I was HUGELY impressed.
Warped Record Rescue: Can We Save This Rocky Mountain Vinyl? #audiophile #vinyl
Warped records can be a real thorn in the side for record collectors. Whether due to poor storage or manufacturing defects, we all have records in our collections that aren't flat, resulting in degraded audio quality or a risk of damaging our cartridge's cantilever. In extreme cases, warps can make a record completely unplayable, as the stylus can pop right out of the groove. So, what can you do if a record becomes warped? In this video, I review the Pro-Ject Flatten It Record Flattener to see how it performs with normal warps and even extremely warped records. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Ultrasonic Cleaned Vintage Vinyl: (Use Code VPSOUND12 for $12 OFF AND Grab a FREE Album from their extensive bargain bin selection for Orders $75+ CAD): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector
Can the Pro-Ject Flatten It Fix Badly Warped Records? - Full Review
Join me as I share an unexpected journey into vinyl record collecting from the perspective of a person brought up through the 80s and 90s on mostly CDs and how losing access to my CD collection resulting in a life-long love of music on vinyl. I invite you to share your journey; perhaps you've never let go of records or perhaps you're returning to the hobby after years away. Or maybe it's a story more like mine where record collecting has come later and then enhanced your love of music and the entire experience. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Ultrasonic Cleaned Vintage Vinyl: (Use Code VPSOUND12 for $12 OFF AND Grab a FREE Album from their extensive bargain bin selection for Orders $75+ CAD): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector
My Unexpected Journey into Vinyl Records
Whether you're a new collector or a seasoned digger, this guide will help you avoid rookie mistakes and make the most of every vinyl haul. From learning key visual inspection techniques to a clever hack for spotting hidden scuffs and scratches when shopping online, there's something for every record collector in this guide to shopping for used records. It's time to go used record shopping the smart way to pick up those previously loved gems and bargains. Recommended Record Cleaning Gear (AAL=Amazing Affiliate Link): ____________________________________________ GrooveWasher Mondo Record Cleaning Kit (Code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off): https://www.groovewasher.com/collections/cleaning-kits/products/the-big-groovewasher-bundle-save-10 HumminGuru Affordable Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine (AAL): https://geni.us/humminguru Degritter High-End Ultrasonic Record Cleaner: https://degritter.com/ Pro-Ject VC-E2 Vacuum Record Cleaning Machine (AAL): https://geni.us/vc-e2-record-cleaner Full Record Cleaning Guide on the Sound Matters website for more gear and tips: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/clean-vinyl-records/ Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Ultrasonic Cleaned Vintage Vinyl: (Use Code VPSOUND12 for $12 OFF AND Grab a FREE Album from their extensive bargain bin selection for Orders $75+ CAD): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector #recordshopping #recordstore
How to Shop for Used Records: Pro Tips for Better Hauls
When it comes to buying records, I’m sure we can all agree, it’s not always a walk in the park. The continuous hunt for vinyl-nirvana is a never-ending pilgrimage that lasts a lifetime. It seems we all develop buying preferences over the years, and your list of rules will undoubtedly differ from mine. Below is a list of my general guidelines for buying vinyl records, and I’d love to hear your additional advice in the comments section below: Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector #recordcare
The Unwritten Rules of Record Collecting
✅ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): ✅ https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Are your current record sleeves truly protecting your vinyl? It might be time for an upgrade! In this video, I showcase seven inner record sleeve options from Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS). From traditional rice-paper sleeves to advanced crystal clear options with or without flaps for extra protection. As my preferred sleeve supplier, they offer the best ways to protect your precious vinyl collection from scratches, static, and wear. We'll compare each option, highlighting their pros and cons, so you can choose the perfect sleeve solution for your records. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Other Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector #recordcare
Time to Ditch Your Old Record Sleeves? 7 Options from VSS
Is the HumminGuru S-DUO PRO the ultimate turntable accessory you've been missing, or just another audiophile gimmick? In this detailed review, I put HumminGuru's innovative ultrasonic stylus cleaner and digital tracking force gauge to the test. We explore the new upgrades from the previous S-DUO model, including rechargeable batteries, built-in storage, and improved usability. Most importantly, we examine whether ultrasonic stylus cleaning really delivers better results than traditional stylus brushes and gels. If you're serious about getting the best sound quality from your vinyl setup, ensuring accurate tracking force and maintaining a spotless stylus are key. Could this compact, dual-function tool be your solution? Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Product Link: ______________________________________________________________ HumminGuru S-DUO Pro on Amazon (affiliate link): https://geni.us/s-duo-pro HumminGuru S-DUO Pro at Turntable Lab (affiliate link): https://www.turntablelab.com/products/humminguru-s-duo-pro-ultrasonic-stylus-cleaner-cartridge-pressure-gauge?aff=56089 Cartridge Compatibility list: https://humminguru.com/blogs/news/humminguru-s-duo-cartridge-compatibility-list Partner/Sponsor Discounts: _________________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://www.groovewasher.com/ Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off) https://twelve-inch.com/ Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Fosi Audio Gear (Use Code SOUNDMATTERS15 for 15% OFF): https://fosiaudioshop.com?sca_ref=7994276.7tbgvhaeY1 Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #VinylRecord #recordcollector #recordcare
HumminGuru S-DUO PRO Genius or Gimmick? (With Microscope Results)
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The Ultimate Clean Sound Solution

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Vinyl on Your Wall

Twelve Inch products allow you to create a stunning and personal record gallery on the wall without any frames or visible parts. Their mission is to nurture and grow the love for vinyl records, by providing a flexible and elegant way to create amazing record galleries in the home.​
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Vintage Vinyl without the Hassle

Unlike most used record stores and Discogs purchases, all the records you buy from vinylpursuit.com are restored using an ultrasonic record cleaning machine before shipping to you in brand-new premium inner and outer sleeves.​