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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HOW CAN WE HELP?

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
Choose the right HiFi gear for you
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!"
Will

"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!"

Peter

"I can’t believe this blog actually reads my mind!

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."

Carlo
November 23, 2023

Spartan 15 Review: Michael Fidler’s New Double Stage Phono Preamp

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November 17, 2023

Gift Ideas For Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors 2023

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November 14, 2023

HumminGuru Review – Affordable Ultrasonic Record Cleaning?

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November 6, 2023

Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Bundle this Holiday Season

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October 31, 2023

Soundeck Platter Mat PM295 Review – New & Improved?

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OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Do record weights make your vinyl sound better? Discover how adding a record weight to your turntable setup can achieve better contact between your record and the turntable platter for better tracking. This includes benefits such as resonance control, preventing slippage, improving the stability of mildly warped records, and just generally helping to tighten up the performance of your deck. Product Links: _____________________________________________________________ GrooveWasher record weight (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% off): https://www.groovewasher.com/collections/audio-accessories/products/groovewasher-record-stabilizer-weight 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/ VSS Record Sleeves (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
Do Record Weights Make A Difference? Try this from GrooveWasher...
Having recently reviewed the Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) crystal clear inner record sleeves, I was pleased to see three new options hit their web store. You can now get VSS crystal clear inner sleeves with a tuckable flap, a sealable flap, or (my favorite) an easy-access lip. Browse VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout for 10% off): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters ______________________________________________________________ Direct Product Links: Clear inner sleeve with easy access lip: https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/products/cis_12l?bg_ref=nJmCf5DZTq Clear inner with tuckable flap: https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/products/cis_12f?bg_ref=nJmCf5DZTq Clear inner with re-sealable flap: https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/products/cis_12r?bg_ref=nJmCf5DZTq Previous feature on VSS Clear Inner Sleeves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BettGAWYuVU 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/ Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
VSS Clear Inner Record Sleeves: Three New Versions!
Micheal Fidler's company, Classic Audio Ltd made significant waves across the vinyl community back in December 2021 with the release of his Spartan 10 model phono preamp. Fast forward two years later and there's a brand new model, the Spartan 15. Having heard a lot of recommendations from subscribers about Michael Fidler's preamps, I jumped at the opportunity to review this handmade all-through-hole technology phono preamp. Is this the best moving magnet (MM) phono stage in the sub-$ $500 price bracket? Resources & Links: _________________________________________________________________ Full Sound Matters review: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/spartan-15-review-michael-fidler-phono-preamp/ Spartan 15 Product: https://michaelfidler.com/products/spartan/spartan-15-moving-magnet-phono-stage/ Michael Fidler Video on Audio Measurements: https://youtu.be/MCW-LeXAw38?si=GAxfsvVByVj6Sxs0 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
Spartan 15 Review: Affordable Handmade Phono Preamp?
After two years of receiving the VMP (Vinyl Me, Please) Essentials and Classics, is it worth it? Is a record subscription for you? What are the pros and cons? Is VMP the best record subscription service out there? In this video review, I share my experience with VMP and pick my favorite records from the last two years. Including: The Doors, Thin Lizzy, The Meters, Ray Barretto, Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Black Nasty. 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylmeplease
VMP (Vinyl Me, Please): Worth it? The Good & the Not So Good After Two Years
I reviewed an earlier incarnation of Soundeck's unique platter mat a few years ago, and I was so impressed it became one of my go-to platter mats. Having released a new and improved model, is the Soundeck still king? The Soundeck platter mat (model number PM295) is a sandwich of two plates of metal (steel and aluminum) bonded together with a polymer. When the metal plates receive vibrations, they work to stretch and contract the polymer, which transfers the energy into negligible amounts of heat. Product Links & Resources: _________________________________________________________________ Soundeck Platter Mat PM: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% off) https://soundeck.bigcartel.com/product/soundeck-aluminium-black Full Sound Matters Review: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/soundeck-platter-mat-pm295-review-new-improved/ Different Platter Mats - Pros & Cons video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgKCwJ3jf6I Soundeck Platter mats being made: https://youtu.be/1RkJyh0B-t4?si=MIDxTfAsQTm0LTby _________________________________________________________________ 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10): https://soundeck.bigcartel.com Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
Soundeck Platter Mat PM295 Review - Eliminate Vibrations?
At a time when music lovers shopping for an entry-level turntable have an abundance of choice, is Rega's Planar 1 still the one to beat? Since its initial release in 2005, Rega's Planar 1 entry-level turntable has rightly earned a reputation as the benchmark by which all other affordable audiophile decks are measured. The latest version of the Planar 1 features a new tonearm with ultra-low friction bearings and is Rega's first entry-level turntable to feature a 24 V synchronous motor for better speed consistency and lower noise. _________________________________________________________________ Product Links & Resources (AAL = Amazon Affiliate Link): Rega Planar 1 on Amazon: https://geni.us/rega-planar1 Rega Planar 1 at Turntable Lab https://www.turntablelab.com/products/rega-planar-1-turntable-matte-black?aff=56089 Full Sound Matters Review: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/rega-planar-1-review/ _________________________________________________________________ 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
Rega Planar 1 Review: Still the Entry Level Turntable to Beat?
Every once in a while, I receive a message like this from someone in the vinyl community. Usually after posting something aimed at the very beginner record collectors. After receiving a particularly aggressive message, I thought it was high time I explained why I run Sound Matters, who it's aimed at, and who it's not. In this case, it was about Crosley Record players (here's a link to the original that sparked this response): https://youtu.be/EY6pYmVJD2w I started this platform with a passion for helping music lovers regain the magic lost in the fallout from digital downloads and streaming, and I stand by that mission, whatever journey people choose to take. I firmly believe this kind of snobbery will KILL the hobby and that a less hostile culture of encouragement is needed, however people choose to listen and whatever their budget. I also share some of my background and some pretty cool shots I took during a tour of Abbey Road that I was fortunate enough to enjoy. Sound Matters Website: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/ _________________________________________________________________ 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile
Sound Matters Sucks! Why do I Bother!? My Vinyl Mission
Audio Technica's LP3XBT is a fully automatic turntable based on their popular LP3 model. As the model number suggests, the latest incarnation brings the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, but it doesn't stop there... The LP3XBT also features the new AT-VM95 cartridges series for easy stylus upgrades, and a new external AC adapter, which handles the AC/DC conversion outside of the chassis—this is good news for overall noise reduction in the signal chain. If you're looking to add vinyl playback to your audio system without the hassle of a manual turntable, this could be the ideal deck for you. It could also suit people with mobility issues, amputees or those living with Parkinson's disease. Resources & Links: (AAL = Amazon Affiliate Link - commission earnt) ___________________________________________________________ AT-LP3XBT Turntable (AAL): https://geni.us/at-lp3xbt Full Sound Matters review: _________________________________________________________________ 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #turntable #vinyl #audiotechnica
Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT Review - Fully Automatic Turntable
So... you just received your Crosley Record Player. If so, there's a good chance you're new to the world of record collecting and have plenty of questions! For those who are new to the world of vinyl or have recently acquired a Crosley record player, operating said record player can seem quite daunting. Join me as I walk you through the process of how to use a Crosley record player and how to play a record in general. I'll also explain why, while this is a fun start to the world of vinyl record collecting, you might want to consider upgrading if a HiFi sound and experience of music on vinyl is what you're seeking. Resources & Links: _________________________________________________________________ Full guide on how to use a Crosley: https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/how-to-use-a-crosley-record-player-easy-guide-with-video/ Fluance RT81+: https://youtu.be/HZ0R3sVeMIM?si=xser3ewpsHH7woQh Pro-Ject E1: https://youtu.be/EvEphXmAcns?si=PeClbh3cli7MALDc 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/ VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout): https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15): https://vinylpursuit.com/ Vinyl Moon - (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10) https://vinylmoon.co/ _________________________________________________________________ #vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordplayer #vinyl #crosley
How to Use a Crosley Record Player - Welcome to Vinyl! (Upgrade?)
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The Ultimate Clean Sound Solution

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Vinyl on Your Wall

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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.​