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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Product ReviewsGear under the spotlight
Trusted Reviews
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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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Time to Upgrade Your Vinyl Protection: Inner Sleeve Options from Vinyl Storage Solutions

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HumminGuru S-DUO PRO Review: Genius or Gimmick?

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Top Rules for Record Collecting

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OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Join me for episode 2 of a new series heading to record stores around the country with a few pitstops in some of the nations most beloved pubs along the way. Today we discover the importance of record stores and pubs as a hub within out community and a pillar of the local music scene. I spoke to the friendly owners of Slide Record Shop & Thirsty Records picking up some excellent additions to my collection along the way. In between, we celebrate the British pub at The Flower Pot and the Wellington Arms in Bedford. 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 #localpub #pubs #recordstore #britishpub
Record Shopping & Pub Hopping Vol 2 - Community Hubs in Bedford
The vinyl community is a broad church... Some of us chase that elusive first pressing. For others, it's more of a lifestyle fashion accessory worthy of that perfect snap for Instagram clout. Today, for a bit of fun, we'll explore the many species and stereotypes of record collector. 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
What Type of Record Collector Are You?
Today we talk life hacks for record collectors that could make your life easier or simply save you money. Vinyl record collecting can be an expensive and consuming hobby, follow these hacks and improve your collecting and listening experience. Patreon: ____________________________________________ https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters Product Links (AAL = Amazon Affiliate Link): Toast rack (AAL) - https://amzn.to/3HLXY56 Drill bit 7.3 (AAL) - https://amzn.to/43TZ3kc Double-sided tap (AAL) - https://amzn.to/4jZoRQG Record Jacket Repair Strips: https://www.seamzeazy.com/buy/nyo4cn4qgefvrjgiemvjzcfm2whc4j Label maker (AAL): https://amzn.to/4kKTIRX Amazon price tracking website :camelcamelcamel.com 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
Top Life Hacks for Record Collectors
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?! πŸ‘€πŸŽ§ 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
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Vinyl on Your Wall

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Vintage Vinyl without the Hassle

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