The Tube Box DS2 promises audiophile phono stage credentials with added tube “warmth” and versatility to suit a wide range of cartridges. Does it deliver the musicality and character vacuum tubes are known for? Sound Matters compare the performance of a built-in phono preamp to the Tube Box DS2 as a component upgrade. Impressive Versatility Sound quality aside, the Tube … Read More
Can You Leave a Record on the Turntable? – Bad Idea?
When spinning your favorite records of an evening, you might be tempted at the end of the night to simply close the lid (if your turntable has one) rather than return the record to its sleeve. So can you leave a record on the turntable for an extended period? Today, I’ll explain why that’s not such a great idea… OK, … Read More
Best Online Record Stores to Grow Your Collection
Where to Buy Vinyl Records Online – Full Guide: Finding the best place to buy vinyl records online can be a minefield. Sure, there are many places to choose from, but not all online vinyl stores are made equal. A good record retailer will hand curate a selection of new or used records, often both. Many specialize in a particular … Read More
Best Record Cleaning Machines
If you’re the proud owner of a large vinyl record collection, or you want to step up your record cleaning game, a record cleaning machine is one of the best investments you can make. Yes, they require some investment up-front, but in the name of priceless record preservation and the pursuit of audio nirvana, they are worth every penny. There … Read More
Recording Vinyl Records Into Your Computer: Step by Step (with Video)
Vinyl ripping 101 – Digitize vinyl the easy way: In a world increasingly dominated by the convenience and portability of streaming services, some collectors may question the value of digitizing or recording vinyl records. There are still plenty of good reasons to capture the sound of vinyl and turn them into convenient digital files that you can take with you … Read More
What is an LP vs an EP – Differences & Examples
The terms LP and EP are often used without thinking about their origin, and in our digital age, both are frequently misunderstood. Like many acronyms in the music industry, their meaning has a historical background but continues to evolve. Today, you’ll learn what an EP is, where the term comes from, how it differs from an LP, and what the … Read More
LP vs Vinyl: Are LP and Vinyl the Same Thing?
The world of vinyl and record collecting is full of jargon and regularly used terms that are often confusing for those just starting out on their record-collecting journey. Lots of terms are interchangeable or there are multiple words used to mean the same thing. Confusing, right? LP vs Vinyl is one of the most common examples… So is an “LP” … Read More
Pro-Ject VC-S3 Review – Better than the Compact Edition?
Similarly to the new Pro-Ject VC-E2, the larger VC-S3 promises several upgrades. But does the larger model have the edge over its more compact counterpart? Is it better at cleaning vinyl records? Pro-Ject’s flagship vacuum record cleaning machine has undergone several upgrades over the years, moving from a simple MDF construction to the much more durable aluminum chassis we know … Read More
