Do Record Weights and Clamps Make a Difference?

Marc HenshallTech Talk, Vinyl 10111 Comments

Like many Hi-Fi optimization topics, record weights and clamps intended for record stabilization divide opinion. In the pro-stabilization camp, many feel that a record weight or clamp can bring stability during playback, while also helping to tighten and focus the overall sound. Over in the anti-stabilization camp, there is a feeling that record stabilizers can put unnecessary strain on turntable … Read More

Surface Noise. How Vinyl Speaks to Our Desire for Authenticity

Marc HenshallCulture & Industry8 Comments

John Peel’s famous surface noise quote is held up as capturing perfectly the sentiment behind vinyl’s unlikely revival in the digital age. Digital music production and playback has allowed us to clean up the noise of analog tape and production techniques to a level of perfection never thought possible throughout most of the 20th century. In many cases, electronic musicians … Read More

It’s Personal. Norman Records are Keeping Independent Online Vinyl Alive and Well

Marc HenshallCulture & Industry2 Comments

The struggle for independent record stores to compete against large global behemoths—such as Amazon—is a well-documented story. What is perhaps less understood, is the equally challenging position of running an independent online music store. One such outfit is Norman Records, based in Leeds, England. Norman Records started when the internet was in its infancy, and thanks to a huge amount … Read More

Direct-Drive vs Belt-Drive Turntables – What’s the Difference?

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Tech Talk, Vinyl 1013 Comments

When buying your first turntable, or even upgrading your current setup, there are many technical terms and details that cause some confusion for would-be vinyl enthusiasts. At Sound Matters, we present answers to many of these frequently asked questions in a way that cuts through the jargon, getting to the key points you need to know. Today, we tackle the … Read More

Spinning Forward: Record Store Day Observations with Co-Founder, Michael Kurtz

Marc HenshallCulture & IndustryLeave a Comment

In a recent Sound Matters feature, we asked a cross-section of the industry what Record Store Day (RSD) meant to them. Overwhelmingly, our contributors spoke highly of the RSD, citing the benefit it brings to independent stores and the continued growth in consumer interest for music on wax. The event draws huge crowds each year as people all over the … Read More

What Does Record Store Day Mean to You?

Marc HenshallCulture & Industry2 Comments

Now in its twelfth year, Record Store Day is one of the most significant dates in the musical calendar. Fans across the globe gather at participating independent shops to discover new releases, watch live performances, and absorb the great atmosphere. The sales numbers are pretty impressive too, with last year’s event helping to shift 733,000 vinyl albums in the US … Read More

GrooveWasher Poster Giveaway

Marc HenshallNewsLeave a Comment

We’re giving away 3 copies of this vibrant poster designed by product design and fabrication artist, Hope Ainsworth. You can check out her work on Instagram, here. Inspired by concert posters of the 60s and 70s, these colorful designs make a great addition to any listening space and look particularly smart when mounted in a nice black frame. The quote … Read More

How to Set Up Your Turntable

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Tech Talk, Vinyl 1015 Comments

Setting up your turntable correctly is fundamental if you want to achieve the best possible sound from your vinyl records. Accuracy is key, and it’s easy to understand why when you consider the task at hand. The average LP has about 1,500 feet of groove on each side, and the groove in question is less than a hairline thick. The … Read More

Spin-Clean Record Washer Review

Marc HenshallReviews5 Comments

For your records to sound the best they possibly can, they need to be clean. There are many great ways to clean vinyl records by hand using a cleaning solution and microfiber cloths, but these methods can quickly become time-consuming if you need to batch clean multiple records in one sitting. Vacuum record cleaning machines are convenient and effective but … Read More

Is Vinyl Still Relevant in the Digital Age?

Marc HenshallCulture & Industry5 Comments

We live in an age of digital convenience; an age of instant gratification with the world at our fingertips. Streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music now dominate music consumption, enabling mass consumer access to a staggering volume of music spanning all manner of decades and genres. And yet, while physical music overall is in decline, one format continues … Read More