Is your turntable like a broken record? Feel like you’re reaching for the same albums, day-after-day? In this article, I’d like to explain why I’ve started throwing caution to the wind, often purchasing records that I know nothing about from artists I’ve never heard of before. I’d also like to explain why I think you should do the same. Record … Read More
What Does Direct-to-Disc Vinyl Mean?
When collecting vinyl records, you might come across the following terms associated with a special release: live to vinyl, direct-to-disc, or direct-to-acetate. All of these terms refer to the same process, which as they suggest, is the practice of recording directly to a vinyl-disc cutting lathe without first recording to magnet tape or digital storage. Before the advent of magnetic … Read More
5 Things You Need to Get Started with Vinyl Today
So you’ve decided to start collecting vinyl. Fantastic! In our great digital age, vinyl records offer an experience that is authentic and rewarding. At this stage, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something a little more from your music than a streaming service and a laptop. But most of all, you’re likely hooked on vinyl as a physical medium; … Read More
Vinyl Storage Solutions Sleeves Review: Dual-Pocket Outer Sleeves
Vinyl Storage Solutions Sleeves – Record Sleeves Reinvented? The humble vinyl record sleeve: a simple, but essential accessory for any record collector. For a long time, we’ve recommended polyethylene inner sleeves, and polypropylene outer sleeves as the best way to protect and store your vinyl records. But what if they could be improved? Enter Mike Sarazin, the man behind Canadian-based … Read More
How to Extend the Life of Your Record Collection
Guest Article from Chris Scalise of Big Fudge: Vinyl records are the perfect way to experience the nuance and detail of your favorite artists and albums. But despite vinyl’s somewhat surprising resurgence in the digital age, the way we look after and maintain our records to ensure many years of listening pleasure hasn’t really changed at all. When done right, … Read More
Do Record Weights and Clamps Make a Difference?
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
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
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?
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
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