Michael 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. By favoring all through-hole original circuit technology in place of cheaper surface-mounted exotically-sourced parts, the Spartan 10 was a breath of fresh air in a world where price and production scalability often take … Read More
Gift Ideas For Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors 2023
Gift Ideas For Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors – lots of ideas.
Soundeck Platter Mat PM295 Review – New & Improved?
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? On first glance, a turntable platter mat made from metal sounds like a terrible idea. After all, metal platters are notorious … Read More
Rega Planar 1 Review: Still the Budget Turntable to Beat?
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 option has rightly earned a reputation as the benchmark by which all other affordable audiophile decks are measured. Pros Cons Easy setup Molded phono cable … Read More
Best Budget Turntables In 2023 for Superb Sound
Getting set up to play vinyl records doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most affordable budget turntables on the market are capable of delivering Hi-Fi results for as little as $199. Thanks to a continued resurgence in the popularity of vinyl as a medium, several manufacturers of turntables have applied their engineering prowess to produce … Read More
Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2023
As a format that celebrates all things analog, a Bluetooth turntable or record player might seem like an odd choice. After all, doesn’t that negate some of the point in the first place? No matter what your view on Bluetooth sound quality, the fact remains, as vinyl records continue to grow in popularity, the convenience of wireless connectivity on a … Read More
Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT Review – Automatic Bluetooth Turntable
For music lovers looking to add hassle-free vinyl playback to their system, the AT-LP3XBT offers much convenience and connectivity. 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 … Read More
Vinyl Moon Review: Art & Music Unite
Record subscription services offer vinyl lovers and music fans the opportunity to discover new music and enjoy premium and exclusive record releases. I’ve trialed many record subscription services in my time running Sound Matters and seen numerous services come and go. During this time, I’ve learned one crucial thing: for a subscription service to endure, it must be unique; in … Read More
11 Best Turntables with Built-in Preamp
In the age of convenience, setting up a turntable can seem like hard work compared with the convenience of streaming. The good news is, it’s worth it. Vinyl is arguably the best, most engaging way to experience music. Even better, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Gone are the days where built-in preamps sound terrible, and while separate audio components … Read More
Fluance RT81+ Review – Superior Entry-Level Turntable?
Canadian-based audio brand Fluance has earned a reputation for packing unbelievable value into its products. In particular, the RT81 brought exceptional value to anyone seeking to kickstart their vinyl hobby or jump back in after re-discovering a long-lost record collection. The RT81+ adds an acrylic platter mat, adjustable feet, and Audio Technica’s new AT-VM95E cartridge to Fluance’s popular affordable turntable … Read More
