Ten of the Best Vinyl Record Subscription Services in 2023

Marc HenshallReviews23 Comments

Across the vinyl community, there is a shared appreciation for the experience of collecting and playing records. We all have an affection for the physical product and the extra dimension it brings to the music we love. As an increasing number of music fans discover the joy of vinyl, there is a growing number of vinyl record subscriptions and record … Read More

The Best Turntables & Record Players to Suit Any Budget in 2023

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides5 Comments

Enthusiasm for music on vinyl shows no sign of stalling. Sales of vinyl records continue to climb year-on-year, with revenues now out-performing CDs in what can only be described as the comeback of the century. Despite the convenience and abundance of digital streaming, it can never replace the joy of owning a physical piece of music and the full experience … Read More

Vinyl Moon Review: Art & Music Unite

Marc HenshallReviews4 Comments

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

Best Budget Phono Preamps for Amazing Sound

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews6 Comments

If you’re buying your first vinyl setup, you’ll need to make sure you have a phono preamp somewhere in the signal chain. In straightforward terms, a phono preamp amplifies the signal up to a level suitable for the AUX input on your Hi-Fi receiver. Also, it will apply an equalization curve to inverse the standard frequency adjustment made during the … Read More

Best Amplifiers for Turntables – Affordable Options in 2023

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides11 Comments

When it comes to choosing the best amplifiers for turntables, there’s a lot to consider. Your stereo amplifier is the driving force behind your Hi-Fi, and so we want to choose a system capable of complimenting the rich, warm sound of vinyl regardless of your budget. The right amplifier for you will depend greatly on your input requirements, but also … Read More

Best Budget Turntables In 2023 for Superb Sound

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews7 Comments

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

Marc HenshallBuyer's GuidesLeave a Comment

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

Ten of the Best Budget to Mid-Range Turntables in 2023

Marc HenshallReviews4 Comments

Vinyl is back! The momentum behind consumer enthusiasm for the vinyl experience shows no sign of slowing, and while streaming offers day-to-day convenience on a mass-market level, vinyl continues to appeal among the most decerning of music fans.  Hi-Fi equipment across the board has a reputation for costing a lot of money, but in truth, there are plenty of options … Read More

Best Turntable Isolation Platform: Buyer’s Guide

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides10 Comments

Vibration and resonance are the enemies of many vinyl enthusiasts. At best, it clouds the audio output, hindering your listening enjoyment. Worse still, it can disturb your stylus enough to knock it straight out of the groove during playback. There are many ways to guard your turntable against vibrations and resonance, from choosing the right turntable position to upgrading your … Read More