Best Phono Preamps 2024: Amazing Sound at Any Budget

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides15 Comments

Our roundup of the best phono stage options. We’ve got you covered: From budget phono preamps that kickstart your vinyl journey to high-end options designed to suit the true vinyl connoisseur. If you own a turntable, you’ll need a phono stage somewhere in your setup to boost the very low output of your turntable cartridge and apply equalization based on … Read More

The Best Turntables & Record Players to Suit Any Budget in 2024

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides9 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

Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2024

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

11 Best Turntables with Built-in Preamp

Jack KinnersleyBuyer's Guides3 Comments

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

Best Tube Phono Preamps to Suit Any Budget

Marc HenshallBuyer's GuidesLeave a Comment

In most other industries, vacuum tubes have gone the way of the dodo, replaced by more sturdy and durable transistor-based circuits.  Audio equipment, both for consumer HiFi use and professional studio recording gear, is a different story. In the world of audio, vacuum tubes still hold a place in the hearts of audiophiles for their unique sound characteristics. Tube phono … 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

Best Turntable Mats for Improved Sound Quality

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides6 Comments

Best turntable mats feature image

At first, changing a record mat can seem like a mere aesthetic upgrade. After all, can the material between your records and the turntable platter really make a difference to the sound?  The truth is, everything affects the sound when it comes to a physical format like vinyl!  Choosing the right turntable mat can make a significant difference to the performance of … Read More

The Best Vintage Turntables for Audiophiles

Marc HenshallBuyer's Guides57 Comments

Buying a vintage turntable can offer many advantages over shiny new decks fresh off the production line. First and foremost, going vintage can make obtaining a higher-quality turntable more affordable. The potential to grab a bargain will undoubtedly appeal to many record collectors, as, let’s face it, HiFi audio and record collecting isn’t exactly the cheapest of hobbies. When choosing … Read More