JDS Labs Atom Phono: Phono Preamp and EQ in One. Is it Useful?

Marc HenshallReviews4 Comments

The new JDS Labs Atom Phono is more than just a phono preamp, it’s a RIAA phono stage that doubles as a tone control. As the company’s first major move into the phono preamp market, does it measure up? According to JDS Labs, the Atom Phono is “a strong RIAA phono preamp and clean tone control all in one.” There … Read More

Angels Horn H019 – All-In-One Record Player That Actually Sounds Good?

Marc HenshallReviewsLeave a Comment

The H019 is an all-in-one record player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth input connectivity. All-in-one record players have a bad reputation for poor sound, low build quality, and sometimes even both. Can this affordable record players from Angels Horn buck the trend? The Angels Horn H019 plays 33 1/3 & 45 RPM records and comes factory-fitted with an Audio Technica … Read More

Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 Review: Sweet Spot for Price V.S Sound Quality?

Marc HenshallReviews2 Comments

The Debut Evo 2 represents the fifth generation of Pro-Ject’s acclaimed Debut line, a series celebrated for its quality and accessibility. With upgrades inspired by Pro-Ject’s higher-end turntables, could this be the ultimate “sweet spot” model for those seeking affordable audiophile sound? The last Debut model I reviewed, the Debut Carbon Evo, introduced several welcome enhancements to the series. Most … Read More

Albums for Autumn – Five Cozy Records for Fall

Marc HenshallCulture & Industry, Reviews13 Comments

As the seasons change, so does our desire for music, food, drink, and many other pleasures that make life worth living. As spring passes to summer and summer to autumn (or fall, depending on where you live), we’re encouraged into a state of reflection that reminds us of our own humanity. Put more eloquently, in the words of Yoko Ono: … Read More

MC Pro Review: Quietest Phono Preamp Available?

Marc HenshallReviews1 Comment

The MC Pro phono preamp by Michael Fidler (Classic Audio Ltd) promises a whisper-quiet signal-to-noise ratio, alongside hyper-accurate RIAA performance. Having been suitably impressed with Michael’s Spartan 15 moving magnet phono stage, can his first venture into the delicate world of moving coil amplification knock it out of the park once again? As is the case with all Michael Fidler … Read More

iFi Zen Phono Review: Better than the Mani 2?

Marc HenshallReviews4 Comments

The iFi ZEN Phono lists some impressive specs for a phono preamp sitting in the sub-$200/£200 price bracket. iFi makes the bold statement that “you will fall in love with your LPs all over again,” but with such stiff competition in the market, how does the ZEN phono measure up? Having reviewed many affordable phono preamps here at Sound Matters, … Read More

Audio Technica AT-LPW50BT Review

Marc HenshallReviews2 Comments

Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, a rosewood veneer MDF plinth, and a sleek carbon fiber tonearm, Audio Technica’s LPW50BT combines stylistic flair with impressive sound. Is this the levelling-up manual turntable you’ve been looking for? Pros Cons Engaging and well-balanced sound. Bluetooth was temperamental to connect (in my experience). Excellent build quality from both a look and feel perspective – a joy … Read More

Ten of the Best Budget to Mid-Range Turntables in 2024

Marc HenshallReviews5 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

Spartan 15 Review: Michael Fidler’s New Double Stage Phono Preamp

Marc HenshallReviewsLeave a Comment

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