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

Soundeck Platter Mat PM295 Review – New & Improved?

Marc HenshallReviews2 Comments

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?

Marc HenshallReviews5 Comments

Rega Planar 1 Review

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

Audio Technica AT-LP3XBT Review – Automatic Bluetooth Turntable

Marc HenshallReviews4 Comments

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

Marc HenshallReviews6 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

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

Fluance RT81+ Review – Superior Entry-Level Turntable?

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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

Schiit Mani 2 Review – Best Budget Phono Preamp?

Marc HenshallReviews10 Comments

Since its initial release in 2014, the Mani phono preamp from Schiit Audio has gained a reputation as one of the best-sounding affordable options on the market.  Fast forward to the present day, and there’s a new kid in town, the Schiit Mani 2. The latest incarnation of this much-loved phono stage promises (in the words of Schiit Audio) to … Read More

Moon 110LP v2 Review: Next Level Phono Preamp?

Marc HenshallReviews6 Comments

Compact, beautifully designed, and relatively affordable—could the Moon 110LP v2 take your vinyl playback into the stratosphere and beyond? The Moon 110LP v2 by SIMAUDIO is the company’s take on an affordable phono preamp, aiming to take technologies developed for their higher-end phono preamps and make them more accessible in an affordable, low-profile unit. Everyone loves an audiophile bargain, and … Read More

Pro-Ject T1 Review – Gateway to Audiophile?

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Sitting between Pro-Ject’s new entry-level E1 and the legendary “Debut” line, does Pro-Ject’s T1 turntable offer the best bang for your buck? Having recently reviewed the Pro-Ject Primary E and E1 entry-level turntables, Sound Matters explore what you gain for stepping up a level in the Pro-Ject upgrade path.  The Pro-Ject T1 is said to bring “audiophile design to a … Read More