VinylBox Subscription Review – An Eclectic Service for Budding Record Enthusiasts

Marc HenshallReviewsLeave a Comment

Vinyl record subscription services continue to grow in popularity. They’re a fantastic way to grow your collection, discover new music, and broaden your musical horizon. At Sound Matters, we’ve reviewed a wide range of vinyl record subscription services available in North America, the UK, and the EU.  Each service offers a unique approach, with some focusing on specific genres and … Read More

Pro-Ject VC-E Review – Is it as good as the bigger VC-S2 ALU

Marc HenshallCleaning Vinyl, Reviews2 Comments

Does the VC-E compact record cleaning machine from Pro-Ject match up to its bigger brother, the VC-S2 ALU? Sound Matters put the device through its paces.  When Pro-Ject upgraded its popular vacuum record cleaning machines with shiny new aluminum chassis, we quickly investigated the new VC-S2 ALU. As a direct replacement for Pro-Ject’s flagship VC-S, the new VC-S2 ALU brought … Read More

Best Vinyl Record Cleaning Machines

Marc HenshallCleaning Vinyl, Record Care, Reviews9 Comments

If you’re the proud owner of a large vinyl record collection, or you want to step up your record cleaning game, a record cleaning machine is one of the best investments you can make. Yes, they require some investment up-front, but in the name of priceless record preservation and the pursuit of audio nirvana, they are worth every penny.  There … Read More

Ortofon 2M Red vs 2M Blue – Is it worth the upgrade?

Marc HenshallReviews19 Comments

The 2M series from Ortofon has, for many, become the de facto cartridge and styli range for the vinyl revival. The ubiquitous 2M Red, in particular, has rightly earnt a reputation as one of the best-sounding affordable cartridges on the market at just $99 or £95. Sound-wise, the performance is undoubtedly impressive across the 2M range, which is semi-modular to … Read More

Synthizer Bamboo Vinyl Record Holder Review

Marc HenshallRecord Care, ReviewsLeave a Comment

If you’re anything like me, your vinyl record collection is an ever-expanding beast. Once you’re hit with the vinyl bug, there’s no satisfying that itch to buy more records as you set out on a lifetime journey of musical discovery.  The bigger your collection gets, the more creative you have to get with storage. A record crate becomes a record … Read More

VMP Classics Subscription Review

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A VMP Classics subscription is the perfect way to explore a new or existing love for soul, blues, and jazz. Having spent recent years acquiring a broad range of classic albums by Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Coleman Hawkins, Sound Matters review the latest from VMP Classics. For music exploration, nothing quite beats a record subscription service. The … Read More

Best Headphones for Vinyl Records

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews, Uncategorized9 Comments

For most of us, speakers are the most common choice for vinyl playback. Speakers allow you to fill the room, generate an atmosphere and share the musical experience with friends and family. There are times, though, where a set of great headphones and a more private listening experience is advantageous, or perhaps (if you live with housemates or close-contact neighbors), … Read More

Best Budget Phono Cartridges for Great Sound Quality

Marc HenshallNew to Vinyl, Reviews4 Comments

Your phono cartridge is arguably the most important piece of kit in your entire setup. Why? Because the cartridge and its stylus are responsible for tracking the groove. The accuracy and detail captured at this point are critical, as no amount of upgrading your pre-amp, amplifier, or speakers will make up for poor quality at the sound source. Replacing or … Read More