Sound Matters | ashor | Friends Activity https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/members/ashor/activity/friends/ Activity feed for ashor's friends. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:03:00 +0100 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 fe4cd6b63a84163c3aec3587d925c8fc Marc Henshall commented on the post, Fosi Audio Box X5: Is it Worth the Hype? New Standard in Phono Preamps? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/fosi-audio-box-x5-worth-the-hype/#comment-11000 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:49:40 +0100 Hi Tiago. Yes! Still have the SL1500c and it’s great. I agree that for a built in phono it’s pretty good, but I still think most good external preamps exceed it. The soundstage widens up and the dynamic […]

]]> ef6b1ac4858c292e633179a25797e66b Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Way to Clean Vinyl Records? Five Methods - Pros & Cons https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/pros-cons-of-different-vinyl-cleaning-methods/#comment-10995 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:16:06 +0100 Hey Jeff. You’ll find all the cleaning pads here: https://www.groovewasher.com/collections/cleaning-pads

]]> a43674f80cf902e63f91a8ea8c7e46fc Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238340 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:36:05 +0100 Sound Matters Awards 2025 Welcome to the first Sound Matters awards; a celebration of excellence in accessible HiFi with a focus on vinyl playback.Read More

]]> 70bb85407ac5c1c31f31a4c940437d7f Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238331 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:36:15 +0100 JICO’s Clipper‑S Cartridge: Straight‑Arm Precision for the Modern Vinyl Lover Japanese analogue specialist JICO has added a new memberRead More

]]> 5a9abe31555bc72805f9b52bb4e885bf Marc Henshall commented on the post, Ortofon 2M Red vs 2M Blue - Is it worth the upgrade? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/ortofon-2mred-vs-2mblue-worth-the-upgrade/#comment-10065 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:36:06 +0100 Hey Jim. Yes, that’s correct – you can just swap the stylus. 100% compatible. So maybe one day if you feel you can spare the cash, you could do this retrospectively 🙂

]]> 426b4837b5bd8793c804471d2d40a0c2 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Ortofon 2M Red vs 2M Blue - Is it worth the upgrade? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/ortofon-2mred-vs-2mblue-worth-the-upgrade/#comment-10063 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 13:56:33 +0100 Great to hear. Yes, it makes a huge difference for such a simple swap.

]]> 78b759abc9c4ba0966fa91e2d14e9751 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238314 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:44:09 +0100 Pro-Ject Flatten It: Can It Fix Warped Records Warped records can be a real thorn in the side for record collectors. Whether due to poor storage orRead More

]]> ddd67f10baac46ea2f1e5501922a7f96 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Kit with Custom Sound Matters Logo https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/win-a-groovewasher-record-cleaning-bundle/#comment-8787 Thu, 22 May 2025 13:43:07 +0100 What method did you use if you don’t mind me asking? Perhaps I can help.

]]> 04f63d6d39246f5198ed6cf5a46f5802 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Kit with Custom Sound Matters Logo https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/win-a-groovewasher-record-cleaning-bundle/#comment-8786 Thu, 22 May 2025 13:42:32 +0100 For hand cleaning and with record cleaning machines, I love it. G-Sonic is great for Ultrasonic also. Glad you’re happy with it.

]]> 7ce42cacaec4a0ef830e184eea90dd51 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=231634 Wed, 14 May 2025 10:28:59 +0100 Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Kit with Custom Sound Matters Logo We’ve teamed up with GrooveWasher to give THREE lucky grand prize winners a chance to win a record cleaningRead More

]]> 3eb64114e905ba4ddc3cb15490503a63 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Phono Preamps 2025: Amazing Sound at Any Budget https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-phono-preamps/#comment-8688 Tue, 06 May 2025 19:55:13 +0100 Thanks Rob – glad the review helped. It’s very impressive at the price and I’ve gotten very used to the convenience of the mono switch also. I think I’m going to run the Spartan15 in my living room. Love it. Glad […]

]]> ee146f21f3a4a03b0bd44c1fdeac5e20 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Phono Preamps 2025: Amazing Sound at Any Budget https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-phono-preamps/#comment-8687 Tue, 06 May 2025 19:53:16 +0100 That’s two recommendations for the Elac Alchemy PP2 in one day in this thread 🙂 Seems it is under rated. Will do a search to see if it’s still in production. Cheers

]]> 572f898dcc660ad2c454f38cec42d2bc Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Phono Preamps 2025: Amazing Sound at Any Budget https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-phono-preamps/#comment-8686 Tue, 06 May 2025 19:50:37 +0100 Nice! I’m currently running the MM Pro and MC Pro as my main preamps. Haven’t had time to check the Elac yet. Enjoy

]]> 36f0963cf7bddeb1c2c4423df2a15bac Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238284 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:08:57 +0100 Time to Upgrade Your Vinyl Protection: Inner Sleeve Options from Vinyl Storage Solutions Are your vinyl records truly safe from scratches and dust? WeRead More

]]> 2867ed8c62080d457587aa0425ba8075 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238266 Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:35:40 +0100 HumminGuru S-DUO PRO Review: Genius or Gimmick? The S-DUO PRO by HumminGuru is the latest incarnation of their ultrasonic stylus cleaner and trackingRead More

]]> 9d722ec8d996ab999c2ca39f509a166f Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=2836 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:15:07 +0100 Top Rules for Record Collecting When it comes to buying records, I’m sure we can all agree, it’s not always a walk in the park. The continuous huntRead More

]]> a86d08251874c6fb494fcbf927004d8f Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238242 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:45:10 +0100 MM PRO: The Sub $1000 Phono Preamp You Need to Hear Having quietly lived with the MM Pro phono preamp for just under a year, has this becomeRead More

]]> dc5b3e5ad2147c191c4bd782ee2d9c6a Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Gatefold Album Covers - Iconic Classics https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-gatefold-album-covers-iconic-classics/#comment-8411 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:47:45 +0100 Another great prog-rock example. Thanks Jim

]]> 44de8348509554590178ab63cbf246e8 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Gatefold Album Covers - Iconic Classics https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-gatefold-album-covers-iconic-classics/#comment-8410 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:45:47 +0100 Prog bands often had some of the best album covers. I’ll check those out. Happy spinning

]]> 596c5a420b2049848ff1decf62bdae50 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Gatefold Album Covers - Iconic Classics https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-gatefold-album-covers-iconic-classics/#comment-8388 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:23:51 +0100 Yep! Excellent cover

]]> 1a1c92b133c6e8cfa3d213636909528f Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Gatefold Album Covers - Iconic Classics https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-gatefold-album-covers-iconic-classics/#comment-8384 Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:22:14 +0100 Great example!

]]> c13ea5cacbdfa3b89082f6afc50b82c7 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238215 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:28:32 +0100 Fosi Audio V3 Mono Triumphs After Blow Up? Full Review Fosi Audio continues to make a name for itself, delivering audiophile-grade equipment at surprisingly wallet-friendlyRead More

]]> e3aa1dc0c231f0f59310f3af7cefa18e Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238209 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:48:04 +0100 Top Five Turntables Under $500 – Can You Still Get a Good One? Over the years, getting a great turntable in this price range has become a challenge. There are so many options outRead More

]]> ae860463a29bb267b675f803f418cff3 Marc Henshall commented on the post, The Best Turntables & Record Players to Suit Any Budget in 2025 https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-turntables-best-record-players/#comment-8115 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:52:32 +0100 Glad you enjoyed!

]]> 779a1019ac9f771d832a3301ba30e730 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Speakers for Vinyl Records - Affordable Options in 2025 https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-speakers-for-vinyl-records/#comment-8084 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:43:34 +0100 Have you tried swapping over the cables and seeing if the problem moves speaker? If it does, this may suggest a problem at the amp. The best way with these things is a process of elimination to try and narrow down […]

]]> 2600cc39b4e9bc9c68008e48b2f8258c Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=2407 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:18:17 +0100 Competition: Win FOUR Record Display Adaptors + A Record Cleaning Kit To celebrate record store day, we’ve teamed up with Twelve Inch for your chanceRead More

]]> 42f9e750d5d9e1a1a130daf9c0b2a7d1 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-vinyl-record-inner-sleeves/#comment-7919 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:18:33 +0100 Hi David – agree the VSS ones are essentially the best option these days. Available under Mint Sleeves here.

]]> 75a6b8ad2c5bfa5ab5e453b9e7da25e8 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238190 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 15:11:13 +0100 Fosi Audio Box X5: Is it Worth the Hype? New Standard in Phono Preamps? My first experience of Fosi Audio products was while reviewing the Box X2 tube phono preamp, and I was suitablyRead More

]]> 639816fce3eb4e6ab6a2ff084aadd125 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Recording Vinyl Records Into Your Computer: Step by Step (with Video) https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/how-why-you-should-digitally-rip-your-records/#comment-7917 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:32:00 +0100 You could do this for sure, but I prefer to keep the signal chain as short as possible when recording to avoid coloring the sound or introducing unwanted noise. Technically, though, sure you can do it that way. […]

]]> e2417ed6b7e5756214fe4c9626f8a86f Marc Henshall commented on the post, Recording Vinyl Records Into Your Computer: Step by Step (with Video) https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/how-why-you-should-digitally-rip-your-records/#comment-7916 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:29:48 +0100 You could use a switcher. There is some risk of adding noise, but you can reduce that risk by keeping cable lengths as short as possible.

]]> 5f9a83463d9246da860724436cf1a573 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238185 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:57:34 +0100 Is The Album Dead? Are We Facing a World of Endless Singles & EPs? When was the last time you listened to a full album from start to finish with no other distractions? If you’re a regularRead More

]]> aab68750124ff821d77d3bb391cdccb4 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=3171 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:06:03 +0100 Ortofon 2M Red vs 2M Blue – Is it worth the upgrade? The 2M series from Ortofon has, for many, become the de facto cartridge and styli range for the vinylRead More

]]> cf95068a2abc367844b095ff5eb9d110 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=232238 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:48:36 +0100 Best Christmas Vinyl Records for Festive Cheer in 2025 The temperatures are dropping and the decorations are rising; it’s the most wonderful time of year once again and you’reRead More

]]> ed27283d92ddf06c44dfac05a627283f Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=231098 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:00:00 +0100 Best Speakers for Vinyl Records – Affordable Options in 2025 Make your records sing with the best speakers for vinyl records that won’t break the bank. The speakers are your turntable’s voice to the world. If you’re lucky enough to haveRead More

]]> e209b288f8b80d72483b130f17e93358 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=231363 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0100 Best Amplifiers for Turntables – Affordable Options in 2025 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 aRead More

]]> a10ec0aba25d0ac373fa47cab1ab6cce Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=2343 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 09:27:54 +0100 The Best Vinyl Record Subscription Services in 2025 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 extraRead More

]]> 978fe741546e9a758e86e30ed01e86c5 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=68804 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 08:30:00 +0100 Best Vinyl Record Storage Solutions in 2025 Owning physical copies of your favorite albums is the best way to experience music. They’re collectible, tactile, and in many cases, beautiful works of art. Best of all, with theRead More

]]> 4c8c1d6c5ae34c9df40c19a6ee2c94c8 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=57049 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0100 Best Headphones for Vinyl Records in 2025 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 andRead More

]]> b3e4f05d9471cf0138457de11a7d14f2 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=231312 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 10:16:00 +0100 Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2025 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 firstRead More

]]> 6a2d1746877c37153b69708caf5881a1 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238150 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:44:37 +0100 Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT Review – Underrated? The LP60 is one of Audio Technica’s most affordable turntables at just $199. For such a low price, it’s also veryRead More

]]> b0a7f4e3fe718b3701d37cc98affe7b9 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=902 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 20:09:51 +0100 Best Budget Turntables In 2025 for Superb Sound 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 resultsRead More

]]> 93e07490fe605fd64e85ac077a409160 Marc Henshall commented on the post, Best Albums to Own On Vinyl - 50 Essential Records Every Collector Should Own https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-albums-to-own-on-vinyl/#comment-7433 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:05 +0100 Thanks for reading! Great suggestions also. Happy spinning.

]]> 3a2b17482694862276ae2cf54d5a4ef3 Marc Henshall commented on the post, iFi Zen Phono Review: Better than the Mani 2? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/ifi-zen-phono-review/#comment-7394 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:25:50 +0100 I have an audio shootout on my Patreon page so you can hear the difference directly between the Ortofon Blue and the MP-110 if that’s of interest: There’s also an audio shootout between the Zen and the Mani 2.

]]> 5fac09ce604d08f0d015c743ea239207 Marc Henshall commented on the post, iFi Zen Phono Review: Better than the Mani 2? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/ifi-zen-phono-review/#comment-7393 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:24:24 +0100 Thanks! It works really well. Funny enough, that’s exactly what I’m running in my family living space as a rig.

]]> 638213cadbc9cd926298d2a055800c33 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=234270 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:08:51 +0100 Best Phono Preamps 2025: Amazing Sound at Any Budget Our roundup of the best phono stage options. We’ve got you covered: From budget phono preamps that kickstart your vinyl journeyRead More

]]> d764af7857c9a7ec6ef3d7da721bbc58 Marc Henshall commented on the post, JDS Labs Atom Phono: Phono Preamp and EQ in One. Is it Useful? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/jds-labs-atom-phono-phono-preamp-and-eq-in-one/#comment-7357 Sat, 23 Nov 2024 17:57:28 +0100 Thanks! Yea, it’s a nice bit of kit this, and still useful if you upgrade your phono stage at any point too! I own a Fosi Audio Box X2; it’s remarkable for the money but more “colored” in sound than this one is. […]

]]> b987e06ec46cd4f3186a1d0ca482b5d5 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238123 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:13:26 +0100 JDS Labs Atom Phono: Phono Preamp and EQ in One. Is it Useful? The new JDS Labs Atom Phono is more than just a phono preamp, it’s a RIAA phono stage that doubles asRead More

]]> dadb36dadfa473079e2396c963468aa1 Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=238104 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 14:04:39 +0100 Angels Horn H019 – All-In-One Record Player That Actually Sounds Good? The H019 is an all-in-one record player with built-in speakers and Bluetooth input connectivity.Read More

]]> e48805fe85e999ac5ed419a69f4fa3ef Marc Henshall wrote a new post https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/?p=232886 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:22:11 +0100 The Best Turntables & Record Players to Suit Any Budget in 2025 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 asRead More

]]> 3f756fc380d3686ce27f1e3ddb07051f Marc Henshall commented on the post, Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 Review: Sweet Spot for Price V.S Sound Quality? https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/pro-ject-debut-evo-2-review-sweet-spot-price-sound-quality/#comment-7221 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:17:39 +0100 Thanks for reading and commenting. I’ve reviewed the RT85. It’s a great buy. I’d disagree that it’s as black and white as one being better than the other. The Fluance benefits from detachable headshells, which are […]

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