VINYL GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
Start Your Vinyl Journey Here
New To Vinyl Records?
If you’re just getting started with vinyl records, you’re in the right place.
Through this page, we’ve collated the best advice, tips and how-to guides to help you get started with your new vinyl hobby. From choosing your first turntable, to buying your first records and preserving them in pristine condition, you’re well on your way to building a record collection you can be proud of.
We’re a community of over 50,000 monthly vinyl enthusiasts; Sound Matters has helped countless music fans discover the joy of music on vinyl, and we can’t wait to get you started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Best Budget Phono Preamps for Amazing Sound
If you’re buying your first vinyl setup, you’ll need to make sure you have a phono preamp somewhere in the signal chain. In straightforward terms, a phono preamp amplifies the signal up to a level suitable for the AUX input on your Hi-Fi receiver. Also, it will apply an equalization curve to inverse the standard frequency adjustment made during the
Vinyl Record Dimensions: A Complete Guide
Understanding the different dimensions of vinyl record covers is important if you want to store your records safely, or display them creatively in your home. Knowing the right dimensions can help you choose the right record storage, account for thicker gatefold album covers, or even design your own album cover if you happen to be working with a band or
Can You Leave a Record on the Turntable? – Bad Idea?
When spinning your favorite records of an evening, you might be tempted at the end of the night to simply close the lid (if your turntable has one) rather than return the record to its sleeve. So can you leave a record on the turntable for an extended period? Today, I’ll explain why that’s not such a great idea… OK,
Best Online Record Stores to Grow Your Collection
Where to Buy Vinyl Records Online – Full Guide: Finding the best place to buy vinyl records online can be a minefield. Sure, there are many places to choose from, but not all online vinyl stores are made equal. A good record retailer will hand curate a selection of new or used records, often both. Many specialize in a particular
Recording Vinyl Records Into Your Computer: Step by Step (with Video)
Vinyl ripping 101 – Digitize vinyl the easy way: In a world increasingly dominated by the convenience and portability of streaming services, some collectors may question the value of digitizing or recording vinyl records. There are still plenty of good reasons to capture the sound of vinyl and turn them into convenient digital files that you can take with you
What is an LP vs an EP – Differences & Examples
The terms LP and EP are often used without thinking about their origin, and in our digital age, both are frequently misunderstood. Like many acronyms in the music industry, their meaning has a historical background but continues to evolve. Today, you’ll learn what an EP is, where the term comes from, how it differs from an LP, and what the
LP vs Vinyl: Are LP and Vinyl the Same Thing?
The world of vinyl and record collecting is full of jargon and regularly used terms that are often confusing for those just starting out on their record-collecting journey. Lots of terms are interchangeable or there are multiple words used to mean the same thing. Confusing, right? LP vs Vinyl is one of the most common examples… So is an “LP”
Best Headphones for Vinyl Records in 2023
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),
Types of Vinyl Records: An Easy To Understand Guide
Have you just inherited a record collection? Or perhaps, like many, you’re rediscovering vinyl records for the experience and unique sound quality. There are many different types of vinyl records, and some of the terminologies can get quite confusing. So if you’re looking to understand what’s in that dusty box in the attic, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll
How to Use a Record Player Properly Without Damaging Records
So you’ve got your first record player and you’re ready to start spinning records. Congratulations! You’re about to experience the most rewarding way to enjoy music. But wait… How do you use a record player? (or turntable for that matter). Vinyl enthusiasts can often assume everyone knows how to use a turntable, but do they? We live in a digital
How to Handle Vinyl Records Correctly – Prevent Damage!
Collecting records is a rewarding hobby. There’s nothing quite like the tactile process of selecting a record, gently pulling it from its sleeve, and carefully cueing up the stylus to unleash beautiful music. Handle vinyl records correctly, and they will reward you with a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Mishandle them, on the other hand, and you will quickly ruin the
Phono vs Line: What’s the Difference? – Vinyl 101
The terms “phono” and “line” are often misunderstood, particularly by new record collectors. Understandably, phono inputs can confuse music enthusiasts as they use the same RCA connectors as the inputs and outputs labels as “line” or “aux” on turntables and amplifiers. So what’s the difference between phono and line signals? Fortunately, it’s easy to boil this question down to a
Moving Magnet Vs Moving Coil Phono Cartridges – What’s The Difference?
When it comes to choosing the right components for your turntable, your phono cartridge is, well, pretty important. After all, this is the device that makes direct contact with your records. In most audio systems, inputs are almost certainly more important than outputs; to put it frankly—shit in, shit out. There are two main types of phono cartridge available: moving
Why Buy Vinyl Records? Top Five Reasons
In a world where we can access almost any piece of music at the click of a mouse or the tap of a screen, who would think that a physical format like vinyl would continue to endure? Far from being a nostalgia trip, vinyl records are now enjoyed by a wide range of ages by music fans searching for something
Best Budget Turntables In 2023 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 results for as little as $199. Thanks to a continued resurgence in the popularity of vinyl as a medium, several manufacturers of turntables have applied their engineering prowess to produce
Do Picture Disc Vinyl Records Sound Worse?
A large part of vinyl’s lasting appeal is the artwork. The larger physical canvas has long given musicians the chance to express their art beyond the music in a way that adds to the overall experience of collecting and listening to music. In the case of a picture disc vinyl record, the whole product becomes a canvas, opening up a
Best Albums to Own On Vinyl – 30 Essential Records Every Collector Should Own
Compiling a list of the best albums to own on vinyl is no small task. There’s a staggering amount of music history to consider, and at the end of the day, you could ask ten different people and get ten completely different lists. But I can conclude one thing for certain: there’s no better way own music than the beautiful canvas of
