A VINYL RECORD WEBSITE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

We help you get the most amazing sound
and experience from your vinyl records.

Sound Matters: Your Online Vinyl Record Magazine

Cut Through The Jargon. Spin More Records.

Hey! I’m Marc from Sound Matters (that’s me holding the copy of Aladdin Sane at my local record store.

Welcome to the Sound Matters community where all about regaining a more authentic music experience. We believe in the vinyl format as the best way to own music and experience music. Audiences are more invested in music when they own it physically, and this ultimately leads to a more enriched music culture.

After completing a BSc Hons degree in Music Technology and spending the best part of ten years working for the audio brand Shure, I went full time sharing my experience and expertise to help vinyl enthusiasts and the wider music community get the most from their vinyl records and listening experience.

Subscribe to and enjoy the best tips tricks and features to enhance your love of music – especially on vinyl.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Record Cleaning GuidesDirty Records Spoil the Vibe!

Clean Records Sound Better!

The best record cleaning advice

Record Storage GuidesProtect Your Investment

Look After Your Records

Store them safely

Getting Started with VinylStart spinning records today!

Vinyl Guides for Beginners

Start your new vinyl hobby

Vinyl Gear Buyer GuidesThe best sound at any budget

Make an informed choice

Choose the right HiFi gear for you

Product ReviewsGear under the spotlight

Trusted Reviews

Life's too short for lousy gear!

Vinyl Record MerchBe a part of the analog revolution

Listen in Style

Full range of t-shirts, hoodies and more!

It's YOUR SOUND MATTERS

What our subscribers say:

"This is the BEST LP-care website. . .Bar-none! Thank you Sound Matters!"
Will

"Just wanted to say thanks for the valuable service you provide to the vinyl community. After almost 20 years, I pulled my vinyl from storage, purchased a new turntable and connected to my soundbar (also a new purchase). I found your site and use you exclusively for all my vinyl needs, purchased a record cleaner system from GrooveWasher and cork turntable mat based on your articles and recommendations. Thanks again and keep up the great work!"
Peter

"I can’t believe this blog actually reads my mind!
I tried to research humidity and record storage many times (I live in a really wet region) and didn’t find any real help. You guys are always the best."
Carlo

AS SEEN IN...

Far from being yesterday's fading, forgotten format, vinyl records have survived and flourished as the music medium of choice for not only baby-boomers, but all ages. Every record a collector acquires comes with a story of its own, and recent events prompted many vinylholics, including Graham Sharpe, to look more closely at their reasons for collecting, take stock of existing collections and rediscover old favourites.

"Quite simply, they are desirable items - beautiful and artistic.
The great tradition of creative and artistic expression through the vinyl medium continues, and complements the digital age."
Marc Henshall - Sound Matters

December 13, 2024

Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2024

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December 12, 2024

Best Phono Preamps 2024: Amazing Sound at Any Budget

OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

The LP60 is one of Audio Technica's most affordable turntables at just $199. In this video we look at the AT-LP60XBT version. For such a low price, it's also very feature-rich, boasting fully automatic playback and convenient Bluetooth connectivity. Can it live up to Audio Technica's longstanding reputation?

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Product Links:
_________________________________________________________________

AT-LP60XBT on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://geni.us/lp60xbt

AT-LP60XBT on Turntable Lab (Affiliate Link): https://www.turntablelab.com/products/audio-technica-at-lp60xbt-bk-automatic-bluetooth-turntable-black?aff=56089

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

Guide to Phono Preamps:
_________________________________________________________________

https://www.yoursoundmatters.com/why-do-i-need-a-phono-preamp-for-my-turntable/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #turntable #recordplayer

Audio Technica LP60XBT Review: Is this Entry-Level Turntable Underrated?

An opinion piece on why I don't think you should you should buy picture discs to play them and why I think they're better as display pieces on your wall or as collector items. Simply put, they don't sound very good.

Instead of playing them, I like to display them on the wall using record display adaptors from Twelve Inch. Link below. Check them out for yourself below:

Product Links:
_________________________________________________________________

https://twelve-inch.com/ (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://geni.us/record-display-adaptor

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Email Pictures of Your Listening Space
_________________________________________________________________

Send your listening space pics to: info@yoursoundmatters.com

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords

Don't Buy Picture Disc to Play Them: Do This Instead!

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?

View Product:
https://jdslabs.com/product/atom-phono/
_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #turntable #phonopreamp

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

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?

Debut Evo 2 Product Link: (Amazon Affiliate Link): https://geni.us/debut-evo-2-project

_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #turntable #recordplayer

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

I've seen many record subscription services come and go over the years; it's a very competitive space where, to survive, you have to be the best of the best or at least bring something new to the table.

Vinyl Post caught my attention as a little different from most. Their service is a monthly record club where subscribers receive indie music pressed on a postcard. Subscriptions start at $5.99/mo. + Postage.

Learn more: https://vinylpost.co/

_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #recordsubscription #recordclub

Vinyl Post: Could This Record Club Bring in More Young Record Collectors?

Create a fun themed record display with Twelve Inch record display systems. No frames required! If you’ve got a favourite band or album, it can be a lot of fun in your listening space to pick up a spare copy just for display. What would you create? Use my code SOUNDMATTERS10 at the link in the comments and get creative in your space! https://twelve-inch.com/

Creative Vinyl Display Ideas: Create Themes with Twelve Inch (No Frames!) #recordcollector #vinyl

Angels Horn H019 all-in-one record player review. This record player/turntable has built-in speakers and Bluetooth input connectivity. All-in-one record players have a bad reputation for sound quality and often even build quality. Can this thing sound better than, say, a Crosley Cruiser suitcase record player?

Product Links AAL=Amazon Affiliate Link:

Angels Horn H019 (AAL): https://geni.us/angelshorn-h019

_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #turntable #recordplayer

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

There's no shortage of snobbery in the record collecting hobby, which can leave some newcomers afraid to ask what they might see as a "silly question".

But you know what!? There are no silly questions.

In a bid to break down some of the elitism and continue to make this hobby viable into the future, let's open the conversation on common questions about vinyl and record collecting that new enthusiasts are too afraid to ask.

Product Links AAL=Amazon Affiliate Link:

Fluance RT81+ (AAL): https://geni.us/fluancert81

Fluance RT82: (AAL): https://amzn.to/4dOKEHG

_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #vinylobsessed #vinylrevival

10 Questions About Vinyl Records Beginners Are Too Afraid to Ask

Can Rega's new Nd3 moving magnet phono cartridge elevate the Planar 2 to new heights?

The Planar 2 is a stepping-stone option between Rega's affordable Planar 1 and its multi-award-winning Planar 3. The new Nd3 moving magnet cartridge takes some inspiration from moving coil designs, bringing some of the sound characteristics with it along the way.

Product Links AAL=Amazon Affiliate Link:

Rega Planar 2: https://geni.us/planar-2
Tracking force gauge: https://geni.us/trackingforceguage

_________________________________________________________________

Join Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content each month:
https://www.patreon.com/soundmatters

Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
_________________________________________________________________

GrooveWasher (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://www.groovewasher.com/

Twelve Inch (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
https://twelve-inch.com/

Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://vinylstoragesolutions.ca/soundmatters

Soundeck Dampening Products (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10):
https://soundeck.bigcartel.com

Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
https://vinylpursuit.com/

#vinylcommunity #recordcollector #vinylrecords #turntable #rega

Rega Planar 2 Review: Fitted with the Nd3 Cartridge - Sweet-spot Affordable Turntable?

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Thank you to our sponsors

The Ultimate Clean Sound Solution

GrooveWasher make world-class record cleaning solutions to suit all levels and budgets. GrooveWasher is the audiophile’s choice for fine grooming before each play. It is also effective for heavy cleaning off the turntable.

Vinyl on Your Wall

Twelve Inch products allow you to create a stunning and personal record gallery on the wall without any frames or visible parts. Their mission is to nurture and grow the love for vinyl records, by providing a flexible and elegant way to create amazing record galleries in the home.

Vintage Vinyl without the Hassle

Unlike most used record stores and Discogs purchases, all the records you buy from vinylpursuit.com are restored using an ultrasonic record cleaning machine before shipping to you in brand-new premium inner and outer sleeves.

A VINYL RECORD WEBSITE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

We help you get the most amazing sound
and experience from your vinyl records.

Sound Matters: Your Online Vinyl Record Magazine

Cut Through The Jargon. Spin More Records.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

It's YOUR SOUND MATTERS

What our subscribers say:

AS SEEN IN...

Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2024

Latest

Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT Review – Underrated?

Best Budget Turntables In 2024 for Superb Sound

Gift Ideas For Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors 2024

Best Phono Preamps 2024: Amazing Sound at Any Budget

OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Thank you to our sponsors

The Ultimate Clean Sound Solution

Vinyl on Your Wall

Vintage Vinyl without the Hassle

Search This Website:

Navigation

Categories

Affiliate Disclaimer

A VINYL RECORD WEBSITE FOR THE DIGITAL AGE

We help you get the most amazing soundand experience from your vinyl records.

Sound Matters: Your Online Vinyl Record Magazine

Cut Through The Jargon. Spin More Records.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

It's YOUR SOUND MATTERS

What our subscribers say:

AS SEEN IN...

Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2024

Latest

Audio Technica AT-LP60XBT Review – Underrated?

Best Budget Turntables In 2024 for Superb Sound

Gift Ideas For Vinyl Lovers & Record Collectors 2024

Best Phono Preamps 2024: Amazing Sound at Any Budget

OUR LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Thank you to our sponsors

The Ultimate Clean Sound Solution

Vinyl on Your Wall

Vintage Vinyl without the Hassle

Search This Website:

Navigation

Categories

Affiliate Disclaimer

We help you get the most amazing sound
and experience from your vinyl records.