When was the last time you listened to a full album from start to finish with no other distractions? If you’re a regular subscriber to this channel, there’s a good chance you actually do this quite often, but for most music fans, the process of active rather than passive listening is becoming increasingly rare. Just before Christmas, I put out … Read More
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 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
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’re starting to feel the festive cheer. Perfect… All you need now are some Christmas tunes to set the atmosphere. And what could be better than the warm and comforting sound of vinyl as you deck the halls and celebrate with … Read More
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 have a nice turntable or record player, you want to do it justice with a nice set of speakers. And while I always say the first part of the audio … Read More
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 extra dimension it brings to the music we love. As an increasing number of music fans discover the joy of vinyl, there is a growing number of vinyl record subscriptions and record … Read More
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 journey to high-end options designed to suit the true vinyl connoisseur. If you own a turntable, you’ll need a phono stage somewhere in your setup to boost the very low output of your turntable cartridge and apply equalization based on … Read More
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 the right recording, mastering, and production, they sound fantastic. Unlike streaming services, of course, records take up space… As your collection grows, you’ll need to pick the best vinyl record storage … Read More
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 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 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 results for as little as $250. Thanks to a continued resurgence in the popularity of vinyl as a medium, several manufacturers of turntables have applied their engineering prowess to produce … Read More