I’ll cut right to the chase; don’t do it. You’ll find countless articles on how to clean vinyl records with soap and water online, and I’m here to explain why that might not be such a wise idea. Sure, we all want clean vinyl records, free of pesky pops and clicks – that much is a given. But what if … Read More
Win a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Turntable
We’ve teamed up with Pro-Ject Audio Systems to give one lucky grand prize winner the chance to win a Debut Carbon EVO turntable* The Debut Carbon EVO retails for £449 and focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. It’s everything we love about the original Debut Carbon, but just a little more grown-up. In particular, features … Read More
Pro-Ject MaiA S3 Review – Small Amp, Big Sound?
Pro-Ject recently announced the launch of their upgraded MaiA integrated amplifier. The new MaiA S3 is said to boast several upgrades on the original design to deliver flexibility and audiophile-quality sound in a compact design. The fundamental question is: can the S3 punch above its weight? Pro-Ject first released the MaiA amplifier in 2014. The name stands for “My Audiophile … Read More
Best Crates for Vinyl Records
Whether you’re moving your entire collection or simply prefer crate-digging to flicking through shelves, crates and boxes are an important part of vinyl record storage. Crates are arguably one of the most flexible ways to store records. They’re compact, easy to tuck away, and highly portable. Even if you already own a large cabinet or shelf for storing the bulk … Read More
Creative Ways to Display Your Vinyl Records
Besides the great sound, ritual, and process, a huge part of vinyl’s lasting appeal is undoubtedly the aesthetic. Enthusiasts hail the large format artwork and the sense of satisfaction that comes with physically owning the music you love as just part of the reason why vinyl record sales continue to grow year-on-year. Many album covers are pieces of art in … Read More
How to Grade Vinyl Records – Full Guide
Whether you’re selling off some of your collection or hunting for your next holy grail vinyl purchase, understanding how used records are graded is fundamental. It’s important as a seller, as you want to provide an honest and fair assessment of what you’re selling, but it’s also important for the customer as a key indicator of quality. This is particularly … Read More
Best Record Cleaning Kits – Bring Your Vinyl Back to Life
Keeping your vinyl records clean is essential if you want to enjoy the best possible sound from your collection. Even the most careful collectors will occasionally find they need to give their records a quick pass through a record cleaner to eliminate annoying pops and clicks. The best record cleaning kits get the job done quickly and safely without causing … Read More
The Best Vintage Turntables for Audiophiles
Buying a vintage turntable can offer many advantages over shiny new decks fresh off the production line. First and foremost, going vintage can make obtaining a higher-quality turntable more affordable. The potential to grab a bargain will undoubtedly appeal to many record collectors, as, let’s face it, HiFi audio and record collecting isn’t exactly the cheapest of hobbies. When choosing … Read More
The Best-Selling Albums of All Time – USA & Worldwide
Crafting the perfect album is a true art form. There’s a certain level of skill required in taking a collection of individual songs and compiling them into a finished body of work. When everything comes together, an otherwise ordinary handful of tracks become something extra special, capturing the heart and minds of music fans for decades to come. So what … Read More
Rough Trade West – Record Store Spotlight
Opened in 1976 by Geoff Travis, the original Rough Trade store based in West London would eventually spawn a series of record stores and a record label responsible for some of the most loved acts to immerge from the British independent music scene. Sound Matters visited the iconic Rough Trade West to explore what makes this place historically important and a … Read More