When it comes to designing affordable turntables with true HiFi sound, Pro-Ject are a formidable force. The Austrian company calls their relatively new E1 series “Entry 1 into the world of analog sound”. Could the Pro-Ject E1 be the ideal first turntable? Pros: Great sound at this price point | Handy speed switching | Super easy setup | Optional built-In … Read More
Pro-Ject Primary E Review: Great Vinyl Sound?
Pro-Ject has a long-held reputation for nailing the basics to produce entry level-decks with real audiophile credentials. But does the Primary E live up to its forebears? Pros: Basic playback performance is spot on | Easy plug-and-play setup | Energetic and lively sound. Cons: Not much to look at, but a small price to pay for nailing the sonic performance at such … Read More
Vinyl Storage Solutions Rice Paper Sleeves – Better than MoFi?
For years, MoFi inner record sleeves have set the industry standard for “archival quality” record protection when storing your vinyl records. Their three-ply design and ultra-soft antistatic polyethylene material made them the go-to choice to vinyl enthusiasts the world over seeking unparalleled protection for their record collection. …But what if they could be better? Canadian company Vinyl Storage Solutions (VSS) … Read More
Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp Review – Audiophile Bargain?
With a highly attractive price tag of just $70, the Fosi Audio Box X2 tube phono preamplifier has rightly caught the attention of value-seeking vinyl enthusiasts. But at such a low cost, can it really improve the sound of your records? The Fosi Audio Box X2 is a tube phono preamplifier of sorts. In reality, like most affordable tube phono … Read More
Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 Review
Could Rega’s entry-level phono stage be one of the best budget phono preamps on the market? If you want to get the very best performance from your turntable’s cartridge, a great-sounding phono preamp is essential. Rega has a long-standing reputation for delivering exceptional audiophile value with products prioritizing sound quality over bells and whistles. The Fono Mini A2D MK2 is … Read More
Top Record Cleaning Tools Every Vinyl Enthusiast Should Own
Keeping your vinyl records clean is one of the most important aspects of collecting music on wax. It not only ensures that your records will sound great, but it also affects how long they will last – and, how long your stylus will last. Like any process in life, you’ll need the right tools for the job. Below is a … Read More
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 … Read More
Best Tube Phono Preamps to Suit Any Budget
In most other industries, vacuum tubes have gone the way of the dodo, replaced by more sturdy and durable transistor-based circuits. Audio equipment, both for consumer HiFi use and professional studio recording gear, is a different story. In the world of audio, vacuum tubes still hold a place in the hearts of audiophiles for their unique sound characteristics. Tube phono … Read More
Degritter MARK II Review: The World’s Best Ultrasonic Record Cleaner?
The Estonian brand Degritter took the vinyl community by storm when it released its original Degritter record cleaning machine just a few short years ago. The Degritter record cleaner quickly built a reputation for being one of the best ultrasonic record cleaning machines for home use. Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the Degritter MARK II promises even better performance. Can … Read More
Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 Review – An Audiophile Bargain?
With its minimalistic design but impressive versatility, the Phono Box DS2 promises audiophile quality at a bargain price. Can it deliver on this promise and how does this phono preamp compare to it’s more expensive tube counterpart, the Tube Box DS2? As the owner of Pro-Ject’s Stereo Box DS2 integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage, I was curious to … Read More