Starting a vinyl record collection isn’t the cheapest way to enjoy music. After all, you could just sign up for Spotify or Tidal and have done with the entire process. But that’s not the point. If you’re reading this page, there’s a good chance, like me, you value music as more than a service you can rent. Streaming services might … Read More
Best Vinyl Record T-Shirts
Vinyl records are more than just a music format; they’re a way of life. Eat, sleep, vinyl, repeat. From endless digging through crates of records, to continually checking the Discogs Wishlist, it’s an all-consuming hobby and the endless pursuit of the next holy grail. Safe to say, there’s a whole culture surrounding vinyl as the format continues to surprise critics … Read More
On Test: Klipsch RP-500M Speakers Powered by the Pro-Ject Stereo Box DS2
This Klipsch Speaker and Pro-Ject Amp Combo is a Winning Combination When I was in the market for a new, compact Hi-Fi setup for my office and music room, I turned to the Klipsch RP-500M bookshelf speakers hooked up to a Pro-Ject Stereo Box DS2 integrated amplifier. The world of vinyl can be an expensive game with endless upgrade opportunities … Read More
Thrift Store/Charity Shop Vinyl – Still Worth It?
Over the years, vinyl record enthusiasts have long hailed thrift, charity, and antique stores as a goldmine for used vinyl. But is this still the case? Much has changed over the last couple of decades. The vinyl hobby is more popular than ever, and far from being an obscure endeavour of pure nostalgia, the vinyl format has earned and secured … Read More
What’s Your Dumbest Vinyl Record Mistake?
One Christmas, I made a school-boy level error when listening to some records with the family… Being the holiday season, we were enjoying a few drinks while sorting out the living room decorations. I have two turntable setups in my home (one in my office for uninterrupted listening, and another one in the living room to enjoy with the family). … Read More
Liner Notes: Bob McNally – Handmade Christmas Music
Welcome back to Liner Notes. In this special festive edition of the series, we’ve got an absolute treat of an album to brighten up your holiday season. It’s just so sweet; cavity-inducing even, like an almond milk eggnog stirred with a candy cane straw. Bob McNally hand-built and played every instrument you hear on this record. But if that wasn’t … Read More
Groovalo Ethical Record Subscription Review
Inspired by the concept of a more sustainable future, Groovalo are seeking more renewable sources of new music. In doing so, they hope to support artists while rewarding fans with outstanding music for many years to come. As vinyl sales look set for another record-breaking year, it’s perhaps no surprise to see the popularity of record subscription services traverse a … Read More
Sound Matters Supports the Making Vinyl Conference
We are proud to support this year’s Making Vinyl conference. A virtual event with a physical feel. Each year, the Making Vinyl conference takes place across the United States and Europe, helping to bring together a collective voice of experts, icons, and industry legends that are passionate about the vinyl record industry. Making Vinyl brings together representatives from the world’s … Read More
Festive Giveaway: Win a GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Bundle
By anyone’s standard, 2020 has been a challenging year. So as we head into the final month of the year, we’re bringing back our competition series to help spread a little joy around the festive season. We’re delighted to provide you with a chance of winning GrooveWasher’s Mondo Record and Stylus Care System. The Mondo bundle is their top-of-the-line care … Read More
How is the Vinyl Record Industry Weathering COVID19?
The vinyl record industry, and the wider music business, is a passionate industry led by devoted people. It’s a labor of love while at the same time providing a genuinely fulfilling livelihood to thousands across the globe. So what happens when an unexpected and unprecedented global crisis hits the industry you love? To learn more about the impact of COVID19 … Read More