Vinyl ripping 101 – Digitize vinyl the easy way: In a world increasingly dominated by the convenience and portability of streaming services, some collectors may question the value of digitizing or recording vinyl records. There are still plenty of good reasons to capture the sound of vinyl and turn them into convenient digital files that you can take with you … Read More
Converting Vinyl to Digital Files with Vinyl Studio
In this tutorial, you will learn how to convert your vinyl records to digital files using a software package called Vinyl Studio. Vinyl Studio is an all-in-one package that allows you to record your vinyl records, import individual track information, split your recording into individual tracks, and then save them as individual files as a complete album. Vinyl Studio also … Read More
Austrian Audio Announces Availability of the Full Score One Headphone Amplifier
Best known for their award-winning headphones and microphones, Austrian Audio is breaking into the headphone amplifier market with the new Full Score One. Announced alongside The Composer headphones model later last year, The Full Score one is now available across the UK and EU markets. Said to be the perfect companion to Austrian Audio’s The Composer reference headphones, the Full … Read More
Classic Albums: Fleetwood Mac (1975)
The release of Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album in 1975 saw the band move distinctly away from their British blues roots. The arrival of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham symbolized more than a change in personnel; it heralded the birth of a sound that would become iconic. (Huge thanks to VMP for supplying the reissue copy of this record). Founded in … Read More
MC Pro Review: Quietest Phono Preamp Available?
The MC Pro phono preamp by Michael Fidler (Classic Audio Ltd) promises a whisper-quiet signal-to-noise ratio, alongside hyper-accurate RIAA performance. Having been suitably impressed with Michael’s Spartan 15 moving magnet phono stage, can his first venture into the delicate world of moving coil amplification knock it out of the park once again? As is the case with all Michael Fidler … Read More
How to Use a Record Player Properly Without Damaging Records
So you’ve got your first record player and you’re ready to start spinning records. Congratulations! You’re about to experience the most rewarding way to enjoy music. But wait… How do you use a record player? (or turntable for that matter). Vinyl enthusiasts can often assume everyone knows how to use a turntable, but do they? We live in a digital … Read More
iFi Zen Phono Review: Better than the Mani 2?
The iFi ZEN Phono lists some impressive specs for a phono preamp sitting in the sub-$200/£200 price bracket. iFi makes the bold statement that “you will fall in love with your LPs all over again,” but with such stiff competition in the market, how does the ZEN phono measure up? Having reviewed many affordable phono preamps here at Sound Matters, … Read More
Audio Technica AT-LPW50BT Review
Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, a rosewood veneer MDF plinth, and a sleek carbon fiber tonearm, Audio Technica’s LPW50BT combines stylistic flair with impressive sound. Is this the levelling-up manual turntable you’ve been looking for? Pros Cons Engaging and well-balanced sound. Bluetooth was temperamental to connect (in my experience). Excellent build quality from both a look and feel perspective – a joy … Read More
Ten of the Best Budget to Mid-Range Turntables in 2024
Vinyl is back! The momentum behind consumer enthusiasm for the vinyl experience shows no sign of slowing, and while streaming offers day-to-day convenience on a mass-market level, vinyl continues to appeal among the most decerning of music fans. Hi-Fi equipment across the board has a reputation for costing a lot of money, but in truth, there are plenty of options … Read More
Best Albums to Own On Vinyl – 50 Essential Records Every Collector Should Own
Compiling a list of the best albums to own on vinyl is no small task. There’s a staggering amount of music history to consider, and at the end of the day, you could ask ten different people and get ten completely different lists. But I can conclude one thing for certain: there’s no better way own music than the beautiful canvas of … Read More