Few albums can claim the massive success, long-lasting appeal, and songwriting quality of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Every song is a hit. It helped Pink Floyd soar to a new level of success and popularity that hasn’t waned even though it was released 50 years ago. Prior to 1973, Pink Floyd was regarded as the best psychedelic rock … Read More
Best Online Record Stores to Grow Your Collection
Where to Buy Vinyl Records Online – Full Guide: Finding the best place to buy vinyl records online can be a minefield. Sure, there are many places to choose from, but not all online vinyl stores are made equal. A good record retailer will hand curate a selection of new or used records, often both. Many specialize in a particular … Read More
Fluance RT81+ Review – Superior Entry-Level Turntable?
Canadian-based audio brand Fluance has earned a reputation for packing unbelievable value into its products. In particular, the RT81 brought exceptional value to anyone seeking to kickstart their vinyl hobby or jump back in after re-discovering a long-lost record collection. The RT81+ adds an acrylic platter mat, adjustable feet, and Audio Technica’s new AT-VM95E cartridge to Fluance’s popular affordable turntable … Read More
Schiit Mani 2 Review – Best Budget Phono Preamp?
Since its initial release in 2014, the Mani phono preamp from Schiit Audio has gained a reputation as one of the best-sounding affordable options on the market. Fast forward to the present day, and there’s a new kid in town, the Schiit Mani 2. The latest incarnation of this much-loved phono stage promises (in the words of Schiit Audio) to … Read More
Moon 110LP v2 Review: Next Level Phono Preamp?
Compact, beautifully designed, and relatively affordable—could the Moon 110LP v2 take your vinyl playback into the stratosphere and beyond? The Moon 110LP v2 by SIMAUDIO is the company’s take on an affordable phono preamp, aiming to take technologies developed for their higher-end phono preamps and make them more accessible in an affordable, low-profile unit. Everyone loves an audiophile bargain, and … Read More
Pro-Ject T1 Review – Gateway to Audiophile?
Sitting between Pro-Ject’s new entry-level E1 and the legendary “Debut” line, does Pro-Ject’s T1 turntable offer the best bang for your buck? Having recently reviewed the Pro-Ject Primary E and E1 entry-level turntables, Sound Matters explore what you gain for stepping up a level in the Pro-Ject upgrade path. The Pro-Ject T1 is said to bring “audiophile design to a … Read More
Pro-Ject E1 Review – A Great First Turntable?
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