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
Classic Albums: Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers
By the beginning of the 70s the music world was in a significant transition state. The Beatles were done, and a combination of events, including the Stone’s notorious Altamont show in December 1969 signaled that the “peace and love” movement was dead. It was time to usher in a new era. Despite the turmoil, The Rolling Stones were really hitting … 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
Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2 Review – A Highly Versatile Tube Phone Preamp?
The Tube Box DS2 promises audiophile phono stage credentials with added tube “warmth” and versatility to suit a wide range of cartridges. Does it deliver the musicality and character vacuum tubes are known for? Sound Matters compare the performance of a built-in phono preamp to the Tube Box DS2 as a component upgrade. Impressive Versatility Sound quality aside, the Tube … Read More
Can You Leave a Record on the Turntable? – Bad Idea?
When spinning your favorite records of an evening, you might be tempted at the end of the night to simply close the lid (if your turntable has one) rather than return the record to its sleeve. So can you leave a record on the turntable for an extended period? Today, I’ll explain why that’s not such a great idea… OK, … Read More
Best Record Cleaning Machines
If you’re the proud owner of a large vinyl record collection, or you want to step up your record cleaning game, a record cleaning machine is one of the best investments you can make. Yes, they require some investment up-front, but in the name of priceless record preservation and the pursuit of audio nirvana, they are worth every penny. There … Read More