VMP (Vinyl Me, Please) is one of the world’s most established record clubs. Their special releases and collaborative approach have earned them a reputation for producing some of the most desirable pressings in the industry.  To learn more about what makes VMP such a desirable record club, we delve into their latest Essentials Record of the Month release. After which, … Read More

For those who prefer to watch rather than read, there is a video overview at the bottom of this post. I’m a fan of the Ortofon 2M range of cartridges; they provide an affordable entry point to audiophile quality with a clear upgrade path for those seeking a modular approach to signal path improvements.  Arguably, your cartridge is the most … Read More

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

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

When I needed a realistically priced utility deck for my new studio office, I turned to the Technics SL1500C. Designed to sit alongside the ubiquitous SL1200 models, the 1500C sports all the performance you’d expect from Technics with a stripped-down feature-set and user-friendly design. The Technics SL1200 series is considered a classic across the DJ circuit as a long-running success … Read More

The Debut Carbon we all know and love, with just a little extra class and sophistication. What’s not to like? We explore the latest addition to Pro-Ject’s prominent entry-level turntable range. The Debut Carbon DC is admired across the vinyl community as a minimalist deck that nails all the essentials. For many, it still represents the standard in what it … Read More

More of an isolator than a traditional platter mat, the new HEXMAT “Yellow Bird” is both visually striking and intriguing. As vinyl enthusiasts, we are constantly in pursuit of the perfect setup and sound. A great turntable is only half the battle, as all aspects and components of any HiFi setup will affect the final sound. Turntable mats are certainly … Read More

One of my key motivators for starting Sound Matters was the loss of experience and musical discovery that happens when you surrender all music ownership to the internet. The abundance of choice online is amazing, and it’s never been easier or cheaper to access more music than a person can consume in a lifetime. The trouble is, the experience just … Read More