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
Best Speakers for Vinyl Records – Affordable Options in 2024
Make your records sing with the best speakers for vinyl records that won’t break the bank. The speakers are your turntable’s voice to the world. If you’re lucky enough to have a nice turntable or record player, you want to do it justice with a nice set of speakers. And while I always say the first part of the audio … Read More
Best Headphones for Vinyl Records in 2024
For most of us, speakers are the most common choice for vinyl playback. Speakers allow you to fill the room, generate an atmosphere and share the musical experience with friends and family. There are times, though, where a set of great headphones and a more private listening experience is advantageous, or perhaps (if you live with housemates or close-contact neighbors), … 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 Vinyl Record Storage Solutions in 2024
Owning physical copies of your favorite albums is the best way to experience music. They’re collectible, tactile, and in many cases, beautiful works of art. Best of all, with the right recording, mastering, and production, they sound fantastic. Unlike streaming services, of course, records take up space… As your collection grows, you’ll need to pick the best vinyl record storage … Read More
The Best Turntables & Record Players to Suit Any Budget in 2024
Enthusiasm for music on vinyl shows no sign of stalling. Sales of vinyl records continue to climb year-on-year, with revenues now out-performing CDs in what can only be described as the comeback of the century. Despite the convenience and abundance of digital streaming, it can never replace the joy of owning a physical piece of music and the full experience … Read More
Best Budget Turntables In 2024 for Superb Sound
Getting set up to play vinyl records doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the most affordable budget turntables on the market are capable of delivering Hi-Fi results for as little as $250. Thanks to a continued resurgence in the popularity of vinyl as a medium, several manufacturers of turntables have applied their engineering prowess to produce … Read More
Best Bluetooth Turntables in 2024
As a format that celebrates all things analog, a Bluetooth turntable or record player might seem like an odd choice. After all, doesn’t that negate some of the point in the first place? No matter what your view on Bluetooth sound quality, the fact remains, as vinyl records continue to grow in popularity, the convenience of wireless connectivity on a … Read More
