◎ Guides & Reference
Reference, guides,
Reference, guides,
how-to & rankings.
Top 5 rankings, practical guides and advice for building your vinyl setup without wasting money.
18
Guides published
GUIDES & RANKINGS
Ranking
The 10 most-wanted Blue Note originals
The ten Blue Note originals with the most Discogs wants: how to identify the period pressing, what it costs today and which official reissue to buy.
2 Oct 2026→
TURNTABLES
The 9 Best Turntables under £500
The 9 best turntables under £500 in 2026 in three tiers: Rega Planar 1, Fluance RT85, Pro-Ject, Audio-Technica, Sony. Scores, table, which to choose.
3 Sep 2026→
Best Phono Preamps 2026 (UK)
The best phono preamps on Amazon UK for 2026: Rega, Fluance, Pro-Ject, Douk and Pyle compared by quality and value, with US picks and buying advice.
2 Sep 2026→
TURNTABLES
Fluance RT85 vs Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2: Which Should You Buy?
Fluance RT85 or Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2? Cartridge, platter, ecosystem, availability and value compared. Which step-up turntable to buy, and for whom.
26 Aug 2026→
SPEAKERS
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Entry-Level Amps
The 4 best bookshelf speakers for a 30-50W entry-level amplifier: Triangle BR03, Wharfedale 12.1i, Q Acoustics 3030i and Dali Oberon 3 compared.
23 Jul 2026→
CARTRIDGES
Ortofon 2M Red vs Audio-Technica VM95E: Which Should You Buy?
Ortofon 2M Red or Audio-Technica VM95E? Two stylus systems compared: what reviewers say, upgrade path and price, and which cartridge suits your plan.
23 Jul 2026→
INTEGRATED AMPLIFIERS
Rega io vs Marantz PM6007: Which Should You Buy?
Rega io or Marantz PM6007? Two integrated amps compared: sound, phono, DAC, price. The vinyl purist against the premium all-rounder, and which suits you.
23 Jul 2026→
AMPLIFIERS
Best Integrated Amplifiers for Vinyl under £600
The 5 best entry-level integrated amps with a phono input, under £600 in 2026: Rega io, Marantz PM6007, Cambridge AXA35. Buying guide and comparison table.
20 Jul 2026→
PHONO PREAMP
iFi ZEN Air Phono 2 vs Cambridge Alva Solo: Which One to Buy?
iFi ZEN Air Phono 2 vs Cambridge Alva Solo: MM/MC, subsonic filter, sound, build. Which sub-£200 phono preamp to buy and why.
16 Jun 2026→
CARTRIDGES
MM vs MC: Which Cartridge Is Right for You
MM or MC cartridges: the real differences in output, phono stage, stylus, sound and cost. Which one suits beginners, and when to step up to moving coil.
16 Jun 2026→
Vinyl Glossary: The Collector's Lexicon
Groov-illa's vinyl glossary: 180 gram, gatefold, matrix, dead wax, obi and more terms explained clearly, to read pressings and buy better.
15 Jun 2026→
TURNTABLES
Rega Planar 1 vs Pro-Ject T1: Which One to Buy?
Rega Planar 1 vs Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB compared: sound, setup, upgrades and value. Which entry-level turntable should you buy in 2026?
8 Jun 2026→
PRESSING
Original Pressing vs Reissue: How to Choose
Original pressing or 180g reissue? When the original is worth it and when a good reissue wins, with examples: matrix, Blue Note, MoFi, jazz, rock, soul.
16 May 2026→
The Complete Vinyl Collector's Guide
Everything serious vinyl collectors need: turntables, pressings, marketplaces, cleaning, storage. 14 sections, the definitive guide.
15 May 2026→
VINYL CARE
How to Clean Vinyl Records: All Methods Compared
Complete guide to cleaning vinyl records: antistatic brush, manual wet cleaning, RCM machines and ultrasonic. Recommended products and when to use each method.
10 May 2026→
GEAR
Do You Really Need a Phono Preamp?
10 May 2026→
CARTRIDGES
The 4 Best Entry-Level Phono Cartridges
The 4 best entry-level phono cartridges: Audio-Technica VM95E, Nagaoka MP-110, Ortofon 2M Red, Ortofon OM10. Buying guide with pros, cons and prices.
23 Apr 2026→
PSYCH ROCK
Best Psych Rock Albums on Vinyl: Top 3
From the West Coast to British acid rock and the Texas underground: Forever Changes, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and the 13th Floor Elevators, on vinyl.
22 Apr 2026→