LATEST ADDITIONS

The new Live at The Matrix, 1967: The Original Masters super deluxe box set that features early live recordings by The Doors as captured on the cusp of their impending, immense fame is a wonderful historic document on vinyl — and a crucial crossroads moment. Issued for the first time in as complete form as possible — and from better sources than what’s been previously available — these semi-professional recordings give us a glimpse of this legendary L.A. band just before they broke out as international music sensations. Read Mark Smotroff’s in-depth review to see if Live at The Matrix, 1967 deserves a place in your collection. . .

It’s been just over a decade since noted specialist Japanese manufacturer Aurorasound first introduced their flagship VIDA phono preamp into the marketplace, and the current iteration, the VIDA MkII, is what’s going under the AP microscope today. Read on to get all the VIDA MkII phono preamp specs and feature details. . .

Craft Recordings just served up the next pair of 180g 1LP offerings in their ongoing R.E.M. reissue series — namely, 180g 1LP editions of May 2001’s classic-sounding Reveal and March 2008’s power-pop punk slammer, Accelerate. Read Mark Smotroff’s combo review of Reveal and Accelerate to see if either or both LPs are worthy additions to your vinyl collection. . .

Has it really been 75 years since Columbia Records released what’s generally agreed to as being the first commercially available 12-inch long-playing record — or LP — in June 1948? Indeed it has — and a new 192-page hardcover book, titled In the Groove: The Vinyl Record and Turntable Revolution, is set to be published October 17. In the Groove covers our favorite format’s history from the first LP needle drop to the ongoing vinyl resurgence of today — and it also includes a chapter penned by a noted AnalogPlanet contributor to boot. Read on to find out more about , and how to pre-order your own copy today. . .