LATEST ADDITIONS

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 28, 2026

When it comes to the King of Rock & Roll, nothing is too EPiC (acronym-derived case sensitivity specifics very much intended) for director Baz Luhrmann to tackle. Relative to the theatrical premiere of Luhrmann’s latest visual ode the King, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert — which hits theaters with a one-week exclusive IMAX engagement on February 20, 2026, followed by a global theatrical release from NEON and Universal Pictures International a week later on February 27, 2026 — RCA/Legacy will be releasing a companion 2LP soundtrack on April 24, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s EPiC report to see if this hunk o’ double-Elvis vinyl-to-come belongs in your collection. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jan 27, 2026

The world of record cleaning brushes spans decades and price points, from minimalist designs to maximalist engineering. Of late, we’ve been intrigued by the line of fine record brushes being offered by German manufacturer Ramar, so we wanted to test the model that’s been duly dubbed Record Brush Joni. Read Ken Micallef’s review to see if the Joni is as stardust-golden as its name indicates. . .

Mark Smotroff,  |  Jan 23, 2026

Many music fans consider Electric Warrior, the classic September 1971 Reprise LP by Marc Bolan’s T. Rex, to be ground zero for the music genre known as glam rock. Indeed, popular music’s trajectory at that time would likely be very different if not for the success of this album, which has long been an in-demand fan-favorite LP. And thus, a new, audiophile-worthy remastered 180g 1LP version of it courtesy Rhino’s most excellent High Fidelity Series was very much in order. Read Mark Smotroff’s review to see if you need to get it on with the Kevin Gray remaster of Electric Warrior ASAP. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 22, 2026

Since we’re on a bit of a phono preamp kick this week, it’s time to check in on what Danish brand Aavik has in store under that particular gear umbrella. Part of Audio Group Denmark, Aavik is known for their flagship R-880 phono preamp, and they tell us that they’ve drawn inspiration specifically from that model to launch their new Aavik R-X88 series of phono preamps. Read on to see all the features and specs for the three different models in this new series: the Aavik R-188, Aavik R-288, and Aavik R-588. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 21, 2026

As the ’80s continued to unfold, Rush found themselves at the crossroads once again. To meet the moment head-on, the Canadian trio enlisted a new producer, made some key arrangement and songwriting modifications, and came up with their mid-’80s statement album, April 1984’s Grace Under Pressure. In celebration of this milestone LP, UMe/Mercury and Anthem continue with their ongoing, comprehensive Rush 40th anniversary album series with the arrival of newly expanded Super Deluxe Editions of Rush’s about-face 1984 release on March 13, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s report — which includes an exclusive interview with longtime Rush production wizard Terry Brown, who remixed the original album exclusively for this box set — to see why the 180g 5LP/1BD configuration of GUP40 should make its way onto your preorder list ASAP. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 20, 2026

The optiks — er, sorry, the optics are always good whenever we get to see some new gear from preamp specialists Backert Labs. To that end, the Delaware-based company have just introduced their new Optik Phono 1.1 phono preamp/EQ for DS Audio cartridges. Read on to see just how the Phono 1.1 has been optimized for use with DS Audio carts. . .

Mark Smotroff  |  Jan 16, 2026

In a moment that truly signifies the end of an era, the passing of 1960s psychedelic music legend, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir at age 78 on January 10, 2026, has certainly shook the souls of fans all around the world. It’s such a tremendous loss, and we here at AP can’t help but continue to be awe-inspired by his incredible career and joyously rich musical output. To properly fete the man’s accomplishments, we tasked our resident Deadhead Mark Smotroff to reflect on Weir’s life and times, in addition to recommending some choice Weir-centric listening moments on vinyl — both studio recordings and live performances — for fans old and new to seek out and enjoy. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 15, 2026

If you’re gonna name a company whose raison d’être is to focus on celebrating all the joys of cassette culture, you can’t do much better than declaratively calling yourselves We Are Rewind. A French company based in Paris, We Are Rewind was founded in 2016 in collaboration with ORA, along with support from French engineers who boast over 40 years of experience in analog technology. Fast-forward to the here and now, wherein We Are Rewind have recently introduced two high-profile limited-editions portable cassette players that celebrate a pair of music icons from different eras. Read on to see how these two players are the perfect entry points for young, budding, and longtime tapeheads alike. . .

Mike Mettler  |  Jan 14, 2026

Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat it on, as the saying goes — at least that’s how the mid-’80s supergroup dubbed The Power Station put it in their February 1985 hit single of a mostly similar name. The album that housed that incendiary lead single, March 1985’s eponymously dubbed The Power Station, is seeing a well-deserved, expanded 40th anniversary 2LP set that’s duly been subtitled DLX via Parlophone on January 23, 2026. Read AP editor Mike Mettler’s review to see just how fiery this newly upgraded edition of The Power Station is on wax. . .

Ken Micallef  |  Jan 12, 2026

Time for another exclusive AP sneak preview! Check out Ken Micallef’s unboxing video of HumminGuru’s cool new EZ Vinyl Record Washer. . .

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