We are under great cost pressure due to the globally transparent sales price structure, which, however, offers the customer no insight into purchase prices. In particular, the "global players" that everyone knows have given customers the impression that it is completely normal to send goods across the world free of charge and at their whim.
We have to work hard to cover our costs. And without being able to fall back on an infinite workforce. There are two of us, sometimes three.

Now we don't want to sugarcoat things. Yes, it is annoying when we respond to one or two customer enquiries too late, incorrectly or possibly not at all. However, this is not malicious intent, but an expression of human error-proneness.
We have automated processes as far as possible, but many manual steps remain. People overlook, forget and process things incorrectly when they are under a lot of stress.
Anyone under 60 will live to see what the perfect, transparent and fully process-optimized world will look like. And most of us will remember how good it used to be when people still made mistakes.

We apologize for every mistake we make, for every customer we have kept waiting or left waiting. We are sorry! For every mistake that can be traced back to us, we apologize with a 10% shopping voucher.

However, it is no reason to threaten lawyers because you did not get the item you wanted for the price you accidentally set completely wrong, which is far below our purchase price. (What character traits do you actually need for that?)
You don't have to call us a crap store just because the record(s) you reordered, which are in the repress, still couldn't be delivered.

We sell hobby items. Things that are supposed to make life a little nicer. One that pushes us more and more into constraints from which we find it increasingly difficult to escape. This is not about life. Not a car that you urgently need to get to work. Not about a medicine that you don't receive, even though your life depends on it.
We sell records, CD & Hifi accessories!

Please let us deal and communicate like humans. There are a few emails we've received over the past few years that I've been wondering whether I should publish. Simply outrageous. And we wonder whether people communicated in the same way in the 1980s.

By and large, these are the areas that cause the most anger:

• Price was issued incorrectly: We need to correct
• A title was still displayed as available, but has since been withdrawn from the market: We need to cancel
• One or more titles were not in stock, not in the distributor's warehouse and are in backorder: We cannot give any dates and have a backorder that is sometimes open for months
• We have overlooked an email or responded too late to a call
• Customers feel cheated out of their money because they have paid but have not yet received any goods
  • All payment methods except "purchase on account" are prepayment models, we have no influence on this
  • See above on the subject of "reprinting"
  • We offer a return transfer for all customers for whom the waiting time is too long

Most of the points mentioned above are due to our flawed human nature. We continue to work on ourselves but will never achieve perfection.
Let's all be happy that we are not all process-optimized yet and let's talk about it like humans.
With us, it's not an AI or a robot that puts your order together, it's us. And we do a pretty good job, we think.

Trusted Shops ratings (as of March 2023)

Ebay Shop ratings (as of March 2023)

Klangheimat operates purely as an online retailer with an affiliated appointment listening studio. However, it is possible, subject to prior agreement with us, to collect the goods from our offices.
Consultation appointments are also possible for larger purchases.

Yes, we also run an Ebay store, which we are very proud of. However, only some of our goods are currently on offer there.
If you are interested, you can find us at this link:

https://www.ebay.de/usr/klangheimat_shop

That's right. audiophile-vinyl.
When we were planning our appearance in 2006, we agreed to cooperate with the then owner of audiophile-vinyl -Grischa Drespa- in Dortmund. We took over his old stock of vinyl, he wanted to continue his business with "hardware" and service.

Unfortunately, he gave this up, so that we could not continue this cooperation, but continue to operate our website under the domain vinyl-audiophil.de.
Overall, however, we operate under the Klangheimat.de brand, which expresses what we stand for:

Home through conservatism in our listening habits: The vinyl record gives moments . .

Click here for a round of introductions

Admittedly, a certain signal effect cannot be denied to our appearance. But we wanted to base it on our logo color.
After trying a few things, we decided on a completely neutral white in combination with our orange. Approximately 10,000 presented articles should stand for themselves and not be distracted by various color combinations of the website.

Orange has a special meaning for us. The choice of this color arose from our love of tube appliances, which we use almost exclusively.
For us, orange is one of the warmest colors we can imagine. During the time we love to spend with ourselves and our hobby "music", this color is a constant companion.
The glowing tubes, from which you can hardly take your eyes off, radiate precisely this color.

The online market is a shark tank. As good as low prices are for the customer, joining in with the online market's price hikes only leads to the big players being able to survive in the long term. Nobody benefits from this, only the companies that do not pay their taxes in Germany.
We, on the other hand, have decided to undercut every offer and offer our articles at prices that reflect the value of the product on the one hand and allow us to live on the other.

In general, however, we are prepared to accommodate customers with large purchases. Live and let live should be the motto here.

❓ Frequently asked questions about audiophile CDs

Why do audiophile CDs sound better?

Audiophile CDs are often recorded directly from the original master tapes and produced on high-quality materials. This ensures greater dynamics and precision - more on this in the main text.

How does Klangheimat protect CDs during shipping?

We use oversized, sturdy cardboard boxes and secure bubble wrap to prevent damage. You can find out more in the Packaging section.

Which music genres are available as audiophile CDs?

Our repertoire mainly includes classical music, jazz and rock - genres that particularly benefit from high fidelity. You can find an overview in our CD store.

Are CDs still up to date today?

Yes, more than ever. CDs offer physical durability and the highest sound quality in a world that increasingly relies on streaming. They are a conscious statement for sustainable music enjoyment.

There's one question that every record retailer dreads when they buy one or more records that are out of stock and/or sold out at the distributor.
"When do you deliver?"
Why is this question so awkward? Because nobody knows. As a retailer, you don't have the record(s) in stock and have to pass this question on to the distributor. But you can save yourself the trouble, because they also have to pass the question on. Namely to the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer in turn does not announce the press dates. And so you only generate a long chain of emails or phone calls that only lead to one thing for everyone involved: Frustration & annoyance.

As soon as we inform you that one or more records are currently not available, or if the item was marked from the outset as "backordered by us, but currently not available in Germany (waiting time!)", we will not provide any information about the delivery time. Cannot be guaranteed!
Many weeks or several months are not uncommon.

It is also difficult with the status "available at short notice". These titles are sourced from a major supplier in another EU country. This supplier in turn tries to buy them worldwide. A so-called "fill rate" is determined on the basis of previous orders for this item. Only on the basis of this fill rate can statements be made as to how likely it is to receive the title and how quickly it was delivered on average. It is not possible to determine the exact delivery date.

We have already communicated this fact in many places in the store. However, as this question keeps coming to us by e-mail, we would like to highlight this issue here once again:

Titles that are backordered by the manufacturer (not in our warehouse, sold out by the distributor) always have an uncertain delivery time!
There are only two options:

• the title(s) are delivered to us, we deliver.
• the title(s) are canceled, we inform and cancel.

During this time, the customer has the option of canceling individual items at any time if the waiting time is too long!
You can also keep the order open, but have any amounts already paid paid out and only pay after delivery.

Thank you for your understanding.

Your Klangheimat

I've already paid, but the goods haven't arrived yet or the order has been canceled.

The vinyl market has become almost unmanageable and confusing. As we work with a large number of suppliers, it is unfortunately not possible to display vacancies 100% accurately at all times.

It happens from time to time that titles that are not in stock are suddenly sold out or it takes longer than expected.
This is annoying for customers who have paid by EC/credit card, Paypal or sofortueberweisung.de.

We understand that. The best alternative is to order by purchase on account, prepayment or Amazon. The invoice is only activated at the moment of dispatch.
However, we offer all customers the option of requesting a refund if the delivery takes too long.A short e-mail to us is sufficient.

It can take up to 24 hours to check the vacancy of a title that is not in stock. Only then can we say with certainty that an item is possibly sold out and we have to cancel the order. Of course, we will then immediately refund the amount already paid. Titles supplied by major suppliers are given a filling rate, which indicates how likely it is that the title can be supplied. As major suppliers buy worldwide, there is also the possibility that a title is no longer available. After the "BaseDeliveryTime" has expired, we are informed that the title has been removed from the order (from our order). Only then can we inform the customer. Titles that are purchased by the major supplier are marked accordingly at . It is therefore possible that we will only find out 14 - 30 days later that the title is not available.
Unfortunately, there is no other technical solution. We hope for your understanding. As a small piece of additional information, we would like to inform you that all amounts are held back by the financial service providers. It is sometimes not possible for us to dispose of the money paid by the customer for up to 4 weeks due to the guarantee of payment default protection vis-à-vis the financial service provider. We can therefore reject the accusation that we are working with customer money without hesitation.

This will sound strange to some. But yes, it does happen. We have already experienced wild abuse because the customer ordered one day ago and did not receive the delivery the next day.

It may be irritating, but we are not Amazon with its -practically- own delivery service. We are dependent on the performance of DHL. Sometimes they are more, sometimes less good. (see also "ORDER MARKED AS SHIPPED BUT DHL TRACKING SHOWS NOTHING"
There are days when nobody shows up due to staff shortages, and on some days the driver only arrives late in the evening. As much as we would like to change the situation for you, we can't. What we do is send our complaint mails into the ether like a prayer wheel.
Whether anyone is interested is doubtful.

Although the item is displayed as ready for immediate shipment, I receive a message in the shopping cart that the item is not in stock.

This can have the following causes:

• The quantity you ordered exceeds the quantity actually in stock. The main display always refers to "1 piece", therefore it is displayed as available for delivery.
• We operate dropshipment with the manufacturer. As we ship directly via the manufacturer, the stock level is irrelevant. However, we must specify it correctly as we use various system integrations (e.g. Ebay)

There is absolutely no reason to open a case with Paypal!

We try to process all orders as accurately as possible. However, as we are a small team faced with a large and complex order volume, mistakes naturally happen.
We regret these, but unfortunately they cannot be completely prevented.
Particularly in the case of sound storage media, there are often long to very long waiting times. Unfortunately, although the issue is dealt with at various points in the online store, many customers do not understand the context and feel cheated.

Of course, we do not cheat anyone and everyone has the right to cancel part or all of their order at any time.
If you open a Paypal case without having contacted us in advance, we will cancel the order without further comment.
At this point we would also like to emphasize that we will delete any customer account that may have been created. An opened case is associated with penalties for us, which not only generate fees, but also result in loss of trust.
This does not have to be the case and is simply annoying.

A classic is the "DHL Tracking shows nothing" problem.

We have listed the usual reasons below:

• Our shipping volume is now so high that the driver often does not scan at our premises. This leads to delays in the display
• The driver often arrives late in the evening. The main truck leaves the DHL Post center around 6 pm. If the parcel has not been delivered by the DHL driver by then, the parcel will not be transported until 18:00 the next day
• DHL synchronizes the systems late. You will not be able to see immediately if the status changes
• We send small parcels via DHL Warenpost
  • Merchandise mail is not scanned on collection
  • We have often experienced that the parcel is only scanned on delivery. So on the day of delivery (usually just before the doorbell rings)

To redeem the voucher code you have received, you must first open the shopping cart filled with the products:

1.
.

2.

3. There you will find the field for entering the voucher

Enter the code and then press "Redeem coupon/voucher". The voucher will then be activated and the total amount recalculated

We often receive extensive questions about delivery times. In any case, we would like to get your order to you as quickly as possible, but unfortunately this is not always so easy.

The record market in particular makes it difficult for us to give exact delivery times if we do not have the titles in stock. In any case, you will receive the desired vinyl -immediately- if we have it in stock.
For all other variants we are unfortunately dependent on our suppliers. If they are not able to deliver, this often results in unpredictable delivery times, which can vary from weeks to months. This is due to the fact that the pressing plants are working at full capacity because of the immense demand for vinyl. On the other hand, it is also due to the fact that the distributors only start repressing when the retailers' repeat orders are large enough.

Please understand that we can then only provide very imprecise information and cannot track this. In such cases, we reserve the right not to send any status messages, as these would not contain any information that could be of use to the customer other than "we are still waiting". We will deliver the goods as soon as we receive them, or issue a corresponding credit note if the title(s) is/are officially canceled and dropped from post-production.

In any case, you have the option of withdrawing from the purchase at any time. You only need to inform us informally by e-mail.

We must point out that we and our suppliers cannot establish a synchronous interface. The delivery status display always refers to our latest status. It may well be that we display titles as available in 3-6 days, but are then informed of the unavailability of the title when reordering.

Here are the different shipping statuses in detail:

• In stock & ready for immediate shipment (delivery 1-2 days)
  All records or articles offered with this symbol are in our warehouse and ready for dispatch within 24 hours.
  - delivery time 1-2 days - in stock and ready for immediate delivery
  
  
• Delivery in 3-6 days (if available from the supplier)
  For items marked with the white record, we have access to partners or wholesalers and can reorder them within 24 hours, so that they are usually available to us - if the supplier has the items in stock - within 3 - 6 days and can be shipped to you. However, this promise is not binding, as we can only find out whether the titles are in stock at the German distributor when the order is placed. If the titles are sold out, delivery times can range from weeks to several months (repressing).
  Earlier delivery is also generally possible.
  - Delivery time 3 - 6 days -
  
  
• Ready for immediate shipment from stock EU (delivery 4-6 days)
  These items are shipped by our partners abroad. The items are in stock and are usually shipped within 2 days. Due to the delivery from abroad, however, you must expect some delivery time.
  

• available at short notice (4-16 days) (if available from the supplier)
  Items marked with a yellow plate are available from us, but must be reordered. As this order is placed worldwide, delivery times of 4 - 16 days will occur. Please note that it is possible that these titles are completely out of stock.
  Please contact us via our ticket system if you require more detailed information on availability and delivery times.
  In the event that one or more titles are not available, you will immediately receive a refund of any purchase price already paid.
  Please also read the article Bulk supplier order & delivery time
  - Delivery time 4-16 days -
  
  
• Article and price must be requested - delivery time up to 2 months
  This symbol indicates that you can order these titles, but should request them individually.
  Please also note that we are currently updating our database and this may mean that items marked with this symbol may be available "at short notice". However, you may have to expect waiting times of up to 4 weeks for these titles or articles, or they may be sold out and can no longer be reordered. We think that we will have carried out a complete update by March 2011 and that you will then receive an accurate display. To be on the safe side, please ask us about availability.
  - Delivery time - 2 months - on request -
  
  
• available soon
  There are no fixed delivery times from the manufacturer yet. The product has only been announced so far.
  - Delivery time unknown -
  
  
• Backorder or
  The item is not in stock, but has already been reordered. Depending on whether it is an item from a German distributor or a major distributor, it will be back in stock within 3-14 days.
  -back in stock within 3-14 days -
  
  
• Backor currently not available
  The item is still available and has been reordered by us. However, it is currently sold out.
  -delivery time unknown -
  
  
• Product is not available
  Titles or articles marked in red are usually sold out at the moment. But here, too, we ask you to inquire about this individually
  - not available -

Customers are often confused by our statement "the title is in backorder with the major supplier".
What exactly does that mean?

Most of the sound carriers we offer, especially the audiophile ones, are held in stock by German distributors. This means that if we do not have them in stock, we order them in Germany.
Titles from major suppliers are marked "available at short notice".
However, as we have quite a large range, which also includes standard titles (not audiophile), we also buy from major suppliers abroad.

This works as follows:

• If the major supplier has the title in stock, it's simple. We receive it in our package, which goes out to us at least once a month
• If the title is not in stock, he buys it on the world market.
  • However, the wholesale supplier has no overview of the actual stock quantity at the manufacturer/supplier
  • he therefore only "requests" the order.
  • Based on the last orders for the title, you can "estimate" how long it will take to receive the title
  • but there is no guarantee that the title will actually be delivered
  • so unfortunately, as an intermediary, we can only "wait"
  • if it is delivered to us we deliver it to the customer, if not we cancel this position

This is unpleasant from the customer's point of view, we know that. Therefore, as a customer, you can cancel the title or receive a refund at any time. However, since our payment services work exclusively (with the exception of Klarna invoice purchase) with a prepayment model, the effort would be too high for us to refund all these titles immediately.
We therefore ask for your understanding.

In the shopping cart, the screen is divided into two parts.

• In the upper area you will find the"Express Checkout". Here you can check out with your existing accounts (e.g. Amazon or Paypal) without leaving us any further data.
• In the lower area, log in to our online store with your data. "Or simply log in (additional payment methods)" This will take you to the "Payment" section, which offers you various payment methods
  • You can use your existing Klangheimat account -> "Already a customer? Please log in here"
  • or register as a guest. Your data will not be saved, only used to send your order
  • Click on the "Checkout" button to go to the next screen

You have ordered a sound carrier or received a partial delivery and have not heard from us since then?

Time and again we receive letters or phone calls from customers who sometimes complain that they have not received a delivery status from us. Our answer, more of a question, unfortunately has a bad aftertaste for the customer, but is completely in line with the facts.

"What status should we communicate if there is no status to communicate?"

Over the years, we have moved away from sending the customer emails stating that we are unable to provide a new status.
Especially in the recorded music market, it is almost impossible to get reliable information about the delivery status. If the distributor is sold out, he usually waits for a repress. Waiting times of months are no longer the exception, but the rule. The pressing plants don't let you look at their cards.
The distributor usually only finds out details about the delivery date the moment he receives the goods. The same applies to us as retailers.

We therefore only receive information when the German distributor is supplied. There are only a few days between this delivery and our backorder. We can therefore also wait until delivery and simply deliver the backorder to the customer.

Until then, it simply makes no sense to inform customers that we have nothing to inform them about. It would be a completely meaningless email that would involve a lot of administrative work.
Inquiry e-mails regarding individual delivery dates usually lead to nothing, but result in a lot of work between dealers, sales and pressing plants. It becomes even more difficult when it comes to U.S. American titles.

From time to time we also receive nasty emails saying "why are you offering this title if it no longer exists". It does exist, just not at the moment. As soon as we realize that the title can no longer be supplied at the moment, we switch it to "currently not available in Germany". Of course, we often only notice this when someone orders it and we don't have it in stock and have to reorder it.
If we then deactivated the item, it would no longer be visible to Google and would therefore drop out of future search results. Of course, we would be hurting ourselves.

Therefore, you will only hear from us in two cases:

• if the title(s) are delivered
• if the title has been deleted and will no longer be reprinted

In this context, we would like to share a review from June 2022 about an order from March 2021

We won't forget your order, we promise.
If the delivery time is no longer acceptable, you can cancel these items at any time or have the amount paid out until delivery. Just send us an email.

! In general, you should be prepared for a delivery time of several weeks to months for items with the status "Backorder, currently not available"!

We received a question from a customer asking why we automatically refund the amounts for backorder titles that are currently not available.

Initially, this would mean a lot of accounting work. As the titles are delivered later, credit notes would first have to be created in order to issue an invoice again later.
However, what makes this process unfeasible is the fact that a credited transaction with Paypal, Amazon etc. finally closes the original transaction. So we cannot collect the amount again.

We therefore only offer refunds on request. If a new invoice is then issued, we must request the amount as a bank transfer.

Also a source of great annoyance and incomprehension. The customer waits for the delivery of the article, which is indicated with 2-4 days delivery time, but receives the information after ordering that one or more of these titles are not available.
How can that be?

We have automated many things in our store with interfaces. But we have been dreaming of an interface for years. An interface to our suppliers' warehouses. This does not exist and will probably not be available any time soon.
Items (titles) that are not displayed as "ready for immediate dispatch" are not in our warehouse. The delivery time shown refers to the delivery time that can normally be expected. However, this can only be guaranteed if the supplier has the items in stock. The display "2-4 days delivery time" refers to a back-order supplier relationship via German distributors. Re-ordering is very quick here.
However, we cannot know whether the title is in stock until the time of our order (the order placed after the original customer order).

As already mentioned, there is no real mapping of the supplier's article stock with our online store. This is not technically possible!

It is therefore quite possible that the 2-4 days delivery time displayed may turn into weeks or even months. At this point, if the title is in the repress or in the reorder from the U.S.A., we usually have no possibility to give an exact delivery date.

We have provided information on this in the confirmation email and elsewhere in the FAQs.

All titles with delivery times marked "available at short notice" are purchased from major suppliers.
These in turn order the title on the world market. As a retailer, it is not possible for us to influence these orders and, above all, their delivery times.
Only the so-called "filling rate" allows us to draw conclusions about the probability of delivery. This is calculated by the major supplier on the basis of the delivery behavior of the last orders.

As a rule, the titles are ready for dispatch within a delivery time of up to 16 working days. However, it can happen that delivery takes a month or longer.
It is also possible that the order will be canceled by the major supplier. Unfortunately, we have no influence on this either. Not even if the order is canceled. As a rule, every article ordered via the major supplier has a so-called backorder delivery time, within which the major supplier tries to receive the title. If, for example, this is defined as 90 days, the order will only be canceled after 90 days if it cannot be obtained and we are therefore only able to inform the customer that the title is no longer available from this point in time.

We at Klangheimat have now tested all providers. After several years of experience, we have come to the conclusion that DHL Paket is the best provider for us, both for our nerves and those of the customer.
However, it is not cheap. We therefore ask for your understanding that we require a minimum order value in order to be able to offer you free shipping.

Dear customer.

You have a reason for complaint and would like to make use of the guarantee because the item you ordered is defective. We very much regret this, but would like to help you as quickly and easily as possible.

Please note that in the event of withdrawal without a reason for complaint, the return costs are to be borne by you. If possible, please use the withdrawal form which we send as standard with the order confirmation by e-mail.
Furthermore, we ask you to stamp the return shipment accordingly.

In the event of a complaint, please complete the warranty form in CAPITAL LETTERS and enclose it with your return. This will enable us to process your shipment more quickly.
If it is not possible for you to enclose the form or send it to us, an e-mail to us will also suffice.

Important note regarding your return:

• Please register the return shipment in advance at reklamation@klangheimat.de.
  We will then send you a DHL return slip by e-mail.
• As a rule, industrial tolerances of +/- 2mm per 1/5 of a turn apply to records. We will be accommodating, but will nevertheless point this out.
• LP returns with visible defects that are not audible are also generally excluded.

Dear customer.

In the event of a withdrawal without complaint, the costs of the return shipment are to be borne by the customer. Please inform us briefly about the revocation and prepare the prepaid return shipment to us.
All details on the right of withdrawal can be found in our Right of Withdrawal section.

There's one question that every record dealer dreads when you buy one or more records that are out of stock and/or sold out at the distributor.
"When do you deliver?"
Why is this question so awkward? Because nobody knows. As a retailer, you don't have the record(s) in stock and have to pass this question on to the distributor. But you can save yourself the trouble, because they also have to pass the question on. Namely to the manufacturer. However, the manufacturer in turn does not announce the press dates. And so you only generate a long chain of emails or phone calls that only lead to one thing for everyone involved: Frustration & annoyance.

As soon as we inform you that one or more records are currently not available, or if the item was marked from the outset as "backordered by us, but currently not available in Germany (waiting time!)", we will not provide any information about the delivery time. Cannot be guaranteed!
Many weeks or several months are not uncommon.

It is also difficult with the status "available at short notice". These titles are sourced from a major supplier in another EU country. This supplier in turn tries to buy them worldwide. A so-called "fill rate" is determined on the basis of previous orders for this item. Only on the basis of this fill rate can statements be made as to how likely it is to receive the title and how quickly it was delivered on average. It is not possible to determine the exact delivery date.

We have already communicated this fact in many places in the store. However, as this question keeps coming to us by e-mail, we would like to highlight this issue here once again:

Titles that are backordered by the manufacturer (not in our warehouse, sold out by the distributor) always have an uncertain delivery time!
There are only two options:

• the title(s) are delivered to us, we deliver.
• the title(s) are canceled, we inform and cancel.

During this time, the customer has the option of canceling individual items at any time if the waiting time is too long!
You can also keep the order open, but have any amounts already paid paid out and only pay after delivery.

Thank you for your understanding.

Your Klangheimat

On this occasion, an additional article regarding the delivery time of new releases.

Customer: "I have already asked several times when I will receive the record. On their website they said xx.xx. and I still don't have it"

Another classic customer contact request for which we would like to publish an article.
In short, our answer "we still have to wait, we haven't received it yet" was seen as customer-unfriendly.
This is simply the core of the facts, which cannot really be described in "warm" terms. Of course, we could just pick deadlines out of the air and then potentially not meet them. But no one is helped by this.

Basically: We obtain most of our premium sound carriers from the official German distributor "Sieveking Sound" in Bremen. This in turn imports (in most cases) from the U.S. manufacturer.
In the case of a new release, the manufacturer passes on an EU date to the distributor, which we then take over. However, there is a long way between this date and the U.S. production and sales department - which does not always adhere to the deadlines - as well as shippers and international customs authorities - which can take weeks to arrive.
Once the goods reach the sales department, they have to be distributed to the various dealers. At some point we get them delivered.
The question of the exact delivery date is completely irrelevant at this point.
The manufacturer doesn't know the exact date, the distributor doesn't know the exact date and of course we don't know the exact date 5 times over.

The EU release date can therefore not be regarded as binding and it is quite possible that a range of days to sometimes months is possible here.

Unfortunately, we cannot make the issue more customer-friendly. It doesn't help anyone to point out at this point that the order has already been paid for. We are happy to pay back contributions if it takes too long. In such cases, it is also possible to simply pay directly by invoice. This is only activated on delivery.

To make matters worse and particularly annoying for us, some dealers bypass the (actually binding) German distributor and import directly from the U.S.A. and the goods are suddenly shown on the market and available, whereas we have still not received them via the official channels.
As we feel very close to the team around Sieveking Sound, we have always refrained from initiating anything similar.
However, we find the resulting discussions offensive and would therefore like to expressly point out once again that we are not acting in a customer-unfriendly manner, but that we are simply unable to respond in any other way than the way we do.

One mistake was to reply to a customer who felt that he had been treated in an extremely customer-unfriendly manner.
We will refrain from doing so in future with reference to this article.

We really hope for your understanding at this point.

Customers are often confused by our statement "the title is in backorder with the major supplier".
What exactly does that mean?

Most of the sound carriers we offer, especially the audiophile ones, are held in stock by German distributors. This means that if we do not have them in stock, we order them in Germany.
Titles from major suppliers are marked "available at short notice".
However, as we have quite a large range, which also includes standard titles (not audiophile), we also buy from major suppliers abroad.

This works as follows:

• If the major supplier has the title in stock, it's simple. We receive it in our package, which goes out to us at least once a month
• If the title is not in stock, he buys it on the world market.
  • However, the wholesale supplier has no overview of the actual stock quantity at the manufacturer/supplier
  • he therefore only "requests" the order.
  • Based on the last orders for the title, you can "estimate" how long it will take to receive the title
  • but there is no guarantee that the title will actually be delivered
  • so unfortunately, as an intermediary, we can only "wait"
  • if it is delivered to us we deliver it to the customer, if not we cancel this position

This is unpleasant from the customer's point of view, we know that. Therefore, as a customer, you can cancel the title or receive a refund at any time. However, since our payment services work exclusively (with the exception of Klarna invoice purchase) with a prepayment model, the effort would be too high for us to refund all these titles immediately.
We therefore ask for your understanding.

We often receive offers from customers offering us their used records.

Answer: Unfortunately, we have no use for them.
We specialize exclusively in the sale of audiophile new pressings and only have a few pressings declared as 2nd hand vinyl from old stocks or as returns in stock.
This is more an issue for 2nd hand vinyl dealers, of which there are several on the market.

Reasons for exchange are:
- Clearly audible, recurring cracking noises in the recorded area
- Waviness above the industry tolerance +/- 2 mm at 1/5 rotation
- Record cannot be played, needle gets stuck

Records cannot be returned if:
- Short or single cracking noises in the entry or exit groove
- Non-audible, superficial defects
- Slight waviness
- Pressing agent residue (not audible)
- Running noises of the grooves
- Heavily creased covers

We only sell high and mint condition goods in mint/mint condition. (The notation should be read as follows: condition cover/condition vinyl).

This means that the goods are in excellent condition. We check our records optically under halogen light. The record is then washed with a HANNL MERA ELB.
For each used record (depending on the time available) a recession is created under Dr. Vinyl with further information.
Furthermore, we fill out a corresponding card (vinyl profile) regarding the condition of the vinyl before shipping and after the listening test. If we are not satisfied with the result, we clean the record with the Hannl round brush until it meets our expectations of "audiophile".

What does 'mint', 'mint-', 'very good', etc. mean?
mint = The product shows no signs of wear, neither on the cover nor on the vinyl.
mint- = The product shows very slight superficial scratches, but these cannot be heard even on high-quality equipment. There may be slight traces of storage on the cover.
All other conditions such as 'very good', 'good' etc. are qualitatively below 'mint' and 'mint-', and we do not stock these conditions.

In our store you will only find records in the "mint" and "mint-" categories.

However, should there be any reason for complaint, we will take the record back and refund the purchase price.

As a premium partner of Solidsteel, we have a dropshipment agreement with the Italian company.
We therefore send goods that are not in our warehouse directly from the headquarters in Italy. Solidsteel ships via DHL Express.
Depending on the current order volume and the current parts supply situation, a few additional days can sometimes be calculated for delivery. As a rule, however, delivery is made within a week.

Klangheimat is a Solidsteel Premium Dealer.
See also https://solidsteel.it/deutschland/

You can obtain all Solidsteel products from us, regardless of the configuration. If you cannot find the items in the online store, please contact us.

Yes, cables can have an impact on hi-fi sound. The quality of the cable used between the different audio components can help to improve or degrade the sound.

There are different types of cables used in hi-fi audio, such as speaker cables, RCA cables, XLR cables and USB cables. The quality of the cable depends on various factors, such as the conductor size and shape, the material of the conductors and insulation, the diameter of the cable and the type of connectors.
Poor quality cables can cause the signal to contain noise, interference or distortion, which can have a negative effect on the sound. A good quality cable can help to ensure that the signal is transmitted clearly and in detail, which can lead to a better sound.

However, it should also be remembered that the effects of cables on sound are often very subtle and may only be noticeable on closer listening. It is therefore important to find a sensible balance between the quality of the cables and the cost in order to achieve the best result.

Whether vinyl records sound better than digital audio formats is a matter of personal preference and depends on various factors.
Vinyl records offer a unique sound quality that many people describe as "warm" and "natural". The reason for this is that records are analog recordings that transfer the audio signal through an engraving in the vinyl record. When the record is played, the engraving is scanned by a needle, which converts the vibrations of the signal into electrical impulses that are then passed on to an amplifier.
Digital audio formats such as MP3, WAV or FLAC, on the other hand, offer a more precise and accurate reproduction of the original audio signal. This is because digital audio formats break down the signal into a series of binary data that is then interpreted by a computer or digital playback device.
However, many digital audio recordings are not as detailed as the original audio source due to the compression performed to reduce the file size. Even though there are lossless compression formats such as FLAC, these files can be very large and require a lot of storage space.

Ultimately, the question of whether vinyl records sound better than digital audio formats depends on personal preference and the quality of the audio equipment used. A well-maintained record player with a high-quality cartridge, a suitable amplifier and speakers can provide excellent sound quality. On the other hand, a digital audio recording on high-quality audio equipment can provide accurate and detailed reproduction.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables devices to transmit data and signals wirelessly over short distances of around 10 meters or less. It is based on the use of radio frequency waves in the range of 2.4 to 2.485 gigahertz.
The Bluetooth system uses a master-slave architecture in which one device acts as the master and connects up to seven other devices as slaves. The master is usually a cell phone, computer or other device with Bluetooth technology. The slave devices can be Bluetooth speakers, headphones or keyboards, for example.

When a device establishes a Bluetooth connection, it searches for other Bluetooth devices in its vicinity and attempts to establish a connection with them. Once a connection is established, data can be transferred between the devices.
Bluetooth uses a technology called Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), which changes the transmission frequency of the signal several times per second to minimize interference from other electronic devices. Data is transmitted at a high data rate of up to 2.1 Mbit/s.
Bluetooth technology is used in a variety of devices, such as cell phones, computers, tablets, speakers, headphones, keyboards, mice and even in some cars.

A turntable cartridge is an electromechanical device that picks up the sound from records and converts it into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played back by an amplifier or other audio device.
The cartridge consists of several components, including the stylus, which is usually made of a small piece of diamond or metal, and a system of magnets and coils. When the record is played, the stylus moves in the grooves of the record, creating a mechanical vibration. This vibration is picked up by the magnets in the pickup and converted into an electrical signal.

The electrical signal is then amplified by the coils in the pickup and sent to the amplifier and playback devices. The quality of the sound depends on various factors, such as the quality of the stylus, stylus compliance and the quality of the cartridge itself.
It is important to maintain and clean the cartridge regularly in order to obtain the best possible sound quality. In addition, it is important to choose the right stylus compliance and the right cartridge for the particular turntable and records in order to achieve optimum sound quality.

The lifespan of a record player needle depends on various factors, such as the frequency of use, the type of records being played and the type of cartridge.
As a rule of thumb, a stylus should be replaced approximately every 500 to 1000 hours. With regular use, this may be the case after a few years. However, it is important to note that this is only a rough estimate and that the actual life of the stylus may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

There are also some signs that may indicate that a stylus needs to be replaced. These include a deterioration in sound quality, distortion or distortion in playback, as well as visible damage to the needle itself, such as a bent or broken tip.

It is advisable to check the stylus regularly and replace it if necessary to ensure optimum sound quality and gentle playback of your records.

Yes, the isolation of a turntable can actually have a positive influence on the sound quality. Most turntables are sensitive to vibrations and shocks that can affect the sound. This is due to the delicate nature of the system, which includes the tonearm, cartridge and stylus.

Effective isolation can help reduce or eliminate these vibrations and shocks caused by the turntable's environment, such as impact noise, air currents or other external influences. Good isolation can help improve sound quality by minimizing the sound distortion caused by these vibrations and shocks.
There are various methods of isolating a turntable. One way is to place the turntable on a special base or platform that has vibration-absorbing properties. Another option is to place the turntable on a special damping mat or feet that minimize vibrations.

Overall, effective isolation can help improve the sound quality of a turntable by minimizing unwanted vibrations and shocks that can affect the sound.

The cartridge and the tonearm are both important components of a record player that work together to produce the best possible sound. The needle compliance of the cartridge is of decisive importance for the optimum tracking of the record by the needle.
The tonearm has the task of guiding the needle of the cartridge into the grooves of the record and at the same time minimizing vibrations and resonances to ensure that the record is tracked as precisely as possible. An important characteristic of the tonearm is its mass and rigidity, which should be in a balanced relationship to each other to ensure optimum function.

The stylus compliance of the cartridge is an important factor when choosing the right tonearm. A stylus with greater compliance requires a lighter tonearm to support the movements of the stylus and minimize resonances. A stylus with less compliance, on the other hand, requires a heavier tonearm to ensure the necessary stability for correct tracking of the record.

It is therefore important to ensure that these components are well matched when selecting the tonearm and cartridge. An incorrect combination of tonearm and cartridge can lead to distortion, resonance and an impairment of the sound quality. However, the best possible sound experience can be achieved by carefully selecting and matching these components.

Multiroom refers to an audio system that allows music to be played independently in different rooms of a house or apartment. You can play different music tracks or the same music in different rooms.
A multi-room system consists of several speakers that are connected to each other via WLAN, Bluetooth or other wireless connections. A central control unit is often used to manage the system and select the music sources.
With a multi-room system, you can listen to classical music in the living room, for example, while pop music is played in the kitchen or bedroom. This gives users the opportunity to enjoy their favorite music in different rooms without having to limit themselves to one place.

Modern multi-room systems often offer additional features such as voice control, integration with music streaming services and the ability to control the system via a mobile app.

A pickup is an electrical device that picks up the sound from records, tapes or other analog sources and converts it into an electrical signal. The cartridge consists of several components, including the stylus and the stylus compliance.
The needle of the cartridge is a small piece of metal or diamond that scans the grooves on the record or tape. The movement of the stylus in the grooves creates a mechanical vibration called sound. This vibration is converted by the pickup into an electrical signal that is amplified and sent to speakers or headphones.

The needle compliance refers to the ability of the needle to adapt to the movement of the record or tape. A needle with a higher compliance is more sensitive and can capture finer details in the music reproduction. A needle with less compliance is less sensitive and can miss coarse details.
Needle compliance is also important for the overall quality of sound reproduction. If the compliance is too high, this can lead to distortion and unwanted sound. If it is too low, this can lead to a loss of detail and an overall flat sound.
Overall, the cartridge stylus and stylus compliance are closely related and affect the quality of music reproduction. It is important to select the correct stylus compliance for the cartridge and the record or tape in question in order to achieve optimum sound quality.

A phono preamplifier, also known as a phono preamp or RIAA equalizer, is needed to amplify the weak signal generated by a turntable cartridge to a level that can be processed by an amplifier or other audio device. The signal generated by a phono cartridge is very weak compared to other audio sources and requires amplification.
A phono preamplifier also adds RIAA equalization, which corrects the signal to produce the same frequency response that was used when the record was recorded. Without this equalization, the audio would sound uneven and unpleasant.
Modern amplifiers often already have an integrated phono preamplifier, but older amplifiers or high quality audio equipment may not have such a preamplifier built in. In this case, a separate phono preamplifier is required to amplify and correctly equalize the signal from a record player.
By using a phono preamplifier, you can ensure that the signal from a turntable is reproduced in the best possible quality and that the fine details and sound quality of the records are preserved.

The sensitivity of a loudspeaker is a measure of the efficiency with which a loudspeaker converts the energy supplied to it into sound. It indicates how much sound pressure a loudspeaker produces at a certain input power. The higher the sensitivity of a loudspeaker, the louder it will be at a certain input power.

Sensitivity is usually measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how much sound pressure a speaker produces at an input power of one watt when measured at a distance of one meter. A sensitivity of 90 dB, for example, means that the speaker produces a sound pressure level of 90 dB at a distance of one meter with an input power of one watt.
A higher sensitivity value does not necessarily mean that one speaker sounds better than another, as other factors such as frequency response linearity, distortion and sound quality also play a role. However, sensitivity is an important factor when selecting speakers as it indicates how much power the amplifier needs to achieve a certain sound pressure level and how loud the speaker will be at a certain power.

What are the biggest difficulties of MC amplifier adjustments?

Who would know better and could explain it more understandably than Mr. Lehmann from LehmannAudio.
Watch this video to find out what you need to know:

Difficulties with MC Phono Amplifier Adaptations (youtube)

Very interesting & basic information about headphones and headphone amplifiers from the German specialist par excellence, LehmannAudio

Basic knowledge about headphones & headphone amplifiers

Why should you clean a record player needle regularly?

Dust and abrasion settle directly on the tip of the stylus and affect the tracking and sound quality. Regular cleaning also protects the record grooves.

Is alcohol generally forbidden when cleaning styluses?

Not generally, but only highly diluted and very sparingly. High concentrations damage the glue, stylus and stylus grinding.

How often should the stylus be cleaned?

If you listen regularly, a short dry cleaning after every second or third record is recommended.

Which method is safest for high-quality cartridges?

Gel pads or dry stylus brushes are considered to be the gentlest and most effective methods.

More info in our article Why alcohol does more harm

Why should you phase out hi-fi devices?
Phasing out hi-fi devices is an often recommended step to optimize the sound quality and performance of a hi-fi system. But what exactly does it mean and why should you do it? Here are the main reasons:

1. Reduction of hum loops and noise:
   Phasing out can reduce ground loops and other annoying background noise that can be caused by ground potential differences. Such noise is particularly noticeable in sensitive hi-fi systems and can significantly impair the sound quality.
2. Improving sound quality
   If all devices in the hi-fi system are correctly phased, this can lead to improved sound quality. This often results in clearer and more precise reproduction, better stereo imaging and an overall more natural sound.
   
3. Optimizing the power supply
   Phasing out ensures that the devices are optimally supplied with power. This can maximize the performance of the devices' internal power supply, which in turn can lead to better audio quality.
   
4. Avoiding voltage problems:
   Voltage problems can occur in an incorrectly phased system, resulting in an unstable power supply. This can have a negative impact on the performance of the hi-fi components and even shorten their lifespan.
   
5. Consistent performance
   A correctly phased system ensures consistent performance as all devices work in unison. This results in a more stable and even sound reproduction, regardless of external power grid fluctuations.
   
6. Minimizing electromagnetic interference
   Phasing out can help minimize electromagnetic interference that can be caused by improper grounding and wiring. This interference can have a negative effect on the sound quality and cause disturbing noises.
   

Easy to perform
Phasing out is usually a relatively simple process that does not require expensive or complicated equipment. A phase tester or a simple multimeter can be used to determine whether the devices are correctly phased out.

How do you phase out?

1. Connect a cable to the socket
2. Use a normal current tester screwdriver. Insert it into the bottom right-hand contact of the plug
   
3. If the current tester lights up, the phase position is correct. If not, you must turn the Schuko plug 180 degrees
4. Now connect the appliance to the cable

Differences between different platter rests: materials and their effects on the sound

Turntable platter pads are a decisive factor for the sound quality and playing experience of a turntable. They dampen resonances, reduce static charge and influence the coupling between the record and the turntable. Depending on the material, pads offer different advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of the most common materials:

Cork

Properties:

• Light and porous.
• Good resonance damping and anti-vibration properties.
• Reduces static charge.

Tonal influence:
Cork pads provide a balanced sound characteristic by effectively absorbing unwanted resonances without compromising dynamics. They promote clarity and detail, especially in the mid and high frequencies.

Areas of application:
Ideal for vinyl lovers who value clear and precise reproduction without additional sound coloration.

Carbon

Properties:

• Ultra-light and very stable.
• High vibration damping.
• Antistatic properties.

Sound influence:
Carbon pads are particularly effective against resonances and deliver a very neutral sound reproduction. They are suitable for music genres where precision and unadorned reproduction are paramount.

Areas of application:
Recommended for high-end systems and audiophile listeners who prefer analytical sound reproduction.

Felt

Properties:

• Soft and flexible.
• Minimalist look.
• Tends to become statically charged, especially in dry climates.

Sonic influence:
Felt ensures a slightly muffled reproduction, which is particularly pleasant with bright-sounding systems or genres with intense highs. However, the soft felt can promote slipping with light records.

Areas of application:
An inexpensive and universal option, especially for beginners or DJ turntables. Not ideal for audiophile demands.

Rubber

Properties:

• Heavy and elastic.
• Excellent vibration and resonance damping.
• Hardly any static charge.

Sound influence:
Rubber pads deliver a "warmer" sound by efficiently minimizing disturbing vibrations. They tend to emphasize the bass and soften harsh highs.

Areas of application:
Suitable for systems that sound too bright or where better bass control is desired. Also a sensible choice for older turntables.

Acrylic

Properties:

• Hard and heavy.
• Smooth surface, often visually appealing.
• No static charge.

Sound influence:
Acrylic is acoustically similar to vinyl and therefore ensures a very natural and transparent sound reproduction. The hard surface supports the direct coupling of the record to the turntable and minimizes sound-distorting vibrations.

Areas of application:
Ideal for high-end systems and audiophile listeners who prefer precise and lifelike reproduction.

Vinyl

Properties:

• Identical material to the record itself.
• Relatively hard, but not as heavy as acrylic.
• Low static charge.

Sound influence:
Vinyl platters offer a similar sound characteristic to acrylic, with a natural and balanced reproduction. They enable a very good coupling between record and turntable.

Areas of application:
Perfect for vinyl pressing enthusiasts who prefer a uniform materiality for optimum fidelity.

Leather

Characteristics:

• Soft and supple.
• Excellent resonance damping.
• Reduces static charge.

Tonal influence:
Leather pads create a warm and relaxed sound that effectively balances out slight resonances. They are particularly suitable for bright or analytical systems.

Areas of application:
Recommended for listeners who want a balanced and pleasant sound image.

Glass

Properties:

• Very hard and smooth.
• Heavy and vibration resistant.
• No static charge.

Sound influence:
Glass overlays emphasize clarity and detail, but can amplify resonances in unfavorable systems as they have hardly any absorbent properties.

Areas of application:
Suitable for systems that are already well insulated against resonances. Often used in design-oriented systems.

Metal (e.g. aluminum, brass)

Properties:

• Very hard and heavy.
• High resonance conductivity, depending on processing.

Tonal influence:
Metal pads can offer very precise and penetrating reproduction, but tend to make the sound sharp or unpleasant if resonance control is inadequate.

Areas of application:
Mainly in special applications or in combination with other damping materials.

Conclusion

The choice of a turntable platter depends on personal sound preferences, the rest of the system and the intended use. While materials such as cork, leather and rubber provide a warm, relaxed sound, acrylic, vinyl and carbon offer a neutral and precise reproduction. Felt is a simple but versatile option, while exotic materials such as glass or metal are suitable for specific sound tastes. It's worth experimenting with different materials to get the best out of your system.

We offer record washing as a service for the following areas:

• during the purchase of new records
• as a service for the treatment of your already purchased records

the machine
We clean exclusively on a vacuum record washing machine with brushes. We have access to all standard machines on the market, including ultra-sonic machines, but based on our experience we believe that the manual vacuum record washing machine provides the best performance in terms of cleaning efficiency and quality.

the process
The cleaning process is completely manual. Here too, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The manual process means that we are better able to act on the current condition of the record.
Both the liquid and the cleaning arms are applied manually. The record must be changed and the vacuum arm must also be applied manually.
Depending on the vinyl, we adjust the amount of liquid, cleaning speed, length of cleaning and suction power.
Each panel is cleaned and vacuumed several times in both directions.

Standard versus premium wash
We only clean new records purchased from us using the standard wash. A double brush is used for this.
For the premium wash, we also use a round brush that rotates against the direction of the record. The Hannl round brush. We use a considerable amount of cleaning fluid, which makes the wash expensive. The plate is literally washed. This is the only way the round brush works properly and is able to remove even heavy and very deep soiling from the vinyl.

The duration
As a rule, the records are brushed for at least 2 minutes per side. On average, however, it can be assumed that each record is processed on the machine for about 15 minutes.
When using the round brush, the processing time increases dramatically. In some cases, panels in the premium wash run on the machine for 60 minutes. This results in a very small number of panels that can be processed per day.

Completion
A visual inspection is carried out once the washing/vacuuming process is complete. We then apply a new inner cover to the panel. We wear gloves during the entire process to avoid soiling the panel.

Quality of the result
As we work with both a premium machine and high-quality liquids, the results of the wash are very good. We improve this even further by taking a lot of time for the process and treating with a disproportionate amount of liquid.

Disadvantage
The entire process we use has only one disadvantage: it is extremely time-consuming. Nevertheless, we do not want to abandon it, as the focus is on quality. We can't process the plates in one go and send them back to the customer with a clear conscience. We might earn money and save ourselves some nasty comments about the processing speed, but it's worth it to us. So we'd rather not do it at all.
So if you have a lot of work in the queue, be prepared to wait a few weeks if you send us a large number of disks.
Please also bear in mind that work has to be interrupted from time to time, as vinyl orders of new goods ordered with washing always have priority.

From time to time we receive angry emails or phone calls from customers who have been waiting several weeks for their records.
We only have the choice of continuing to listen to this or doing without the service in future . However, we don't want to do the latter, as we use the device every day and have only had and continue to have the best experiences with it for ourselves and our customers.
You can't really earn money with it, the process is too manual and time-consuming for that. It would make no economic sense to permanently assign a person to this service. That's why we do other things while the machine is working.

Furthermore, we believe in quality and therefore only carry out the process in a way that we think will deliver good results. This makes it very convincing in terms of quality, but at the same time extremely time-consuming.

Please also read the section "Disadvantage" and "Duration" in the article 2.How does plate washing work?