Punk, garage and rockabilly
Vinyl guides and rock and roll culture, one crate at a time
Dem Derby writes plain, unhurried guides for people who still play records: punk, garage and rockabilly listening, record-store habits, and the decks and styluses in between.
Fresh off the turntable
Latest guides
Newest guides first – the grid below updates itself as new ones publish.
How to Connect a Turntable to a Receiver Without a Phono Input 2026
You need a phono preamp somewhere in the chain, either the one already built into your turntable or a small external box.…
How to Choose Speakers for a Vinyl Setup: Simple Guide 2026
Learn how to choose speakers for a vinyl setup with our guide: match them to your turntable, your amplifier and your room,…
Do I Need a Phono Preamp for My Turntable? 2026 Guide
Do I need a phono preamp for my turntable in ? Learn how to check for a built-in preamp, choose the right…
What Does a Phono Preamp Do? Beginner’s Guide 2026
What does a phono preamp do? Learn how it boosts tiny cartridge signals to line level, applies the RIAA tone curve and…
Why Do Audiophiles Prefer Belt Drive Turntables? (2026)
Why do audiophiles prefer belt drive turntables? Motor isolation, lower rumble and heavier platters on a budget, plus where direct drive wins…
Belt Drive vs Direct Drive Turntables: Which Is Better 2026
Belt drive vs direct drive turntables compared for noise, torque, DJ use, record protection and maintenance in , so you can pick…
Asked at the counter
Questions this site answers
- Reissue or original pressing – which one is worth the money?
- How do I grade a second-hand record before I pay for it?
- When is a stylus worn out, and what should replace it?
- Where do I start a punk and garage collection?
About Dem Derby
For people who still flip through crates
Dem Derby keeps vinyl guides and rock and roll culture on the same page: punk, garage and rockabilly listening, record-store habits, and the turntables and styluses that make them sound right. If you read the whole guide before you buy anything, it was written for you.