For anyone who collects vinyl, we all know that some of the most highly wanted pressings tend to be those classed as Audiophile.
Those with the best hi-fi equipment will always want the best quality sounding pressing available, be that high quality 180 gram or heavier vinyl, CD’s, Super Audio CD’s, SHM-CD’s, DVD-Audio Discs and more, from companies like DCC, Mobile Fidelity, Nautilus, Nexus, Simply Vinyl or Nimbus.
AUDIOPHILE VINYL
‘True Fidelity’ vinyl is perhaps the ultimate format for the audiophile. Issues are taken from original master tapes for pure ‘as intended sound’, and production techniques such as half-speed mastering, quadraphonic sound and special formulated virgin vinyl are common in most audiophile releases.
There are many labels who issue audiophile recordings, but only a few specialize in it. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) have a variety of series including ‘Original Master Recordings’
[OMR] and ‘Ultra High Quality Recordings’ [UHQR]. Other important audiophile labels include Nautilus, Direct-Disk Labs, Sheffield Lab and Wilson Audio.
AUDIOPHILE COMPACT DISCS
With the development of the compact disc so typically came the development of it’s audiophile counterpart. Again there are specialist labels, there are varying techniques (gold discs, layered discs, high-density discs) and there are varying opinions on the listening pleasure! But we’re here to bring all those quandaries together.
The truth is some recordings are better than others, in the same way some artists are better than others and some music is better than others! We will look unbiased at them all…
Here at eil.com we have a nice range of Audiophile pressings to suit everyone’s taste and pockets.
BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS Catch A Fire (Rare 1995 Japanese issue limited edition 9-track Mobile Fidelity ‘Ultradisc II’ 24-karat Gold audiophile CD issue of the 1973 album, mastered directly from the original master tapes. Unique black & gold bordered picture sleeve with original artwork and Ultradisc II wraparound insert and remains factory sealed. This was manufactured in the US and exported to be sold in Japan, and includes the extremely rare Japanese outer obi-strip. This example remains in a fantastic condition, and the first example we have ever had UDCD628).
OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN Totally Hot (Sealed Limited Edition 1980 US Mobile Fidelity half speed mastered audiophile issue of the 1978 10-track LP, specially plated & pressed on imported High Definition Super Vinyl, housed in a deluxe picturesleeve with card series inner. This collector’s copy remains sealed & unopened in the original custom stickered tearbag. The vinyl is mint & unplayed MFSL1-040).
METALLICA Ride The Lightning (Sealed Test Pressing for the Limited Edition 2010 US 8-track 45rpm double LP pressed on 180gram Vinyl, originally released in 1984 & half-speed mastered from the original analog tapes at Mobile Fidelity. Although the eventual release was limited to 1000 copies on Blue Vinyl, this early test version is Black. Both test discs remain unopened & unplayed in sealed tearbags with the perforated breather holes & housed in plain white sleeves with rubber stamped catalogue number, side details & the proposed ‘April 22 2010’ review date. A mint investment grade package!).
GEORGE DUKE 1977-1984 Remastered Solo Albums (Set of NINE limited edition 2014 Japanese promotional digitally remastered Blu-Spec CDs [a new audio CD format using Blu-Ray technology, playable on all CD players], representing all of Duke’s major label Disco/Fusion period with Epic/CBS. Starts with From Me To You & includes all solo albums up to & including Rendezvous, with a total of fourteen exclusive bonus tracks. Each CD is sample printed along the rim & housed in its respective mini LP style wallet sleeve with its respective replica lyric inner, Japanese translated booklet, obi-strip & stickered resealable bag. Amazing stuff from the late, great Dukey! EICP-30031/9).
JOAN ARMATRADING Joan Armatrading (Limited Edition 80s UK Nimbus RecSuperords cut pressing of the 1976 10-track LP, mastered & pressed exclusively for readers of Practical Hi-Fi magazine & available by mail order only, with ‘Nimbus England’ machine stamped in the run-out groove. Comes housed in a custom black & gold stickered picture sleeve with lyric insert. The cover is Excellent with some scuffing around the edges. The vinyl grades Excellent with a few light paper scuffs not affecting play AMLH64588).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
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