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.
RORY GALLAGHER Irish Tour ’74.. (City Hall In Session) (Rare 2015 UK ‘Music On Vinyl’ Record Store Day exclusive limited numbered edition 5-track 10″ vinyl EP pressed on 180 gram vinyl. Recorded in session on 3rd January 1974 and released on vinyl for the first time. Includes I Want You / Raunchy Medley, I Wonder Who, Too Much Alcohol and I Can’t Be Satisfied. Housed in a numbered picture sleeve – still in its unopened double-stickered resealable bag MOV10016) ** Limited to 1500 copies **.
WEEZER Pinkerton (2016 UK ‘Back To Black’ issue of the 1996 10-track LP pressed on 180gram Vinyl, their second studio album from Rivers Cuomo & co including the singles El Scorcho, The Good Life and Pink Triangle. Housed in a picture sleeve with illustrated credits insert. The sleeve shows minimal wear and the vinyl looks barely played).
THE BEATLES Tomorrow Never Knows (Top archive quality super-rare 2012 UK 14-track promotional-only LP, pressed on heavyweight audiophile vinyl. Housed inside a printed sleeve with a faux aged appearance, designed to look as if it had come froma studio or bootlegger! The tracklisting on the back gives no real clue as to the purpose of this promotional album, but a look inside shows the Apple iTunes logo and instructions on how to redeem your exclusive promotional code for a digital copy of the album contents – note, this code has long since expired. A very late entry into the canon of Beatles rarities, but destined to become a biggie as the issue was strictly limited to just 1,000 copies worldwide. A unique compilation, this example remains in UNPLAYED MINT condition).
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).
ERIC CLAPTON Just One Night (Limited Edition 1981 US half-speed mastered audiophile issue of the 1978 14-track double LP pressed on high quality virgin vinyl, housed in a custom glossy gatefold picture sleeve. The sleeve [VG] has ring wear with age & a 2″ hairline split in the top edge due to the weight of the vinyl. Both vinyl discs remain exceptionally clean & in Excellent condition with few signs of play. Traditionally one of the hardest Nautilus Superdiscs to find! NR32).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
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