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.
MADONNA Something To Remember (2013 UK limited edition 14-track LP issue of her 1995 album compilation now pressed on Audiophile Quality 180 Gram Vinyl, featuring a selection of ballads including Take A Bow, Crazy For You, Live To Tell,I Want You [with Massive Attack] and You’ll See. The vinyl appears barely played housed in the picture sleeve which retains its opened hype-stickered shrinkwrap).
ERIC DOLPHY Out To Lunch (2009 US limited edition 5-track ‘Blue Note The Definitive 45RPM Reissue Series’ remastered Double LP set pressed on Audiophile quality 45rpm 180 Gram Heavyweight Vinylby Music Matters Ltd., originally releasedin 1964, completed shortly before his untimely passing away, also featuring Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Richard Davis and Anthony Williams. This is modern jazz deconstructed and rebuilt in new and twisted ways; within an high quality interal pasted front laminated heavy card gatefold picture sleeve with an individually numbered sticker on the back. The sleeve displays minimal wear and the vinyl looks barely played MMBST-84163).
MASSIMO QUARTA Conducted by CONSTANTINE ORBELIAN With The MOSCOW CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Vivaldi: Four Seasons / Storm At Sea / Pleasure Mint (Rare 2001 UK 18-track SACD [Super Audio CD] playable on all SACD and CD players, with a 10-page booklet,within the hype stickered case. This particular release is revered for how good the sound quality is, and had become rare and sought after SACD3280).
LOS LOBOS Kiko (Sealed 2013 US exclusive limited edition Mobile Fidelity ‘Original Master Recording’ 16-track Audiophile DSD remastered Ultradisc UHR™ SACD [Super Audio CD – playable on all SACD and CD players] mastered directly from the original tapes, first released in 1992; un-numbered LP-style gatefold picture sleeve with lyric booklet & wraparoud card inner. The barcode has been blocked on the back of the sleeve, due to being issued in advance of the actual release, sealed from new UDSACD2069).
BLACK SABBATH Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (2017 UK issue of the 1973 8-track LP pressed on 180 gram Splatter Orange Vinyl, gatefold picture sleeve with lyric inner BMGCATBOX73X).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
Explore eil.com… the world’s best online store for rare, collectable and out of print Vinyl Records, CDs & Music memorabilia since 1987.
Be the first to comment