Audiophile collectables at eil.com this week, includes John Coltrane, Patti Smith, Marillion & more

For anyone who collects vinyl, we 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 its 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.

Here at eil.com we have a nice range of Audiophile pressings to suit everyone’s taste and pockets.

PATTI SMITH Horses (US 8-track LP pressed on 180gram VINYL, great re-press of the seminal debut long-player from Patti Smith, produced by John Cale, features guest appearances from Tom Verlaine [Television] & Allen Lanier [Blue Oyster Cult]. Both sleeve and disc are immaculate ARISTA4066).

PRINCE Welcome 2 America (Out of print 2021 Japanese only Amazon Japan issue Deluxe Limited Edition Blu-Spec CD [an audio Compact Disc format using Blu-ray technology & playable on all CD players], and bonus Blu-ray which features The Concert Live At The Forum from the 28th April 2011. Housed in an embossed and gold imprinted digipak picture sleeve and includes booklet, separate 20-page black & white Japanese booklet with liner notes and lyric translation, and wrap-around full back obi-strip. This remains in a brand-new condition still in the double stickered re-sealable bag. This example was available only through Amazon Japan, and includes a 9½” square print of the album artwork, which remains in an unopened protective bag! SICP31432-3).

MARILLION Misplaced Childhood (2017 UK/European 10-track LP pressed on Audiophile quality 180 Gram Heavyweight Vinyl, the third studio album by the British neo-progressive rock band originally released in 1985, including the singles Kayleigh, Lavender and Heart of Lothian, housed in a gatefold picture sleeve with lyrics printed inside. Although not sealed, this example remains in a ‘near as new’ condition).

QUEEN Greatest Hits In Japan (Rare 2020 Japanese promo sample issue of the limited edition 12-track SHM-CD compilation album, issued to radio stations and reviewers ahead of the actual release date. Comprising a collection of their tracks as selected exclusively by their Japanese fans, including Somebody To Love, Teo Torriatte [Let UsCling Together], TheShow Must Go On, Bohemian Rhapsody, Keep Yourself Alive and more. This edition also includes a bonus NTSC All Region DVD featuring videos for the same songs including Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) recorded live at the Seibu Stadium in Tokyo on the 3rd Novermber 1982, and The March Of The Black Queen live at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on the 24th December 1975; with a custom stamped inner rim on each disc, housed in a thin double jewel case with picture sleeve, back inlay and promo stickered obi-strip UICY-79059).

JOHN COLTRANE Blue Train (Sealed Limited Edition 2008 US exclusive 5-track stereo double LP pressed on 180gram Vinyl at 45rpm for maximum sound clarity by Analogue Productions, expertly remastered by Kevin Gray & Steve Hoffman at AcousTech forthe audiophile collector. First released in 1957 & arguably one of the most influential titles from Coltrane, not least one of the greatest Blue Note releases ever, recorded in a one-off set in New Jersey with Rudy Van Gelder with historic results. Also stars Paul Chambers [bass], Kenny Drew [piano], Curtis Fuller [trombone], Philly Joe Jones [drums] & Lee Morgan [trumpet], housed in a deluxe picture sleeve reproducing the original artwork with silver numbered sticker on the back & gold Stereo sticker on the front, still sealed in the unopened tearbag with the hype sticker attached. The vinyl is Mint & unplayed – currently a prized & in demand pressing AP-81577).

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.

Need gift ideas? Roy and Luke are here to help!

WhatsApp usor use eil.com website live Chat, call 01474 815 010 or email sales@eil.com