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.
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 only the second copy we have ever had UDCD628).
BLACK SABBATH Black Sabbath (2015 UK issue of the classic 1970 7-track LP pressed on Audiophile quality 180gram Heavyweight Vinyl, their eponymous debut studio album including the single Evil Woman. The vinyl is UNPLAYED housed in the sealed gatefold picture sleeve BMGRM053LP).
THE BAND Music From Big Pink (2009 US limited edition Mobile Fidelity Sound 11-track Ultradisc UHR Gain 2 DSD Mastered Hybrid SACD [Super Audio CD – playable on all SACD & CD players]. The group’s debut studio album, originally released in 1968,including The Weight and I Shall Be Released. Housed in a ‘Original Master Recording’ gatefold card picture sleeve individually numbered on the back, along with ‘MoFi’ wrap-around card insert and lyric booklet UDSACD2044).
CAROL KIDD Nice Work (1987 UK 13-track Audiophile LP pressed on high quality vinyl by Linn Records, a British vocal jazz album of standards with Sandy Taylor on piano, glossy picture sleeve. The sleeve displays minimal wear & the vinyl appears Near Mint with few signs of play AKH006).
LEFTFIELD Leftism (Special Edition 2017 UK 12-track remastered triple LP pressed on 180gram Vinyl, the seminal 1995 debut album by the British dance duo. Includes the singles ‘Original’ & ‘Open Up’ with guest vocalists John Lydon [Sex Pistols/PiL] & Toni Haliday [Curve]. Comes housed in a deluxe fold-out gatefold pocket sleeve replicating the original album artwork with a clear hype sticker on the front. The sleeve displays minimal wear and the vinyl has very little signs of play HANDLPT).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
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