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.
DIRE STRAITS Communiqué (Rare 2014 Japanese exclusive limited edition 9-track digitally remastered Platinum edition SHM-CD [Super High Material CD – playable on all CD players], originally released in 1979. The ultimate compact disc utilizing platinum in place of the aluminium to form the reflective coating. With a mini paper sleeve replica of the original First Japanese issue with a replica obi-strip along with a lyric book. That’s not all, this fantastic set comeshoused in aspecial 5½” x 5½” white box with pasted artwork on the front and full back obi-strip. These sets were produced in limited numbers and are rarely seen outside of Japan UICY-40084).ROBERT GLASPER In My Element (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series 2023 UK/EU limited edition 11-track double album 2-LP mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, pressed at Optimal Media on 180-gram vinyl. …the ecstasy of music is in his playing…timeless. Someone who is rooted in tradition, understands, respects it, but not engulfed by it and moves the art form forward. Hip-hop is looked at as an isolated phenomenon…but he’s comfortable from Mingus to Dilla. – Mos Def. Gatefold picture sleeve with hype sticker, factory sealed).PINK FLOYD The Dark Side Of The Moon (Limited Edition 1978 Japanese Pro-Use Series 10-track audiophile LP with tan & red EMI labels, housed in its iconic gatefold picture sleeve complete with 12-page booklet, 4-page Japanese text insert & rare ‘Pro-Use’ obi-strip. Hard to find complete in any condition, the packaging is has minimal shelf wear & the vinyl is Near Mint with few signs of play EMLF-97002)QUEEN A Night At The Opera (Rare 1991 US limited edition Mobile Fidelity ‘Ultradisc II’ 12-track 24 karat Gold Audiophile CD, mastered directly from the original master tapes. Housed in thespecial Mobile Fidelity jewel case with unique black & gold bordered booklet picture sleeve including the original artwork. This example includes the original card full-back wrap-around obi type insert. This example was exported to be sold in Japan, and includes the rare ‘¥3,800’ priced Yukimu laminated obi-strip! UDCD568)STATUS QUO The Vinyl Collection 1981-1996 (Out Of Print 2017 UK Deluxe Edition Ten LP Box set, remastered from the original master tapes & pressed on 180gram Vinyl, comprising the albums Never Too Late, 1982, Back To Back, In The Army Now, Ain’t Complaining, Perfect Remedy, Rock Till You Drop, Thirsty Work, Don’t Stop & The Other Side Of Status Quo. The bonus disc includes classic B-sides as well as rare mixes & ‘The Milton Keynes Medley’. Each album is housed in its deluxe picture sleeve replicating the original album’s artwork, complete with an (expired) download card in a 12½” square by 2″ wide card slipcase picture box. There is a small scuff (<1″) to the edge of the spine, however the contents remain sealed within the original shrinkwrap).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
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