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.
CAT STEVENS Foreigner (50th Anniversary Remaster 2024 UK/EU limited edition 5-track LP remastered from the original master tapes and pressed on 180-gram black vinyl as part of The Yusuf/Cat Stevens Cat-O-Log Collection series. Originally released in 1973 the album reached Number 3 in the U.S. and the U.K., and features the single The Hurt. This special edition release features alternative aqua-blue coloured cover artwork with embossed titles and cover photo, hype sticker & factory sealed. Recommended).GERRY MULLIGAN & BEN WEBSTER Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (Verve Acoustic Sounds Series 2024 limited edition 6-track stereo LP mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analogue tapes, pressed at QRP on 180-gramblack vinyl. Originally released in 1960, this is just one of many “meets” albums that Gerry Mulligan appeared on during the period when this session was recorded — Nov. 3 and Dec. 2, 1959, in Los Angeles. History was made here, as was a classic record for the ages. High quality tip-on gatefold picture sleeve with original cover artwork image by Gene Grant, hype sticker & factory sealed inside its loose bag. Recommended).SONNY ROLLINS Way Out West (2024 UK/EU limited edition 7-track LP Direct Metal Mastered on an original George Neumann cutting lathe and pressed on 180-gram Red Vinyl. Presenting the complete 1957 album plusbonus track ‘In A Sentimental Mood’. Picture sleeve with specially prepared liner notes by Penguin Guide to Jazz writer Brian Morton, hype sticker & factory sealed).SKIP JAMES Today! (Bluesville Series 2024 limited edition 12-track stereo LP from Craft Recordings and Acoustic Sounds, inspired by the original Prestige label imprint established in 1959 highlighting trailblazing blues musicians from legendary labels. Featuring all-analogue (AAA) mastering by Grammy-nominated engineer Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at Blue Heaven Studios, pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at QRP. Tip-on jacket picture sleeve and obi strip with notes written by Grammy-winning producer, writer and musician Scott Billington, factory sealed. Highly recommended).KYUSS And The Circus Leaves Town (Limited Edition 2016 German 11-track issue of the pre-Queens of the Stoneage 1995 LP, pressed on 180gm audiophile blue and black marble swirled vinyl. The pioneering, influential Desert Stoner Rocker’s fourth and final full length outing before moving on to aforementioned QOTSA fame, including Hurricane & One Inch Man. The illustrated glossy thick card single-pocket picture sleeve show only one or two light creases and the vinyl looks ‘as new’ in seldom if not unplayed near mint condition – a great collectable and recommended!).
For all our latest Audiophile arrivals please see our dedicated Collectors Store.
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