Audiophile LP's


That title sounds pretty general but I didn't know how else to name it to attract some attention. For several decades in the production of vinyl the sound quality has widely varied due to recording process, pressing, and other factors. I remember years ago that some commonly available LP's were also available in a much higher quality (and a higher price) than the standard LP and offered superior sound quality. Can't remember all the terms to describe these records but direct-to-disk, master recording, and probably a few others I can't recall. Back then I never purchased any of those since when the needle dropped and music was there what else mattered? To buy a record at 2 or 3 times the standard price didn't make sense to anyone I knew at the time.
My question....I know that numerous sellers on the web list LP's for sell as "mastered", "audiophile", and the like. Back in the day were current sellers offering these truly superior records just trying a ripoff? If not, are most of the ones still in existence only are owned by private collectors?


jrpnde
lewm is SO right about the Reference Recordings LP's. Though not as startling "alive" sounding as direct-to-disk LP's (RR are recorded on a really good analog reel-to-reel recorder by Keith Johnson), they not only contain great sound, but also great music (unlike Sheffield's imo). I particularly like the label's Baroque artists and repertoire.
Dear friends: Well here I come again with these great labels and a must to look for to any one:

Clarity Recordings especially its " one side " recordings.
Three Blind Mice. ACT Music ( expetional. ). REGA recordings ( yes, the same TT manufacturer. ). All the Stockfish ( DMM ). First Impression Music ( FIM. ). Wind Music ( extraordynary recoprdings. ).

In the last time I´m extremely selective of what to buy of those " audiophile quality " recording hypes because the majority are truly BS . More and more I’m buying less and less LPs. Well, I own thousands so makes no sense to follow accumulating LPs with no time to listen it because the day has only 24 hours.

I forgot: the " one side " Stereophile recordings,.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
For me, quality of musical performance trumps audiophile sound.  When I'm listening to an audiophile lp, I often focus on the qualities of my system rather than just disappearing into the music itself.
Not me, I'm always " disappearing into the MUSIC it self ". ALWAYS but when I'm doing tests/evaluations.

R.
Dear friends: You have to listen the piano of Ayado player/singer with this label: East Work Entertaiment.

16 Eyes Records, Top Music,  of course all the VTL ones, the Shumann  piano works recorded by Green Room Productions ( just listen it. ),  ssome of the Chesky Records,  Concord jazz, Pure Audiophile Records,  ATR, The MusicLab, Groove Note.

There are several great labels and is impossible to remember  all but the ones posted in this thread are really good and something to look for, yes at premium prices.

But our hobby ask for the best posible software.

R.