Establishing a common analog listening bias

Hi,
Most suggestions sound very good (the ones I have heard) -- B U T The Eagles "Hotel California" seems the exception here so far.

Tubean, the CD that I have (Made in Germany) is truly and utterly **non-audiophile**.
In contrast "hell freezes over", most of the live stuff, is far superior. Though the side one tracks (all studio), sounds awfully digital to me, even on vinyl.

Viridian, SRV is of course also on CD, but minus the bonus tracks on side 4 vinyl. (It is yet another CD that makes vinyl sound so much better).

Halcro, oh yes!
The Royal Ballet-Ansermet-RCA Victor-Record, actually all 4 sides, why only side 1?
It is THE vinyl to show off vinyl! :-) But as I should think just too good, it "makes every rig sound great"?

Be interesting to see what D. comes up with...

Axel

Dear Halcro, dear Axel, please keep in mind:

- its NOT about the absolute BEST pressing but about the READILY NEW AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE pressing for below US$50.

- it is less about whether there are better test records. Its about a solid common ground for exchanging sonic impressions in a virtual world - i.e.: Audiogon.

- it should use records only, which are a pleasure to listen to NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE SONICS, but entertaining and "good" in the musical sense (thats why my lists will contain in teh majority LPs only, which have stood the test of time and will most likely sound familiar to most music lovers and audiophile .
I am glad to learn, that so far most contributors to this posts seem to have ideas going in the very same direction.
Looks like we can really put together a common ground for a much better communication about sonic issues and topics in the future.

Cheers,
D.

Dee,
I got you, -- or was there any million $$$ suggestion, and I don't know :-)?
Have I mentioned some 'hidden' vinyl treasure?
All I own has cost nothing more than $30 and $0.20 the least.

Hi Axel, no worries - just a general reminder.
Cheers,
D.

Natural sounding vocals with little to no artifacts attached for me is of paramount importance on a recording.
"The illustion of, in the room with you kind"

To add from my suggestions above , another one that stands out that is readily available and inexpensive is Joan Baez "Diamonds and Rust"

I never did care for Joan's music until I heard this A&M release through a pair of Quad 63's some 25 plus years ago.

The original release was exceptionally well recorded and the current re-issue is it's equal.
Great band and good music.

Alison Krauss "So Long so Wrong" Good music, talented band, good recording however the studio mucked with the vocals too much.

Their "Live" release has far more natural sounding vocals and is equally entertaining and well recorded. Mobil Fidelity

Joe Williams "Me and The Blues" Speakers Corner , check this one out.

Nat Cole "After Midnight" mono , Pure Pleasure...in deed it is.