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
I'm always on the lookout for great vinyl, ever since I found MFSL's Dark Side of the Moon. But it's been tough finding Rock, R&B, Folk; etc, music That is both well recorded and worthy of higher resolution. The content has to have some micro-detail and dynamics to begin with.
After reading the first few posts in this thread, I checked the Sheffield site. All of the titles that caught my eye are no longer available on vinyl!
On the RR site I've only found Fiona Boyes. (I may have to get this.)
So the search continues.
Just before signing in here I happened to order Elvis Costello's Bread & Chocolate and Bette Midler's first album from the MFSL sale that Music Direct is having. But the motivation here is more the 50% off than the expectation of any WOW moments.
So I'll comb through the rest of the posts for recommended vinyl that I would want to listen to and can ACTUALLY BUY.

My contribution? The Other Side Of Desire by Ricki Lee Jones on TOSOD records. Must be her own label. I use "Feet On The Ground" as my reference track for speaker placement. The sound-stage is very wide and deep, the dynamic range is as well. I also really like the song.
@2channel8 for reference sound on folk music you are far better off seeking out original 60s and early 70s pressings. Pink Label Islands for example are almost without exception superb and the best way to listen to Fairport and Denny. Likewise the original pressings of Pentagle, Bert Jansch, ISB and rarities like Heron. Being folk music don’t look hear for the greatest in dynamics or slam but for artful reproduction of real musicians in space (even outside pace Heron) these LPs are hard to beat

some of my favorites here
https://www.audiostream.com/content/lovely-recordings-hosted-simon-goodall
Has anyone mentioned the Water Lily Acoustics, ’A Meeting By The River’? All SE tubed recording chain, to a two track, 1 Inch RTR and no effects or compression. Gorgeous miking/mixing/sound and natural hall ambiance. Won a Grammy.  Not certain if the pressings are as good now, as when it came out, BUT- still available.
Blue Öyster Cult: Agents of Fortune (CBS UK 1976).
Bought it for Xmas 1976. Years later when I first listened it with true HQ cartridge I was blown away as the whole sound/music space became visible with unbelievable refined and nuanced sound in mid and high register especially... suddenly Albert Bouchard´s symbals filled the landscape, dancing and shining and sparkling as if the sound came from another another world. Buck Dharma´s solo on "Don´t fear the Reaper" raised straight into the high sky and cut like a scythe, it was both terrifying and very beautiful at the same time. The sound is nothing but absolutely fantastic. To make it better is a very hard job, for any record manufacturer of today. Actually I tried one "180 g high quality" reissue but sold it shortly afterwards.
I have a couple of other rock albums which actually are like audiophile quality so I don´t need "audiophile quality" LPs to judge my system.