2. analog
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Truly Stunning Vinyl Album

Hey friends, I'm relatively new here, first topic post but I read Audiogon topics daily. I'm a total neophyte with a not-inexpensive mid-fi system (Rogue Cronus iii Dark amp, Michel Gyro SE TT, Maggie 3.7i speakers, and a single Perlisten D15s sub, and an Eversolo DMP A8 streamer), and a growing vinyl collection that I'm partial to over streaming (unless I'm working and can't bother to flip the record). I love classic rock, Neil Young, the Stones, and the Grateful Dead, but really I like almost all genres (not into rap or thrasher metal) and since setting up my system I routinely play jazz and classical albums, and artists I never paid much attention to but now listen to quite frequently because their albums sound great on my system (e.g. Jethro Tull, Santana). So with all of that context, what I'm interested in is any TRULY STUNNING vinyl albums you can recommend, in any genre. I'm not asking for a desert island list, or any list of your favorite albums. I have those lists too, but they're dominated by musicians/groups I love and aren't necessarily "stunning" beyond my own subjective tastes. I'm interested in hearing about the one or two albums in your collection that just blow you away for whatever reason (and please explain). I'll kick it off with the Impex reissue of chamber music by Jascha Heifetz in mono, called The Lark. If you had told me that one of the top 3 records in my collection would be a mono chamber music album, I'd have laughed you out of my house. But it just blows me away. I listen to it daily. Why does it blow me away? Mostly it's the opening piece, Heifetz and an organist playing Vitali's Chaconne. It starts off with somber organ tones that I feel in my soul thanks to the Perlisten D15s sub, and then all of a sudden Heifetz comes crashing in with his piercing violin, and it is so darn stunning and beautiful I could listen to it daily until they plant me. And I don't even have a mono cartridge!  So that's the type of album I'm looking for, in any genre. Something younwould play for anyone, and regardless of what genre they prefer, they would likely agree this album is truly stunning. Can you recommend anything like that? And in case you're interested, here's a great review of the Heifetz album: 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/jascha-heifetz-the-lark/

Thanks for any recommendations!

phillyspecial
unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
955 posts
 

@larryi 

I had been collecting MoFi for years. 

At one point, I thought that I was noticing that the sound quality had become thinner, less airy and detailed. 

Finally, the controversy over the digital step erupted. And I said “ah hah!”.

I now not simply prefer SS original press or NM original press or Analog Productions, I buy only them. Except for AP, I avoid all reissues. 

3607
14 posts
 

Ambrosia-Somewhere I’ve Never Traveled

larryi
3,888 posts
 

As I said above, I find Mo-Fi to be hit and miss, and I agree that Analogue Productions is quite consistently very good  But, there have been many other labels doing reissues that have been very good too, such as Classic Records and King Records, and some that have many great reissues in their catalogue even if all are not great, such as JVC and Toshiba (to name two labels I have not mentioned above).  For a lot of really great records, such as the old Blue Note catalogue, one must collect reissues unless one is willing to spend thousands of dollars on originals (I don't own a single original Blue Note).  There are currently active companies that make fantastic reissues of some very important albums that are extremely expensive when originally issued, never mind what they end up costing as collector items later (e.g., the reissues made by the Electric Recording Company). 

Once you get up into crazy price collecting, it might make sense going to reel to reel tape.  I would never go that route myself, but, I've heard direct copies of master tapes that cost north of $1,000 that are so much more open, vivid and alive than LPs.  I am too poor and too lazy to ever want to deal with tape.

mrmojo
33 posts
 

Philly Philly! Sorry, couldn't resist....

The recently released High Fidelity series by Rhino are all excellent remasters and pressings. Among the best on my turntable, and a bargain as well. 

woofman74's avatar
woofman74
43 posts
 

I have to say, it’s refreshing to hear a newbie that is not so focused on gear but instead discovering a time machine to other eras of great music.  Let’s just take this opportunity to say, “right on.”  I believe you are on the right path to audio enlightenment and wish you good luck on your journey.  
 

Equipment is a means to an end.  The music’s the thing.  

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