2. analog
  3. 1059110144

What LP shows what analog can do?

I'm relatively new to analog. I've bought up some $1 records, and many sound surprisingly good (though I don't have a cleaner, so some are cracklier than I'd like).

I'd like to buy a couple of new LPs (probably from MusicDirect) that are at the very top sound quality. Of course, music quality counts too. So really I'm looking for suggestions for the record you put on to impress your friends (to show them the difference from CD), or to sit back and truly enjoy just how good analog can sound. I sort of have classical in the back of my mind, but I'm open to whatever.

Thanks.
matt8268
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
I agree with the recommendations on the Salvatore list that Dougdeacon was so kind to point out; I have many of them and I believe he is correct in his assessments. If you can get the Harmonia Mundi La Folia, it's a hoot (nice recordings of a chain saw, balloons and a Land Rover(?), among other oddities) and a sonic spectacular, with dynamics that will make you jump out of your seat and squash the good CD version. The Dorati/Mercury Firebird reissue by Classic Records is also a great example of vinyl playback's capabilities.
agaffer
256 posts
 
The Weavers, Reunion at Carnegie Hall. Wow, I can't beleive nobody mentioned this one. Especially the last track on side two, compare it to the CD version. Another good one to compare with the CD version is Sweet Honey at the Rock, Live at Carnegie Hall, try the 3rd track Wade in the Water and compare the incredible female bass singer on vinyl vs cd.
henry_10023
18 posts
 
1. Louis Armstrong plays Sachmo
2. Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
3. Dave Bruebeck - Time Out
4. Talking Heads - Little Creatures
5. Steely Dan - Gaucho
6. Muddy Waters - Folk Singer
7. Roxy Music - Avalon
8. Billie Holiday - Songs for Distinque Lovers
9. Bill Evans - Waltz for Debbie
10. Beatles - 65
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Dekay recommended 45 rpm LP's
Rcprince recommended Firebird/Dorati/Mercury/Classic Records

The 45rpm version of this reissue demonstrates what vinyl is capable of as well as anything I've heard. It's glorious, although the break between sides 1 and 2 is distracting. If you can't stomach $95 for the 45rpm you can get the same reissue on 33 1/3 180g vinyl for "only" $85. That's an outlandish tariff but you'll forget that once the music starts.
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
I have and listen frequently to both versions of the Firebird from Classic, and Dougdeacon is correct, the 45 rpm version is breathtaking sonically (as well as interpretively, fortunately). Glad I got my copies early and paid far less than current prices. That break in sides 1 and 2 bugs me to no end; fortunately, the 33 1/3 version is almost as good as the 45. Either version will make you wonder what people are talking about when they say CD's have better dynamic range than vinyl.
More to discover