2. analog
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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
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.
matt8268 OP
92 posts
 
Where do you guys find all these LP's for sale? I looked on www.amusicdirect.com, but can't find many.
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
Music Direct does have all the Classic Records and Analog Productions reissues that are still available, although you may have to call and ask them for particular titles; other sources, other than used record shops, would be Red Trumpet, Acoustic Sounds and Elusive Disk. Some of these guys have used records in their inventory which they sell--I got my copy of the RCA 45rpm Direct-to-Disk Beethoven Appasionnata from Red Trumpet, and I know Chad sells out-of-prints and used, though he charges top dollar. It pays to call and ask, as not everything is listed on the websites. For the Chesky reissues, you might take a flyer and see if Chesky Records has any left of their records, including the Stravinsky Petrushka (sp, I know) that Salvatore mentions, if you can't get it elsewhere. Finally, check the A-goN, as these sometimes do show up for sale. And I'm sure others will give some more good sources for these records, these are just the main ones, along with the Princeton Record Exchange, that I use.
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