reference recordings

I like the non-HDCD discs from RR just as much due to the clarity of the recordings-some of the best discs i've ever heard (the Helicon Ensemble disc playing bach/baroque is clear as a bell). HDCD is fantastic though- i like Trittico- dallas wind symphony with lots of percussion and brass. the problem with HDCD is the huge dynamic range- 1st you have to turn up the volume way higher than with regular cd's because of the hdcd filter, but then you have to keep your remote handy in case your speakers can't handle the really loud parts. i hear they are coming out with more titles now, which is very good news.

check out the recordings to die for threads here.

The Bruckner 9 is an outstanding performance as well as recording. One of my Favorite RR's. His Copland 3 w/ Applachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common man is a good recording and performance as well. Assuming you just want some generic classical recordings with excellent sound the compulation recordings with Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra (there are 5 of them I think) are excellent as well.

I have much of the RR catalog. If you have a specific Composer or recording in mind. Ask. Kind of tough to respond otherwise.

It's hard to respond to your question without knowing what kind of music you like, and it would help to know whether or not you've got an HDCD player. Here are a few of my favorite RR recordings:
(1) Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Oue, Minnesota Orchestra, HDCD. A great performance of a great work, fully exploiting all the resources of a large orchestra as only Strauss could. Superb HDCD sound.
(2) Felix Hell, "Organ Sensation," Liszt, Vierne, Guilmant. This gets my vote as the ultimate audiophile pipe organ CD. If you want a real lease-breaker, if you want to test the depths to which your subwoofer can reach, this is the one. Terrific HDCD sound, with bottom end that will take your breath away.
(3 & 4) Nojima Plays Liszt, Nojima Plays Ravel. These precede HDCD, but don't let that stop you. Wonderful performances of great music by a master pianist, captured in magnificent sound.
(5) Eileen Farrell Sings Torch Songs. The first song here, "Stormy Weather," is the most perfect recording of a great vocal "standard" in the technical sense that I've ever heard. The vocal is backed up by a "just right" jazz combo, and the sound is impeccable: the group is right there in front of you in your listening room. (This song is also on the RR Jazz sampler.) This one is also pre-HDCD. Truly a reference recording.
Hope this helps. Happy listening.

i do have a hdcd