The Best Sounding vinyl record/LP in your collection

[wen]

Vangelis - Soil Festivities  , the thunder , rain , you can almost hear the critters meeting on the wet soil

[Nickelle]

  On 25/04/2015 at 4:45 AM, Shark said:

So many albums,....wow, I could write quite a list here, but one that recently blew my socks off was Doug MacLeod - "There's a time" on Ref Recording 45 RPM double album. See attached. So many "audiophile" albums present as "forced" and while very transparent/resolute, just don't sound natural. This album is about as natural as I can imagine, has brilliant "Air", and startling dynamics, ......and is blues, so it gets lots of play. Doug has an unusually high pitched voice for a blues singer, and sounds very much like a black man, strange but true! Highly recommended. Cheers, Mark.

Expand  

Don't forget you owe Bob $100

 

[Shark]

I just knew someone was going to notice that Sticky Note and say something. And yes,..I did indeed pay him. Thanks for the reminder..

[Tweaky]

If you ever see these two records in a secondhand record shop, GRAB THEM.

 

First is The Blue Nile - HATS album.....they were signed to Linn Records, and this is their second album......I loved the song 'STAY' from their "Walking along the Rooftops " album several years prior to this release.....seems like at least a 5 to 10 year gap between releases for this band, but well worth the wait......Album Cover below.

An amazing album, quite sparse for much of it, but the depth is huge, both lyrically, emotionally and audio wise......a must have album if ever there was one.

.

 

The second recommendation is going to be very hard to find for even the most avid record collector.

It was a limited run 12" EP by Melbourne based band JO JO ZEP & the Falcons recorded live and released in 1978.

Titled appropriately 'LIVE!! Loud and Clear'....cover image below.

 

A taste of what this EP includes in youtube video below....great boogie party album [Was reportedly a favorite of Ringo Starr/Harry Nilsson crowd and Led Zep at back stage parties the time ] ....I'm guessing it was the track 'The Girl Across the Street" that was the favorite.

 

The ORIGINAL Honey Dripper.

Rooservelt Sykes

 

Edited June 29, 2018 by Tweaky

[Bass13]

Stunning SQ... Sonny Stitt, Blows the Blues, Analogue Productions.

All that's missing is a cigar & cognac.

 

[thewaves]

  On 20/06/2018 at 4:21 AM, MukeshB said:

Yep it’s my reference recording especially Water girl. ECM surely knew their job since those days.

Expand  

@MukeshB

 

Couldn't agree more- amazing recording. Where did you get your vinyl copy from?

[Gantryman]

  On 20/06/2018 at 4:01 AM, enikoy said:

Probably the best sounding I have heard this year is Laura Marling's Semper Femina. Lots of space and depth. Produced by and involving Blake Mills is always a good sign.

http://www.metacritic.com/music/semper-femina/laura-marling

 

Expand  

I'm late to the party and have only just discovered this Laura Marling album. I wholeheartedly agree that it's an absolute cracker. Amazing SQ, but even more importantly, the songs are simply incredible. Count me as a convert to the Church of Marling. 

[agelessgoodguy]

Many or any purchased the boxed sets of Wilma Niles Mercury "Living Presence Series" ? Some very special high quality recordings amongst them including many with Antal Dorati.

[fernAustralia]

This one below ranks among the best. (IMO).

********************SPECIAL AWARD***********

***********MOST "EXPLOSIVE" ORCHESTRAL LP***********

STRAVINSKY-THE FIREBIRD-DORATI-MERCURY SR90226 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

This is the finest record to ever originate from Mercury and one of the greatest records of all time. It is a contender for the title (and award) of "finest orchestral LP" and its dynamic qualities are even comparable to The Rite of Spring/Mobile (see "The Demi-Gods" below).

I can't hold back my excitement with this record. It has been years since I have been so impressed and mesmerized. I can actually say that if the "original" Mercurys sounded like this Classic Firebird (they absolutely don't), those records may actually be worth the hundreds of dollars that audiophiles have (foolishly) spent on them. From my skeptical and frugal perspective, I can't be more complimentary than that.

The Sonics

This LP has the usual Mercury strengths; a huge soundstage, with real depth and excellent focus, plus superb transparency and deep, tight bass, but there is much more. This time there is real "liquidity" and low-level detail. There is actual "presence and immediacy", totally unlike the two disappointing Mercurys discussed elsewhere.

The sounds, and the music, don't "dry up and die" at soft levels. There is superb retrieval of detail, both inner and outer, and the transients are fast, sharp and clean. Then there are the dynamic qualities, which are totally unprecedented in my experience.

The only downsides I can hear are the audible tape hiss, which is normal for this label, a slight lack of "refinement" and a bit of a "veil". So it is not quite as immediate as some of the other top LP's.

I would advise finding a copy, at virtually any price. This is the very rarest type of record, which, when played, actually has the capability to make the listener feel that...

All the years, monetary investments, frustrations and dedicated efforts in audio pursuits were worth it!

Dynamics-The Comparison

 

The Rite of Spring/Mobile and the Firebird/Mercury Classic are the two most dynamic orchestral records that I have ever heard, but they have different dynamic strengths. The Mobile Fidelity is unique when it comes to the degree of its "ultimate dynamic levels" (or its "dynamic range"); it just gets louder and louder, from level to level, in a manner that is peerless.

The Mercury Classic is, in contrast, "explosive"; no other record goes from "soft to loud" as quickly, and with such force, intensity and power. (Sports Car Analogy: "Top speed" versus "Acceleration".)

The relative effects on the listener of these differences are: The Mobile Fidelity is "overwhelming", while the Mercury Classic is "shocking". I can't say which one is "better" or "more important". Remember that the musical compositions themselves both augmented and limited each LP. I feel both records should be recognized as transcendent (sui generis), and honored as such.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DIVINITY.html#Lrg

 

"The Mercury Pressings Dilemma"

http://www.high-endaudio.com/softw.html#Mercury

 

There are now four different pressings of the Mercury catalog, though only the original pressings are complete. Based on my auditions, this is how they rank in desirability (and I would read the fine details, because this is necessarily somewhat complicated):

 

1. Classic Records Reissues (both 33 and 45 RPM)- These are, by far, the best sounding Mercury pressings. Unfortunately, only six records were ever released by Classic. Three of them (Ravel, Prokofiev and Stravinsky) are among the very finest sounding records ever made by anyone. Every audiophile (with a turntable) should have these "big three".

 

2. Golden Imports (including the Canadian "Golden Series")- These are not in the same league as the Classic Records reissues, but a few of them are excellent. In fact, 6 of them are in The Supreme Recordings, and another 3 are in The Honorable Mentions. There are others that are pretty good, but they also have some problems, mainly from putting too much music on a side (and totally avoid all their "electronically enhanced stereo" LPs, they're awful). Further, and in consequence, the deep bass is rolled-off on many of them. If you find some pressings that match the original's musical selections, without any additions, then they are a safe choice. If not, then...

3. Speakers Corner Reissues- With the exception of the 9 total records mentioned above, which are already in The Supreme Recordings, these are now the best choice for the remainder of the Mercury catalog. They are new, and have sonics that are comparable to the best of the Golden Imports. They should be noticeably superior to those many Golden Imports with extra music. They also have the original covers etc. Hopefully, they will come out with all of the most in-demand Mercury recordings, including the rarities. I'm still hoping that this particular reissue is atypical, and their other Mercury reissues have superior results.

4. Original "Living Presence"- These are desirable only for serious "collectors of original pressings", who will want them regardless of their actual sound (which they almost always overestimate), and, of course, for all those music lovers looking for the Mercury recordings that were never reissued by anyone."

 

PROKOFIEV-SCYTHIAN SUITE-DORATI-MERCURY SR-90006 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

 

The original pressing of this record was chosen by Harry Pearson to be the single "best sounding recording" of them all (See TAS Issue 73). I will discuss that choice below.

Since then, the used price has skyrocketed, as should be expected. Meanwhile, Classic Records chose this recording to be one of their 6 first (and last, unfortunately) "Mercury Living Presence" reissues to be released. I've heard the earliest original pressing (twice), the Golden Imports equivalent (many times) and now this latest Classic reissue. Here are the results.

The Classic Reissue- Is the best of the three, period. It has a huge soundstage, both wide and deep, and it is focused. It retains its size and focus even at high volumes. The dynamic contrasts are also extraordinary, and at all frequencies. It has a tremendous sense of power and weight, from the mid-bass up until the lower midrange. The transients are also sharp and precise, and with excellent impact. The sound even has natural body. This Classic Reissue is undeniably a great record.

There are some problems though.

The sense of "immediacy", or "presence" if you like, is both frequency and loudness dependent. The sound is most immediate in the midrange and the lower highs, and at medium to high volumes. At softer levels, and/or at lower frequencies, there is an easily noticeable veil. In short, this record has far from "the best", meaning lowest, sound-floor.

Normally, this serious problem would keep a record from the top two classes, but this LP is so phenomenal and memorable in every other way, that it will still go there. I strongly advise readers to make the serious effort to find a copy of it.

The Original- This record is both comparatively veiled and not even close to being as clean and refined as the Classic Reissue. In fact, it is not even as clean as the Golden Imports. We compared the (mint) original to the Golden Imports at the home of the owner of the original, 7 years ago. Two of the three listeners, to our great surprise, actually preferred the Golden Imports in a number of areas. The owner of the original disagreed, but even he finally admitted how disappointed he was with the sonics of the original. (He had paid "big bucks" because of TAS. Don't worry, he could afford it.)

From my own perspective, I've heard literally hundreds of records that are (sonically) superior to the original pressing, considering everything. I strongly feel that there is much more to creating a "great record" than a big soundstage, deep bass and big dynamics, as important as they are."http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DEMI.html#Con

 

 

[hlov]

  On 19/04/2015 at 7:47 AM, tonythompson said:

I have many great sounding albums, most from classical labels but my best sounding for showing off the system is Richard Wrights "Wet Dream" album from 1978. There is an overall balance and presence to the whole thing that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling each time I play it. Just the plain old ordinary Australian Pressing bought from Allen's in Melbourne CBD.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Expand  

I forgot I have this album, I’ll give it a play tomorrow that I’m working from home 

[giddyup1]

Tough one, but i would have to say Johnny Cash - Unchained. The Man in Black backed by the Heartbreakers is not a bad combo.....

 

The pressings from American Recordings of his final albums are fantastic.  

[silex]

Devo - Are We Not Men? 1978 / The Chills - Submarine Bells 1990 / My Morning Jacket - Circuitale 2011 / Girls - Father Son Holy Ghost 2011 / Angel Olson - My Woman 2016 / Xlouris White - Mother 2018. Just a few favourites.

[RickSL]

  On 30/06/2018 at 11:12 AM, Bass13 said:

Stunning SQ... Sonny Stitt, Blows the Blues, Analogue Productions.

All that's missing is a cigar & cognac.

 

Expand  

I find that just about any original press LPs on Verve sound fantastic. I have a Wes Montgomery album that blows me away every time.

[GSO-ROB]

IMO Frank Zappa "Joe's Garage" 1979

definately sounds better on a TT than digital

[Ian McP]

The combination of fantastic tunes and superb production, on vinyl they still sound incredible!

Grace Jones: Warm Leatherette

https://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-Warm-Leatherette/master/56309

Grace Jones: Nightclubbing

https://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-Nightclubbing/master/55576

Grace Jones: Slave To the Rhythm

https://www.discogs.com/Grace-Jones-Slave-To-The-Rhythm/master/56303

[timbo333]

I enjoy my Dire Straits - Love Over Gold album. Close second would be Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

[Musician]

The Dire Straits album titled Dire Straits is nice.

[timbo333]

  On 26/12/2018 at 7:35 PM, Musician said:

The Dire Straits album titled Dire Straits is nice.

Yeah....i find most of the Dire Straits albums that I own sound superior, to my ears, than say my copy of Mike Oldfield's - Tubular Bells. [emoji86]

[perth_artist]

I picked up a Dire straits, brothers in arms at an op shop, about 15 years ago for $2....back when you could get top notch albums from op shops.

Ahhh those were the days.

Sounds fantastic, great album to put on to see how system is performing etc, speaking of which I might go put it on now.....:)

[Guest vagabond]

My son was given Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi) limited edition translucent red vinyl.  I must say it's the cleanest sounding LP I've ever heard.

 

https://themusicuniverse.com/bon-jovi-slippery-when-wet-gets-red-translucent-vinyl-reissue/

Edited December 27, 2018 by vagabond

[TerryO]

There are lots of great albums out there, but for sheer enjoyment of sound quality then this 45rpm double album is hard to beat. It’s not my favourite album music wise though.

 

 

 

Closely followed, if not even better, sq wise by the two Jacintha albums below. If you have never heard one of these vinyl albums on your system then you are missing out on how good your system can sound, that is how good these recordings are in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

While we don’t have a huge collection of albums we do have roughly about 400 which gives us a reasonable cross section, some dating back to 60’s classics right through to the likes of Dire Straits etc and through to plenty of very recent recordings, both 33rpm and 45rpm, and for what ever reason just about any of the Jacintha albums we have, which is five so far, make most of the rest sound a little bit ordinary sq wise. Even the cd and to a lesser extent the Tidal versions sound stunning.

Anyway that is what I have experienced on my system, others may have heard differently on theirs.

 

cheers Terry

 

*PS ... and a thank you to Greg ‘Hensa’ for introducing us to Jacintha’s music.

Edited December 27, 2018 by TerryO

[Wimbo]

Love the sound of this album and also the music.

[Hergest]

  On 27/12/2018 at 9:41 PM, Wimbo said:

Love the sound of this album and also the music.

Expand  

The brilliance of Al Stewart's songwriting, the quality musicians in his band and Alan Parsons producing at Abbey Road and it's no surprise it's such a good album.

[Luc]

  On 16/12/2018 at 9:31 PM, fernAustralia said:

This one below ranks among the best. (IMO).

********************SPECIAL AWARD***********

***********MOST "EXPLOSIVE" ORCHESTRAL LP***********

STRAVINSKY-THE FIREBIRD-DORATI-MERCURY SR90226 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

This is the finest record to ever originate from Mercury and one of the greatest records of all time. It is a contender for the title (and award) of "finest orchestral LP" and its dynamic qualities are even comparable to The Rite of Spring/Mobile (see "The Demi-Gods" below).

I can't hold back my excitement with this record. It has been years since I have been so impressed and mesmerized. I can actually say that if the "original" Mercurys sounded like this Classic Firebird (they absolutely don't), those records may actually be worth the hundreds of dollars that audiophiles have (foolishly) spent on them. From my skeptical and frugal perspective, I can't be more complimentary than that.

The Sonics

This LP has the usual Mercury strengths; a huge soundstage, with real depth and excellent focus, plus superb transparency and deep, tight bass, but there is much more. This time there is real "liquidity" and low-level detail. There is actual "presence and immediacy", totally unlike the two disappointing Mercurys discussed elsewhere.

The sounds, and the music, don't "dry up and die" at soft levels. There is superb retrieval of detail, both inner and outer, and the transients are fast, sharp and clean. Then there are the dynamic qualities, which are totally unprecedented in my experience.

The only downsides I can hear are the audible tape hiss, which is normal for this label, a slight lack of "refinement" and a bit of a "veil". So it is not quite as immediate as some of the other top LP's.

I would advise finding a copy, at virtually any price. This is the very rarest type of record, which, when played, actually has the capability to make the listener feel that...

All the years, monetary investments, frustrations and dedicated efforts in audio pursuits were worth it!

Dynamics-The Comparison

 

The Rite of Spring/Mobile and the Firebird/Mercury Classic are the two most dynamic orchestral records that I have ever heard, but they have different dynamic strengths. The Mobile Fidelity is unique when it comes to the degree of its "ultimate dynamic levels" (or its "dynamic range"); it just gets louder and louder, from level to level, in a manner that is peerless.

The Mercury Classic is, in contrast, "explosive"; no other record goes from "soft to loud" as quickly, and with such force, intensity and power. (Sports Car Analogy: "Top speed" versus "Acceleration".)

The relative effects on the listener of these differences are: The Mobile Fidelity is "overwhelming", while the Mercury Classic is "shocking". I can't say which one is "better" or "more important". Remember that the musical compositions themselves both augmented and limited each LP. I feel both records should be recognized as transcendent (sui generis), and honored as such.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DIVINITY.html#Lrg

 

"The Mercury Pressings Dilemma"

http://www.high-endaudio.com/softw.html#Mercury

 

There are now four different pressings of the Mercury catalog, though only the original pressings are complete. Based on my auditions, this is how they rank in desirability (and I would read the fine details, because this is necessarily somewhat complicated):

 

1. Classic Records Reissues (both 33 and 45 RPM)- These are, by far, the best sounding Mercury pressings. Unfortunately, only six records were ever released by Classic. Three of them (Ravel, Prokofiev and Stravinsky) are among the very finest sounding records ever made by anyone. Every audiophile (with a turntable) should have these "big three".

 

2. Golden Imports (including the Canadian "Golden Series")- These are not in the same league as the Classic Records reissues, but a few of them are excellent. In fact, 6 of them are in The Supreme Recordings, and another 3 are in The Honorable Mentions. There are others that are pretty good, but they also have some problems, mainly from putting too much music on a side (and totally avoid all their "electronically enhanced stereo" LPs, they're awful). Further, and in consequence, the deep bass is rolled-off on many of them. If you find some pressings that match the original's musical selections, without any additions, then they are a safe choice. If not, then...

3. Speakers Corner Reissues- With the exception of the 9 total records mentioned above, which are already in The Supreme Recordings, these are now the best choice for the remainder of the Mercury catalog. They are new, and have sonics that are comparable to the best of the Golden Imports. They should be noticeably superior to those many Golden Imports with extra music. They also have the original covers etc. Hopefully, they will come out with all of the most in-demand Mercury recordings, including the rarities. I'm still hoping that this particular reissue is atypical, and their other Mercury reissues have superior results.

4. Original "Living Presence"- These are desirable only for serious "collectors of original pressings", who will want them regardless of their actual sound (which they almost always overestimate), and, of course, for all those music lovers looking for the Mercury recordings that were never reissued by anyone."

 

PROKOFIEV-SCYTHIAN SUITE-DORATI-MERCURY SR-90006 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

 

The original pressing of this record was chosen by Harry Pearson to be the single "best sounding recording" of them all (See TAS Issue 73). I will discuss that choice below.

Since then, the used price has skyrocketed, as should be expected. Meanwhile, Classic Records chose this recording to be one of their 6 first (and last, unfortunately) "Mercury Living Presence" reissues to be released. I've heard the earliest original pressing (twice), the Golden Imports equivalent (many times) and now this latest Classic reissue. Here are the results.

The Classic Reissue- Is the best of the three, period. It has a huge soundstage, both wide and deep, and it is focused. It retains its size and focus even at high volumes. The dynamic contrasts are also extraordinary, and at all frequencies. It has a tremendous sense of power and weight, from the mid-bass up until the lower midrange. The transients are also sharp and precise, and with excellent impact. The sound even has natural body. This Classic Reissue is undeniably a great record.

There are some problems though.

The sense of "immediacy", or "presence" if you like, is both frequency and loudness dependent. The sound is most immediate in the midrange and the lower highs, and at medium to high volumes. At softer levels, and/or at lower frequencies, there is an easily noticeable veil. In short, this record has far from "the best", meaning lowest, sound-floor.

Normally, this serious problem would keep a record from the top two classes, but this LP is so phenomenal and memorable in every other way, that it will still go there. I strongly advise readers to make the serious effort to find a copy of it.

The Original- This record is both comparatively veiled and not even close to being as clean and refined as the Classic Reissue. In fact, it is not even as clean as the Golden Imports. We compared the (mint) original to the Golden Imports at the home of the owner of the original, 7 years ago. Two of the three listeners, to our great surprise, actually preferred the Golden Imports in a number of areas. The owner of the original disagreed, but even he finally admitted how disappointed he was with the sonics of the original. (He had paid "big bucks" because of TAS. Don't worry, he could afford it.)

From my own perspective, I've heard literally hundreds of records that are (sonically) superior to the original pressing, considering everything. I strongly feel that there is much more to creating a "great record" than a big soundstage, deep bass and big dynamics, as important as they are."http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DEMI.html#Con

 

 

Expand  

The Marc Chagall painting is a ripper.

[fernAustralia]

  On 16/12/2018 at 9:31 PM, fernAustralia said:

This one below ranks among the best. (IMO).

********************SPECIAL AWARD***********

***********MOST "EXPLOSIVE" ORCHESTRAL LP***********

STRAVINSKY-THE FIREBIRD-DORATI-MERCURY SR90226 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

This is the finest record to ever originate from Mercury and one of the greatest records of all time. It is a contender for the title (and award) of "finest orchestral LP" and its dynamic qualities are even comparable to The Rite of Spring/Mobile (see "The Demi-Gods" below).

I can't hold back my excitement with this record. It has been years since I have been so impressed and mesmerized. I can actually say that if the "original" Mercurys sounded like this Classic Firebird (they absolutely don't), those records may actually be worth the hundreds of dollars that audiophiles have (foolishly) spent on them. From my skeptical and frugal perspective, I can't be more complimentary than that.

The Sonics

This LP has the usual Mercury strengths; a huge soundstage, with real depth and excellent focus, plus superb transparency and deep, tight bass, but there is much more. This time there is real "liquidity" and low-level detail. There is actual "presence and immediacy", totally unlike the two disappointing Mercurys discussed elsewhere.

The sounds, and the music, don't "dry up and die" at soft levels. There is superb retrieval of detail, both inner and outer, and the transients are fast, sharp and clean. Then there are the dynamic qualities, which are totally unprecedented in my experience.

The only downsides I can hear are the audible tape hiss, which is normal for this label, a slight lack of "refinement" and a bit of a "veil". So it is not quite as immediate as some of the other top LP's.

I would advise finding a copy, at virtually any price. This is the very rarest type of record, which, when played, actually has the capability to make the listener feel that...

All the years, monetary investments, frustrations and dedicated efforts in audio pursuits were worth it!

Dynamics-The Comparison

 

The Rite of Spring/Mobile and the Firebird/Mercury Classic are the two most dynamic orchestral records that I have ever heard, but they have different dynamic strengths. The Mobile Fidelity is unique when it comes to the degree of its "ultimate dynamic levels" (or its "dynamic range"); it just gets louder and louder, from level to level, in a manner that is peerless.

The Mercury Classic is, in contrast, "explosive"; no other record goes from "soft to loud" as quickly, and with such force, intensity and power. (Sports Car Analogy: "Top speed" versus "Acceleration".)

The relative effects on the listener of these differences are: The Mobile Fidelity is "overwhelming", while the Mercury Classic is "shocking". I can't say which one is "better" or "more important". Remember that the musical compositions themselves both augmented and limited each LP. I feel both records should be recognized as transcendent (sui generis), and honored as such.

http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DIVINITY.html#Lrg

 

"The Mercury Pressings Dilemma"

http://www.high-endaudio.com/softw.html#Mercury

 

There are now four different pressings of the Mercury catalog, though only the original pressings are complete. Based on my auditions, this is how they rank in desirability (and I would read the fine details, because this is necessarily somewhat complicated):

 

1. Classic Records Reissues (both 33 and 45 RPM)- These are, by far, the best sounding Mercury pressings. Unfortunately, only six records were ever released by Classic. Three of them (Ravel, Prokofiev and Stravinsky) are among the very finest sounding records ever made by anyone. Every audiophile (with a turntable) should have these "big three".

 

2. Golden Imports (including the Canadian "Golden Series")- These are not in the same league as the Classic Records reissues, but a few of them are excellent. In fact, 6 of them are in The Supreme Recordings, and another 3 are in The Honorable Mentions. There are others that are pretty good, but they also have some problems, mainly from putting too much music on a side (and totally avoid all their "electronically enhanced stereo" LPs, they're awful). Further, and in consequence, the deep bass is rolled-off on many of them. If you find some pressings that match the original's musical selections, without any additions, then they are a safe choice. If not, then...

3. Speakers Corner Reissues- With the exception of the 9 total records mentioned above, which are already in The Supreme Recordings, these are now the best choice for the remainder of the Mercury catalog. They are new, and have sonics that are comparable to the best of the Golden Imports. They should be noticeably superior to those many Golden Imports with extra music. They also have the original covers etc. Hopefully, they will come out with all of the most in-demand Mercury recordings, including the rarities. I'm still hoping that this particular reissue is atypical, and their other Mercury reissues have superior results.

4. Original "Living Presence"- These are desirable only for serious "collectors of original pressings", who will want them regardless of their actual sound (which they almost always overestimate), and, of course, for all those music lovers looking for the Mercury recordings that were never reissued by anyone."

 

PROKOFIEV-SCYTHIAN SUITE-DORATI-MERCURY SR-90006 (CLASSIC REISSUE)

 

The original pressing of this record was chosen by Harry Pearson to be the single "best sounding recording" of them all (See TAS Issue 73). I will discuss that choice below.

Since then, the used price has skyrocketed, as should be expected. Meanwhile, Classic Records chose this recording to be one of their 6 first (and last, unfortunately) "Mercury Living Presence" reissues to be released. I've heard the earliest original pressing (twice), the Golden Imports equivalent (many times) and now this latest Classic reissue. Here are the results.

The Classic Reissue- Is the best of the three, period. It has a huge soundstage, both wide and deep, and it is focused. It retains its size and focus even at high volumes. The dynamic contrasts are also extraordinary, and at all frequencies. It has a tremendous sense of power and weight, from the mid-bass up until the lower midrange. The transients are also sharp and precise, and with excellent impact. The sound even has natural body. This Classic Reissue is undeniably a great record.

There are some problems though.

The sense of "immediacy", or "presence" if you like, is both frequency and loudness dependent. The sound is most immediate in the midrange and the lower highs, and at medium to high volumes. At softer levels, and/or at lower frequencies, there is an easily noticeable veil. In short, this record has far from "the best", meaning lowest, sound-floor.

Normally, this serious problem would keep a record from the top two classes, but this LP is so phenomenal and memorable in every other way, that it will still go there. I strongly advise readers to make the serious effort to find a copy of it.

The Original- This record is both comparatively veiled and not even close to being as clean and refined as the Classic Reissue. In fact, it is not even as clean as the Golden Imports. We compared the (mint) original to the Golden Imports at the home of the owner of the original, 7 years ago. Two of the three listeners, to our great surprise, actually preferred the Golden Imports in a number of areas. The owner of the original disagreed, but even he finally admitted how disappointed he was with the sonics of the original. (He had paid "big bucks" because of TAS. Don't worry, he could afford it.)

From my own perspective, I've heard literally hundreds of records that are (sonically) superior to the original pressing, considering everything. I strongly feel that there is much more to creating a "great record" than a big soundstage, deep bass and big dynamics, as important as they are."http://www.high-endaudio.com/SR-DEMI.html#Con

 

 

Expand  

Further thoughts...

Brand/Label/Format: *Analogue Productions 200g 45rpm LP* (5LP)

Genre: Classical Item Number: APLP6065-45 Unit Price: $149.99
200g 45rpm 5LP Box Set!
Mastered by Bernie Grundman From Original Analog Tape!
Plated & Pressed at Quality Record Pressings!

Dead-quiet 45 RPM 5LP set reduces distortion, improves cartridge tracking!

Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tape

Packaged in a custom-designed slipcase with integrated 22-page lavishly illustrated book

Please note: Side 10 of this release is a repeat of side 1

In the hearts of thousands, No. 1 on the Top RCA list. While the bulk of Ernest Ansermet's recordings were made with L'Orchestre de la Susise Romande, there were a few with the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra and the very occasional foray into recordings with London orchestras, one of these being with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in 1959.

Analogue Productions is proud and excited to be bringing back such a classic. Not just for the music, which is superb, but also for the detailed packaging, which in this case takes the form of a 22-page lavishly illustrated book that's integrated into the tip-on gatefold jacket for two of the LPs in this new 5LP 45 RPM box set edition.

A word about 45 RPM: The dead-quiet LPs, with the music spread over nine sides of vinyl (the 10th side repeats side 1), reduces distortion and high frequency loss as the wider-spaced grooves let your stereo cartridge track more accurately. But it's more than just the vinyl that makes this release so special.

If you're new to ballet, this pictorial history will introduce you to some of its most famous productions — old favorites such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, for example — but also less familiar tales such as Carnaval, Les Sylphides and Coppélia. You'll also make the acquaintance of famous ballerinas of the Royal company, such as Margot Fonteyn, Nadia Nerina and Beryl Grey, as well as choreographers such as Jules Perrot and male dancers Alexis Rassine and Michael Somes.

Musically you can't get better than the 200-gram dead-silent platters pressed by Quality Record Pressings, makers of the world's finest-sounding LPs. Of course the best vinyl reflects the best mastering, and that's accomplished here by Bernie Grundman working from the original analog tape. Stoughton Printing expertly handled the intricate gatefold tip-on package.

 

 

Edited December 30, 2018 by fernAustralia