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
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,111 posts
 
There are so many it would be impossible to list them. What type of music do you prefer to listen to, or what don't you like?

I have had dozens of people over to do CD/SACD/LP comparisons. I have never had anyone choose anything but LP for best sound. It probably doesn't matter what you use! Clean LPs sound better, but some of the new reissues like Simply Vinyl, or Sun records just smoke all the competition. You could better ask: What CD even comes close to LP sound?
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Matt,

Lot's of responses but few if any classical, which you were "sort of" looking for. Arthur Salvatore has a pretty mammoth list of LP's he thinks are worthy. I haven't heard but a handful of them, but every one I have listened to has been a killer. Check out his list at:

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

Doug
david99
1,467 posts
 
Im my view,most LP's sound excellent BUT they have to be in great shape and clean.No snap,crackle and pop allowed.
I've listened to too many LP's to remember and I would guess (If clean and in good shape) 90% sounded fantastic.
If you want better sound (sometimes) then go audiophile or imports.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Sarah McLachlan "surfacing" (classic records) pinned me to the couch the other day, and she isn't really my favorite artist. CDs never even came close.
stevem1960
75 posts
 
Not all LP's sound good, but here are a few gooduns'...

In my experience, the quality of vinyl recordings can be just as hit-n-miss as CDs. If you have not noticed this, then your system is not revealing enough and is hiding the fact with the euphonic presentation (comfortable sound) that vinyl can give.

Here are some pop LP's that I reckon have the open and uncongested feel that only good vinyl can give:

- The Sky is Crying...Stevie Ray Vaughn
- Unplugged...Eric Clapton
- Tracey Chapman...self titled
- Solitude Standing...Suzanne Vega
- Ingenue...K.D Lang
- Nothing Like the Sun...Sting
- Echomania...Dub Syndicate ( reggae )
- Signing Off...UB40 (only the 45rpm discs therein)
- Teaser and the Fire Cat...Cat Stevens
- Night Clubbing...Grace Jones
- When You Were Sweet Sixteen...The Fureys
- On Every Street...Dire Straits

Happy listening...

Regards,

Steve M.
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