Bought my first new audiophile LP...back it goes

Matty: Vinyl is the ultimate form of manic-depressive audiophilia. When it's bad, it's really bad, but when it's great, it's simply much closer to the musical experience. And, when it's mediocre, it's still better than CD. Much more work than CD, though, and not for the faint of heart. If the bulk of your musical preferences are in the late 50's to late early 80's (which mine are) it is the only way to fly, both qualitatively and economically providing you are a bit shrewd and have access to decent quantities of used vinyl. And there are decent quantities of new vinyl out there of very high quality at $10-$20 a record if you seek them out.

The only lable I hve had trouble with is Sundazed. Out of about six records three were messed up... one completely unplayable. The Fantasy 45 from Acoustic Sounds have been incredible everytime (super expensive everytime too...;-)

Chris

Not had any problems, I buy my "audiophile" pressings second hand, there are a lot about. the added advantage is finding out of print pressings, many of the premium discs don't stay in print long. I spent 2 years tracking down a copy of Lorna Hunt's "All in one Day", it was worth it.
A label you colonials may not have heard of is Pure pleasure, a small UK outfit. All their pressings have been first class to date and they have some nice out of the way stuff. If you like jazz, I particularly commend Jim Hall's "Concerto", a real favourite of mine.
I am sure it has been done, but it might be worth everyone listing there 6 favourite Audiophile Pressings, both on the qualitry of the pressing and the music

I too am returning the new Norah Jones and Diana Krall classic 200 gram vinyl records. I'm glad the hear it's not just me. Both those albums have terrible noise embedded in the vinyl. The worst pressings I have every heard.

many pressing plants (this practice started back in the late 70's)use recycled vinyl. the plants themselves are more primitive than ever (old equipment,etc) because its becoming impossible to make money given the lp's tiny marketshare. even the 'virgin vinyl' product is not what it used to be.