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November 29, 2005 - 10:27pm
#1
Consistently well-mastered CDs?
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The first recommendation that comes to mind for me is Mapleshade records. If you like the music you find in their catalog, I think you'll also appreciate the engineering and production. I can also recommend the Rudy Van Gelder editions of some great jazz on Blue Note.
Unfortunately, that about ends my list. Good Luck. It appears DRM issues may be taking precedence over excellent engineering and production. I find I do better by buying vinyl.
I'm assuming you've already checked out JA's productions, which are available for purchase on this web site. Can't fault them.
Musicdirect.com (in Chicago) carries a fair bit of the "audiophile" labels.
Pro Musica <www.promusicaaudio.com> carries Naim and is known for high quality recordings. They are also right here in Chicago.
Last but not least, there is Chesky Records. <www.chesky.com>
Thanks.
John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile
The ECM label comes to mind, as does Harmonia Mundi.
First Impression Music
Reference Recordings
MA Recordings
The above post is mine, I hadb't logged in.
Reference especially, and to a lesser extent Telarc, are quite consistently good.
Other labels are hit-and-miss. Recent Naxos recordings are quite good in general as well as inexpensive; older productions are average.
Thanks all for the suggestions. I'll try to find a few discs I like from each of these sources.
Your screwed in your looking for music that is well recorded as opposed to music you like. I understand and share your frustration. A close friend of mine thought I was nuts spending $15k on a system. Years latter he got involved and spent $8k on speaker wire alone. But, he fell into the trap of only listening to good sounding recordings. He hasn't fired up his system in a long time because he is bored by good sounding recordings. I, on the other hand, am frustrated with great music recorded poorly. Oh well, at least I listen every day.