For classical, check out Reference Recordings. I've only bought a sampler so far, but it's great! Also, check Chesky for Jazz. I also like Acoustic Disc.

This one is more mainstream, but Deutsche Grammophon recordings are almost a sure thing. Mercury is also a good label.

For classical music, Hyperion seems to be doing everything right these days. Great artists, challenging programs, and utterly natural, believable recordings. The latest CD of Barber songs sung by Gerald Finley has to be heard to be believed. As good is Marc Andre Hamelin's Alkan disc.

Another option is Linn Records. They really care about audiophiles. For their excellent late Mozart symphony discs (Mackerras/Scottish Chamber), for example, you can either purchase their CD/SACD or download studio master FLACs, which you can burn into DVD-As. That's the way to do it, and every record company should follow their model. Sure DG's download store is to be lauded for their 320 files w/o DRM, but they won't compare to the studio master FLACs...

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Sure DG's download store is to be lauded for their 320 files w/o DRM, but they won't compare to the studio master FLACs...

Or even to just providing uncompressed 16/44.1.

Let's not forget Telarc, which has won any number of awards for its sound quality; Channel Classics from Amsterdam, which, like Telarc, continues to record DSD-native hybrid SACDs; ECM, which does a wonderful job with its classical and jazz offerings; and Harmonia Mundi, which has the church acoustic down pat.
jason victor serinus

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Let's not forget Telarc, which has won any number of awards for its sound quality; Channel Classics from Amsterdam, which, like Telarc, continues to record DSD-native hybrid SACDs; ECM, which does a wonderful job with its classical and jazz offerings; and Harmonia Mundi, which has the church acoustic down pat.
jason victor serinus

Excellent points, Jason. I especially love Harmonia Mundi recordings like Rinaldo Alessandrini & Concerto Italiano's Monteverdi recordings and Paul Lewis' excellent ongoing Beethoven sonata cycle.

And Rinaldo Alessandrini & Concerto Italiano's amazing recording of Art of Fugue.

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And Rinaldo Alessandrini & Concerto Italiano's amazing recording of Art of Fugue.

Ooh, there's my next purchase.

How could I forget Telarc? Thanks for the reminder!