Let's focus on sound for this week. (We'll zero-in on the music next week.) When you want to hear how good a recording can sound, what do you go for? Forget musical merit. What is the best-sounding disc you have in your collection?
COMMENTS
Let's see, I think it would be the LP Railroad Sounds: Steam and Diesel, Sounds of a Vanishing Era on the Audio Fidelity label from 1958. Man, there's nothing like hearing those big boys going from one side of the room to the other while you quaff a few microbrews! I bet even Mikey Fremer, defender of the faith, has this LP.
Alison Krauss and Union Station: Live (SACD) I like it for it's musical merit as well (though it is not my favourite) but even if I hated the music, I would still use it as a demo of an excellent recording. Honourable mention to Pletnev Plays Schumann (SACD)--puts the lie to the notion that a PCM sourced SACD is not worth the effort. Also, I like to trot out a few RCA Living Stereo SACDs to show my friends that even 50+ year old recordings can be excellent (they are not up to the best recorded modern standards in terms of recording fidelity, but they have nothing of which to be ashamed).
Michael Jackson Thriller SACD. I often demo my system for non-audiophile friends as unless you have been in a coma for the past 30 years—you've heard the music. Q. Jones' production in masterful, the sound-stage is wide with holographic surprises especially on "Billy Jean" and "Thriller." Don't be a snob—spool-up "Billy Jean" at any gathering and people will dance, tap their feet, and nod their heads.
I would have to say Diamond Dogs by David Bowie. Even the Red Book recording has a lot of distinct, rich imagery (a lot of it being three-dimensional, too, which I didn't expect). Do yourself a favor and pick it up. Flavor for the ears.
Adam Makovitch: the name is pronounced... on Sheffield Direct to Disc vinyl. by far the best sounding jazz album ive ever heard. Phil Woods sax sounds right there in the room and is resonates acurately and quite honestly, in your face, just as it would if he were really playing in your room. it is not softened up like so many so called audiophile recording tend to. The drums are quick with real snap and the symbols shimmer and decay in real time and space with out smear. Bass is full body and you can hear the fingers on the frets just like you would with a real bass. Adams piano work is also outstanding as there is again no smearing of the very quick notes and the tonality is spot on! coupled with the direct to disc live recording you get a real feel in between tracks as pages are turned and shuffled. music stands adjusted...etc. By far the best, in my opinion, of the over 3000 LPs I have to compare with.
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