Best Audiophile Album in terms of Dynamic Range and Mastering Quality?


This seems like a good list: https://www.headphonesty.com/2025/04/audiophile-albums-show-off-systems/

but most of them were released more than a decade ago. Are there really no new albums that can match them?

tippydi

Interesting list - reminded me of a few albums I need to listen to and a few that will never grace my rig no matter how good they are recorded. 
 

I am stunned that no Grateful Dead albums were on the list (unless I missed them). Both American Beauty and Working Man’s Dead are exquisitely recorded/mastered. Likely other dead albums are as well - these are the 2 I’m most familiar with and what I play to demo my rig. 

Do these assessments carryover to streaming quality?

I think most people would prefer an assessment of streaming since most people aren't listening to albums anymore and would prefer not listening to albums.  Because most people don't have everything recorded on the planet like streaming sources do.

Edgar Meyer, Christian McBride But Who's Gonna Play The Melody? 2024 - nice recording.

Probably something from David Chesky. His new audiophile masters stuff probably too.

I own 27 of the albums on the list. There is good stuff there. If you are looking for more modern albums with excellent sq, mastering, dr, etc. check out recordings by Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish, Tool, Dominique Fils-Aime, Raye