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Truly Stunning Vinyl Album

Hey friends, I'm relatively new here, first topic post but I read Audiogon topics daily. I'm a total neophyte with a not-inexpensive mid-fi system (Rogue Cronus iii Dark amp, Michel Gyro SE TT, Maggie 3.7i speakers, and a single Perlisten D15s sub, and an Eversolo DMP A8 streamer), and a growing vinyl collection that I'm partial to over streaming (unless I'm working and can't bother to flip the record). I love classic rock, Neil Young, the Stones, and the Grateful Dead, but really I like almost all genres (not into rap or thrasher metal) and since setting up my system I routinely play jazz and classical albums, and artists I never paid much attention to but now listen to quite frequently because their albums sound great on my system (e.g. Jethro Tull, Santana). So with all of that context, what I'm interested in is any TRULY STUNNING vinyl albums you can recommend, in any genre. I'm not asking for a desert island list, or any list of your favorite albums. I have those lists too, but they're dominated by musicians/groups I love and aren't necessarily "stunning" beyond my own subjective tastes. I'm interested in hearing about the one or two albums in your collection that just blow you away for whatever reason (and please explain). I'll kick it off with the Impex reissue of chamber music by Jascha Heifetz in mono, called The Lark. If you had told me that one of the top 3 records in my collection would be a mono chamber music album, I'd have laughed you out of my house. But it just blows me away. I listen to it daily. Why does it blow me away? Mostly it's the opening piece, Heifetz and an organist playing Vitali's Chaconne. It starts off with somber organ tones that I feel in my soul thanks to the Perlisten D15s sub, and then all of a sudden Heifetz comes crashing in with his piercing violin, and it is so darn stunning and beautiful I could listen to it daily until they plant me. And I don't even have a mono cartridge!  So that's the type of album I'm looking for, in any genre. Something younwould play for anyone, and regardless of what genre they prefer, they would likely agree this album is truly stunning. Can you recommend anything like that? And in case you're interested, here's a great review of the Heifetz album: 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/music-reviews/jascha-heifetz-the-lark/

Thanks for any recommendations!

phillyspecial
sokogear
1,095 posts
 

Aja and Kind of Blue UHQRs go neck and neck for my best sounding records. Doesn't hurt that they are my 2 favorite albums also.

Too many others to mention, because I don't listen to any just for the sound quality. If I don't like a record, I don't care how good it sounds. I can appreciate it, just won't waste my time listening to it. Of course if it sounds great, I will enjoy it more.

I guess I am not as die hard of an audiophile as I thought....didn't realize so many are building demo rooms like the good old days when so many stereo stores played Pat Metheny Group (the other white album,which I do happen to really like) and the Crime of the Century UHQR (which I also really like).

It's about the music (but good equipment enhances the experience). Not the other way around.

larryi
3,974 posts
 

Some artists were very much interested in the sound quality of their records, or so it seems, because the sound is consistently good.  Lois Armstrong seemed to always have good records.  Ry Cooder is another good example.  In addition to the Water Lily recording mentioned above, his “Buena Vista Social Club” record is terrific sounding.  I also really like his “Paradise and Lunch Album” (I have both the original and a Mobile Fidelity” reissue and they are both good).

nlitworld
67 posts
 

@phillyspecial If you like live music, I’d highly recommend Alice In Chains - MTV Unplugged. I am willing to say it is the best recorded live album. Super intimate hearing all the crowd reaction (and banter), really captures the acoustics of the room, and the playing was spot on.

 

That album is bittersweet though, because you can really hear how frail and nervous Layne Staley was by that time. Listen for the banter with Metallica sitting front row and the lisp in his voice from the drug abuse destroying his teeth. Sad, silly, joyful and every bit of typical dejected Seattle grunge was all captured there. Such an amazing album.

lameimpala's avatar
lameimpala
2 posts
 

The best pressed record I’ve ever heard is the Black Sabbath ST from Rhino.  It’s the unnumbered version.  I could not believe how good they made that record sound.  

lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
336 posts
 

I would like to add that anyone who has 3.7 Maggies does not have "mid fi" sound.  Do not let the 1%  intimidate you, you have high quality sound.

 

That said, four albums stand out for me as a recommendation.  They are diverse,

Janis Joplin - Cheap Thrills

Dave Brubeck - Take Five

Jethro Tull - Aqualung

Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Fillmore

I would also add my own bias, I have owned 3.6 Maggies for almost 20 years and they are magical.  Everyone has different tastes and ears, but my gear chasing ended when I had my Maggies dialed in.  I hope you have Mye stands as they are a game changing inexpensive tweak.

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