Professor Johnson's Astounding Sound Show, RR7 and Dafos mentioned by Slipknot, are two audiophile delights. But, without regard to the recording quality, two recordings that really transport me because the performers are so inside the music, are Chopin's Nocturnes by Moravec and Debessy's Preludes by Paul Jacobs - even though we all know you can't get ideal piano reproduction on disc, these performances disolve any interest I may have in issues such as recording quality, resolution, presence, etc.
Greatest Recordings - your opinions
I’m interested to know what recordings people here find to be the absolute pinnacle of sound reproduction.
The Classic 45 vinyl pressing of Louis Armstrong singing “St. James Infirmary” put me so deep into the studio I was afraid to clear my throat for fear I’d disturb the band. So far this is the most live-sounding recording I’ve heard. I have a decent system but when I spin this vinyl at home I don’t come anywhere close to the experience I had at the audiophile shop that first played it for me. Trying to get Louis in the house is what keeps me upgrading beyond my means…if he ever visits it’ll all be worth it.
For me tape hiss or other anomalies don't preclude a recording from my 'best of' list. I listen for that live, full, immediate, 'in the room' quality beyond all other considerations.
What recordings stand out for you and what are your criteria for them to do so? (I have a pen and paper handy)