Establishing a common analog listening bias

Dear Stiltskin, can agree with those 100% - very nice pick indeed.

Whether the recordings are digital or analog is unimportant.
We are talking relative comparisms here.
******The only important facts and features are:******

* readily available by mail-order or retail shop for decent (set a mark: below $50/record).
* covering all aspects of music:
* classic orchestral, opera, chamber, baroque, concerto
* rock - heavy, metal, soft, studio - live
* singer-songwriter - male - female, studio - live
* jazz - bop, hot, cool, etc.
* pop - male vocalist - female vocalist
* choral
* specials soundtrack (NOT Casino Royale !!!), electronic music etc.

Going for 3-4 LPs in every sub-category will give ample selection and enough food for everyone.
We should take care too, that the records are "great" or "well recorded" (best is both...) all through. Not just 1 or 2 individual tracks.

I am sure we can do it.

Right now I am working on a list of mine and will it post here early next week for all to discuss and to illustrate my vision how this might look.
I have to check whether all I have picked is vaialble and will post this list with full detail.

Please keep on to make suggestions of your favourites.

Thank you,
D.

I think this could be related to the thread "Are our test records adequate?" Are our test records adequate
The great records should sound wonderful on ALL systems and I'd suggest:-
The Royal Ballet-Ansermat-RCA Victor-Record 1 side 1
La Folia-Paniagua-Harmonia Mundi
Adagio d'Albinoni-Gary Karr-Firebird The Super Analogue Disc
The Three Cornered hat-Ansermat-Decca
The Koln Concert-Keith Jarrett-ECM
Dire Straights-Dire Straights (analogue recording better than the digital Brother in Arms unless you have tube electronics?)
The Well-Jennifer Warnes-Cisco
Paris Texas-Ry Cooder

But the real weaknesses and strengths in a system will be revealed I believe, in the 'difficult' recordings mentioned in the attached Forum?

Hi,
Most suggestions sound very good (the ones I have heard) -- B U T The Eagles "Hotel California" seems the exception here so far.

Tubean, the CD that I have (Made in Germany) is truly and utterly **non-audiophile**.
In contrast "hell freezes over", most of the live stuff, is far superior. Though the side one tracks (all studio), sounds awfully digital to me, even on vinyl.

Viridian, SRV is of course also on CD, but minus the bonus tracks on side 4 vinyl. (It is yet another CD that makes vinyl sound so much better).

Halcro, oh yes!
The Royal Ballet-Ansermet-RCA Victor-Record, actually all 4 sides, why only side 1?
It is THE vinyl to show off vinyl! :-) But as I should think just too good, it "makes every rig sound great"?

Be interesting to see what D. comes up with...

Axel

Dear Halcro, dear Axel, please keep in mind:

- its NOT about the absolute BEST pressing but about the READILY NEW AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE pressing for below US$50.

- it is less about whether there are better test records. Its about a solid common ground for exchanging sonic impressions in a virtual world - i.e.: Audiogon.

- it should use records only, which are a pleasure to listen to NOT JUST BECAUSE OF THE SONICS, but entertaining and "good" in the musical sense (thats why my lists will contain in teh majority LPs only, which have stood the test of time and will most likely sound familiar to most music lovers and audiophile .
I am glad to learn, that so far most contributors to this posts seem to have ideas going in the very same direction.
Looks like we can really put together a common ground for a much better communication about sonic issues and topics in the future.

Cheers,
D.

Dee,
I got you, -- or was there any million $$$ suggestion, and I don't know :-)?
Have I mentioned some 'hidden' vinyl treasure?
All I own has cost nothing more than $30 and $0.20 the least.