I'm especially fond of the Dave Grusin and Harry James LPs. I constantly refer back to them whenever I need a touchstone after making a system change or listening to something I think might approach that level. I also find the Drum Disk and Track Record useful, mostly for finding resonances in my listening area after moving tchotchkes and/or furniture around.
My only quibble with Sheffield Lab disks is they weren't pressed on JVC Super Vinyl. I have a few Japanese pressings of Genesis and Pink Floyd as well as a few Barking Pumpkin Zappa pressings that were, and like the early MFSLs, they are simply outstanding. Silent and resilient.
The vinyl quality made a bigger difference than the half-speed remastering in several instances, IMO. My Sheffields are still sonically superior, but have worn some with play. The Super Vinyl disks sound just as good as when they were new.
A (possibly) comparable new pressing I've heard is Chick Corea's The Vigil. My hearing may not be as acute as it once was, but I thought that record was excellent. If you like that kind of music, check it out and see if you agree.
My only quibble with Sheffield Lab disks is they weren't pressed on JVC Super Vinyl. I have a few Japanese pressings of Genesis and Pink Floyd as well as a few Barking Pumpkin Zappa pressings that were, and like the early MFSLs, they are simply outstanding. Silent and resilient.
The vinyl quality made a bigger difference than the half-speed remastering in several instances, IMO. My Sheffields are still sonically superior, but have worn some with play. The Super Vinyl disks sound just as good as when they were new.
A (possibly) comparable new pressing I've heard is Chick Corea's The Vigil. My hearing may not be as acute as it once was, but I thought that record was excellent. If you like that kind of music, check it out and see if you agree.
