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Audiophile Quality Record Labels

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Old 10-12-2003, 10:08 PM
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For the few of us here who are strictly audiophiles, here is a list of 13 record labels who produce extremely high quality recordings on cd's, SACD's, HDCD's and vinyl LP's.

I am quoting directly information that I read on the UHF(Ultra High Fidelity) Magazine web-page.

AUDIOQUEST is a US audiophile label from the people who make the cables of the same name. They make both cd's and LP's.

PURE AUDIOPHILE is another US based record label which produces absolutely outstanding sound quality vinyl LP's.

AUVIDIS is an outstanding French cd label, which features some of the worlds finest artists and sound that is never less than excellent.

CLARITY is a small US label with a catalogue of classical, jazz and new age music. The name says it all. Their recordings sound never less than excellent.

REFERENCE RECORDINGS is Keith O. Johnson's famous label, with some excellent artists, mostly jazz and classical. The collection includes LP's and cd's, including HDCD discs.

SHEFFIELD was originally known for its direct-to-disc LP's which it sitll produces, but it has an interesting catalog of pop, jazz and classical cd's as well.

KLAVIER is a US classical label, available mostly on cd and LP.

CHESKY is a famous US label featuring classical music and jazz on both cd and LP.

OPUS 3 is a 20 yr old Swedish label with good artists and superlative sound quality. Mostly cd and recent HDCD releases.

PROPRIUS is Sweden's other great audiophile label, with classical and jazz on cd and LP.

ANALEKTA is a fine Canadian classical label that has achieved audiophile status.

SILENCE RECORDS is another Canadian audiophile label, making mostly gold cd's at surprisingly low prices. The sonics of their recordings are superior.

HI-RES MUSIC picks up some of the world's greatest jazz recordings from the Concord Jazz label, and puts them out as 24-bit 96 kHz digital recordings, playable on any DVD player. They sound nothing less than awesome.
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Old 10-13-2003, 05:55 AM
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Nice post, Keith. Herte's one more to add to your list. These guys are rather small and have a limited catalogue, but I have one of their classical recordings and I can vouch for the quality.

Mapleshade records

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Old 10-13-2003, 10:01 AM
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No Telarc? [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
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Old 10-13-2003, 10:28 AM
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I would add GRP to the list.
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Old 10-13-2003, 10:28 AM
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Warren, yes...Mapleshade, definately an audiophile quality recording label. They are based out of New York state.

SUX, TELARC is definately an audiophile record label.

Perry, you're very correct mentioning GRP as an audiophile label.

Thanks to all of you audiophiles for your added input.

[ October 20, 2003, 01:12 PM: Message edited by: Keith ]
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Old 10-13-2003, 07:52 PM
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are their any non classical/jazz cds out that are recorded really really well?
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Old 10-14-2003, 03:40 AM
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Originally posted by Dave:
are their any non classical/jazz cds out that are recorded really really well?
Sure, there are many(there are threads listing them on most car audio forums). I would mention:

Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
anything by Dave Matthews Band
Madonna - the immaculate collection
Eagles - Hell Freezes Over(hotel california off this disc is the best sounding song I have heard on my system)

Fleetwood Mac - The Dance
Dream Theater - Images and Words
Sarah McLachlan - MirrorBall and Fumbling Towards Ecstacy

and Pink Floyd ofcourse...the wall, dsotm, the division bell, etc

that is for starters [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ October 14, 2003, 04:44 AM: Message edited by: PerryB ]
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Old 10-21-2003, 09:58 PM
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JustIn Time record label is a company from Montreal. They make great sounding jazz, blues and gospel cd's.
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Old 11-02-2003, 04:43 PM
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Delos- good variety
Dorian- good variety
Sheffield labs
MFSL- www.mofi.com
Chesky- limited library but wonderful
Albany/Troy -all classical from upstate NY
Red Rose- Levinson is an *** but his music is great
Rounder Records-nifty
Water Lily- well recorded -er non-mainstream
Hay Holler and Rebel- My Bluegrass hookups
Alligator and Blind Pig- my blues hookup (not always well recorded but always bluesy)

Sorry I can’t recommend Telarc sonically but they have an awesome catalog
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Old 11-03-2003, 09:08 PM
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Great post.
AIG Recordings by Andrew Marshall. Very limited, but excellent recordings.
For non jazz/classical recordings....I love using disney sound tracks for demos. Lion King is my fav.
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