Definitive Audiophile pressings

And away we go....




I’m sure it’s an incredible collection, but, unlike AS’s Discogs, which identifies the specific press and condition and sometimes has good deals, their regular Vinyl Vault online store can be a crap shoot with bloated prices. and that’s already the case with the first listings for the Topper collection. Some presses identified, some not. Some condition grades, some not. All very pricey. But they sell, so what do I know?
 
It's still available and it's a great deal. In case anyone is interested, the copy I received fits this discogs listing perfectly:


According to this it was pressed at RTI and I can believe that because it sounds great, it's flat and it's quiet. At approximately $17 shipped, I'd suggest this is a no-brainer if you've been happy to pay $34-$50 and beyond for your jazz fix.

Amazon product ASIN B000000YIS
I also received the Oliver Nelson Verve Acoustic Sound Series album in the same shipment. Both records were individually packaged in tight cardboard mailers placed inside a larger box. There's something about just handling those AS records in their wrappers that's filled with anticipatory excitement.
In the "for what it's worth" category: I jumped on this Amazon deal because I didn't think I owned a copy of this album, but it turns out I was wrong. I discovered I already owned a very clean 1982 Japanese repress (Art Pepper – Meets The Rhythm Section (1982, Vinyl)). Played that one last night and was wowed by it; assumed it would put the Amazon purchase in its rightful place. But, once again, I was wrong. Played the first track of both a short while ago and they both sound great. I couldn't hear anything in either of them to distinguish one from the other, so I guess that goes down as a win-win (especially when that Amazon purchase eventually becomes a PIF....). The deal is still active.
 
I’m sure it’s an incredible collection, but, unlike AS’s Discogs, which identifies the specific press and condition and sometimes has good deals, their regular Vinyl Vault online store can be a crap shoot with bloated prices. and that’s already the case with the first listings for the Topper collection. Some presses identified, some not. Some condition grades, some not. All very pricey. But they sell, so what do I know?
Well, I agree with you. I spent some time looking through and usually was able to figure out which pressings I was looking at (though that required more work than should be necessary), but as you say, prices are at or beyond the high end and it just doesn't feel like even looking any further is worth the effort. I still pay attention to their discogs sales because I've had some good finds there, but yeah, this vault thing is a bust for me.
 
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Well, I agree with you. I spent some time looking through and usually was able to figure out which pressings I was looking at (though that required more work than should be necessary), but as you say, prices are at or beyond the high end and it just doesn't feel like even looking any further is worth the effort. I still pay attention to their discogs sales because I've had some good finds there, but yeah, this vault thing is a bust for me.
they sell because they are a pretty trusted retailer. nowadays when discogs grading seems to be AWFUL, people with a lot of disposable income would probably rather buy from AS than spend less on something from a rando person.
 
they sell because they are a pretty trusted retailer. nowadays when discogs grading seems to be AWFUL, people with a lot of disposable income would probably rather buy from AS than spend less on something from a rando person.
I hear that too. They're reputable, their packaging is top-notch, and it's just a safe feeling to order from them. I suppose if I saw a listing for something I was just dying to have, I might be tempted, but just 'digging' through the listings, there isn't much temptation.
 
Geri Allen is a Trio with Ron and Tony, might be worth a listen.
The Geri Allen is an amazing record. I recall some said they would pass on Joe Henderson - State of the Tenor because it was digital and post-1965. Sad, their loss.

Donald Byrd Spaces & Places is also an amazing record. Some passed on Fancy Free, IMO the best Donald Byrd record by a mile, for same reasons.

Open mind, new discoveries.
 

if anybody was looking for Paul Simon...probably the cheapest it'll be. $110.50 with free shipping from Plaidroom right now!
 

if anybody was looking for Paul Simon...probably the cheapest it'll be. $110.50 with free shipping from Plaidroom right now!
Welp, there goes $110.50 I apparently didn’t need.
 
Some other good deals at Plaidroom:

Neil Young Greatest Hits - $38

Curtis - Keep On Keeping On vinyl box set - 1 copy left - $53

Aretha - Atlantic Records 1960s collection - $76 - I believe these are a mix of Bellers and Boom Boom pressings?
 
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Some other good deals at Plaidroom:

Neil Young Greatest Hits - $38

Curtis - Keep On Keeping On vinyl box set - 1 copy left - $53

Aretha - Atlantic Records 1960s collection - $76 - I believe these are a mix of Bellers and Boom Boom pressings?

I have the Aretha box but not listened to it that much. I had the CD of out takes when that was issued and used to really like that. (Along with the extended Filmore concert which has some better takes than the ones released on the album).

If you don't have the albums it's a great set, I just checked the dead wax because I didn't realise any of it was Bellers or Boom Boom. I'll give it another listen but didn't get the impression of an audiophile set but sounds ok.

Aretha Arrives is a (mono) KG cut (I might not have even played this yet)
Lady Soul is a (stereo) CB cut.

But the rest are done by someone else, I'm not sure what these initials are, maybe on of you has the answer:

Screenshot 2021-09-27 at 15.22.24.png


edit - this comp sounds amazing, KG remastered mono singles & can be had very cheaply


edit - looked on cogs comments & saw that it's Ian Sefchick (didn't impress me much tbh, but sounds like digital cuts for the ones he's done)
 
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