Audiophile Vinyl Records

By: Eric Jilesen Click author's name for more of his/her articles

The majority of people don't know that vinyl albums are still being pressed these days. There are nowadays a some tiny companies focusing on releasing vinyl albums of old masterpieces. From what I've gathered these companies mainly bring out the highest level vinyl recordings possible to aim at the absolute "audiophile" public. This is an audience of folks that have been investing in top systems costing over $10.000. That amount is actually not much if you want to experience a great sound. A decent "class A" amplifier can cost you that figure. So these new "reissues" of old masters on vinyl are pressed on the highest grade vinyl that is practically doable, using the best mastering professionals and (non digital) gear.

Sometimes these discs are being mastered at half speed and often even straight unto the disc. Some of the vinyl being used has an amazing frequency response and is virtually noise free, according to Lee Benson, writer of the excellent book "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting". He also mentions that these LPs, even though in sight and touch the exact counterparts of the originals, they are most of the time of much higher level as those.

One can ask oneself why these audiophile vinyl records are being produced these days. Many believe it is because of the transparency and musicality of the product (vinyl). After so many years after the takeover of digital systems, for the true lover of appreciates a good audio experience it is still analog that heads the game. The new audiophile records usually sound much better than their original counterparts. The buyer is getting something that is absolutely special, because of the great care and craftmanship that is put in these audiophile discs. Once they hear the detail and sound of these LPs on their favorite albums, many people are quite astonished. You get what you pay for. Many people consider this to be worth the extra money to spend.

Vinyl records have also shown to be a good collector's item, with a loyal audience, that is eager to pay good money for a superior product.
There is a tendency to increment in monetary worth over the years for these releases. So for collectors and investors they tend to make good investments. Most recently re-released vinyl is in limited editions and therefore their value usually goes up after the release is sold out. Definitely, original issues that are in good condition, especially from the 60s and seventies, can also reach very high value.

Whatever the reasons are, to me it is just quite interesting to see how this "vintage technology" is still alive and well in this high level market. Proving that the newest gadgets are not allways better and how important it can be to define for yourself what matters to you most. If you have never experienced these high end audio LPs maybe you should walk into a vinyl store and see if you can find one of these audiophile vinyl records to have a carefull listen. Maybe you will find a new hobby for life.

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