Did you know that vinyl albums are still being made? There are nowadays a a number of companies focusing on releasing vinyl albums of old masterpieces. These companies focus principally on bringing their production to an audience that needs to hear the highest possible sound quality they can afford. The people that might own a high end system of $10,000.00 and more. Ten thousand dollars is actually not that much if you want to have a great sound. A decent "class A" amplifier can easily be that number. So these new "reissues" of old masters on vinyl are pressed on the highest grade vinyl that is practically doable, using the best audio engineers and (non digital) gear.
Often these discs are being mastered at half speed and often even direct unto the album. The quality of the vinyl they use can allow for an album that is virtually without noise and has an incredible frequency response, according to Lee Benson, writer of the excellent book "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting". He also mentions that these records, even though in sight and touch the exact counterparts of the original albums, they are most of the time of much greater quality as those.
One can ask oneself why these top end vinyl records are being pressed these days. Many believe it is because of the transparency and musicality of the reproduction medium (vinyl). Even though digital audio has been around for various years, for someone that loves a good audio experience it is absolutely analog that leads. The new audiophile records usually sound much better than their original counterparts. The greater care and craftsmanship that goes into these audiophile discs means you are getting something just special. Many music lovers that hear these LPs are quite astonished by the detail and sound they hear on their favorite albums. You get what you pay for. For various people it is a good investment.
Vinyl records have also shown to be a exciting collector's item, with a loyal public, that is prepared to spend quite a bit of money for a high quality product.
There is a tendency to increment in value over time for these products. So they make great investments
for collectors and vinyl lovers. Also lately re-releases tend to be in editions with limited numbers and therefore their value often increases after the release is sold out. Surely, good condition original issues that are in excellent condition, especially from the 60s and 70s, can also reach very high value.
Whatever the reasons are, it is an interesting fenomena how in this demanding world of high end audio there is still a place for analog technology. It goes to show that new is not always better and how essential it is to make your own judgment to what matters to you most. If you have never heard these high end audio LPs you might want to drop by a record shop and see if you can find one of these audiophile vinyl records to have a good listen. You might be surprised at what you find.
Article by Eric Jilesen at www.revivalrecords.uk.com For more good information on finding, buying and selling records go and have a look at vinyl records
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