I want to try something different in the next few weeks as I re-organize and re-prioritize my main system. I own a turntable, it’s still sealed in the box. I need Vinyl, just a few pieces but good ones please. Where should I look online? Vocal jazz, jazz, blues, instrumentals etc. some of the softer audiophile quality genres and best pressings is what I want. Cost is not an issue or deterrent. I want quality copies. Any assistance is appreciated.
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In my experience, vinyl is one of those things that is better to buy in person versus online. There are a few places locally that I go to to buy mine.
Believe it or not, I’ve had better luck buying vinyl from thrift stores and antique shops, versus specialized used vinyl record stores. One of my favorites is The Bomb Shelter, which is 20 miles south of me in Akron, Ohio.
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I’d recommend discogs.com
Lots of excellent sellers on there. Lots of info regarding pressings too so you know you’re getting what you want and not a repressing etc.
I’ve had success on eBay as well.
Finding good sellers and building relationships can help. Seeking out sellers with multiple albums you’re looking for can save you money as well.
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I can’t personally verify if this list is accurate or not, but I figured it was worth posting…
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The same can definitely be said about buying nos tubes.
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So far the few records I have have been haphazard purchases while traveling from small local shops randomly across the country. As I read and learn more I understand that certain albums and pressings are more highly valued and sought after than others for an “audiophile experience”, I’m just looking to learn more and expand my options and knowledge base. Thank you.
If you ever find a 1st pressing of the “Meet the Beatles” album, it is worth $10,000 and up based on the condition. The reason is that the 1st pressing was prior to the Beatles first US appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. All pressings after the 1st were done after that appearance.
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In Europe/Germany, I can recommend JPC.de
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I’m also very picky when it comes to quality and getting the right pressing. Discogs is the ideal online resource in this case. You already have the right idea IMO. Don’t go ham and build a shit collection. Records you love and the right pressing is how to do it IMO.
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Yea, this right here!!!
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I also am lucky that I kept all of my records I collected during childhood, which included my older sister’s collection she passed down to me when she started buying CDs.
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Thought I’d come on here because over the last few months I’ve discovered a few things that might be good to know.
First I’ll mention the recently released 50th anniversary Marvin Gaye What’s Going On is excellent. The mastering and pressing and analog source is exactly what you’d hope to see from a high quality reissue. Highly recommended.
Reissues are really what I’m here to talk about. Mofi is well known and release very high quality reissues (except 80s releases, generally) but now there’s other labels doing similar things.
Analogue Productions is putting out reissues cut from analog sources by excellent mastering engineers and pressed at well regarded pressing plants. Lots of jazz but also stuff like The Doors, Counting Crows, Norah Jones, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Beach Boys…
Blue Note has been doing the same with their catalog. Analog, excellent mastering and pressing again. All jazz obviously and some really sought after releases. The Tone Poet series and the Classic Vinyl series are both excellent. Tone Poet has a nicer presentation with gatefolds and higher quality jackets but the sound quality and vinyl quality of both series’ is excellent.
Others along the same lines is Impulse!, Intervention, Impex, ORG Music, Prestige, Speakers Corner, Craft,…
These are normally in print but not always available. When they’re not available prices on discogs for these releases shoot way up. Be patient and don’t overpay is my advice because they’ll be available again, generally.
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