Generally, if they say "binaural" on the cover, the performances aren't competitive. Audiophile records have been bastions of great sound and mediocre performances since the 70s. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't great natural sounding recordings. The early Living Stereo recordings which are available as SACDs were recorded using three microphones: left, right and center. They have an extremely vivid natural soundstage. Most 50s and early 60s classical recordings were made this way and would give an equivalent sort of sound to binaural recordings, with the added benefit of some of the best orchestras and most interesting conductors.
If you want an inexpensive sample to try out, get Fiedler's Living Stereo Gaetie Parisienne. The redbook layer on the SACD is just as good as the high bitrate layer in two channel, so don't be afraid if you don't have an SACD deck. This is the best sounding recording that I have ever heard, and I've heard an awful lot!
Edited by bigshot - 12/12/10 at 2:10pm
If you want an inexpensive sample to try out, get Fiedler's Living Stereo Gaetie Parisienne. The redbook layer on the SACD is just as good as the high bitrate layer in two channel, so don't be afraid if you don't have an SACD deck. This is the best sounding recording that I have ever heard, and I've heard an awful lot!
Edited by bigshot - 12/12/10 at 2:10pm
