Hi fellow music lovers. Have loved music my entire life but over the past several years have dived into the rabbit hole of the quest for "audiophile" recordings. It's been fun, expensive, and time consuming. This forum has proved to have a wealth of information and pointed me in the right direction many times. Figured I'd repay some of that debt by posting a combination of what I find to be the best recordings/masterings, as well as if there generally accepted best versions based on what I've read. Combing this forum there's a ton of disparate information and deep-dives on specific artists or albums, but I found it difficult to find a "master" list of recordings that would serve as a (relatively) all-inclusive starting point. Hopefully someone in my shoes 5 years ago stumbles across it and it saves them some time. If not another eyeball but my own sees this list - totally fine, it's served as my own database of sorts.
First, about me. I don't listen to country, jazz, or classical, so you won't find any of those included here. I can appreciate the music, just not my cup of tea. I love classic rock, rock, hard/heavy rock - you'll get a flavor given my list.
I also am probably not a true audiophile in that I EQ my sound. I tend to like V-shaped sound - I like to "feel" the music as well as hear it....so more bass. My quest wasn't for the perfectly flat or studio sound, although I did enjoy hearing it when I came across it and many of the recordings below satisfy that requirement. While finding DR values, loudness, etc, it wasn't the main guide. If it sounded good, I like it, regardless of what the graphs said. Many of the albums below may have two versions....one considered "reference", one I think sounds discernibly different and like better. I won't argue whether clipping is bad; loudness ruins a song; EQ'ing during mastering is heresy, etc. As I've read over and over when researching headphones....you like what you like. I appreciate the quest to maintain flat transfers, but that doesn't mean it sounds the best to me.
My gear. By no means saying these are the best. I wish I could demo and A/B tons of gear but it's just not possible. And although I've spent a lot on gear, it's nowhere near what would be considered "audiophile" levels. I've enjoyed "upgrading", and have spent (ie wasted) countless hours reading reading reviews trying to decide what would be right for me (hint: it doesn't work, you just have to take the plunge and try them out).
- Entirely headphone driven - so no big room rig.
- Primarily use pc or Mac as the source. Mix of cd and hi-res files, all in FLAC. I've tried DSD and just haven't found that it's better than FLAC, even those SACD's in FLAC form. I haven't heard a true SACD setup so can't comment otherwise.
- For a DAC I use a RME ADI-2 and Chord Mojo. I don't have a ton of experience with DAC's but to me they both sound great.
- For portable I have several units.
- My main one is a Cayin N5 MK2. Honestly I think it sounds great by itself, but I have the Mojo so use it with it. I bought it mainly for the dual SD card capability, but have found that to be overkill....I don't need 1 TB of songs (2 512GB cards). Regardless, the unit sounds amazing.
- I also have a Pono Player. Certainly strong feelings out there on this unit, but I like it. I find it to be a very good, very revealing flat sound. A great way to listen critically to a recording. You can find these pretty cheap on eBay (mine is used and works great).
- Have several sets of headphones.
- For cans:
- Fostex TH900 mk2. Amazing set of headphones, I love the sound.
- HD650. Another great sounding set of headphones. Not quite as sharp as the Fostex but tough to beat at it's price.
- HiFiMan HE400i. These are great as well but not as "full" sounding as the Fostex or HD650's. I bought balanced cables for the Pono from Surf City cables and it really does make a difference for the player - it sounds really good.
- AudioTechnica ATH-M50x (2 pair) . This was my first foray into "good" headphones and I love them so much I bought another one. To put it simply, they slam. If I really want to feel the music I listen to these. Great for hard rock like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Korn, etc. Very bass heavy, especially after EQ'ing.
For IEM's:
- Shure SE 846. These area amazing. Detail and clarity is superb. They're expensive though.
- 1More Quad Driver. Great IEM's for a relatively cheap price. I like the sound and would recommend.
Now....to the meat of the post. Here's what I think sounds good. Always open to thoughts/opinions. I won't list out every album for every artist, mostly just the main (popular) ones. But many of the recordings are series will apply to all recordings.
A couple notes. If a SACD says "HR" it's simply the FLAC converted DSD version. As previously mentioned I'm generally not a fan of DSD transfers. But I often like the FLAC converted versions.
AC/DC Back In Black (2004 DualDisc Epic EN 90828) I think this one sounds best
AC/DC Back In Black (1988 Atlantic Japan 20P2-2433) The original master version also sounds great, and is considered by many to be one of the best sounding albums ever.
AC/DC Highway To Hell (1992 Albert Australia 465261 2)
Allman Brothers Band Brothers & Sisters (2014 MFSL SACD CD UDSACD 2103)
Allman Brothers Band Eat A Peach (2004 Mecury SACD HR B0002439-36) One of my favorite sounding recordings. I find it incredible.
Allman Brothers Band Eat A Peach (1986 Polydor Japan P58P 25005-6) Very different from the above. Considered to be a audiophile quality CD. I like it for different reasons that the above. Sounds more analog to me.
Bad Company: Bad Company (2006 Audio Fidelity AFZ 024)
Bad Company: Bad Company (1994 Swan Song 7567-92441-2) Fuller sounding to me than the DCC version
Straight Shooter (2011 Audio Fidelity AFZ 117)
Beach Boys Pet Sounds (2012 MSFL SACD HR UDSACD 2065) Another great-sounding disc.
Beatles Abbey Road (1983 Toshiba Black Triangle EMI CP35-3016) A really good, very different sounding disc. Very flat, revealing sound. Won't find anything else like it on any Abbey Road recording. I like it very much.
Beatles Abbey Road (2019 50th Anniv HR Apple 0602508007446)
Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (2017 BluRay Apple 50th Anniv 0602557455328)
Beatles The White Album (2018 Apple 50th Anniv 0602567571872)
Beatles......all others not listed above I like the 2009 versions.
Black Sabbath (first 5 albums): I like the "2017 Ten Year War 2009 Remaster" version....I think it sounds amazing.
Black Sabbath (first 5 albums): But....the 1986 Castle CD's are also considered by many to be the best, and I can see why. Probably more of a "flat" transfer but they lack the punch the Ten Year War version does. Maybe loudness/clipping....but I like the better regardless.
Cream Disraeli Gears (2014 HDTracks 192)
Cream Fresh Cream (1996 DCC GZS 1022)
Cream Goodbye (1996 MFSL UDCD 681)
Cream Wheels Of Fire (1992 DCC GZS (1) 1020: Considered by many to be one of the best sounding CD's.
CCR: I like both the DCC and the Analogue Production SACD versions, and both are highly lauded. The DCC versions have more punch and bass, but the AP SACD's are more flat and crisp. I find myself listening to the AP SACD's more often.
Doors, The L.A. Woman (1994 DCC GZS-1034)
Doors, The L.A. Woman (2012 HDTracks Studio Albums 96)
Doors, The Morrison Hotel (2009 Audio Fidelity AFZ 037)
Doors, The Strange Days (1993 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1026)
Doors, The The Doors (1992 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1023). I find this CD to sound amazing....probably the best sounding I've ever heard. It's really incredible.
Doors, The The Soft Parade (1990 DCC Unofficial GZS-1143)
Doors, The Waiting For The Sun (1993 DCC GZS-1045)
Eagles Desperado (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles Eagles (1987 Asylum US 5054-2)
Eagles Hotel California (1992 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1024). Tough call on Hotel California, all these sound good.
Eagles Hotel California (2011 Elektra SACD HR WPCR-14165)
Eagles Hotel California (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles One Of These Nights (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) (1993 DCC GZS-1039)
Elton John Elton John (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003607-36) All the Elton John SACD's sound incredible.
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (D1) (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0001570-36-1)
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (D2) (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0001570-36-2)
Elton John Honky Château (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003609-36)
Elton John Madman Across The Water (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003610-36)
Elton John Tumbleweed Connection (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003611-36)
Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac (1986 Reprise 32XD-498)
Fleetwood Mac Rumours (2011 Warner Bros Japan SACD HR WPCR-14171)
Foreigner 4 (2013 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2053)
Foreigner Double Vision (2011 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2051)
Grateful Dead American Beauty (2013 HDTracks 192)
Grateful Dead Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) (2003 Warner Bros 0-8122-74398-2-8)
Grateful Dead Workingman's Dead (2013 HDTracks 192)
Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction (1987 Geffen Japan 32XD-821) Another highly respected sounding disc.
Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction (2018 Geffen HR B0028376-02)
Jefferson Airplane Volunteers (2016 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2176)
Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison (2014 HDTracks 88.1)
Led Zeppelin: I really like the 2014 HDTracks versions....I think they sound great. The original masterings and '94 remasters are also wonderful. I can't determine a "favorite"...I listen to them all.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Pronounced Leh-Nerd-Skin-Nerd (1993 MCA Ultimate Master Disc MCAD-10953)
Lynyrd Skynyrd Second Helping (2014 HDTracks 192)
Mad Season Above (2013 HDTracks 44.1)
Metallica: All of the 2018 remasters sound good to me, as do many of the original cd's
Metallica Kill 'Em All (1986 USA Megaforce MRI CD 069)
Metallica Metallica (1991 Sony Japan 1st Press SRCS 5577)
Metallica Ride The Lightning (2000 DCC GZS-1136)
Metallica Master Of Puppets (1999 DCC GZS-1133)
Michael Jackson Thriller (2009 Epic Japan EICP 1195)
Nirvana Nevermind (2011 Geffen HR B0015887-02)
Nirvana In Utero (2013 HDTracks 96)
Nirvana MTV Unplugged In New York (25th Anniv) (2019 Vinyl DGC B0029512-01)
Nirvana MTV Unplugged In New York (Vinyl HR 180G)
Paul McCartney: All the DCC's are highly regarded
Pink Floyd The Dark Side Of The Moon (2003 EMI SACD HR 7243 582136 2 1)
Pearl Jam No Code (HDTracks 192)
Pearl Jam Ten (1991 Sony Japan SCRS-5634)
Pearl Jam Ten (2013 HDTracks 88.2)
Pearl Jam Unplugged (DVD Rip)
Pearl Jam Vitalogy (HDTracks 96)
Pearl Jam Vs. (2013 HDTracks 96)
Pearl Jam Yield (2016 HDTracks 192)
Rage Against The Machine Rage Against The Machine (1992 Epic 472224-2) Original mastering considered to be audiophile.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium (2015 HDTracks 96)
Rolling Stones: The 2002 remasters are all amazing. I also like the 50th anniversary versions
Rolling Stones Aftermath (US) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8822942)
Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 18771-9539-2)
Rolling Stones Exile On Main St. (2011 Polydor Japan SACD HR UIGY-9081)
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (D1) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8823052)
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (D2) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8823052)
Rolling Stones Let It Bleed (2002 ABKCO SACD CD 8823032)
Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers (2011 Polydor Japan SACD HR UIGY-9066)
Rush Rush (2014 Universal 40th Anniv B0020138-01)
Santana: HDTracks versions
Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (2013 HDTracks 96)
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream (2011 Acoustic Sounds 44)
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream (2011 Virgin 5099967929726)
Soundgarden Superunknown (2014 HDTracks 20th Anniv 192)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble Couldn't Stand The Weather (2011 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2075)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble Couldn't Stand The Weather (2014 Analogue Productions SACD HR CAPB 39304 SA)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble: Similar to CCR, I like both the DCC and AP SACD's. Different sounding for the same reasons as CCR, but again tend to lean towards AP.
U2 Achtung Baby (2011 Universal 00602527793702)
U2 Rattle And Hum (1988 Island 7 91003-2)
U2 The Joshua Tree: Many versions here...I can't pick a favorite. the DCC and 2017 are as good as the rest and have positive reviews.
U2 The Joshua Tree (1987 Island Japan P35D-20034)
U2 The Joshua Tree (1987 Island Silver 7 90581-2)
U2 The Joshua Tree (1996 MFSL 24k Gold Disc UDCD 650)
U2 The Joshua Tree (2017 Island 00602557482577)
U2 The Unforgettable Fire (1995 MFSL 24k Gold Disc UDCD 624)
U2 The Unforgettable Fire (2009 Universal 1792417)
Van Halen 1984 (2015 The Collection HDTracks 192)
Van Halen Van Halen (1998 DCC GZS-1129) Many consider to be one of the best sounding.
Van Morrison Astral Weeks (2013 HDTracks 192)
Van Morrison His Band And The Street Choir (2013 HDTracks 192)
Van Morrison Moondance (2013 HDTracks 192)
Who, The Who's Next (1984 MCA Canada (Hoffman) MCAMD-37217) I love this album and this mastering, sounds incredible.
There you go. If there's an artist or album on the list it's because I'm not keen on them or there's just not any difference in versions. Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd, for example...just not a fan. But feel free to post what versions you like if you want.
First, about me. I don't listen to country, jazz, or classical, so you won't find any of those included here. I can appreciate the music, just not my cup of tea. I love classic rock, rock, hard/heavy rock - you'll get a flavor given my list.
I also am probably not a true audiophile in that I EQ my sound. I tend to like V-shaped sound - I like to "feel" the music as well as hear it....so more bass. My quest wasn't for the perfectly flat or studio sound, although I did enjoy hearing it when I came across it and many of the recordings below satisfy that requirement. While finding DR values, loudness, etc, it wasn't the main guide. If it sounded good, I like it, regardless of what the graphs said. Many of the albums below may have two versions....one considered "reference", one I think sounds discernibly different and like better. I won't argue whether clipping is bad; loudness ruins a song; EQ'ing during mastering is heresy, etc. As I've read over and over when researching headphones....you like what you like. I appreciate the quest to maintain flat transfers, but that doesn't mean it sounds the best to me.
My gear. By no means saying these are the best. I wish I could demo and A/B tons of gear but it's just not possible. And although I've spent a lot on gear, it's nowhere near what would be considered "audiophile" levels. I've enjoyed "upgrading", and have spent (ie wasted) countless hours reading reading reviews trying to decide what would be right for me (hint: it doesn't work, you just have to take the plunge and try them out).
- Entirely headphone driven - so no big room rig.
- Primarily use pc or Mac as the source. Mix of cd and hi-res files, all in FLAC. I've tried DSD and just haven't found that it's better than FLAC, even those SACD's in FLAC form. I haven't heard a true SACD setup so can't comment otherwise.
- For a DAC I use a RME ADI-2 and Chord Mojo. I don't have a ton of experience with DAC's but to me they both sound great.
- For portable I have several units.
- My main one is a Cayin N5 MK2. Honestly I think it sounds great by itself, but I have the Mojo so use it with it. I bought it mainly for the dual SD card capability, but have found that to be overkill....I don't need 1 TB of songs (2 512GB cards). Regardless, the unit sounds amazing.
- I also have a Pono Player. Certainly strong feelings out there on this unit, but I like it. I find it to be a very good, very revealing flat sound. A great way to listen critically to a recording. You can find these pretty cheap on eBay (mine is used and works great).
- Have several sets of headphones.
- For cans:
- Fostex TH900 mk2. Amazing set of headphones, I love the sound.
- HD650. Another great sounding set of headphones. Not quite as sharp as the Fostex but tough to beat at it's price.
- HiFiMan HE400i. These are great as well but not as "full" sounding as the Fostex or HD650's. I bought balanced cables for the Pono from Surf City cables and it really does make a difference for the player - it sounds really good.
- AudioTechnica ATH-M50x (2 pair) . This was my first foray into "good" headphones and I love them so much I bought another one. To put it simply, they slam. If I really want to feel the music I listen to these. Great for hard rock like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Korn, etc. Very bass heavy, especially after EQ'ing.
For IEM's:
- Shure SE 846. These area amazing. Detail and clarity is superb. They're expensive though.
- 1More Quad Driver. Great IEM's for a relatively cheap price. I like the sound and would recommend.
Now....to the meat of the post. Here's what I think sounds good. Always open to thoughts/opinions. I won't list out every album for every artist, mostly just the main (popular) ones. But many of the recordings are series will apply to all recordings.
A couple notes. If a SACD says "HR" it's simply the FLAC converted DSD version. As previously mentioned I'm generally not a fan of DSD transfers. But I often like the FLAC converted versions.
AC/DC Back In Black (2004 DualDisc Epic EN 90828) I think this one sounds best
AC/DC Back In Black (1988 Atlantic Japan 20P2-2433) The original master version also sounds great, and is considered by many to be one of the best sounding albums ever.
AC/DC Highway To Hell (1992 Albert Australia 465261 2)
Allman Brothers Band Brothers & Sisters (2014 MFSL SACD CD UDSACD 2103)
Allman Brothers Band Eat A Peach (2004 Mecury SACD HR B0002439-36) One of my favorite sounding recordings. I find it incredible.
Allman Brothers Band Eat A Peach (1986 Polydor Japan P58P 25005-6) Very different from the above. Considered to be a audiophile quality CD. I like it for different reasons that the above. Sounds more analog to me.
Bad Company: Bad Company (2006 Audio Fidelity AFZ 024)
Bad Company: Bad Company (1994 Swan Song 7567-92441-2) Fuller sounding to me than the DCC version
Straight Shooter (2011 Audio Fidelity AFZ 117)
Beach Boys Pet Sounds (2012 MSFL SACD HR UDSACD 2065) Another great-sounding disc.
Beatles Abbey Road (1983 Toshiba Black Triangle EMI CP35-3016) A really good, very different sounding disc. Very flat, revealing sound. Won't find anything else like it on any Abbey Road recording. I like it very much.
Beatles Abbey Road (2019 50th Anniv HR Apple 0602508007446)
Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (2017 BluRay Apple 50th Anniv 0602557455328)
Beatles The White Album (2018 Apple 50th Anniv 0602567571872)
Beatles......all others not listed above I like the 2009 versions.
Black Sabbath (first 5 albums): I like the "2017 Ten Year War 2009 Remaster" version....I think it sounds amazing.
Black Sabbath (first 5 albums): But....the 1986 Castle CD's are also considered by many to be the best, and I can see why. Probably more of a "flat" transfer but they lack the punch the Ten Year War version does. Maybe loudness/clipping....but I like the better regardless.
Cream Disraeli Gears (2014 HDTracks 192)
Cream Fresh Cream (1996 DCC GZS 1022)
Cream Goodbye (1996 MFSL UDCD 681)
Cream Wheels Of Fire (1992 DCC GZS (1) 1020: Considered by many to be one of the best sounding CD's.
CCR: I like both the DCC and the Analogue Production SACD versions, and both are highly lauded. The DCC versions have more punch and bass, but the AP SACD's are more flat and crisp. I find myself listening to the AP SACD's more often.
Doors, The L.A. Woman (1994 DCC GZS-1034)
Doors, The L.A. Woman (2012 HDTracks Studio Albums 96)
Doors, The Morrison Hotel (2009 Audio Fidelity AFZ 037)
Doors, The Strange Days (1993 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1026)
Doors, The The Doors (1992 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1023). I find this CD to sound amazing....probably the best sounding I've ever heard. It's really incredible.
Doors, The The Soft Parade (1990 DCC Unofficial GZS-1143)
Doors, The Waiting For The Sun (1993 DCC GZS-1045)
Eagles Desperado (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles Eagles (1987 Asylum US 5054-2)
Eagles Hotel California (1992 DCC 24k Gold CD GZS-1024). Tough call on Hotel California, all these sound good.
Eagles Hotel California (2011 Elektra SACD HR WPCR-14165)
Eagles Hotel California (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles One Of These Nights (2013 Studio Albums 96 RRM1-5054)
Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) (1993 DCC GZS-1039)
Elton John Elton John (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003607-36) All the Elton John SACD's sound incredible.
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (D1) (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0001570-36-1)
Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (D2) (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0001570-36-2)
Elton John Honky Château (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003609-36)
Elton John Madman Across The Water (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003610-36)
Elton John Tumbleweed Connection (2004 Rocket SACD HR B0003611-36)
Fleetwood Mac Fleetwood Mac (1986 Reprise 32XD-498)
Fleetwood Mac Rumours (2011 Warner Bros Japan SACD HR WPCR-14171)
Foreigner 4 (2013 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2053)
Foreigner Double Vision (2011 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2051)
Grateful Dead American Beauty (2013 HDTracks 192)
Grateful Dead Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses) (2003 Warner Bros 0-8122-74398-2-8)
Grateful Dead Workingman's Dead (2013 HDTracks 192)
Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction (1987 Geffen Japan 32XD-821) Another highly respected sounding disc.
Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction (2018 Geffen HR B0028376-02)
Jefferson Airplane Volunteers (2016 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2176)
Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison (2014 HDTracks 88.1)
Led Zeppelin: I really like the 2014 HDTracks versions....I think they sound great. The original masterings and '94 remasters are also wonderful. I can't determine a "favorite"...I listen to them all.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Pronounced Leh-Nerd-Skin-Nerd (1993 MCA Ultimate Master Disc MCAD-10953)
Lynyrd Skynyrd Second Helping (2014 HDTracks 192)
Mad Season Above (2013 HDTracks 44.1)
Metallica: All of the 2018 remasters sound good to me, as do many of the original cd's
Metallica Kill 'Em All (1986 USA Megaforce MRI CD 069)
Metallica Metallica (1991 Sony Japan 1st Press SRCS 5577)
Metallica Ride The Lightning (2000 DCC GZS-1136)
Metallica Master Of Puppets (1999 DCC GZS-1133)
Michael Jackson Thriller (2009 Epic Japan EICP 1195)
Nirvana Nevermind (2011 Geffen HR B0015887-02)
Nirvana In Utero (2013 HDTracks 96)
Nirvana MTV Unplugged In New York (25th Anniv) (2019 Vinyl DGC B0029512-01)
Nirvana MTV Unplugged In New York (Vinyl HR 180G)
Paul McCartney: All the DCC's are highly regarded
Pink Floyd The Dark Side Of The Moon (2003 EMI SACD HR 7243 582136 2 1)
Pearl Jam No Code (HDTracks 192)
Pearl Jam Ten (1991 Sony Japan SCRS-5634)
Pearl Jam Ten (2013 HDTracks 88.2)
Pearl Jam Unplugged (DVD Rip)
Pearl Jam Vitalogy (HDTracks 96)
Pearl Jam Vs. (2013 HDTracks 96)
Pearl Jam Yield (2016 HDTracks 192)
Rage Against The Machine Rage Against The Machine (1992 Epic 472224-2) Original mastering considered to be audiophile.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Stadium Arcadium (2015 HDTracks 96)
Rolling Stones: The 2002 remasters are all amazing. I also like the 50th anniversary versions
Rolling Stones Aftermath (US) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8822942)
Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 18771-9539-2)
Rolling Stones Exile On Main St. (2011 Polydor Japan SACD HR UIGY-9081)
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (D1) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8823052)
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-1971 (D2) (2002 ABKCO SACD HR 8823052)
Rolling Stones Let It Bleed (2002 ABKCO SACD CD 8823032)
Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers (2011 Polydor Japan SACD HR UIGY-9066)
Rush Rush (2014 Universal 40th Anniv B0020138-01)
Santana: HDTracks versions
Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness (2013 HDTracks 96)
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream (2011 Acoustic Sounds 44)
Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream (2011 Virgin 5099967929726)
Soundgarden Superunknown (2014 HDTracks 20th Anniv 192)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble Couldn't Stand The Weather (2011 MFSL SACD HR UDSACD 2075)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble Couldn't Stand The Weather (2014 Analogue Productions SACD HR CAPB 39304 SA)
Stevie Ray Vaughan And Double Trouble: Similar to CCR, I like both the DCC and AP SACD's. Different sounding for the same reasons as CCR, but again tend to lean towards AP.
U2 Achtung Baby (2011 Universal 00602527793702)
U2 Rattle And Hum (1988 Island 7 91003-2)
U2 The Joshua Tree: Many versions here...I can't pick a favorite. the DCC and 2017 are as good as the rest and have positive reviews.
U2 The Joshua Tree (1987 Island Japan P35D-20034)
U2 The Joshua Tree (1987 Island Silver 7 90581-2)
U2 The Joshua Tree (1996 MFSL 24k Gold Disc UDCD 650)
U2 The Joshua Tree (2017 Island 00602557482577)
U2 The Unforgettable Fire (1995 MFSL 24k Gold Disc UDCD 624)
U2 The Unforgettable Fire (2009 Universal 1792417)
Van Halen 1984 (2015 The Collection HDTracks 192)
Van Halen Van Halen (1998 DCC GZS-1129) Many consider to be one of the best sounding.
Van Morrison Astral Weeks (2013 HDTracks 192)
Van Morrison His Band And The Street Choir (2013 HDTracks 192)
Van Morrison Moondance (2013 HDTracks 192)
Who, The Who's Next (1984 MCA Canada (Hoffman) MCAMD-37217) I love this album and this mastering, sounds incredible.
There you go. If there's an artist or album on the list it's because I'm not keen on them or there's just not any difference in versions. Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd, for example...just not a fan. But feel free to post what versions you like if you want.
