I've been listening to a lot of 2 channel sources lately and one thing I can never get sick of is a disc with an incredible soundstage and imaging. It's perhaps one of the joys of 2 channel audio to be able to absolutely visualize a live band or quartet or even orchestra right in front of you, and being able to pinpoint exactly where each musician is playing their instrument. I love the affect of being able to visualize the band and the different instrumentation within the soundstage, and then have the "lead" instrument "jumping" out right at you in front of the "band". The feeling of being "at the performance" is a rare treat, and many times the mix of these recordings is so good, it's actually BETTER than seeing a live performance. Alas, not many of my own discs have such great "live" qualities which is why I would like to hear suggestions from members here of CDs and LPs that would have a great soundstage and precise imaging in the mix, and of course 2 channel SACDs as well.
Just to start out with, one of the CDs that I've been listening to quite religiously recently is "MJQ & Friends - A 40th Anniversary Celebration" by The Modern Jazz Quartet. I've had this CD for over 15 years, but I recently took it out again as I upgraded my stereo set-up and the mix has been blowing me away! Just how clearly I can make out the vibraphone, piano, double bass, and drums has been incredible. I simply close my eyes and the band is "there". It's rare that my speakers have "melted away" so easily. Plus on each track there is a guest lead instrumentalist, whether it's polyphonic vocals, saxophones, trumpets, etc., and the instruments "jump out" in front on the band in a convincing way! The affect is almost "holographic". This disc is really something special.
Just to start out with, one of the CDs that I've been listening to quite religiously recently is "MJQ & Friends - A 40th Anniversary Celebration" by The Modern Jazz Quartet. I've had this CD for over 15 years, but I recently took it out again as I upgraded my stereo set-up and the mix has been blowing me away! Just how clearly I can make out the vibraphone, piano, double bass, and drums has been incredible. I simply close my eyes and the band is "there". It's rare that my speakers have "melted away" so easily. Plus on each track there is a guest lead instrumentalist, whether it's polyphonic vocals, saxophones, trumpets, etc., and the instruments "jump out" in front on the band in a convincing way! The affect is almost "holographic". This disc is really something special.