Los Angeles Location - High Fidelity

As the name implies, High Fidelity is one for the audiophiles. It was founded in 2011 by former Classic Records label head and High Resolution Technologies founder Michael Hobson. The store is filled with out-of-print Classic Records jazz and classical LPs. There are plenty of new and used records of the highest quality from all genres (with the exception of DJ vinyl like hip-hop and electronica). Expect to find the most collectible, best sounding issues in top condition. Although there are some lower prices used LPs, don't expect any bargain bin treasure finds. The guys here really know their stuff and everything is priced accordingly. Only serious collectors or those ready to upgrade their beater gear and replace their scratchy $1 records need apply.

Also for sale is, of course, HRT's full line of their excellent sounding DACs. If you often listen to CD or vinyl rips from your computer's on-board sound card then I urge you to listen to what an external DAC has to offer. Depending on a few variables, including the listener's "palate," the benefits can be dramatic or barely noticeable. I recommend you bring your laptop in and see if High-Fidelity will let you have a listen before purchase. Also, if you use full-size headphones I would recommend against the DAC + Amp combos and go for separate units.

High-Fidelity features an oversized stereo "listening station" that's closer to an audiophile's living room wet dream than the iPods found in most other music shops. Excellent sounding, no-gimmick speakers and turntables are sold. Beautifully presented art adorns the walls. Michael's store conveys his philosophy to the enjoyment of music playback: it's top quality or bust. If you find yourself here you probably feel the same.

High Fidelity is located on 1956 North Hillhurst in Los Feliz

highfidelityla.com

Collector's Consultation: Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain MFSL vs Classic Records

Sketches of Spain is one of the most beautiful albums I have heard. The five tracks on offer here sound unlike anything Miles had done previously or will put on record, which is typical of Miles who preferred to push things ever forward and never look back. Like Kind of Blue, it's one of those records that many music fans own even if they aren't into Jazz. The music here is not what one thinks of when the topic of Jazz is brought up; This session is heavily influenced by classical Spanish music. Miles' strident horn takes the place of the lulling guitar in "Concierto de Aranjuez" to make it his own. Midway into the piece, a cool-as-ice bassline punctuates an inflection in the music as the castanets fade away.

Certainly an album worth owning, but which copy? Today I'll be analyzing two audiophile reissues, the Classic Records vinyl release and the MFSL Hybrid SACD (soon to be released on LP).


Clips of both releases are here for your own comparison

Classic Records
https://soundcloud.com/sallison87/solea-classic-clip/s-riGcD

MFSL
https://soundcloud.com/sallison87/solea-mfsl-clip/s-w50Jz


The Classic Records release boasts immense detail and clarity. Miles' trumpet cuts through the mix with intensity and crystalline sharpness. The drum in the beginning of the clip sounds like it is right next to you. The highs are fantastic, and while the bass is clean it sounds pushed back in the mix.
The MFSL release is a bass-ier, more balanced listen. Stereo imaging is more prominent. Miles sounds more even with the rest of the orchestra, but also sounds a little "tamed." The drum in the beginning of the clip sounds like it is further away and has a slight echo, like a "concert-hall" sound


Conclusion: The MFSL sounds soft, balanced, and presents all musicians equally. In contrast, the Classic Records sounds sharp, up-front, fast, and emphasizes the highs in order to boost detail and highlight Miles. Both are excellent releases.

Collector's Consultation: Reprise Labels

Last week I found one of my favorite Frank Sinatra albums in a dusty used bin, "Sinatra - Basie." It's a meeting of two giants and the music on display here is sublime. What I love is that this isn't a Sinatra record or a Basie record, but a vastly successful blend of the two talents to create a unique sound. For example, the opening track "Pennies from Heaven"is as much about the orchestra and Sax solo as it is about Sinatra's vocals and the song is all the better for it. Sinatra records are about Sinatra; the band is there for support. But not here, where the band plays a prominent role to add variety to the sound.

"Sinatra- Basie" is a record I had an eye for in used bins because while I did have a copy for a long time it wasn't in the best condition. Great news is that this new copy I found was in much better condition than my previous copy! Score! But I noticed something else. The label looked different than my previous copy:

After a little research I discovered that my new copy, with the Blue/Green label, is an early 60's original pressing of the album while my old copy, with the Tan/Orange label, is a late 60's repress. And the sound? The original is leagues ahead of the repress. The two biggest differences that instantly strike me is that bass is bigger, fuller, and enveloping in the original while the bass in the repress is thin and forgettable. Second, the stereo imaging is far better in the original, while the repress sounds more mono-like. The original is warmer, bigger, more spacious, and a much more enjoyable listen.


Conclusion: For reprise albums, collect the original early 60's Blue/Green labels and avoid the represses.

Los Angeles Location: Origami

The Echo Park / Silverlake / West Hollywood areas of Los Angeles are teeming with quality record stores. One of these is Origami Vinyl, part record store, part music label, and part live music venue. If live music is your thing Origami has you covered. The second story is reserved strictly for in-store events like bands on live music nights. Origami also features signings and sells tickets to concerts.

The records on display are mostly new releases from modern bands with an emphasis on punk. Don't come here if you're looking for classic rock, hip-hop, jazz, or classical. Origami is a record store that focuses on today's music and where music is heading, not where it's been. Origami is all about featuring the newest sounds in Los Angeles and even has a "Locals Only" record bin to dig through.

Origami is located on 1816 West Sunset Ave and is open from "Noon 'til Late"

origamiorigami.com

Los Angeles Location: Touch Vinyl

Touch Vinyl was established on July 1st 2012 and is owned by Sebastian Mathews. Located on Sawtelle Blvd, aka "West Little Tokyo," it packs about 8,000 records in its 650 sq ft space. Selection is excellent for new releases in modern rock, hip-hop, and electronic. You can also expect to find a good selection of used classic rock and jazz. Collectors items are always posted on the walls and during my visit included a sealed MFSL Beatles White Album.

Touch Vinyl is very audiophile friendly; Sebastian's in-store turntable is an enviable VPI model with a Dynavector 20X2 cartridge and the appropriate amps and speakers to suit this gear. Sebastian will gladly place any used record in the store on this set-up while you lounge in his bean-bag chairs and have a free cup of coffee or tea before purchase. Or if you chose, there is a digital and analog headphone listening station in the corner of the store for more private monitoring.

Live music is available on some nights, and as far as i know Touch Vinyl is also the only that offers strong support for cassette tapes!

Touch Vinyl is located at 1646 Sawtelle Blvd and is open from Noon to 9 every day.

www.touchvinyl.com

Introduction

California Vinyl is a blog documenting my journey of visiting every vinyl record store in California. Extensive details and photos of each shop will be provided to give my readers a good idea of the vibe of each store before they visit. My goal is to provide a comprehensive guide for California vinyl collectors wanting to find new places to shop.

Along the way I will write about albums, sound quality comparisons of certain pressings, news in the vinyl world, and gear reviews.

Welcome to the blog!