Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Golden Age Classical Vinyl: Mercury Living Presence Part Two
One can't discuss the golden age of classical vinyl without mentioning Mercury Living Presence. The Mercury Living Presence series is loaded with many special and unique albums. In this video, I highlight selections from both Howard Hanson and Frederick Fennell as well as a special bonus disc from Marcel Dupre. Join me as I show you some of the dazzling jackets that graced the Mercury Living Presence Series and give you a little background on these wonderful records.
Mercury Living Presence was a classical record label known for high-quality recordings and dynamic performances. The Mercury team produced recordings by renowned conductors and musicians such Antal Doráti, Byron Janis, Janos Starker, Paul Paray, Howard Hanson, Frederick Fennell. and many more. The label's recordings are highly sought after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts for their exceptional sound quality and attention to detail.
If you particularly enjoyed this video, please consider a small one time donation to the channel! You can do so easily by clicking the "Thanks" button in the row of icons just below the title. Any amount truly helps and is greatly appreciated.
My previous overview of some great Mercury titles:
youtu.be/GwDY2yogyMc?si=ysUrcYF2QlmnDZyA
Please join myself and Anthony at Audiophilia for the next Everything Classical Music livestream, every Wednesday night at 8pm EST
youtube.com/live/hX5vS4BzKCU?si=JCF9zNyxmWmYelwn
Amazon purchases through The Pressing Matters Storefront are an excellent way to help support the channel, and is greatly appreciated.
amazon.com/shop/thepressingmatters
(As an an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Audio Technica AT33EV MC Cartridge
-Hana SL ML Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Pre
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 Loudspeaker
-Magnapan MMG Loudspeaker
-Tributaries Series 8 Interconnect
-Herron Audio Interconnect Cable
-Definitive Technology ProSound Sub
-Panamax M5300PM Power Filter
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Avis Record Cleaning Solutions
-Ursa Major Record Cleaning Brush
-Milty Zerostat
-DS Audio ST-50 Stylus Cleaner
-Disc Doctor Record Brushes
@AudiophiliaChannel
Golden Age Classical Vinyl: Mercury Living Presence Part Two
One can't discuss the golden age of classical vinyl without mentioning Mercury Living Presence. The Mercury Living Presence series is loaded with many special and unique albums. In this video, I highlight selections from both Howard Hanson and Frederick Fennell as well as a special bonus disc from Marcel Dupre. Join me as I show you some of the dazzling jackets that graced the Mercury Living Presence Series and give you a little background on these wonderful records.
Mercury Living Presence was a classical record label known for high-quality recordings and dynamic performances. The Mercury team produced recordings by renowned conductors and musicians such Antal Doráti, Byron Janis, Janos Starker, Paul Paray, Howard Hanson, Frederick Fennell. and many more. The label's recordings are highly sought after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts for their exceptional sound quality and attention to detail.
If you particularly enjoyed this video, please consider a small one time donation to the channel! You can do so easily by clicking the "Thanks" button in the row of icons just below the title. Any amount truly helps and is greatly appreciated.
My previous overview of some great Mercury titles:
youtu.be/GwDY2yogyMc?si=ysUrcYF2QlmnDZyA
Please join myself and Anthony at Audiophilia for the next Everything Classical Music livestream, every Wednesday night at 8pm EST
youtube.com/live/hX5vS4BzKCU?si=JCF9zNyxmWmYelwn
Amazon purchases through The Pressing Matters Storefront are an excellent way to help support the channel, and is greatly appreciated.
amazon.com/shop/thepressingmatters
(As an an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases)
Reference System
-Basis 1400 Turntable
-Rega RB300 Tone Arm
-Audio Technica AT33EV MC Cartridge
-Hana SL ML Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Pre
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 Loudspeaker
-Magnapan MMG Loudspeaker
-Tributaries Series 8 Interconnect
-Herron Audio Interconnect Cable
-Definitive Technology ProSound Sub
-Panamax M5300PM Power Filter
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Avis Record Cleaning Solutions
-Ursa Major Record Cleaning Brush
-Milty Zerostat
-DS Audio ST-50 Stylus Cleaner
-Disc Doctor Record Brushes
@AudiophiliaChannel



![The Bill Evans Trio - Sunday at the Village Vanguard AAA Shootout with High Res Files!!
This video is a deep, detailed comparison of four all-analog (AAA) pressings of the Bill Evans Trio masterpiece Sunday at the Village Vanguard. These editions represent some of the most respected audiophile releases of this legendary recording.
With technical support from Oswaldo Martinez of Let There Be Sound (who assisted off-camera with level-matched high-resolution files and workflow), I evaluate how each pressing presents the music — from tonal balance and texture to dynamics, imaging, and tape character.
I also offer two final recommendations for listeners looking for the best overall experience.
THE FOUR PRESSINGS
• Analogue Productions 2×45 (AcousTech)
Mastered by Steve Hoffman and cut by Kevin Gray
• Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Ultradisc One-Step 2×45
Mastered & cut by Krieg Wunderlich
• Analogue Productions UHQR 2×45
Mastered & cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent
• Craft / Original Jazz Classics 33⅓
Mastered & cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent
All four editions are 100% AAA.
Thank you to Oswaldo Martinez of Let There Be Sound for providing several pressings and hosting the first part of the evaluation. The system consisted of:
Let There Be Sound stereo system used in shootout & for Hi-Res music files:
Turntable: Michell TecnoDec Reference
Cartridge: Goldring E4 Moving Magnet
Phono Amplifier: Phasemation EA-350
Line Stage: ModWright LS 100
Amplifier: ModWright KWA 99 Monoblocks
Loudspeaker: Metaxas & Sins Siren
Line Conditioner: Isotek V5 Aquarius
Cables: Assorted Nordost & Discovery Cable
[ 24-bit/192k Hi-Resolution Files captured using a Tascam DR-100 Mk.III Portable Digital Recorder ]
The second part took place on my Reference System:
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
HIGH-RES AUDIO FILES
High-resolution comparison files for each pressing are included here for those who want to listen along and hear the differences for themselves. See which one sounds best to you. It’s tricky when all four are excellent, and you may come to your own conclusions when you hear them on your system and in your own room.
Track: Gloria’s Step
Analogue Productions 45 (Acoustech)
https://tinyurl.com/57b5wu65
Mobile Fidelity 45 (One Step)
https://tinyurl.com/rnacxvna
Analogue Productions 45 (UHQR)
https://tinyurl.com/3vfjea8k
Craft 33 (OJC)
https://tinyurl.com/3krusp5f
Comparison Video:
https://youtu.be/TDgMmeHcnDY?si=5c_DYelPOn1ZXE19
Each pressing offers a different interpretation of this legendary 1961 performance.
Some highlight intimacy, some clarity, some atmosphere, some warmth — and they don’t land the same on both systems.
Which version comes closest to the magic of the Village Vanguard tapes?
Do I have a favorite? You’ll find out.
IN THIS VIDEO
✔ Blind listening impressions
✔ Mastering and production notes
✔ Objective + subjective analysis
✔ Final verdict with two recommendations
If you enjoy shootouts, deep dives, and long-form vinyl content, make sure to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments.
#BillEvans #SundayAtTheVillageVanguard #VinylShootout #AAA
#JazzVinyl #VinylCommunity #Audiophile #AnalogueProductions
#UHQR #MobileFidelity #MoFiOneStep #OJC #KevinGray #SteveHoffman
#KriegWunderlich #LetThereBeSound
00:00 Introduction
03:35 Part One: Oswaldos / Pressings
10:21 Part Two: My System / Thoughts
14:29 Conclusion The Bill Evans Trio - Sunday at the Village Vanguard AAA Shootout with High Res Files!!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_Qbkp0l_hK8/mqdefault.jpg)






