Sheffield Track Record Direct Disc 1982 Audiophile LP TAS Disc List

$

25

Robbie Buchanan, James Howard, Lenny Castro, Nathan East, Mike Landau, Carlos Vega
The Sheffield Track Record
Sheffield Lab 20
Limited Edition Direct Disc Recording
All-tube electronics in mastering chain including cutting amps.
Rock Instrumental Tracks For Audio Component Testing and Evaluation
Awarded "BEST OF THE BUNCH:Popular" By The Absolute Sound audiophile magazine (TAS)

Item Details
Manufactured in: USA
Recorded: May 22 1982 at Sheffield Labs Studio, MGM, Culver City CA
Lacquer Cut By: Ron Hitchcock
Pressing: At KM Records, Burbank, CA.
Original Issue: 1982
This Issue: 1982
Label: Sheffield Lab 20
Runout Deadwax Matrix Numbers:
Side 1: (etch:) SL55-Y-4 (stamp:) KM ?
Side 2: (etch:) SL56-4 Y RL (stamp:) + KM +
This record was recorded and mastered direct to disc in a way to contain more peak transient energy, higher resolution, and more dynamic range than can be recorded by any other method (i.e. digital or analog at 1982). The lathe operator was allowed to use the maximum groove spacing so that the full energy of the low frequencies and bass transients were recorded without compression. The record can be used to test a high fidelity system by playing back this record on it to see if can reproduce the impact, low end transients, and dynamic range. Because of the maximum groove spacing, each side is shorter than normal (about 16 minutes).
Was bought new by this seller many years ago and now offered from his private collection (you have absolutely known provenance). Has had limited plays only on an expertly setup high-end audiophile turntable, arm, and cartridge. Has never been exposed to heat or tobacco smoke and always stored vertically in a specially designed record cabinet (Rackit) to prevent warpage.
Was cleaned on a VPI HW 16 with Audio Intelligent solutions and ultra-pure water rinse (50X purer than distilled water) before my pre-sale sound check. I wear nitrile surgical gloves while cleaning and play testing to avoid any chance of transferring finger oils to the vinyl.
Very sensitive play testing was performed straight off my Ayre P-5xe fully balanced phono preamp over Sennheiser HD 600 headphones using a Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 tube headphone amp fitted with Voskhod Soviet matched tubes (see last photo).
Track list
1: Amusium, The Higher You Rise.

2: Wise To The Lines, Le Ballade.

I never take "distant" photos nor the so-prevalent type with the LP sticking halfway out of the jacket. I take close-ups under photo lamps so you can see nearly everything I describe in the jacket grading. It is virtually impossible to know the true vinyl condition from any photograph. That takes very bright and close visual inspection PLUS play testing with thorough coverage on high resolution equipment.
Grading Details
Note: Record grading by text characters is subjective and does not fully describe quality levels. Please see photos and my detailed descriptions below.

Outer Jacket Inspection:
NM-
The minus is for a very light hint of ring wear close to the top edges of the front and back, about 1/2" vertical extension. The rear is lighter than the front. There is also a tiny bump-crease on the front upper spine corner. Otherwise the jacket has "like-new" appearance.

Vinyl visual inspection:
After cleaning, surface visuals were inspected under high intensity halogen light. I rotated and tilted the record in multiple angles with my eyes a few inches away from the vinyl. On Side 1 I found trace passing into the beginning of Track 1 from the lead-in groove. It might have been a stylus slide from an accidental bump of the turntable when starting play. I made a note that it needed to be checked during play testing to see if it could cause ticks repeating each revolution. (see below). Side 2 was visually perfect.

Play Testing:
NM/NM
Extensive play testing was performed after visual inspection. I listened to the beginning, middle, and end of each track for a few minutes on each needle drop. I also listened to every lead-in, lead-out, and transition groove. I'm happy to report that the trace going thru the start of S1:T1 did not produce any clicks repeating each revolution. I listened closely anticipating them but did not hear any. The line must be above the groove modulations. This vinyl is really quiet. So much so that I could hear the very low tube hiss of the mastering electronics during transition grooves. The bass, synth, and drums ARE especially impressive. They have full dynamic range and you will feel as if the musicians are right there in your listening room. Both sides sounded clean and clear with band-new freshness.

Packaging

• Record will be placed outside the jacket to protect against seam splitting.
• Original inner sleeve is included separately.
• Record has been placed into a new "rice paper" sleeve, as the original, even if plastic lined, may be holding onto some dust. This will keep vinyl surfaces clean during shipping and ultimate buyer usage.
• Outer jacket is contained in a new clear polyethylene protective sleeve.
• Sent in good quality record mailer with cardboard stiffeners.

• Shipping will be via USPS Media Mail for a flat charge of $3.98 per single album sale.
• A combined shipping discount is available on multiple sales completed within 5 business days($3.98 plus $0.50 for each additional LP).
• If you intend to buy more than one LP do not pay immediately but wait for my all-combined invoice. A discount for the combined items will show on that invoice. Then, once payment is received, the items will ship.