These records have the best sound in the world. Depth, groove and surgical precision of recordings

In an age when most music is mastered to be loud but at the expense of dynamics and subtlety , it's worth showing what music is really about.

The editors of the Headphonesty portal, known among fans of good sound, have published a list of albums that show the full potential of audiophile listening. Their advantages include space, depth, and a wealth of nuances.

So let's see what's worth playing when you want to make your friends WOW .

Donald Fagen – The Nightfly

This album is an absolute classic in the world of digital recordings. One of the first all-digital projects (DDD) to hit CD and immediately showed that digital can sound amazing.

The solo debut of the co-creator of Steely Dan has it all: surgical precision, a wide and deep soundstage, and a warm atmosphere that makes you want to come back to it. Recommended releases? The iconic Warner Bros. "target" CD or MoFi SACD . And if you like Japanese flavors, look for pressings from the 32XD series.

Sting - ...Nothing Like the Sun

Sting shows himself on this album from a more atmospheric, mature side. It's an album with a huge space and atmosphere. One that allows the music to breathe.

The version from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab is a real gem: selective, detailed, with Sting's vocals floating in the air. If you can't get your hands on it, the original CD from A&M sounds good too.

Daft Punk – Random Access Memories

A tribute to the golden age of studio recordings , without skimping on quality. Recorded in analog and digital, with the help of top-notch sound engineer Mick Guzauski , "Random Access Memories" is a sonic journey through time and space.

The guitars sound alive, the synths shine, and the groove is instantly captivating. The best version? Vinyl, which retains more dynamics and offers a wider stage than the digital editions. You have to experience it!

Fleetwood Mac – Rumors

There was heartbreak and tension behind the scenes of this record, but on tape we hear pure pop and rock perfection. Every element, from Buckingham's guitars to Christine McVie's harmony vocals, is honed to the extreme.

Versions worth hunting down? The 2011 vinyl reissue or the Japanese pressing P-10233W , which has beautiful, sweet mid-tones. "Rumours" is a perfect example of how well-produced music can blow even modern productions away.

Dire Straits – Brothers in Arms

The first digital album to reach the masses and do so with a bang. Those raised on Trójka know what I mean. Thanks to the brilliant mastering, the album showed that a digital recording doesn't have to be flat or cold.

Best version? Definitely the MoFi vinyl on two 45rpm discs with incredible bass and space that's easy to get lost in. If you prefer CD, aim for the first UK Vertigo pressing, but avoid the 1996 remaster, which fans say is too heavily compressed and loses the whole vibe.

Also in the top ten were albums by Tracy Chapman , Steely Dan and Norah Jones .

If you really want to hear what your gear can do, these albums are a great place to start. It's not always about the quality of the medium, but how the recording allows the music to breathe. And as Headphonesty suggests: good sound is not a luxury, it's an experience.