SS: Still Sealed
Label: RCA Living Stereo
Catalog Number: LSC 2400

This auction is for the STILL SEALED, NUMBERED (1 of 1 MH) Single-Sided LP Test Pressing of Side B2 ONLY of the Classic Records 180gram reissue of Ballet Music From The Opera" with Anatole Fistoulari conducting the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra. This test pressing has special significance and collectability because it comes from the Michael Hobson ARCHIVES. This is a truly one of a kind collectible of one of the most valuable and highly sought after Classic Records pressings.

These test pressings are from the first stamper and reflect the closest you can get to the lacquers, and hence have a special collectible value and store of value. Each test pressing comes in a white jacket and will come with a hand initialed sticker (on outer protective sleeve) to assure authenticity. 

Michael Hobson Archives

From the start of Classic Records in 1994, Michael Hobson, insisted on having as complete a "personal archive" as possible, of all varieties and issues of Classic Records' various releases (180g, 200g, Blue Vinyl, etc)  as a reference of what had been done.  This Archive was one of the few things Acoustic Sounds did not acquire as part of the deal to buy Classic in 2010 albeit Chad Kassem has pursued Hobson to buy it ever since.  Still intact, in its entirety (with only a few holes) sits the Archive which will be offered exclusively on this shop by special arrangement with Michael Hobson.

Each piece has an official Classic Records “MH" Archive Sticker on it and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity hand signed by Michael Hobson personally to assure authenticity and enhance the collectibility over time.  Generally,  only 5 numbered “MH archive" copies, most often from the first stamper, were added to the Hobson archive.  In the case of popular titles, there are various versions because of the use of different plants (RTI, Bill Smith, Classic Pressing Plant) which offers the possibility to have comparisons of various machines the copies were made on - all of which sound different because of various vibrations from the different machines that are "pressed" into the vinyl.  Yes, according to Hobson, you can hear the difference is machines among the various Test Pressings and production pressings for that matter.  Further, the Classic Records folklore is that Hobson, insisted on the “best copies” from the “sweet spot” of the pressing run for his personal archive of 5 numbered copies of each release!   It is reported that Hobson personally selected the copies of the records that went into his archive by listening to 1st stamper pressings to determine when the “stamper” was in the “sweet spot” and pressing the best sounding records during the run.  Further, these records have not been moved from Hobson’s own climate controlled air-conditioned storage for all these years. This is not only a unique opportunity to own a piece of Classic Record's history but also the chance to have some of the best production pressings  of Classic's various issues over time. Ridiculously collectible and likely a better investment than the stock market!
YouTube videos are posted weekly where Michael Hobson discusses current listings, archival items, Classic Records history, and rare audiophile records. To watch, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/HobsonArchive
Good luck!

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