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:
   • Bill Evans Trio AP (2002) vs. MOFI ONE-STE...  


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: Oswaldo's / Pressings
10:21 Part Two: My System / Thoughts
14:29 Conclusion