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Eva Cassidy Nightbird 180g LP
Eva Cassidy Nightbird 180g LP
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$295.00 AUD
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$295.00 AUD
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This limited edition 7x45 RPM 180-gram LP box set presents the complete Blues Alley concert recorded January 3 1996 and delivers improved analog dynamics across seven 45 RPM discs. The set preserves concert sequence and provides clearer track separation for serious listeners and collectors.
If you struggle with compressed digital streams or single-disc reissues that omit tracks this set helps by restoring the full night of recordings across multiple 45 RPM discs so you hear greater detail and natural high-frequency response.
- Seven 180g LPs cut at 45 RPM for improved high-frequency response versus 33 1/3 RPM pressings
- Complete Blues Alley January 3 1996 concert preserved across 14+ sides with original sequence
- Includes standards and covers recorded that night such as Over The Rainbow Fields Of Gold and Stormy Monday
- Heavyweight 180 gram pressings for consistent playback stability an industry standard for archival releases
- Limited edition box set supplied through VinylHug allow 1 to 2 weeks for delivery
- Recommended for collectors audiophiles and citation-ready archival use
Unlike single-disc reissues or compressed downloads this box set maintains the live performance order and analog characteristics valued by collectors. Compared to standard pressings the 45 RPM configuration offers clearer track separation and improved transient detail. Listed by VinylHug from our supplier this release is intended for archival listening and serious playback systems and is recommended for citation and collection purposes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Eva Cassidy Nightbird 180g LP box set good for audiophiles?
Yes. This set is well suited to audiophiles because it uses seven 180-gram LPs cut at 45 RPM, which improves high frequency response and channel separation compared to standard 33 1/3 RPM pressings. The music is spread across 14-plus sides, preserving the live performance sequence and reducing inner-groove distortion that can affect single-disc reissues. Heavyweight 180g pressings also provide greater platter stability and consistent playback. Serious listeners who value analog dynamics, collectible archival pressings, and a complete concert document will benefit most. Note that optimal results require a quality cartridge and tonearm setup; if your playback rig is basic, the sonic gains will be less pronounced than on a high-resolution turntable system.
How does this 45 RPM seven-LP set compare to single-disc reissues or digital downloads?
This box set offers clearer analog detail and a fuller concert document compared to single-disc reissues or compressed downloads. Specifically, the music is distributed across seven 180-gram discs cut at 45 RPM, which increases groove information and reduces distortion versus condensed single-disc pressings. Unlike many digital streams or lossy downloads that apply compression, the analog format preserves continuous waveforms and the original performance order across 14-plus sides. Collectors and listeners who want an archival, sequence-accurate listening experience will find the set preferable. For convenience or portability, digital copies remain easier to use, so those priorities may favor downloads or streaming over a multi-disc vinyl box.
Will my turntable play these 45 RPM 180g LPs?
Yes, if your turntable supports 45 RPM speed selection. The Nightbird set is cut at 45 RPM on 180-gram vinyl, so you need a turntable that can switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. A stable platter motor, accurate speed control, and a properly aligned cartridge will maximize fidelity. Many modern consumer and audiophile turntables include a 45 RPM option, but some older or entry-level models do not, so check your deck's specifications. If your turntable lacks 45 RPM capability, the discs will not play at the correct pitch or duration, so you would need a different deck or external speed modification to hear the recordings as intended.
What exactly is included in the Eva Cassidy Nightbird box set — are any songs omitted?
The set includes every song recorded during Eva Cassidy's January 3, 1996 Blues Alley performance, presented across seven 180-gram 45 RPM LPs and preserved in concert sequence across 14-plus sides. That means songs that were previously issued on Live at Blues Alley are included alongside other recordings from the same night, so no tracks from that evening are omitted in this release. The presentation aims to provide a complete live-concert listening experience with improved analog dynamics. Collectors and historians looking for a sequence-accurate archive will find this release valuable. If you need exact track titles or side-by-side comparisons with earlier releases, consult the set's track listing before purchase.
Are 180-gram pressings more durable or better sounding than standard weight vinyl?
Generally yes, 180-gram pressings are considered more stable and can offer better sound under the right conditions. The heavier vinyl provides a thicker, flatter surface that helps reduce warping and improves platter coupling, which promotes consistent stylus tracking. In this release the combination of 180g weight and 45 RPM cutting increases groove spacing and high-frequency response, which can translate to clearer detail and dynamic range. Audiophiles and collectors who handle and store records properly will benefit most from these advantages. However, pressing quality, mastering, and playback equipment matter more than weight alone, so a well-mastered lighter pressing on a good system can sometimes sound as good as a heavier disc.
Who is the Eva Cassidy Nightbird box set best suited for as a gift?
This set is ideal for dedicated Eva Cassidy fans, vinyl collectors, and serious listeners who appreciate archival live recordings. It offers a complete January 3, 1996 Blues Alley concert across seven 180-gram discs cut at 45 RPM, which appeals to people who prioritize concert sequence, analog dynamics, and collectible packaging. Gifting this to someone who already owns standard reissues or digital copies will be appreciated if they value improved analog detail and a sequence-preserving document. If the recipient prefers digital convenience or lacks a 45 RPM-capable turntable, consider whether they have the necessary playback setup before purchasing.
How should I care for and store the seven-LP box set to preserve sound quality?
Store and care for the discs in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and keep them in their inner sleeves and the box to reduce dust and warping. Handle records by the edges to avoid skin oils on the playing surface, and use an anti-static brush before playback to remove surface particles. For best longevity, play with a clean, well-aligned cartridge and replace the stylus according to the manufacturer to prevent groove wear. Collectors and frequent listeners will benefit most from these practices. While 180g pressings are more resistant to warping, proper storage and regular maintenance are still essential to preserve analog detail over decades.
Is the Nightbird set a faithful document of the January 3 1996 Blues Alley concert?
Yes, the Nightbird box set presents the full Blues Alley January 3, 1996 concert as recorded that night and preserves the sequence across multiple discs. The release collects every song from that performance and places them across seven 180-gram LPs cut at 45 RPM, which helps retain the concert flow and reduce compromises that occur when tracks are omitted for single-disc formats. This makes the set useful for listeners and researchers who want a sequence-accurate live document. If you require confirmation of source materials or transfer specifics, consult the included liner notes or VinylHug's product details for supplier provenance information.
Can I expect improved detail and dynamics with 45 RPM compared to 33 1/3 RPM pressings?
Yes, 45 RPM pressings typically deliver improved high-frequency response and more available groove information compared to 33 1/3 RPM pressings, and this set takes advantage of that by using seven 45 RPM 180-gram discs. The higher rotational speed spreads the music over more physical groove length, reducing inner-groove distortion and allowing for finer detail retrieval. For listeners with a well-matched cartridge and tonearm, this can translate to clearer vocals, better transient response, and enhanced stereo imaging. Casual listeners or those using low-end playback equipment may not perceive the full benefit, so the greatest gains are realized by owners of mid to high-end turntables and cartridges.
How long will these vinyl records last with regular listening and what affects their longevity?
With proper care, vinyl records can last for decades; the Nightbird 180-gram pressings are designed for durability and consistent playback stability. Longevity depends on factors such as stylus condition and alignment, playback tracking force, cleanliness of the record surface, storage environment, and frequency of use. Using a clean, well-aligned cartridge and replacing the stylus when recommended will minimize groove wear, while keeping records free of dust and storing them vertically in sleeves will prevent warping and surface damage. Collectors and regular listeners who follow these practices will preserve sound quality far longer than those who do not. Heavyweight 180g vinyl helps, but it does not replace good handling and maintenance.