8 World-Renowned Turntable Designers Share Their All-Time Favourite Vinyl Records

What Do Turntable Designers Listen To?

Ever wondered what the creators of your favorite turntables listen to on their own meticulously engineered systems? We asked eight industry-leading designers and manufacturers to share their most treasured records. Their choices reflect not only the sonic excellence of these albums but also the deep personal stories and pivotal moments they associate with the music.

Heinz Lichtenegger – CEO, Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Lichtenegger’s audiophile journey began with the ultra-high-quality UHQR edition of The Dark Side of the Moon. Over time, his focus shifted toward classical music and opera, favoring emotionally resonant analogue pressings over purely “audiophile” ones.

• Tosca – Puccini (Decca, 1963)
  Featuring Leontyne Price, Di Stefano, Taddei, conducted by Herbert von Karajan with the Vienna Philharmonic

  “Dramatic and powerful, with incredible vocal timbre. Best enjoyed on a full-range system to appreciate the sweeping dynamic shifts.”

• Richard Strauss – Don Juan, Tod und Verklaerung, Also Sprach Zarathustra (Decca, 1960)

  “Recorded at the legendary Sofiensaal in Vienna, this pressing offers sweetness and tone that proves we’ve had the capability for outstanding recordings for over 60 years.”

Robert Suchy – CEO, Clearaudio

Suchy chose three emotionally powerful records that showcase the soul of vinyl playback.

• Jeff Buckley – Grace (Columbia, 1994)

  “His version of Hallelujah is deeply moving—an ultimate test of a turntable’s ability to convey emotion.”

• Agnes Obel – The Curse, from Aventine (PIAS, 2013)

  “Layered and haunting, it’s perfect for demo sessions—both relaxing and deeply engaging.”

• Music of Game of Thrones – City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra

  “A brilliant, cinematic experience in 3D sound that captures the emotion and genius of Ramin Djawadi’s compositions.”

Jonathan Nye – Managing Director, Michell Audio

Nye’s vinyl journey began at 15 with a discarded Technics turntable and a gifted Bob Marley LP—a moment that changed his life.

• Bob Marley – Legend (Island Records, 1984)

  “That first listen on vinyl was a revelation—the warmth, the richness. It marked the beginning of my lifelong passion for records.”

• Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1 (Mercury Nashville, 2017)

  “Raw, emotional and perfectly produced. It’s my go-to for testing and developing new hi-fi products.”

Tetsuya Itani – Technical Expert, Technics

Focusing on vivid realism and energetic orchestration, Itani shares two international favorites.

• Linda Ronstadt – For Sentimental Reasons (Asylum, 1986)

  “Her vocals are at their best here, complemented by the rich orchestral backdrop—feels like a live performance.”

• Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 / LSO, conducted by István Kertész (Decca)

  “Often overlooked in favor of the VPO version, but I find this LSO rendition far more dynamic and energizing.”

Mat Weisfeld – President, VPI

For Weisfeld, one album not only helped him through a difficult time—it inspired a groundbreaking product design.

• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Warner Bros., 1991)

  “Listening to The Power of Equality during a moment of doubt grounded me. The next morning, I designed the VPI Prime turntable.”

Touraj Moghaddam – CEO, Vertere Acoustics

A love for expressive jazz and immersive rock has shaped Moghaddam’s design ethos.

• Thelonious Monk / Sonny Rollins – Work (Prestige Hi-Fi LP 7075)

  “Monk’s phrasing and timing were a revelation. It inspired me to explore how turntables influence perception.”

• Pink Floyd – The Wall (Harvest/EMI, 1979)

  “A breathtaking sonic journey—my undergraduate mind was blown. This album became a demo staple for Vertere.”

• Cantate Domino – Oscars Motettkör, Torsten Nilsson, et al. (Proprius, 1980)

  “The recording quality is unmatched—emotional, haunting, with an almost live presence. I had to buy it immediately.”

Roy Gandy – Co-founder & Owner, Rega Research

Gandy focuses on the musical performance more than the gear’s sound signature, letting the art guide the engineering.

• Joan Armatrading – Willow from Show Some Emotion (A&M, 1977)

  “A longstanding test track. The vocal clarity and arrangement are perfect for identifying playback issues.”

• Queen – I Want To Break Free (Greatest Hits 2, 1991 pressing only)

  “Upbeat and fun—but watch out for poor-quality pressings. The 1991 version is the one to have.”

Yosuke Koizumi – Head of Analogue Audio Engineering, Audio-Technica

Koizumi appreciates artistic expression and precision in both folk and jazz genres.

• The Pentangle – Basket of Light (Transatlantic, 1969)

  “An incredible fusion of jazz and British folk—full of subtle musical interplay.”

• Joe Henderson – Page One (Blue Note Records, 1963)

  “His Blue Note debut is brilliant, especially with its Latin-infused rhythms. Later pressings with ‘VAN GELDER’ engravings are still top-notch.”

Final Thoughts

These carefully chosen albums not only reflect the high standards of some of the best minds in analogue audio—they also reveal the deep emotional bonds these designers have with music. Whether you’re a vinyl newbie or an experienced collector, these recommendations offer inspiration for your next spin on the turntable.

Looking to test a new setup or simply want to expand your collection with records that industry legends swear by? This list is your gateway.