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Finding aid created by: MRC
Date: 17 Feb 2011
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| 13 Sep 2012 | removed dead link (MRC) |
Overview of the Collection |
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| Creator: | Reichle, Donald W. |
| Title: | Donald W. Reichle Audio Fidelity Collection |
| Dates: | circa 1955-1985, 2005 |
| Quantity: | 20 linear ft. |
| Abstract: | Collection of record albums (33-1/3) and various other formats from Audio Fidelity, a small recording company started in 1950 that offered very high technical specifications for early hi-fi and stereo audiophiles. There is also a detailed discography for the company. |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: |
Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Avenue Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center |
Audio Fidelity (1954-1984) was a small recording company based in New York City that offered very high technical specifications for early hi-fi and stereo audiophiles. The company was the first to cut a stereo LP for release (side 1 was The Dukes of Dixieland, side 2 was railroad sound effects), and Sidney Frey, its founder and president, was known as "Mr. Stereo" for his pioneering work in making stereophonic sound recordings widely available. Notable artists appearing on the Audio Fidelity label include Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt, Lalo Schifrin, Oscar Brand, Lionel Hampton, Larry Adler, Johnny Puleo, Patachou, Mohammed El-Bakkar, Leon Berry, Eddie Cantor, and many others
In 1985 the company changed its name to Milestone Records and in 1997 was purchased out of bankruptcy. The name "Audio Fidelity Records" is presently (2011) licensed to Morada Enterprises, which releases specialty CDs; the original Audio Fidelity catalog is currently (2011) being released under the Max Cat Records reissue label.
The Donald W. Reichle Audio Fidelity Collection consists of recordings on the Audio Fidelity label. The majority are 33-1/3 record albums, with a few other formats also represented.
The collection also contains a CD with an extensive and comprehensive Audio Fidelity discography, compiled by the donor. The discography is interactive and contains the following information:
- Album Titles - Album Titles listed in Alpha Order (large file)
- Album Jackets - More than 650 images of album jackets, crosslinked with album details
- Artists - Artists listed in Order (large file)
- Catalog Numbers - All AF Catalog numbers (no details) listed in Order
- Auction Bids - On-Line Auction bids listed by catalog number
- Matrix Data - Vinyl Record Matrix Data listed by catalog number
- AF Catalog Reproductions - Scanned pages from AF catalog inserts and sleeves
- Track titles - Nearly 6000 track titles with catalog numbers in order, cross-linked to album details.
The collection is unprocessed and remains in original order.
Access Restrictions:
The collection is currently unprocessed and not available for research. Please contact Special Collections Research Center for more information.
Use Restrictions:
Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
Persons
Reichle, Donald W.
Corporate Bodies
Audio Fidelity (Firm)
Subjects
Music -- History and criticism.
Sound -- Recording and reproduction.
Sound recording industry.
Sound recordings -- Collectors and collecting.
Genres and Forms
CD-ROMs.
Discographies.
Long-playing records.
Occupations
Collectors and collecting.
Sound recording.
Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Donald W. Reichle Audio Fidelity Collection,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
Acquisition Information
Gift of Donald W. Reichle, 2010.
An inventory has not yet been created for this collection. Please contact the Repository listed above for more information.