Here is a large database helping in finding good recordings with low compression and high dynamic range. For those familiar with “the loudness war” this would be a nice place to visit!

It’s interesting to know that “loud” recordings are never good recordings. They might sound very good to the listener at the beginning. Listening to such a recording for a longer time reveals its defects. Quiet passages sound as loud as the loudest ones. That makes the recording sound “flat” once we adjust the volume down to more listenable level. The impact of the kick-drum is gone or the large orchestra has no fortissimo any longer.

A good and more technical explanation could be found in this video:

So be sure to check out this large database of recordings here – >>> LINK <<<