DUTILLEUX/LUTOSLAWSKI-CELLO CONCERTOS-ROSTROPOVITCH-EMI ASD 3145 DEBUSSY-TROIS IMAGES POUR ORCHESTRE-HAITINK-PHILIPS 9500 509 Later Nonesuch to be named later
The Scynthian Suite is under rated in Salvatore's guide. It is Divine because of the amount of bass wallop. The other two are Salvatore Demi-Gods and deservedly so. The Philips often can be had very reasonably and is a must for any collection for its sonic prowess.
I"ve got about ten or so later Nonesuch (many of which are not on TAS or Supreme Recordings) that are rather amazing. I'll need to pick the best at some point and add it. Review of this group forthcoming... eventually.
Some solid choices, Meles ... I can see the rationale behind SR 90006 as well as the Haitink Debussy on Philips. Let us know your Nonesuch choices when you get a chance.
Mercury SR 90313 - Paray conducts Ravel and Ibert. I love the original RFR-1 pressing, but Arthur Salvatore may be right that the Classic Records reissue may best it in terms of sound floor, dynamics, and low level detail. Apparently, this has been recently reissued by Decca on vinyl and there isn ORG 45rpm slated to come out this year.
I"ve got that too, but on my system Scythian clicks better with easily the best orchestral bass I've heard. The Paray is new for me, so I need to listen to it again.
Ravel concerto in G kertesz katchen with bartok on the other side ,linn recut. On Ravel it's my best record ,you are in the concert hall.Fantastic work by linn on a classic decca.
Love the Ravel Concerto in G and have been eyeing the London blueback for a while, but now it seems that the Linn recut might be the one to seek out. In fact, I see a copy of it right now on Ebay ...
Might be pricey as REC 5001 (have a copy) sold for $137 in 2009. The 'Linn' REC 01 edition may have that numbering in tiny lettering in the dead-wax..unless it was a 'recut'...
So I've got REC 01 on my label, for the Linn Recut. My Linn has the lettering scratched out with some new lettering beside it. I'll have to relisten to this and try on another system too as mine does have some breakup issues. I've got the London too (4L/5L U/I for the first metal mother) which I'll compare. REC 03 Beethoven Piano Concerto 1 has always had horrible breakup for me (try on another state of art system). I see the REC 5001 has a different cover even..
Handwritten about 1mm high then scratched-out (2 part) both sides then you've the REC 5001 transfers- the REC5001 is (just) readable on the Ravel side - with something like M1??KIK following directly after the removed matrix..of course, then becomes a fib that 'Linn Studios' mastered it..test your vision... SXL6411 for me, anyday...
I have SXL 6411 with ZAL 8925-2W & ZAL 8926-2W stampers. My note indicate performance is ok but there are issues with the SQ. I'll have to dig it out and have another listen.
Hmmm. I assume that Decca and London narrowband came out at the same time, but that might make an "ass" at of "u" and "me". Perhaps London narrowband was first as they transitioned. Does this mean Lithium cooled Neumann first on London? I just assume all, and I mean all, narrow band are remastered. True? (Oh, and I see that the 1W London is a bit troubling for some Anglophiles)
I listned to the Recut 03, but probably the bad side (the Bartok). On both mine and the Quadophile's system we were not impressed with that side, with a bit of glassiness and hardness to the sound. Its got real potential and I wonder if on a less vacuum tube system if it might really shine.
My Beethoven PC1 Recut with Choral Fantasia has been problematic, but it played very nicely at Quadophile's tonight. Just side 2 though which is pretty tame.Hands down it sounded better than the Bartok. Both of these LPs have a rather remarkable sound. When I think of all the Alto and SpeakerCorner I have, the sound is all the more remarkable and unique. Being a tube nutsy/nazi of sorts, I think I'll just soldier on with my pressing for now.. On the Bartok at the Quadophile, the original London pressing had a lot to offer and bested it. I'll play around with these more as they do seem to be sonically very unique in the pantheon of Decca reissues.
Philips 835198/200 AY - Grumiaux performing the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, 3 LP set -- a great example of beautiful reproduction of violin tone and performance venue acoustics
Do you have the original plum labels for these? My copy was the red/silver one reviewed on this blog, which blew me away, but the plum label Hi-Fi Stereos sell for a fortune.
VOX SVBX 5473 - Abbey Simon plays the complete solo piano music of Ravel
Finding an analog recording that musically reproduces the sound of a solo piano is like finding a needle in a haystack, but for me, this is one of those needles. Among the very best Ravel interpretations in very natural, beautifully recorded sound on very quiet surfaces. Not yet posted on this blog but deuce 10's for me.
The Vox box set looks interesting. I'm not sure if it was ever released in the UK. I have the Samson Francois HMV SLS 783/3 box set of the Piano Works of Ravel which contains similar repertoire. I think the records were available separately as CSD 3671, 2 & 3.
Fortunately, the VOX box set is not expensive. I got mine sealed for under $15. I'd love to hear the Francois recordings. Does that have the concertos as well? Or perhaps you have the Ravel concertos SAX?
Following on from above, I didn't mention that my copy of the Ravel concertos is on WRC ST 871 Has stampers YLX 1046-2 - 2 A & YLX 1074-3 - 3 O Condition is mint and SQ and performance ratings are 10/10
Pardon the disorder, but the blog is quite determined to disrupt spreadsheet data. The first bit of data (Proceeding the ST) is alternate pressing options to the WRC and the price of the original if no alternatives. Which do you know/recommend? AQL was passing on the Ravel 10/10. I've decided to bite the bullet and get some WRC. We just don't bump into them in quantity, and singles on ebay no matter how cheap often involve a ten pound ship charge. Ready to enter aggressive negotion with one of these dealers based on your advice (and Tin's, AQL's, etc.).
Items with an X are at another dealer who has similar inventory, almost exact prices, and exact descriptions to match with the dealer you mentioned. Fishy to say the least.
Better maybe? Product Name Price Alternate ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £15.00 SXLP30151 ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £20.00 X ST 548 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV/ BALAKIREV GOOSSENS PHILH £15.00 $175 ST 562 LALO/ TCHAIKOVSKY KOGAN KONDRASHIN PHILH £40.00 CFP 40040 ST 582 ROSSINI-RESPIGHI/ DUKAS La Boutique GALLIERA PHILH £8.00 $75 X ST 591 DONIZETTI/ BELLINI/ THOMAS Mad Scenes CALLAS RESCIGNO PHILH £8.00 $250 ST 597 BRAHMS MILSTEIN FISTOULARI PHILH £15.00 Angel X ST 627 SCHUBERT Symphony 9 "The Great" SZELL CLEVELAND SO £12.00 $500 ST 678 BRUCKNER Symphony 9 SCHURICHT VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £75.00 cfp194 X ST 699 BRAHMS Double FERRAS TORTELIER BARBIZET KLETZKI PHIL £10.00 cfp40081/semi ST 735 PROKOFIEV Piano 1, 3 LYMPANY SUSSKIND PHILH £10.00 CSD X ST 736 HUMPERDINCK/ MENDELSSOHN Hansel und Gretel suite KEMPE RPO £40.00 $400 ST 751 DVORAK Cello Concerto STARKER SUSSKIND PHILH £25.00 Hi-Q ST 763 KODALY / TCHAIKOVSKY /GOTOVAC Hary Janos Suite KEMPE VPO £15.00 $500 ST 871 RAVEL Piano Concertos Left Hand FRANCOIS CLUYTENS PARIS CO £20.00 CFP 40071 ST 895 GRAINGER Country Gardens Grainger FENNELL £10.00 Merc ST 932 BRAHMS Symphony 4 KEMPE RPO £15.00 $600 ST 966 DVORAK Symphony 8 SILVESTRI £15.00 CFP40075 ST1032 MOZART Symphonies 29, 38 KARAJAN BERLIN PO PHILH £10.00 $75 X STP 624 WALTON Symphony 2, Partita for Orchestra SZELL CLEVELAND £6.00 $70
Meles - those are all solid titles. I would personally go for the ST 543, 548, 562, 743, 871, 932. I have the blue/silver of ST 582 and it is awesome. ST 627 would be an interesting comparison with the SAX, which stinks. ST 736 is a hard to get ASD, so the WRC would be a worthy alternative. Have the blue/silver of ST 1032 (see our review) -- one half sounds good, the other not so good. STP 624 should be one that is easy to get as blue/silver.
I kind of shot this out hoping to catch Andy. ST543 Dvorak 7 I have on CD and SXLP30151 and I am not confident that it has the sonic goods. ST548 I suspect is early so likely same as G&C so not bad. ST562 is really a duh especially if original matrices. ST763(you had 743) is also good on paper. 871 is an Andy so definite (Andy started this!) Your review was not strong on Kempe Brahms 4, but price is not outrageous for ST932. I've got the fantastic Decca Midsummer (CS 6001) and so maybe ST736 risky. I have my doubts that ST1032 would have original stampers as it is late. Both that and STP could be had on Silver, but price is not bad here.
You don't mention,but ST 751 would be fine to line up againt the Hi-Q we both have. ST 699 seems pretty cheap for possible original. Ditto for ST 591. ST582 covers stuff I have good sounding LPs of, but its so cheap.
Wish somehow who new these like the back of their hand might comment (Tin! Andy!).
Not certain about 'contributing', much more; but suggest you avoid ST582 which has recut 'SW' matrices.. ST548 has its c.1965 SW matrices re-used on CfP (b/w) - boring performances - as with Galliera. ST763 is the one worth getting: recut matrices -5/-3 - very good sound.. ST735 (-7G/-9): both superior to originals. I recall ST574 (Milstein/Tchaik) as being good sound - 'SW' matrices.
Presumably the quoted prices are from some mickey-taking dealer..'howdy, suckers'? None are worth those amounts +p/p: 'charity shop' fodder.
Put this into context: few days back 5x early grooved SDD's: Exc/Mint- (Schubert 8//Munchinger - Mozart PC27/Backhaus - Beet 7/Ansermet - Mend Italian/Solti - Mozart Sym/Maag) sold for £3.20.....''1500 worth as 'identicl'SXL's? I couldn't be bothered - but would happily pay £2/ea 29years back at a 'cheapo' shop..
Good advice on the Goossens. I've eyed the ASD but have always wondered if Goossens was the right conductor for Russian. I'll pass now. I have to disagree with the Galliera Rossini/Respighi. The blue/silver SAX is a great album, and I find both Boutique Fantasque and Sorcerer's Apprentice to be exciting performances.
Agree on the prices ... that's a lot to pay for those reissues IMHO. Those should sell for under $15.
Given that these are dealers price they are perhaps higher than eBay but you should have more assurance over quality. The Kogan Lalo is top whack but if is it is a mint copy then compared to the original it's good value and you get a genuine EMI pressing. The Ravel is good - again condition is the key for SQ The Bruckner is pricey at £75 - Better to pay the £10 shipping on eBay when one comes up The Starker Dvorak is a nice recording and not cheap on SAX The Szell Schubert 9 looks to be good value My copy of the WRC Milstein Brahms sounds a better pressing than the UK Capitol SP8560 I have. The Matrix numbers on the WRC are SP1 8560-1G & SP@8560-1G whereas the Capitol has SP1 8560-D4 & SP2 8560-D6 I have the Callas Mad Scenes on Blue/Silver SAX and WRC. The SAX seems to have less clarity to the vocals than the WRC but this may be down to groove wear rather than pressing. Musically the jury is out.\ I have the Silvestri Dvorak 7 and it is a good recording. I have the Walton WRC and you won't be disappointed. The others I only have the originals of, or none at all. Also don't dismiss the original recordings by World Record Club. STP 30 Brahms Violin Concerto is a beautifully recorded early (1958) stereo recording made at Hammersmith Town Hall using Neumann mics and Ampex recording equipment by Anthony C. Griffith
Thx Tin! Had not connect CFP 126 with ASD 262 (ST548) ST763 done then. ST735 looks like fun and a good price versus CSD.
These may be charity shop fodder, but the outrageous prices have led to these dealers having some inventory. WRC just don't show up on ebay and most dealers don't have them. Its easier to get REGAL SREG then these and SREG is always high priced relatively speaking compared to SXLP due to rarity.
The Francois has got me ready to take it on the chin and get a handful of WRC since the shipping won't be onerous. Mickey taking dealers indeed, I could not agree more so if I've got a good group I will try to get a discount.
Milstein Tchaik Rec noted. I'll just have to see if US pressings go for dough and maybe try the Milstein above.
AQL just responded, so looking.... and Andy too! Thx everyone! ...
AQL great input and at just 8 pounds or less, Galliera is a go.
Andy awesome, awesome input.
Amazing everyone! I am going to figure out my final list now and I'll report back with the mickey drinking dealer results. Though in my opinion these records are rare with limited demand and knowledge. I don't think the prices are insane given that everyone else has no inventory. Just have to look at alternatives and with something like Dvorak 7, I may stay with my SXLP 30151(matrices ...2VH19- 6/2VH9099-2)
I have a couple of copies of the Milstein Tchaikovsky. Matrices on ST(F)574 are SW 8630-1G 3 M & SW 8631-1G 2 O and on the earlier ST574 are 8630-1G 1 G & SW 8631-1G 1 G on the other. SQ wise, both have a little vinyl roar bit there is no discernible distortion via headphones on either pressing so as these only cost £1 apiece they are good value against the £150 or so SP Capitols can go for.
Andy, keep throwing gasoline on the fire! The dealer has me drinking Mickeys out of his hand so a good size purchase at less outrageous (but still high) prices is assured. Two years ago I bought 200 LPs in one swoop, and the fire is building on this deal. I've got to negotiate the currency exchange waters yet. On the site switching from pounds to dollars looks like a 10-15% up charge per album!
The Mickeys have been downed, and finanial info given and here is the list except for a final inventory check in the next day: ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £15.00 £10.00 ST 562 LALO/ TCHAIKOVSKY KOGAN KONDRASHIN PHILH £40.00 £30.00 ST 582 ROSSINI-RESPIGHI/ DUKAS La Boutique GALLIERA PHILH £8.00 (£6.00) OK ST 591 DONIZETTI/ BELLINI/ THOMAS Mad Scenes CALLAS RESCIGNO PHILH £8.00 £7.00 ST 597 BRAHMS MILSTEIN FISTOULARI PHILH £15.00 (£10.00) £12 ST 627 SCHUBERT Symphony 9 "The Great" SZELL CLEVELAND SO £12.00 £10.00 ST 699 BRAHMS Double FERRAS TORTELIER BARBIZET KLETZKI PHIL £10.00 £10.00 ST 735 PROKOFIEV Piano 1, 3 LYMPANY SUSSKIND PHILH £10.00 (£8.00) OK ST 736 HUMPERDINCK/ MENDELSSOHN Hansel und Gretel suite KEMPE RPO £40.00 £25.00 ST 763 KODALY / TCHAIKOVSKY /GOTOVAC Hary Janos Suite KEMPE VPO £15.00 £10.00 ST 871 RAVEL Piano Concertos Left Hand FRANCOIS CLUYTENS PARIS CO £20.00 £20.00 ST 932 BRAHMS Symphony 4 KEMPE RPO £15.00 £10.00 ST 966 DVORAK Symphony 8 SILVESTRI £15.00 (£10.00) OK ST 548 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV/ BALAKIREV GOOSSENS PHILH £15.00 £10.00 STP 30 BRAHMS Violin Conc WOLF COLLINS LONDON SINFONIA £10 £6.00
EMI SXLP 30002 BALAKIREV Symphony 1 BEECHAM RPO £6.00 £6.00 EMI SXLP 30152 FALLA/ TURINA Nights in the garden of Spain, £6.00 (£4.00) OK
EMI SXLP 30054 MAHLER Symphony 4 KLETZKI PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA £12.00 £10.00 EMI SXLP 30055 FRANCK Symphony in D minor £6.00 £6.00
Hopefully the Mahler 4 does not show up as I thought I cut that! The list actually shows the price negotation. I am very intruiged by WRC. I expect that since they sold relatively low numbers, that the reuse of stampers was prevalent and many of these titles only had the original B/S or G&C label before the WRC. I've not heavily reviewed my SXLPs, semi's, etc. but never have overtly demonstrated the vintage label sound so I will be tickled pink if some of these are original stampers (I intend to popsike the original release for comparison). I'm braced for these not being vintage stampers because these are also relativly cheap reissues. For me buying these one at a time ads about 5 pounds to the cost, so the above prices minus that factor are just fine. I feel lucky that the dealer had been drinking a lot of Mickeys when pricing so I could get such a nice batch. Andy I got STP 30!
typical shipping from UK is at least 7 pounds to the US and many ebay dealers want 10-12. For this order the marginal cost for shipping of additional LPs was 2 pounds each after initial 6 pounds. So compared to buying these as singles on ebay that is 5 to 10 pounds save in shipping.
The Brahms Milstein on Capital sometimes sells as high as $200 so the WRC should be quite interesting. Three of the Concert Classic SXLP are essentially vintage recordings that EMI did not release as ASD Gold and Cream or SAX Blue and Silver. I am hoping the Giulini Franck will make me forget my RCA Shaded Dog with Monteux (LSC -2514) which I had to go through 4 pressings of one to find one that passes the sonic minimum standard.
I respect everyone's suggestion on the titles but ultimately I caved to greed when something that sells for $500 can be had in a sonically interesting pressing on the cheap. Fingers crossed that these foolish purchases have some redeeming qualities.
Dell'Arte DA 9006 - Stokowski Conducts Tchaikovsky
Dell'Arte issued a 45 rpm remaster of the acclaimed Stokowski Everest recording of Francesca Da Rimini and Hamlet with the Stadium Symphony Orchestra of New York. Released in 1982 and remastered by Bryan Crimp this recording was engineered by Bert Whyte and cut and pressed by Nimbus Records.
This takes an already superb recording into another league.
Have that too. Obviously need to replace the needle on my trusty Dansette to fully appreciate these audiophile must-haves... For Tchaikovsky: ASV DCA 586 (LSO/Butt) - "The Tempest" - staggering bass power/precision on this 1987 DMM c/w Liszt Berg-Sinfonie..another PRT pressed DMM: Lloyd. Sym.7 BBC PO Conifer CFC143 (1986) - both Digital of course.
Steve Hoffman reissued the Everest on his DCC label LPZ 1001, all tube mastering. I did not know Dell'Arte was Nimbus. Nimbus Lyrita is very interesting, but not seen Nimbus much outside of that.
Not many of the original Everest with the dowel on board here. I've got a number of Classic Records reissues and LPZ003 from Salvatore's list.
Welcome to the discussion, Mark! I owned a few of the dowel Everests a few years back, including a Copland Symphony No. 3, but I don't think I had any of the better sounding ones. The Classic Records reissues of Everests are pretty impressive. I've got the Jorda Falla Three-Cornered Hat and Sargent Respighi Pines/Fountains (picked up on Ebay sealed for $19 apiece). The Jorda is quite excellent, though for performance, I think I still prefer either the Ansermet or de Burgos on EMI ASD.
Not that many....but likely more than 10K...not including 'other media' - now horribly disorganised....sheer deadweight... Have just located the Stokowski Dell'Arte - £1.50 some 30years ago..recall as sounding 'processed' - but will spin it.. Nimbus mastered for small UK companies/short-runs - ...heard of 'Cornucopia'?
Better than I thought, but doubt it equalled a Belock 35mm direct transfer; as surely this has been dubbed/re/mastered to ordinary tape? Funnily, there's really not too much difference compared to Concert Hall SMS2832 (R.Strauss:Pye matrices c.1975) & SMS2830 (Shost.5: Turicaphon matrices/pressing) - also with a bit less range + similar smooth/'filtered' compared to a blue/silver Belock 'T5' mono Shost 5.
Astounding intel..... Must admit not Cornucopia expert, but are you saying Ozzie is on Nimbus (Black Sabbath.)?
On Everest please go to acoustic sounds and elsewhere to snag the Classic reissues. Very nice accross the board. They often have sales at 10% off so wait for a US holiday weekend: http://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=Any&labelid=624&OrderBy=2
I'd second that recommendation. There was also an Ebay seller in California who was selling a whole bunch of Classic Records reissues, sealed, for decent prices. He had limited supply but some may still be available. I landed those Everest titles for $16-19 apiece.
Another surprise from a performance, quality of recording and pressing point of view has be the Qualiton LPX 11438-40 box set of Mozart's six string quintets K174, K515, K516, K406/516b, K593 & K614. Played by The Completed Tatrai Quartet, these performances by this Hungarian chamber group are beautiful.
That looks really interesting. Only recording of those string quintets I have is with the Juilliard Quartet (remastered Sony CD box set) from the 1970s, which has delightful performances but I've never heard it on vinyl. I honestly would not expect much of the SQ from the originals. This Qualiton might be the one to get for these works.
What has been a revelation to me is how good Qualiton / Hungaroton recordings and pressings are. I have a few of the Annie Fisher Beethoven Sonatas and the recordings seem better than any others I have including Decca, EMI, DG etc.
I have generally passed those Qualiton/Hungaroton recordings/pressings, but for no other reason than lack of familiarity. It seems that an evaluation is in order. I once got the complete Philips box set of Brendel doing the Beethoven Sonatas for $11. I'd be very interested to hear Annie Fischer. I have the EMI Artist Profile 2 CD issue of hers that includes her Beethoven sonatas for EMI. Only vinyl I have is her Liszt concerto SAX recording, semi-circle pressing.
I also used to pass on them until one day I found Hungaroton SLPX 11898 - Annie Fischer playing Mozart piano Concertos K466 &K382 and discovered they were a cut above other eastern European labels.
I have a few recordings of Annie Fischer Mozart Piano concertos on vinyl, Sax 2335 K466 & K488, the SXLP 30148 reissue of the same recordings, SXLP 30124 K467 & K482 (previously issued in mono only on CX 1630) and SAX 5287 K491 & K595 a magical recording of these works.
The Annie Fischer Mozart PC SAX (the first one) is quite expensive and hard to get on Ebay. I've never had a copy but have wondered about it. I think Meles really likes the SXLP reissue. That one might be easier to land.
I luv Annie Fischer and have the two SXLPs with a strong like for SXL 30124. So, you really like SAX5287 and the sound. That one is a little pricey, but I may go for it. Is SAX5290 with Barrenboim any good?
I have an aversion to the second sax label so $200 for SAX5287 seems high.
Here is my list as of this evening, based on the special stacks around my listening room. I reserve the right to revise this list at any time!
ENTIRELY PREDICTABLE:
Witches' Brew: Various / Gibson / LSO LSC 2225 Classic 180g reissue * Original RCA shaded dog is very special, but I ultimately sold it.
Ravel, Ibert: Various / Paray / Detroit SR 90313 Classic 180g reissue * Golden Imports SRI 75033 includes some of this record and is excellent and cheap.
Ravel: Various: Skrowaczewski / Minnesota APC 007 Analogue Productions reissue of Vox original * Mine is a test pressing.
Prokofiev: Love for Three Oranges, Sythian Suite / Dorati / LSO SR 90006 Classic 180g reissue * Original Mercury is excellent but I sold it :).
Respighi: Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome / Reiner / CSO LSC-2436 Analogue Productions reissue * Sold my 1S/1S original, which was fine but lacked nuance. Mine is a test pressing.
Respighi: Pines of Rome / Maazel / Cleveland MFSL 1-507 * Betters the original. Not sure how many versions of this piece I need, but I'm a sucker for it.
Mussorgsky: Pictures / Stravinsky: Firebird / Muti / Philadelphia MFSL 1-520 * Excellent. Betters the original and 45 RPM Angel.
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique / Kojian / Utah Symphony Reference Recordings RR-11 (45 RPM) * Heard most of the competitors. This one still reigns.
ORIGINAL GOLDEN AGE:
Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, Hanlet / Stokowski / Stadium Orch of NY Everest SDBR-3011 (purple and gold label) * Very alive, tube-y, airy sound.
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 "New World" / Horenstein / RPO Reader's Digest box: World's Most Unforgettable Music 3s/3s I pressing by RCA * TONE!!!
RANDOM REISSUES:
Holst: The Planets (complete) / Previn / LSO EMI Pro-Use Series ALF-99002 * 2LP Japanese pressing. Sound is HUGE.
Bloch: Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 / Hanson / Eastman-Rochester Golden Imports SRI 75017 * Bests the original and has a dynamic, coherent sound.
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 "Unfinished", No. 5 / Reiner / CSO RCA Victrola MCV-554 * Italian pressing, white label promo. INSANE tone. Embarrasses my 1S original.
SURPRISING PHILIPS:
Mozart-Hoffmeister: Duos for Violin and Viola / Grumiaux, Pelliccia Philips 839 747 LY * Lots of excellent chamber music on LP, but I keep coming back to this one.
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5, 7 / Davis / BSO Philips 6500 959 * Mine is a promo. String tone is exceptional. I am biased since I love this music.
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Wagner: Siegfried-Idyll / Haitink / Concertgebouw Philips 6769 028 * Just got this one, so time will tell. Recorded around the same time as the Debussy Images (which is also excellent).
Double wow Mr. Wieman. Your name rings a bell, but maybe I've just seen you somewhere on the blogosphere. LSC-2225 Witches Brew - no suprise you kept the classic, but I've never heard the original (think AQL just snagged another one being a wheeler dealer). I've got a 180g too, but I know Classic blew out the solid state Grundmann pressings (of everything, but not Brew) when he first went to his tube setup, and then I know of 200g pressings which seem problematic somehow. Have you had a chance to cork sniff various Classic Records pressings. This is a serious issue as the value of some of the Classic reissues is quite high and it appears that Analog productions will not be doing the Decca/RCA stuff.
On APC007 (don't have) and test pressings, do you prefer test pressings? And more specifically Classic Records test pressings, which may be a tad shadey in that they marketed them and made more than is normal, etc.
I've got several copies of the Pines, Maazel, but the UHQR. Prefer over Classic Reiner. (While on mofi Muit pictures is a dah, I am looking forward to hearing on my friend the Bassophile's system as I don't have it and given price waiting)
SLS5117 about to come out for another play.
Bassophile loves the Koijan Fanatastique, but somehow the chesky keeps me going, and I'd like a 180g of it.
The rest of your list is very, very interesting, the Philips, the MCV Victorola, the Block, and I'll check out my Reader's Digest. And maybe Tin Ear as a 24/96 upload of the UK Decca pressed version. The Japanes EMI pro use series sounds very interesting.
How have the Analog Productions reissues been on your ear? A few of them are in circulation around here, but they seem to be a different from the originals and Classic reissues since they don't do the broad band EQ. I suppose they are like Chesky. Have you shot out a few titles? Obviously you like the Pines.
The Toshiba pressed ALF series are very high quality pressings. I have most of the series. A particular favourite for demonstrating a vinyl based system to friends is ALF 99004. Previn's Swan Lake Highlights. The delicacy and dynamics contained on this one disc are outstanding.
Mark, I like how you broke down your references into categories.
On the "obvious" list:
I have not heard the Classic pressings of Witches' Brew but have the original (1S/3S). I briefly sampled it the other day at low listening volume but need a more dedicated listen to evaluate it. My initial thoughts were very positive but I didn't exactly find it to be audio nirvana (or is that the sound of a one-handed clap?). Previously sold a VG copy and regretted it and recently found a better copy. I'm still unclear about the 180g vs 200g difference. There is also this "clear" vinyl that Classic Records never formally released but is out there on the market now.
Totally agree with the Paray Ravel/Ibert, as I stated above. One of my favorite -- if not my favorite -- Mercury. I've got both RFR1/RFR1 and the 180g Classic. I love both but think that the Classic might just have the upper hand here, in terms of sound floor and powerful dynamics. I'll never give up these records.
The Skrowaczewski Ravel I was on the verge of reviewing for the blog. I've got the original VOX box set in NM condition. I have never heard the AP reissue, which is the one that makes the audiophile lists, but I can say that the originals are pretty damn good. I like to compare to the EMI Testament box set from Cluytens (the reissue of the impossibly expensive SAX recordings) and the DG Seiji Ozawa/BSO box set. The Skrowaczewski has the most natural sound, in my humble opinion. I wonder how much the AP reissue has improved upon this.
Same situation as you for the Prokofiev SR 90006. Sold my original and now have the Classic. It's not music that I listen to all that frequently but is a great demonstration record.
How was that 1S/1S Reiner Pines??? Never heard that but have heard the legends. I assume your stylus did not jump out of the groove. Sounds like the AP reissue is a worthy competitor here?
Among the others:
Have the original Previn/LSO Planets on EMI ... it's very good but I am guessing your Japanese reissue beats it hands down. The Davis Sibelius cycle is a reference one, though I don't recall being blown away by the sound of my 5/7 red/silver label Dutch pressing. I may need to test that one out again on my updated system.
I haven't compared the various Classic reissue flavors, but would be interested to hear if others have. My experience with test pressings isn't comprehensive either. All the extra Classic test pressings floating around out there do make me a little suspicious.
What I've heard of the recent Analogue Productions reissues (Pines LSC-2436, Concerto for Orch LSC-1934, Scheherazade LSC-2446) has been impressive in all the ways they should be. They do lack that last bit of air and tube-y goodness, though. Haven't done direct comparisons with the Classic versions since I didn't double up on the titles. Also, there are only so many times I can hear the warhorses, so I tend to play things more new to my ear :).
I did have a nice copy of the original Vox Skrowaczewski Ravel box. It was fine but the Analogue Productions reissue trounced it in every way (granted, my copy of the AP is a test pressing).
P.S. I have a website called shadeddog.com, which is perhaps why my name sounded familiar?
Mark - your web site is really nice. I've been to it several times in the past, and you definitely have the highest quality Living Stereo cover photos on the web. I'm pretty sure I might've even asked you on the site how you got such professional looking shots. I try my best to use a digital SLR with extra flash to take our cover shots, but they don't always turn out quite like I'd like them to be. Thanks so much for checking out our blog!
I will suggest two wonderful chamber recordings -- great performances, and well recorded. London CS-6385. The Janacek Quartet playing three Haydn Quartets (including "Joke," "Serenade," and "Fifths"). Musical jokes, by the way, are never funny. This is one of my favorite chamber records. I have the FFRR recording. Philips 9500740 is a Schumann Oboe record (Heinz Holliger and Alfred Brendel beautifully playing these gorgeous works, including Schumann's romances.
Well the Decca of London CS 6385 goes for $180 or so for 1W/1W. Just got the London for $8 1W/1W. The London came out 4 months earlier then the Decca so there is a good chance it will kill it. Thx Eric!
There's a Decca of CS 6385 up now on eBay. Starting at $50, with no information on stampers. Kinda pricey. It's intriguing to think about setting up a comparison (at least for me -- as it's a treasured disc). Do you think it's worth $50, at least? Not so sure.
No. The London came out 4 months earlier and has the same 1W/1W stampers. They will sound very close. I would think that the early Londons (would have FFSS liner) have better mother/stampers (Buckingham code etc.). You can download a pdf that shows all the issue dates and check for any recording: http://www.charm.rhul.ac.uk/discography/decca.html
My theory is that it is very hard to beat a favorite record in one's collection because you probably already have a "hot stamper" meaning a great sounding record. I've tried and failed many times.
London prices are if anything down from their highs these last years and Decca keeps going up. My guess is two out of three times the Decca will be a better stamper, but with an LP like this I expect the London to likely be better.
Lucky me. My London came with FFSS liner (early) and sure enough 1W/1W, mother 1, stamper 2 (U/J from BUCKINGHAM). The ED2 FFSS SXL label fools keep buying the inferior Decca for near $200 (anyone got this? Show us your stampers!). Glad I have this LP. Thanks Ejeden!
Surely this is a ten for performance, but it is not a ten for sound. Could be speaker differences where this one just does not quite lock in for me. For some reason the Andate cantabile of the Serenade quartet really hit my buttons (sonically too.) Being a Star Trek fan I love the Lark which is played in Insurrection by some crew members. Maestro Salvatore has some Haydn Quartet with honorable mention for "EMPEROR"/"SUNRISE"-QUARTETTO ITALIANO-PHILIPS 9500 157 and two Hyperions on the Basic List: HAYDN-STRING QUARTETS-OPUS 71/4-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66065/A66098/A66124 MOZART-STRING QUARTETS-"HAYDN"-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66170/A66188/A66234
Okay, I am going to venture to propose my hit list (also subject to future modification). Some of these will overlap with previous responses from others, but that just reinforces their quality:
I realize these are mostly "heavy hitters" .... I'd say that they're the albums I own (and seriously, I don't own anywhere near as many as Meles, Tin Ear, or AndyW) that are among the most sonically impressive COMBINED with outstanding performances. I know that there are others that will come to mind that are less "popular".
So on the Firebird, what of the Golden Imports? Is that equivalent to Philips SGL 5827? Salvatore is not so keen on the Mercury Charbrier (Classic reissue was discussed) Does the Philips Debussy Box have the record I recommended? Similar sound on all three records? Pretty sure I've got a copy of London CS6503 (5 months behind Decca). Putting that on the listening pile.
Yes, the Philips Debussy box has the record that you recommended, plus more. I find all of them to be of very comparable quality, but I'm due for another listen soon. I also have the Martinon 5 LP EMI SLS set (my mistake earlier, the Philips is not the complete Debussy, rather the Martinon on EMI SLS is), which I haven't heard in a while and should roll out for comparison.
The Debussey box is a dutch pressing and my recommended single LP at the start of the comments here is a UK pressing (dtuch mastering I think accoriding to Tin still.) Sonically they are very close and the box may be better for this LP (remastered perhaps, but I know nothing about Philips matrices). It noses out the other two records in the set slightly with its blackest background. The other two records in the set are very close sonically (to my amazement), so I highly recomment this set. it is a great, extremely cheap way, to get a big dose of Debussey orchestral music. Overall, a weak 10 for sound on this set. This should be everyone's collection given its bargain pricing and availability.
I suspect you are right and these are likely reissues. All the albums were released as singles: 9500 509, 9500 674, and 9500 359. I'm not sure it makes a huge difference, though, because all of them were the same sort of thin Philips vinyl. I also have the Martinon EMI 5 LP box set, also considered a reference set, but I haven't done any head to head comparisons. I think the Philips sound is superior.
Don't know why MFSL 1-517 isn't preferred to SXL6263.....4G/1G (1-U/K) Golden Imports is much smoother/processed sounding than SGL5827 - side 1 is probably never played! CS-6385 FFRR 4W/6G ..1975 SDD285 ditto....1982 Dutch ditto - except the matrix+4W is hand inscribed FYI the Janacek's Dvorak SDD250 is sought by Orientals..it's still using 2E/2E in 1970 (1-G).
Makes the SXL sound rather cheap/transistory/raggedy string sound...deeper bass/more rounded tone -cut at a dB or so less. (have 2 - so must it be commonplace)
No more than a few pence (auction lots)- you can't believe I'd paid rrp?! Only other MFSL was Moeran's Symphony..the ESD reissue possibly better despite 'fill-ups'[..
Love your bargain shopping. It is certainly more cost effective than mine, but supply for that around here is so limited, and everyone has access to popsike these days and just sells on Ebay. Holy smokes ... that Moeran MFSL fetches pretty high prices, too! I like the Moeran Symphony and have the Lyrita SRCS 70. I'm sure you probably have this, too. I might be a bloke from the States, but I have a genuine appreciation for British music!
ASD 3542 is a fabulous recording of the music of Ketelbey. This is beginning to become recognised and I one worth picking up while cost is still reasonable, if the repertoire is to your taste.
Mercury SR90006 Prokofiev Synthian Suite/Love for Three Oranges (Classic Reissue, possibly new ORG 45)
ReplyDeleteDUTILLEUX/LUTOSLAWSKI-CELLO CONCERTOS-ROSTROPOVITCH-EMI ASD 3145
ReplyDeleteDEBUSSY-TROIS IMAGES POUR ORCHESTRE-HAITINK-PHILIPS 9500 509
Later Nonesuch to be named later
The Scynthian Suite is under rated in Salvatore's guide. It is Divine because of the amount of bass wallop. The other two are Salvatore Demi-Gods and deservedly so. The Philips often can be had very reasonably and is a must for any collection for its sonic prowess.
I"ve got about ten or so later Nonesuch (many of which are not on TAS or Supreme Recordings) that are rather amazing. I'll need to pick the best at some point and add it. Review of this group forthcoming... eventually.
Some solid choices, Meles ... I can see the rationale behind SR 90006 as well as the Haitink Debussy on Philips. Let us know your Nonesuch choices when you get a chance.
DeleteMercury SR 90313 - Paray conducts Ravel and Ibert. I love the original RFR-1 pressing, but Arthur Salvatore may be right that the Classic Records reissue may best it in terms of sound floor, dynamics, and low level detail. Apparently, this has been recently reissued by Decca on vinyl and there isn ORG 45rpm slated to come out this year.
ReplyDeleteI"ve got that too, but on my system Scythian clicks better with easily the best orchestral bass I've heard. The Paray is new for me, so I need to listen to it again.
DeleteRavel concerto in G kertesz katchen with bartok on the other side ,linn recut. On Ravel it's my best record ,you are in the concert hall.Fantastic work by linn on a classic decca.
ReplyDeleteLove the Ravel Concerto in G and have been eyeing the London blueback for a while, but now it seems that the Linn recut might be the one to seek out. In fact, I see a copy of it right now on Ebay ...
DeleteMight be pricey as REC 5001 (have a copy) sold for $137 in 2009. The 'Linn' REC 01 edition may have that numbering in tiny lettering in the dead-wax..unless it was a 'recut'...
DeleteSo I've got REC 01 on my label, for the Linn Recut. My Linn has the lettering scratched out with some new lettering beside it. I'll have to relisten to this and try on another system too as mine does have some breakup issues. I've got the London too (4L/5L U/I for the first metal mother) which I'll compare. REC 03 Beethoven Piano Concerto 1 has always had horrible breakup for me (try on another state of art system). I see the REC 5001 has a different cover even..
DeleteWould be great to hear your thoughts about this LP, Meles.
DeleteHandwritten about 1mm high then scratched-out (2 part) both sides then you've the REC 5001 transfers- the REC5001 is (just) readable on the Ravel side - with something like M1??KIK following directly after the removed matrix..of course, then becomes a fib that 'Linn Studios' mastered it..test your vision...
DeleteSXL6411 for me, anyday...
Wait, isn't SXL 6411 the Ravel left hand concerto as opposed to the Concerto in G? Different record you are recommending, right?
DeleteSort of - that recorded in a single take - really lovely performances.
DeleteI have SXL 6411 with ZAL 8925-2W & ZAL 8926-2W stampers. My note indicate performance is ok but there are issues with the SQ. I'll have to dig it out and have another listen.
DeletePulling my London of this out too... CS6633 here is the narrow band label at 2W/1W with U stampers! Take that Deccaphiles! In the growing listen pile.
Delete2W/2W - 1970 large label 1-C/1-C - had problems getting a decent copy from Decca in '72 - eventually sent me a large label pressing
DeleteBoth my wide band and narrow band versions of this recording have 2W/2W stampers
DeleteHmmm. I assume that Decca and London narrowband came out at the same time, but that might make an "ass" at of "u" and "me". Perhaps London narrowband was first as they transitioned. Does this mean Lithium cooled Neumann first on London? I just assume all, and I mean all, narrow band are remastered. True? (Oh, and I see that the 1W London is a bit troubling for some Anglophiles)
DeleteI listned to the Recut 03, but probably the bad side (the Bartok). On both mine and the Quadophile's system we were not impressed with that side, with a bit of glassiness and hardness to the sound. Its got real potential and I wonder if on a less vacuum tube system if it might really shine.
My Beethoven PC1 Recut with Choral Fantasia has been problematic, but it played very nicely at Quadophile's tonight. Just side 2 though which is pretty tame.Hands down it sounded better than the Bartok. Both of these LPs have a rather remarkable sound. When I think of all the Alto and SpeakerCorner I have, the sound is all the more remarkable and unique. Being a tube nutsy/nazi of sorts, I think I'll just soldier on with my pressing for now.. On the Bartok at the Quadophile, the original London pressing had a lot to offer and bested it. I'll play around with these more as they do seem to be sonically very unique in the pantheon of Decca reissues.
CS 6633 (SXL 6411) is exceptional. Very surpising in my narrowband. A great recording.
DeleteA couple of Mozart PCM recordings that contain superb performances and very very well recorded
ReplyDeleteClarinet Quintets in A, fragment in Bb, fragment in F AMON RA SAR 17
Piano Sonata No 7 KV309 & No9 KV311 Maria JoAO Pires DENON OX-7053-ND
Aarrgh, saw the Amon Ra on ebay sold for a reasonable price.
DeletePires is going for $50 on the bay which is insane, one entry on popsike for $26.
The complete set of Pires sonatas on Denon or Erato seem to be selling for crazy money nowadays.
DeleteThe Amon Ra however is something of a bargain.
I believe those Denon recordings have been reissued on CD, though I would imagine the sound does not come close to approaching the vinyl.
DeletePhilips 835198/200 AY - Grumiaux performing the Bach Sonatas and Partitas, 3 LP set -- a great example of beautiful reproduction of violin tone and performance venue acoustics
ReplyDeleteI have these on SAL 3472, SAL 3473 & SAL 3474. The ambiance captured in the recording of this solo violin works is astounding.
DeleteDo you have the original plum labels for these? My copy was the red/silver one reviewed on this blog, which blew me away, but the plum label Hi-Fi Stereos sell for a fortune.
DeleteWallet ouch time for either.
DeleteI have both. A friend of mine has them in plum mono which I think possibly betters the stereo
DeleteI'm going to throw it out there:
ReplyDeleteVOX SVBX 5473 - Abbey Simon plays the complete solo piano music of Ravel
Finding an analog recording that musically reproduces the sound of a solo piano is like finding a needle in a haystack, but for me, this is one of those needles. Among the very best Ravel interpretations in very natural, beautifully recorded sound on very quiet surfaces. Not yet posted on this blog but deuce 10's for me.
The Vox box set looks interesting. I'm not sure if it was ever released in the UK.
DeleteI have the Samson Francois HMV SLS 783/3 box set of the Piano Works of Ravel which contains similar repertoire. I think the records were available separately as CSD 3671, 2 & 3.
Fortunately, the VOX box set is not expensive. I got mine sealed for under $15. I'd love to hear the Francois recordings. Does that have the concertos as well? Or perhaps you have the Ravel concertos SAX?
DeleteThe box set has no concertos. It wasn't released on UK SAX but might have been in France. I have the Francois Ravel concertos but not on SAX.
DeleteFollowing on from above, I didn't mention that my copy of the Ravel concertos is on WRC ST 871
DeleteHas stampers YLX 1046-2 - 2 A & YLX 1074-3 - 3 O
Condition is mint and SQ and performance ratings are 10/10
Looks like that's the one to get then ... affordable and outstanding. I've just added it to my wish list!
DeleteNo longer cheap as chips but classicrecords has a copy for £20 which when measured against the price SAX versions are changing hands for is a bargain.
DeleteI have WRC fever today. Please check back for consultation session soon....
DeleteAlternate Product Name Price
DeleteSXLP30151 ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £15.00
X ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £20.00
$175 ST 548 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV/ BALAKIREV GOOSSENS PHILH £15.00
CFP 40040 ST 562 LALO/ TCHAIKOVSKY KOGAN KONDRASHIN PHILH £40.00
$75 X ST 582 ROSSINI-RESPIGHI/ DUKAS La Boutique GALLIERA PHILH £8.00
$250 ST 591 DONIZETTI/ BELLINI/ THOMAS Mad Scenes CALLAS RESCIGNO PHILH £8.00
Angel X ST 597 BRAHMS MILSTEIN FISTOULARI PHILH £15.00
$500 ST 627 SCHUBERT Symphony 9 "The Great" SZELL CLEVELAND SO £12.00
cfp194 ST 678 BRUCKNER Symphony 9 SCHURICHT VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £75.00
cfp40081semiXST 699 BRAHMS Double FERRAS TORTELIER BARBIZET KLETZKI PHIL £10.00
CSD X ST 735 PROKOFIEV Piano 1, 3 LYMPANY SUSSKIND PHILH £10.00
$400 ST 736 HUMPERDINCK/ MENDELSSOHN Hansel und Gretel suite KEMPE RPO £40.00
Hi-Q ST 751 DVORAK Cello Concerto STARKER SUSSKIND PHILH £25.00
$500 ST 763 KODALY / TCHAIKOVSKY /GOTOVAC Hary Janos Suite KEMPE VPO £15.00
CFP 40071 ST 871 RAVEL Piano Concertos Left Hand FRANCOIS CLUYTENS PARIS CO £20.00
Merc ST 895 GRAINGER Country Gardens Grainger FENNELL £10.00
$600 ST 932 BRAHMS Symphony 4 KEMPE RPO £15.00
CFP40075 ST 966 DVORAK Symphony 8 SILVESTRI £15.00
$75 X ST1032 MOZART Symphonies 29, 38 KARAJAN BERLIN PO PHILH £10.00
$70 STP 624 WALTON Symphony 2, Partita for Orchestra SZELL CLEVELAND £6.00
Pardon the disorder, but the blog is quite determined to disrupt spreadsheet data.
DeleteThe first bit of data (Proceeding the ST) is alternate pressing options to the WRC and the price of the original if no alternatives.
Which do you know/recommend? AQL was passing on the Ravel 10/10.
I've decided to bite the bullet and get some WRC. We just don't bump into them in quantity, and singles on ebay no matter how cheap often involve a ten pound ship charge.
Ready to enter aggressive negotion with one of these dealers based on your advice (and Tin's, AQL's, etc.).
Items with an X are at another dealer who has similar inventory, almost exact prices, and exact descriptions to match with the dealer you mentioned. Fishy to say the least.
Better maybe?
DeleteProduct Name Price Alternate
ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £15.00 SXLP30151
ST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £20.00 X
ST 548 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV/ BALAKIREV GOOSSENS PHILH £15.00 $175
ST 562 LALO/ TCHAIKOVSKY KOGAN KONDRASHIN PHILH £40.00 CFP 40040
ST 582 ROSSINI-RESPIGHI/ DUKAS La Boutique GALLIERA PHILH £8.00 $75 X
ST 591 DONIZETTI/ BELLINI/ THOMAS Mad Scenes CALLAS RESCIGNO PHILH £8.00 $250
ST 597 BRAHMS MILSTEIN FISTOULARI PHILH £15.00 Angel X
ST 627 SCHUBERT Symphony 9 "The Great" SZELL CLEVELAND SO £12.00 $500
ST 678 BRUCKNER Symphony 9 SCHURICHT VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £75.00 cfp194
X ST 699 BRAHMS Double FERRAS TORTELIER BARBIZET KLETZKI PHIL £10.00 cfp40081/semi
ST 735 PROKOFIEV Piano 1, 3 LYMPANY SUSSKIND PHILH £10.00 CSD X
ST 736 HUMPERDINCK/ MENDELSSOHN Hansel und Gretel suite KEMPE RPO £40.00 $400
ST 751 DVORAK Cello Concerto STARKER SUSSKIND PHILH £25.00 Hi-Q
ST 763 KODALY / TCHAIKOVSKY /GOTOVAC Hary Janos Suite KEMPE VPO £15.00 $500
ST 871 RAVEL Piano Concertos Left Hand FRANCOIS CLUYTENS PARIS CO £20.00 CFP 40071
ST 895 GRAINGER Country Gardens Grainger FENNELL £10.00 Merc
ST 932 BRAHMS Symphony 4 KEMPE RPO £15.00 $600
ST 966 DVORAK Symphony 8 SILVESTRI £15.00 CFP40075
ST1032 MOZART Symphonies 29, 38 KARAJAN BERLIN PO PHILH £10.00 $75 X
STP 624 WALTON Symphony 2, Partita for Orchestra SZELL CLEVELAND £6.00 $70
Meles - those are all solid titles. I would personally go for the ST 543, 548, 562, 743, 871, 932. I have the blue/silver of ST 582 and it is awesome. ST 627 would be an interesting comparison with the SAX, which stinks. ST 736 is a hard to get ASD, so the WRC would be a worthy alternative. Have the blue/silver of ST 1032 (see our review) -- one half sounds good, the other not so good. STP 624 should be one that is easy to get as blue/silver.
DeleteI kind of shot this out hoping to catch Andy. ST543 Dvorak 7 I have on CD and SXLP30151 and I am not confident that it has the sonic goods. ST548 I suspect is early so likely same as G&C so not bad. ST562 is really a duh especially if original matrices. ST763(you had 743) is also good on paper. 871 is an Andy so definite (Andy started this!) Your review was not strong on Kempe Brahms 4, but price is not outrageous for ST932. I've got the fantastic Decca Midsummer (CS 6001) and so maybe ST736 risky. I have my doubts that ST1032 would have original stampers as it is late. Both that and STP could be had on Silver, but price is not bad here.
DeleteYou don't mention,but ST 751 would be fine to line up againt the Hi-Q we both have. ST 699 seems pretty cheap for possible original. Ditto for ST 591. ST582 covers stuff I have good sounding LPs of, but its so cheap.
Wish somehow who new these like the back of their hand might comment (Tin! Andy!).
Not certain about 'contributing', much more; but suggest you avoid ST582 which has recut 'SW' matrices..
DeleteST548 has its c.1965 SW matrices re-used on CfP (b/w) - boring performances - as with Galliera.
ST763 is the one worth getting: recut matrices -5/-3 - very good sound.. ST735 (-7G/-9): both superior to originals. I recall ST574 (Milstein/Tchaik) as being good sound - 'SW' matrices.
Presumably the quoted prices are from some mickey-taking dealer..'howdy, suckers'? None are worth those amounts +p/p: 'charity shop' fodder.
Put this into context: few days back 5x early grooved SDD's: Exc/Mint- (Schubert 8//Munchinger - Mozart PC27/Backhaus - Beet 7/Ansermet - Mend Italian/Solti - Mozart Sym/Maag) sold for £3.20.....''1500 worth as 'identicl'SXL's? I couldn't be bothered - but would happily pay £2/ea 29years back at a 'cheapo' shop..
Good advice on the Goossens. I've eyed the ASD but have always wondered if Goossens was the right conductor for Russian. I'll pass now. I have to disagree with the Galliera Rossini/Respighi. The blue/silver SAX is a great album, and I find both Boutique Fantasque and Sorcerer's Apprentice to be exciting performances.
DeleteAgree on the prices ... that's a lot to pay for those reissues IMHO. Those should sell for under $15.
Given that these are dealers price they are perhaps higher than eBay but you should have more assurance over quality.
DeleteThe Kogan Lalo is top whack but if is it is a mint copy then compared to the original it's good value and you get a genuine EMI pressing.
The Ravel is good - again condition is the key for SQ
The Bruckner is pricey at £75 - Better to pay the £10 shipping on eBay when one comes up
The Starker Dvorak is a nice recording and not cheap on SAX
The Szell Schubert 9 looks to be good value
My copy of the WRC Milstein Brahms sounds a better pressing than the UK Capitol SP8560 I have. The Matrix numbers on the WRC are SP1 8560-1G & SP@8560-1G whereas the Capitol has SP1 8560-D4 & SP2 8560-D6
I have the Callas Mad Scenes on Blue/Silver SAX and WRC. The SAX seems to have less clarity to the vocals than the WRC but this may be down to groove wear rather than pressing. Musically the jury is out.\
I have the Silvestri Dvorak 7 and it is a good recording.
I have the Walton WRC and you won't be disappointed.
The others I only have the originals of, or none at all.
Also don't dismiss the original recordings by World Record Club. STP 30 Brahms Violin Concerto is a beautifully recorded early (1958) stereo recording made at Hammersmith Town Hall using Neumann mics and Ampex recording equipment by Anthony C. Griffith
Thx Tin!
DeleteHad not connect CFP 126 with ASD 262 (ST548)
ST763 done then.
ST735 looks like fun and a good price versus CSD.
These may be charity shop fodder, but the outrageous prices have led to these dealers having some inventory. WRC just don't show up on ebay and most dealers don't have them. Its easier to get REGAL SREG then these and SREG is always high priced relatively speaking compared to SXLP due to rarity.
The Francois has got me ready to take it on the chin and get a handful of WRC since the shipping won't be onerous. Mickey taking dealers indeed, I could not agree more so if I've got a good group I will try to get a discount.
Milstein Tchaik Rec noted. I'll just have to see if US pressings go for dough and maybe try the Milstein above.
AQL just responded, so looking.... and Andy too! Thx everyone! ...
AQL great input and at just 8 pounds or less, Galliera is a go.
Andy awesome, awesome input.
Amazing everyone! I am going to figure out my final list now and I'll report back with the mickey drinking dealer results. Though in my opinion these records are rare with limited demand and knowledge. I don't think the prices are insane given that everyone else has no inventory. Just have to look at alternatives and with something like Dvorak 7, I may stay with my SXLP 30151(matrices ...2VH19- 6/2VH9099-2)
I have a couple of copies of the Milstein Tchaikovsky. Matrices on ST(F)574 are SW 8630-1G 3 M & SW 8631-1G 2 O and on the earlier ST574 are 8630-1G 1 G & SW 8631-1G 1 G on the other. SQ wise, both have a little vinyl roar bit there is no discernible distortion via headphones on either pressing so as these only cost £1 apiece they are good value against the £150 or so SP Capitols can go for.
DeleteAndy, keep throwing gasoline on the fire! The dealer has me drinking Mickeys out of his hand so a good size purchase at less outrageous (but still high) prices is assured. Two years ago I bought 200 LPs in one swoop, and the fire is building on this deal. I've got to negotiate the currency exchange waters yet. On the site switching from pounds to dollars looks like a 10-15% up charge per album!
DeleteThe Mickeys have been downed, and finanial info given and here is the list except for a final inventory check in the next day:
DeleteST 543 DVORAK Symphony 7 SILVESTRI VIENNA PHILHARMONIC £15.00 £10.00
ST 562 LALO/ TCHAIKOVSKY KOGAN KONDRASHIN PHILH £40.00 £30.00
ST 582 ROSSINI-RESPIGHI/ DUKAS La Boutique GALLIERA PHILH £8.00 (£6.00) OK
ST 591 DONIZETTI/ BELLINI/ THOMAS Mad Scenes CALLAS RESCIGNO PHILH £8.00 £7.00
ST 597 BRAHMS MILSTEIN FISTOULARI PHILH £15.00 (£10.00) £12
ST 627 SCHUBERT Symphony 9 "The Great" SZELL CLEVELAND SO £12.00 £10.00
ST 699 BRAHMS Double FERRAS TORTELIER BARBIZET KLETZKI PHIL £10.00 £10.00
ST 735 PROKOFIEV Piano 1, 3 LYMPANY SUSSKIND PHILH £10.00 (£8.00) OK
ST 736 HUMPERDINCK/ MENDELSSOHN Hansel und Gretel suite KEMPE RPO £40.00 £25.00
ST 763 KODALY / TCHAIKOVSKY /GOTOVAC Hary Janos Suite KEMPE VPO £15.00 £10.00
ST 871 RAVEL Piano Concertos Left Hand FRANCOIS CLUYTENS PARIS CO £20.00 £20.00
ST 932 BRAHMS Symphony 4 KEMPE RPO £15.00 £10.00
ST 966 DVORAK Symphony 8 SILVESTRI £15.00 (£10.00) OK
ST 548 RIMSKY-KORSAKOV/ BALAKIREV GOOSSENS PHILH £15.00 £10.00
STP 30 BRAHMS Violin Conc WOLF COLLINS LONDON SINFONIA £10 £6.00
EMI SXLP 30002 BALAKIREV Symphony 1 BEECHAM RPO £6.00 £6.00
EMI SXLP 30152 FALLA/ TURINA Nights in the garden of Spain, £6.00 (£4.00) OK
EMI SXLP 30054 MAHLER Symphony 4 KLETZKI PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA £12.00 £10.00
EMI SXLP 30055 FRANCK Symphony in D minor £6.00 £6.00
Hopefully the Mahler 4 does not show up as I thought I cut that! The list actually shows the price negotation. I am very intruiged by WRC. I expect that since they sold relatively low numbers, that the reuse of stampers was prevalent and many of these titles only had the original B/S or G&C label before the WRC. I've not heavily reviewed my SXLPs, semi's, etc. but never have overtly demonstrated the vintage label sound so I will be tickled pink if some of these are original stampers (I intend to popsike the original release for comparison). I'm braced for these not being vintage stampers because these are also relativly cheap reissues. For me buying these one at a time ads about 5 pounds to the cost, so the above prices minus that factor are just fine. I feel lucky that the dealer had been drinking a lot of Mickeys when pricing so I could get such a nice batch. Andy I got STP 30!
typical shipping from UK is at least 7 pounds to the US and many ebay dealers want 10-12. For this order the marginal cost for shipping of additional LPs was 2 pounds each after initial 6 pounds. So compared to buying these as singles on ebay that is 5 to 10 pounds save in shipping.
DeleteThe Brahms Milstein on Capital sometimes sells as high as $200 so the WRC should be quite interesting. Three of the Concert Classic SXLP are essentially vintage recordings that EMI did not release as ASD Gold and Cream or SAX Blue and Silver. I am hoping the Giulini Franck will make me forget my RCA Shaded Dog with Monteux (LSC -2514) which I had to go through 4 pressings of one to find one that passes the sonic minimum standard.
DeleteI respect everyone's suggestion on the titles but ultimately I caved to greed when something that sells for $500 can be had in a sonically interesting pressing on the cheap. Fingers crossed that these foolish purchases have some redeeming qualities.
Looks like there's a few days of solid listening there!
DeleteGood to see you've taken a chance on the Wolf Brahms, hope you like it.
Dell'Arte DA 9006 - Stokowski Conducts Tchaikovsky
ReplyDeleteDell'Arte issued a 45 rpm remaster of the acclaimed Stokowski Everest recording of Francesca Da Rimini and Hamlet with the Stadium Symphony Orchestra of New York. Released in 1982 and remastered by Bryan Crimp this recording was engineered by Bert Whyte and cut and pressed by Nimbus Records.
This takes an already superb recording into another league.
http://www.audiophileusa.com/item.cfm?record=68215
Have that too. Obviously need to replace the needle on my trusty Dansette to fully appreciate these audiophile must-haves...
DeleteFor Tchaikovsky: ASV DCA 586 (LSO/Butt) - "The Tempest" - staggering bass power/precision on this 1987 DMM c/w Liszt Berg-Sinfonie..another PRT pressed DMM: Lloyd. Sym.7 BBC PO Conifer CFC143 (1986) - both Digital of course.
I have the original Everest (silverback dowel cover with purple and gold label) and it's in my top 20 for sure. Very special record, sound-wise.
DeleteSteve Hoffman reissued the Everest on his DCC label LPZ 1001, all tube mastering. I did not know Dell'Arte was Nimbus. Nimbus Lyrita is very interesting, but not seen Nimbus much outside of that.
DeleteNot many of the original Everest with the dowel on board here. I've got a number of Classic Records reissues and LPZ003 from Salvatore's list.
Welcome to the discussion, Mark! I owned a few of the dowel Everests a few years back, including a Copland Symphony No. 3, but I don't think I had any of the better sounding ones. The Classic Records reissues of Everests are pretty impressive. I've got the Jorda Falla Three-Cornered Hat and Sargent Respighi Pines/Fountains (picked up on Ebay sealed for $19 apiece). The Jorda is quite excellent, though for performance, I think I still prefer either the Ansermet or de Burgos on EMI ASD.
DeleteTin Ear - exactly how many records do you have in your collection?? More than 20,000?
DeleteNot that many....but likely more than 10K...not including 'other media' - now horribly disorganised....sheer deadweight...
DeleteHave just located the Stokowski Dell'Arte - £1.50 some 30years ago..recall as sounding 'processed' - but will spin it..
Nimbus mastered for small UK companies/short-runs - ...heard of 'Cornucopia'?
Better than I thought, but doubt it equalled a Belock 35mm direct transfer; as surely this has been dubbed/re/mastered to ordinary tape?
DeleteFunnily, there's really not too much difference compared to Concert Hall SMS2832 (R.Strauss:Pye matrices c.1975) & SMS2830 (Shost.5: Turicaphon matrices/pressing) - also with a bit less range + similar smooth/'filtered' compared to a blue/silver Belock 'T5' mono Shost 5.
Astounding intel..... Must admit not Cornucopia expert, but are you saying Ozzie is on Nimbus (Black Sabbath.)?
DeleteOn Everest please go to acoustic sounds and elsewhere to snag the Classic reissues. Very nice accross the board. They often have sales at 10% off so wait for a US holiday weekend: http://store.acousticsounds.com/index.cfm?get=results&searchtext=Any&labelid=624&OrderBy=2
$22.50 each on sale is pretty good.
I'd second that recommendation. There was also an Ebay seller in California who was selling a whole bunch of Classic Records reissues, sealed, for decent prices. He had limited supply but some may still be available. I landed those Everest titles for $16-19 apiece.
DeleteAnother surprise from a performance, quality of recording and pressing point of view has be the Qualiton LPX 11438-40 box set of Mozart's six string quintets K174, K515, K516, K406/516b, K593 & K614. Played by The Completed Tatrai Quartet, these performances by this Hungarian chamber group are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA brief insight here
Deletehttp://www.kpfahistory.info/music/griller.html
http://www.kpfahistory.info/images/mozart_tatrai.jpg
That looks really interesting. Only recording of those string quintets I have is with the Juilliard Quartet (remastered Sony CD box set) from the 1970s, which has delightful performances but I've never heard it on vinyl. I honestly would not expect much of the SQ from the originals. This Qualiton might be the one to get for these works.
DeleteWhat has been a revelation to me is how good Qualiton / Hungaroton recordings and pressings are. I have a few of the Annie Fisher Beethoven Sonatas and the recordings seem better than any others I have including Decca, EMI, DG etc.
DeleteI forgot to mention the Beethoven sonatas are on CD. I have never come across any on vinyl but would snap them up if I did.
DeleteI have generally passed those Qualiton/Hungaroton recordings/pressings, but for no other reason than lack of familiarity. It seems that an evaluation is in order. I once got the complete Philips box set of Brendel doing the Beethoven Sonatas for $11. I'd be very interested to hear Annie Fischer. I have the EMI Artist Profile 2 CD issue of hers that includes her Beethoven sonatas for EMI. Only vinyl I have is her Liszt concerto SAX recording, semi-circle pressing.
DeleteI also used to pass on them until one day I found Hungaroton SLPX 11898 - Annie Fischer playing Mozart piano Concertos K466 &K382 and discovered they were a cut above other eastern European labels.
DeleteI have a few recordings of Annie Fischer Mozart Piano concertos on vinyl, Sax 2335 K466 & K488, the SXLP 30148 reissue of the same recordings, SXLP 30124 K467 & K482 (previously issued in mono only on CX 1630) and SAX 5287 K491 & K595 a magical recording of these works.
The Annie Fischer Mozart PC SAX (the first one) is quite expensive and hard to get on Ebay. I've never had a copy but have wondered about it. I think Meles really likes the SXLP reissue. That one might be easier to land.
DeleteI think the later 5287 is the better of the two but it may just be PC No 24 that is skewing my judgement
DeleteI luv Annie Fischer and have the two SXLPs with a strong like for SXL 30124. So, you really like SAX5287 and the sound. That one is a little pricey, but I may go for it. Is SAX5290 with Barrenboim any good?
DeleteI have an aversion to the second sax label so $200 for SAX5287 seems high.
SAX 5287 first issue is on the semi circle label and yes it is good which is probably why prices are on the high side.
DeleteI've not heard the Barenboim so cannot comment but it can be found at reasonable prices.
Here is my list as of this evening, based on the special stacks around my listening room. I reserve the right to revise this list at any time!
ReplyDeleteENTIRELY PREDICTABLE:
Witches' Brew: Various / Gibson / LSO
LSC 2225
Classic 180g reissue
* Original RCA shaded dog is very special, but I ultimately sold it.
Ravel, Ibert: Various / Paray / Detroit
SR 90313
Classic 180g reissue
* Golden Imports SRI 75033 includes some of this record and is excellent and cheap.
Ravel: Various: Skrowaczewski / Minnesota
APC 007
Analogue Productions reissue of Vox original
* Mine is a test pressing.
Prokofiev: Love for Three Oranges, Sythian Suite / Dorati / LSO
SR 90006
Classic 180g reissue
* Original Mercury is excellent but I sold it :).
Respighi: Pines of Rome, Fountains of Rome / Reiner / CSO
LSC-2436
Analogue Productions reissue
* Sold my 1S/1S original, which was fine but lacked nuance. Mine is a test pressing.
Respighi: Pines of Rome / Maazel / Cleveland
MFSL 1-507
* Betters the original. Not sure how many versions of this piece I need, but I'm a sucker for it.
Mussorgsky: Pictures / Stravinsky: Firebird / Muti / Philadelphia
MFSL 1-520
* Excellent. Betters the original and 45 RPM Angel.
Shostakovich / Symphony No. 6, 11 / Berglund / Bournemouth
EMI SLS 5117 (color postage stamp label)
* Exceptional 1980 EMI sound.
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique / Kojian / Utah Symphony
Reference Recordings RR-11 (45 RPM)
* Heard most of the competitors. This one still reigns.
ORIGINAL GOLDEN AGE:
Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, Hanlet / Stokowski / Stadium Orch of NY
Everest SDBR-3011 (purple and gold label)
* Very alive, tube-y, airy sound.
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 "New World" / Horenstein / RPO
Reader's Digest box: World's Most Unforgettable Music
3s/3s I pressing by RCA
* TONE!!!
RANDOM REISSUES:
Holst: The Planets (complete) / Previn / LSO
EMI Pro-Use Series ALF-99002
* 2LP Japanese pressing. Sound is HUGE.
Bloch: Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 / Hanson / Eastman-Rochester
Golden Imports SRI 75017
* Bests the original and has a dynamic, coherent sound.
Schubert: Symphony No. 8 "Unfinished", No. 5 / Reiner / CSO
RCA Victrola MCV-554
* Italian pressing, white label promo. INSANE tone. Embarrasses my 1S original.
SURPRISING PHILIPS:
Mozart-Hoffmeister: Duos for Violin and Viola / Grumiaux, Pelliccia
Philips 839 747 LY
* Lots of excellent chamber music on LP, but I keep coming back to this one.
Sibelius: Symphonies Nos. 5, 7 / Davis / BSO
Philips 6500 959
* Mine is a promo. String tone is exceptional. I am biased since I love this music.
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7 / Wagner: Siegfried-Idyll / Haitink / Concertgebouw
Philips 6769 028
* Just got this one, so time will tell. Recorded around the same time as the Debussy Images (which is also excellent).
Wow. Don't hold back! Reading.
DeleteIndeed, Mark. Very nice. Now THAT is a reference list. Looked over it quickly but will go over in more detail!
DeleteDouble wow Mr. Wieman. Your name rings a bell, but maybe I've just seen you somewhere on the blogosphere.
DeleteLSC-2225 Witches Brew - no suprise you kept the classic, but I've never heard the original (think AQL just snagged another one being a wheeler dealer). I've got a 180g too, but I know Classic blew out the solid state Grundmann pressings (of everything, but not Brew) when he first went to his tube setup, and then I know of 200g pressings which seem problematic somehow. Have you had a chance to cork sniff various Classic Records pressings. This is a serious issue as the value of some of the Classic reissues is quite high and it appears that Analog productions will not be doing the Decca/RCA stuff.
On APC007 (don't have) and test pressings, do you prefer test pressings? And more specifically Classic Records test pressings, which may be a tad shadey in that they marketed them and made more than is normal, etc.
I've got several copies of the Pines, Maazel, but the UHQR. Prefer over Classic Reiner. (While on mofi Muit pictures is a dah, I am looking forward to hearing on my friend the Bassophile's system as I don't have it and given price waiting)
SLS5117 about to come out for another play.
Bassophile loves the Koijan Fanatastique, but somehow the chesky keeps me going, and I'd like a 180g of it.
The rest of your list is very, very interesting, the Philips, the MCV Victorola, the Block, and I'll check out my Reader's Digest. And maybe Tin Ear as a 24/96 upload of the UK Decca pressed version. The Japanes EMI pro use series sounds very interesting.
How have the Analog Productions reissues been on your ear? A few of them are in circulation around here, but they seem to be a different from the originals and Classic reissues since they don't do the broad band EQ. I suppose they are like Chesky. Have you shot out a few titles? Obviously you like the Pines.
The Toshiba pressed ALF series are very high quality pressings. I have most of the series. A particular favourite for demonstrating a vinyl based system to friends is ALF 99004. Previn's Swan Lake Highlights. The delicacy and dynamics contained on this one disc are outstanding.
DeleteMark, I like how you broke down your references into categories.
DeleteOn the "obvious" list:
I have not heard the Classic pressings of Witches' Brew but have the original (1S/3S). I briefly sampled it the other day at low listening volume but need a more dedicated listen to evaluate it. My initial thoughts were very positive but I didn't exactly find it to be audio nirvana (or is that the sound of a one-handed clap?). Previously sold a VG copy and regretted it and recently found a better copy. I'm still unclear about the 180g vs 200g difference. There is also this "clear" vinyl that Classic Records never formally released but is out there on the market now.
Totally agree with the Paray Ravel/Ibert, as I stated above. One of my favorite -- if not my favorite -- Mercury. I've got both RFR1/RFR1 and the 180g Classic. I love both but think that the Classic might just have the upper hand here, in terms of sound floor and powerful dynamics. I'll never give up these records.
The Skrowaczewski Ravel I was on the verge of reviewing for the blog. I've got the original VOX box set in NM condition. I have never heard the AP reissue, which is the one that makes the audiophile lists, but I can say that the originals are pretty damn good. I like to compare to the EMI Testament box set from Cluytens (the reissue of the impossibly expensive SAX recordings) and the DG Seiji Ozawa/BSO box set. The Skrowaczewski has the most natural sound, in my humble opinion. I wonder how much the AP reissue has improved upon this.
Same situation as you for the Prokofiev SR 90006. Sold my original and now have the Classic. It's not music that I listen to all that frequently but is a great demonstration record.
How was that 1S/1S Reiner Pines??? Never heard that but have heard the legends. I assume your stylus did not jump out of the groove. Sounds like the AP reissue is a worthy competitor here?
Among the others:
Have the original Previn/LSO Planets on EMI ... it's very good but I am guessing your Japanese reissue beats it hands down. The Davis Sibelius cycle is a reference one, though I don't recall being blown away by the sound of my 5/7 red/silver label Dutch pressing. I may need to test that one out again on my updated system.
Ooops ... I wrote that incorrectly. Not "obvious" but "predictable".
DeleteI haven't compared the various Classic reissue flavors, but would be interested to hear if others have. My experience with test pressings isn't comprehensive either. All the extra Classic test pressings floating around out there do make me a little suspicious.
DeleteWhat I've heard of the recent Analogue Productions reissues (Pines LSC-2436, Concerto for Orch LSC-1934, Scheherazade LSC-2446) has been impressive in all the ways they should be. They do lack that last bit of air and tube-y goodness, though. Haven't done direct comparisons with the Classic versions since I didn't double up on the titles. Also, there are only so many times I can hear the warhorses, so I tend to play things more new to my ear :).
I did have a nice copy of the original Vox Skrowaczewski Ravel box. It was fine but the Analogue Productions reissue trounced it in every way (granted, my copy of the AP is a test pressing).
P.S. I have a website called shadeddog.com, which is perhaps why my name sounded familiar?
Mark - your web site is really nice. I've been to it several times in the past, and you definitely have the highest quality Living Stereo cover photos on the web. I'm pretty sure I might've even asked you on the site how you got such professional looking shots. I try my best to use a digital SLR with extra flash to take our cover shots, but they don't always turn out quite like I'd like them to be. Thanks so much for checking out our blog!
DeleteI'm really tempted now to look for a copy of the AP reissue of that Skrowaczewski!
DeleteHaha, gentlemen, I think Mark here has thrown down the gauntlet. Get your lists ready.
ReplyDeleteI will suggest two wonderful chamber recordings -- great performances, and well recorded. London CS-6385. The Janacek Quartet playing three Haydn Quartets (including "Joke," "Serenade," and "Fifths"). Musical jokes, by the way, are never funny. This is one of my favorite chamber records. I have the FFRR recording. Philips 9500740 is a Schumann Oboe record (Heinz Holliger and Alfred Brendel beautifully playing these gorgeous works, including Schumann's romances.
ReplyDeleteWhat liner and matrices on CS-6385?
DeleteI see a 3 LP box set including this Philips Oboe on sale from UK on ebay. Looks obtainable with patience.
DeleteWell the Decca of London CS 6385 goes for $180 or so for 1W/1W. Just got the London for $8 1W/1W. The London came out 4 months earlier then the Decca so there is a good chance it will kill it. Thx Eric!
DeleteThere's a Decca of CS 6385 up now on eBay. Starting at $50, with no information on stampers. Kinda pricey. It's intriguing to think about setting up a comparison (at least for me -- as it's a treasured disc). Do you think it's worth $50, at least? Not so sure.
DeleteNo. The London came out 4 months earlier and has the same 1W/1W stampers. They will sound very close. I would think that the early Londons (would have FFSS liner) have better mother/stampers (Buckingham code etc.). You can download a pdf that shows all the issue dates and check for any recording:
Deletehttp://www.charm.rhul.ac.uk/discography/decca.html
My theory is that it is very hard to beat a favorite record in one's collection because you probably already have a "hot stamper" meaning a great sounding record. I've tried and failed many times.
London prices are if anything down from their highs these last years and Decca keeps going up. My guess is two out of three times the Decca will be a better stamper, but with an LP like this I expect the London to likely be better.
Lucky me. My London came with FFSS liner (early) and sure enough 1W/1W, mother 1, stamper 2 (U/J from BUCKINGHAM). The ED2 FFSS SXL label fools keep buying the inferior Decca for near $200 (anyone got this? Show us your stampers!). Glad I have this LP. Thanks Ejeden!
DeleteSurely this is a ten for performance, but it is not a ten for sound. Could be speaker differences where this one just does not quite lock in for me. For some reason the Andate cantabile of the Serenade quartet really hit my buttons (sonically too.) Being a Star Trek fan I love the Lark which is played in Insurrection by some crew members. Maestro Salvatore has some Haydn Quartet with honorable mention for "EMPEROR"/"SUNRISE"-QUARTETTO ITALIANO-PHILIPS 9500 157 and two Hyperions on the Basic List:
HAYDN-STRING QUARTETS-OPUS 71/4-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66065/A66098/A66124
MOZART-STRING QUARTETS-"HAYDN"-SALOMON QUARTET-HYPERION A66170/A66188/A66234
Last Hyperion not Haydn, but worth a mention.
Okay, I am going to venture to propose my hit list (also subject to future modification). Some of these will overlap with previous responses from others, but that just reinforces their quality:
ReplyDelete1. Mercury SR 90313 - Ravel/Ibert - Paray/DSO (original, Classic Records)
2. Mercury SR 90212 - Chabrier - Paray/DSO (original) - never heard the Classic but I hear it's phenomenal
3. Mercury SR 90226 - Stravinsky Firebird - Dorati/LSO (Classic Records) - owned the original and sold it, but it doesn't come close to the Classic
4. RCA LSC-2225 - Witches' Brew (original) - never heard the Classic reissues but original is top 5 best shaded dogs IMHO
5. RCA LSC-2400 - Ballet music for the Opera - (original and Classic). One helluva dynamic album of ballet pop-tarts.
6. Decca SXL 6263 - Romantic Russia - Solti/LSO - I have a narrow band that sounds amazing. Wonder what wideband sounds like in comparison.
7. Philips 835198/200 AY - Bach Sonatas and Partitas - Grumiaux. Some of the most phenomenal sounding solo violin I have ever heard.
8. VOX SVBX 5473 - Ravel complete solo piano music - Abbey Simon. Beautifully recorded piano and among the very best Ravel solo piano interpretations.
9. Philips 6768 284 - Debussy complete works for orchestra - Haitink/RCO. Arguably the finest sounding Debussy on record.
10. RCA LSC-2449 - Gounod/Bizet - Gibson (Classic). Never heard the original but the Classic is outstanding.
I realize these are mostly "heavy hitters" .... I'd say that they're the albums I own (and seriously, I don't own anywhere near as many as Meles, Tin Ear, or AndyW) that are among the most sonically impressive COMBINED with outstanding performances. I know that there are others that will come to mind that are less "popular".
DeleteThere's little to choose between wide or near band SXL 6263, both are great recordings
DeleteI have the Classic Records reissue of SR 90226 but prefer my Philips SGL 5827 version
Of the others, I have the UK AMS Chabrier, Classic Records LSC 2400 & the Bach S&P's on Philips SAL
So, 50% of your top 10 and a few for me to explore.
So on the Firebird, what of the Golden Imports? Is that equivalent to Philips SGL 5827?
DeleteSalvatore is not so keen on the Mercury Charbrier (Classic reissue was discussed)
Does the Philips Debussy Box have the record I recommended? Similar sound on all three records?
Pretty sure I've got a copy of London CS6503 (5 months behind Decca). Putting that on the listening pile.
Yes, the Philips Debussy box has the record that you recommended, plus more. I find all of them to be of very comparable quality, but I'm due for another listen soon. I also have the Martinon 5 LP EMI SLS set (my mistake earlier, the Philips is not the complete Debussy, rather the Martinon on EMI SLS is), which I haven't heard in a while and should roll out for comparison.
DeleteJust snagged a NM Debussey box for $13 plus a little ship. I'll compare with my single LP. I will be ecstatic if the other two LPs are close.
DeleteThe Debussey box is a dutch pressing and my recommended single LP at the start of the comments here is a UK pressing (dtuch mastering I think accoriding to Tin still.) Sonically they are very close and the box may be better for this LP (remastered perhaps, but I know nothing about Philips matrices). It noses out the other two records in the set slightly with its blackest background. The other two records in the set are very close sonically (to my amazement), so I highly recomment this set. it is a great, extremely cheap way, to get a big dose of Debussey orchestral music. Overall, a weak 10 for sound on this set. This should be everyone's collection given its bargain pricing and availability.
DeleteI suspect you are right and these are likely reissues. All the albums were released as singles: 9500 509, 9500 674, and 9500 359. I'm not sure it makes a huge difference, though, because all of them were the same sort of thin Philips vinyl. I also have the Martinon EMI 5 LP box set, also considered a reference set, but I haven't done any head to head comparisons. I think the Philips sound is superior.
DeleteDon't know why MFSL 1-517 isn't preferred to SXL6263.....4G/1G (1-U/K)
ReplyDeleteGolden Imports is much smoother/processed sounding than SGL5827 - side 1 is probably never played!
CS-6385 FFRR 4W/6G ..1975 SDD285 ditto....1982 Dutch ditto - except the matrix+4W is hand inscribed
FYI the Janacek's Dvorak SDD250 is sought by Orientals..it's still using 2E/2E in 1970 (1-G).
The MFSL is very likely better but I've never had the chance to own or hear it. Have you done the comparison?
DeleteMakes the SXL sound rather cheap/transistory/raggedy string sound...deeper bass/more rounded tone -cut at a dB or so less. (have 2 - so must it be commonplace)
DeleteDefinitely interested then. You must've gotten your copies when they were first released? They seem to sell for a premium now.
DeleteNo more than a few pence (auction lots)- you can't believe I'd paid rrp?!
DeleteOnly other MFSL was Moeran's Symphony..the ESD reissue possibly better despite 'fill-ups'[..
Love your bargain shopping. It is certainly more cost effective than mine, but supply for that around here is so limited, and everyone has access to popsike these days and just sells on Ebay. Holy smokes ... that Moeran MFSL fetches pretty high prices, too! I like the Moeran Symphony and have the Lyrita SRCS 70. I'm sure you probably have this, too. I might be a bloke from the States, but I have a genuine appreciation for British music!
DeleteASD 3542 is a fabulous recording of the music of Ketelbey. This is beginning to become recognised and I one worth picking up while cost is still reasonable, if the repertoire is to your taste.
ReplyDelete