Classical music recordings upgrade

CBS, New York Phil.

Gabbro, Then try the VPO if you want better sound, its pretty good even for DG. The performances vary from the NYPO version some but IMHO its a wash as to which is better in the overall.

It's a shame that the intensity of many of Bernstein's NY performances were sabotaged by the incredibly crappy-sounding productions. Was someone really listening in the control booth?

It has always baffled me that the artists themselves were not equally horrified by the sound of their LPs. Or, were they, and no one at the label listened to them?

Speaking of the complete Beethoven cycle, today I aquired the Solti/CSO set (London/Decca 70-5667), box in OK condition, LP's in very good shape including the booklet. Once they are run through the RCM and put in new sleeves, I'm looking forward to listening to all 18 sides in order.

Per Vvrinc: Norrington's NEW set on Hanssler Classic also ranks up there with the best. It still has the HIP sound, but MUCH better played and conducted than his earlier set (which is still available on Virgin Classics). That's definitely worth hearing!