The very best sound: Direct to Disc

"At one time time, later in the LP era, they did collaborate in a series of 3 classical LPs recorded in Russia for the Sheffield label, "The Moscow Sessions." However, since Johnson’s very special tape machine was "contracted" to RR, they had to borrow one (from Wilson IIRC) to do these recordings. Very good recordings, but not up to the RR standard IMO."

Those Moscow Sessions are some of the best recordings of an orchestra that i have ever heard. IMO. Not the CD but the LPs. The best version of Appalachian Spring I have ever heard is in this set by a Russian orchestra. lol

I have just about all the Sheffield “Moscow Sessions“ LP’s.
 I have to disagree about their SQ.
To my taste, the orchestra is recorded too distantly, like from a seat in the balcony. This diffuses the sound with a subsequent loss in detail.
Similar to the sound of current Reference Recordings CDs, which I also have problems with (despite their high regard.)

What's the difference between a good community orchestra and a world class orchestra? 10 db. When Sheffield was setting up for the Leinsdorf sessions, they practiced on the Pasadena orchestra. Then the LA Phil came in and blew the lights out. They are fine performances. The musicians had final say on whether the recordings could be released and if you know classical musicians they only release their best.

Apropos of nothing the name Sheffield comes from Sheffield Drive in Santa Barbara. Either Doug Sax's mom or Lincoln Mayorga's mom lived on that street. It also reminded them of the high quality of Sheffield steel. 

I’d like to partially withdraw a statement I made about current Reference Recordings CDs.  The very latest ones with the Pittsburgh Symphony don’t suffer from a lack of detail.  But orchestral recordings prior to the latest ones have had that balcony perspective.

I do realize many prefer that distant perspective.  It’s just not to my taste.