RCA Living Stereo

@lewm 

So maybe I exaggerated slightly about RCA LP's, but only slightly:  the only label that I've heard that was a worse recording than RCA is a Supraphon LP from the former USSR, Czech manufacture. . . but they were on about equal footing with RCA.  

In my experience, the most reliable label for classical LP recordings and engineering is Philips. 

Philip I find spotty. Some excellent. Some a little dull for want of a better word. I thought DG were a bit shrill even before digital came into vogue, but after that they became unbearable. I suppose it would depend on what I was using for playback in the 70s. I still own all those LPs but rarely play them.

50's/early 60's RCA and Mercury "Living Presence" LP Cover  have the most interesting LP artwork. 

That's about the only certainty of Classical LP's during the "Golden Years."

SQ is all over the place with all the labels. I have great sounding albums from all the usual suspects.

There may something  to particular pressing/conductor/orchestra.

What's better-dull performance/good recording or great performance/so-so recording?

"The recordings are compelling, so are the orchestrations and individually musicians even though I would have to classify much as elevator music."

ghdprentice-If you like to explore-Esquivel! 

Zip-boing-bloop! Pour yourself a martini while listening.

@mapman: “This was the golden age of vinyl” I could not agree more!! I’ve been randomly visiting a charity thrift store by me for the last few years. I usually pick up a couple or few and only pick NM visually vinyl condition. Jacket is my secondary concern. They always have about a four-foot stack to choose from. Many stragglers never sell, the usual suspects. Jazz is rare, although Classical is available. They were 25 cents each, but price recently soared to 50 cents! Various labels acquired over the years. These records are TRUE GEMS folks! Good luck on your searches!

@best-groove 

Thank you… cool idea. I’ll have a look.