Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

Goofyfoot, With the first dozen measures of the DG Eroica, the thought came to mind that the Japanese cherry picked the 3rd. The 3rd and 4th are the only ones I see available in the Japanese remasters. On the other hand, if the Japanese were able to remove just a little more of the grunge that I still hear in the DG, then it may be worth $50. This performance is one for the ages. The SHM process offers some advantages that are not available to a standard hybrid SACD, so there could be improvements due to that apart differences in how the remasterings may have been done. I think I am in the process of talking myself into trying one of the Japanese remasters. Not quite there yet, but getting close.

Brownsfan, I assume that it is believed by most but certainly not all that the SHM SACD hybrids offer the best remixing and remastering available. That appears to be the competition for these larger labels like DG. Why DG can't step up their game and surpass what the Japanese are doing is puzzling. Anyway, I'm tempted to make the Japanese HvK Beethoven purchase once I have the extra $60.00 to spend. Also the Brahms and Sibelius if I find the Beethoven is worth the cost.

Please discuss SHM-SACD.

Cheers

That's a good question Rok2id. Brownsfan would you, or anyone else for that matter, happen to know the idiosyncrasies of the differing media formats concerning 'SHM', SACD, Redbook. etc...? It seems like these catalogue descriptions might confuse people into thinking that they are getting more of something or may be getting something different from what is actually in the CD.

Goofyfoot, It is a real dilemma. Here I sit, with my recently purchased DG SACD remasters, for the most part thrilled with the artistic merit, but recognizing that the recordings leave much to be desired. Certainly, they aren't bad at all for 1962 vintage recordings, --but, well, its still mostly about the artistic merit. I've heard 1-8 now, and guess what? The 3rd and 4th rise well above the rest with respect to recording quality. The very ones that are offered as SHM remasters. What to do?
Is it possible that the SHM reputation is based on astute cherry picking, or are they going to take this already excellent DG effort on the 3rd and 4th to a new level.

Apparently, the Universal Japan remasters of the Kempe Strauss are available, and expensive. Some of the reviews on other releases in the Universal Japan EMI catalogue have not been favorable. These are not SHM recordings. Again, what to do?

Rok2id, if you go to the acoustic sounds website, any of the SHM offerings give a brief description. That would be the sum total of what I know.