Berlin Philharmonic Beethoven and Brahms LP sets

Hi All,
   A while back I bit the bullet and purchased the Direct to Disc Brahms Symphonies cycle from the Berlin Phil and Simon Rattle. It was bloody expensive, but for it ended up being worth it. At the time I put the wonderful presence and immediacy of sound down to the D2D process, helped along a little by the two-point microphone set up, which gives a lovely natural perspective to the orchestra. No spot microphones at all means that wind solos aren't suddenly loud and huge in the soundstag, for example. Anyway, they're also wonderful interpretations of these standard pieces, stunningly presented in terms of physical product. That's a reputation that orchestra is building for their "home-brand" label.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I purchased the new LP box set of the Beethoven Symphonies for the same orchestra and conductor. I've owned the hi-res digital version since the day it was released, and honestly, it's really good. However, it simply didn't prepare me for what the LP set offered.

The vinyl set is taken from the same performances as the digital set, but use only the two-point microphone set up, again with no spot microphones at all. However, it's not D2D and it's been through the digital chain.

It's an understatement to say WOW!!! The same presence and orchestral perspective I experienced in the Brahms is there in the Beethoven! Switching back to the 24/192 version was a big let down! The sound is remarkably consistent through all nine symphonies and is an absolute joy.

If you love these pieces then this is a terrific set to own. Again, the physical product is exquisite.

Now, does anyone out there own the Furtwangler 13 LP set on Audite?
Mick.

Hi Tony,

What’s a wallet for if not emptying? There are no locks and no interest paid, so I think the design positively begs to be utilised. 

Hi Mick,