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Berlin Philharmonic Beethoven and Brahms LP sets |
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Aussie Mick ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 21 Feb 2014 Location: Bendigo Aust. Status: Offline Points: 485 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 1:01am |
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. |
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Rega RP8/Ortofon 2M Black/Rega Apheta 2 - Reflex M/Elevator EXP - C.E.C. TL5 CD Transport - MacBook Pro/Roon - Majestic DAC - Proprius - PMC Twenty5.22
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tg ![]() Moderator Group ![]() ![]() Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 1767 |
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Just a quick thank you Mick for the heads up on this set and yes it is not cheap, but beautifully produced and carefully packed arriving downunder direct from Berlin undamaged.
For anyone interested, it is worth noting that purchase of the LP set also includes choice of full digital downloads of the recordings in any or all of CD redbook, 24/96 or 24/192 resolution. These digital files, unlike the digital set, are the recordings used for the LP production and use the same 2 point mic setup giving the same almost mid-hall perspective, Majestic owners will lose little when slumming it in convenience mode. I did manage to resist the Audite Furtwangler set. I do have an Accession MC to save for. |
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Tony G
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Aussie Mick ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 21 Feb 2014 Location: Bendigo Aust. Status: Offline Points: 485 |
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Hi Tony,
Glad you enjoyed it! I have both sets and they get regular use, so I feel like the money has been justified (and I’m in music for a career so they’re a tax deduction!). As for the Audite Furtwangler set, I too tore myself up over spending the large sum on the LP set. In the end, however, I ended up purchasing the digital version from the Audite website. Letting the Majestic do its thing! €45 for the CD box, €21 for the 24/48 download. BARGAIN!!! Enjoy. Mick. |
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Rega RP8/Ortofon 2M Black/Rega Apheta 2 - Reflex M/Elevator EXP - C.E.C. TL5 CD Transport - MacBook Pro/Roon - Majestic DAC - Proprius - PMC Twenty5.22
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Fatmangolf ![]() Admin Group ![]() ![]() Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Location: Middlesbrough Status: Offline Points: 5031 |
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You have started my listening appetite gentlemen so I'm feeling empty in my wallet. |
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Jon
Open mind and ears, whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
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Aussie Mick ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 21 Feb 2014 Location: Bendigo Aust. Status: Offline Points: 485 |
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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.
Mick.
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Rega RP8/Ortofon 2M Black/Rega Apheta 2 - Reflex M/Elevator EXP - C.E.C. TL5 CD Transport - MacBook Pro/Roon - Majestic DAC - Proprius - PMC Twenty5.22
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tg ![]() Moderator Group ![]() ![]() Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 1767 |
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I cheaped out and bought the 16/44 Redbook download version & added the download of the 1954 Lucerne Festival 9th and the Amadeus quartet RIAS Haydn recordings as well. Might splash out on the LP version of the Lucerne 9th.
Comparison of the 1954 9th with the 1942 recording is interesting. I have the MACD version of that performance, though I am led to believe that the SWF (members only) 1942 recording is the one to have. I think even the silverfish will give up on my wallet as a food source :) |
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Tony G
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