I've recently bought a really good set up and now want to give it a good blast with some really top rate SACD's, can anyone recommend anything?
Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the forum!
It's not SACD, but I've been really enjoying Riccardo Chailly's new Beethoven set. Both the sonics and the interpretations are superb:
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Quote from: zenpmd on August 08, 2012, 11:43:04 AM
I've recently bought a really good set up and now want to give it a good blast with some really top rate SACD's, can anyone recommend anything?
Are you interested in multi-channel or two channel programs?
Here are a few:
(http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/114780000/114785010.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E9VGM8WZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
and any stereo system needs to be tested by Arnold Schoenberg's Gurrelieder!
This one comes highly recommended:
(http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-gurrelieder.jpg)
I don't listen to SACD, but assuming that SACD layers are at least as good as the CD layers on hybrid discs, I would have to say that almost anything conducted by Jordi Savall, or Paavo Jarvi's LvB recordings, whether the symphonies or the PCs with Ikuyo Nakamichi, would fit the bill.
Quote from: Cato on August 08, 2012, 01:11:55 PM
Here are a few:
(http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/114780000/114785010.jpg)
This nearly destroyed the stereo in my car! The dynamic range is truly amazing. The Boulez/Berlin Ravel albums would also be great for cranking up the volume and being surrounded by vivid sound.
For true SACDs, you should try the Respighi Pines/Fountains/Festivals with the Sao Paulo SO and John Neschling. Pretty much anything the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Ivan Fischer have done original to Channel Classics counts as well (Dvorak Symph 7, Mahler 2, 4, 6). And I suggest Todd's picks of Savall and Jarvi; Savall's CDs tend to sound spectacular.
This:
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And this:
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come to mind. :)
Philips have some great discs like this one:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/cc/33/46b9419328a0da67f901f110.L._AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Cato on August 08, 2012, 01:11:55 PM
(http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/114780000/114785010.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41E9VGM8WZL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
It is fascinating that taste diverges so widely. I had both of those recordings at one time and, despite being a great admirer of Boulez, got rid of both because the sound was so objectionable to me that I found them listenable. I see both of them have the DG "4D" logo, and in the technical description of their 4D system, DG boasts about their ability to individually manipulate a huge number of digital audio channels in a computer-controlled mixer. That's my problem with them, to my ear they sound artificial, almost as if I am listening to a very sophisticated synthesizer.
It seems obvious to me that a good concert hall is the best mixer, if the result can be captured properly. The recordings that I regard as the very best are ones made with advanced but minimal technology. For older recordings, I have a lot of admiration for Mercury, and for digital, there are many Telarc recordings that are superb in the naturalness of sound. Both of these labels typically recorded with only 3 microphones, no electronic equalization. For multi-channel, some of the Pentatone recordings are breathtaking, like the Brahms 2nd Symphony with Jarowski.
Daniel Chorzempa playing Bach and Liszt organ works.
Early 1970s recording, quadrophonic, and now (hybrid) multi-channel.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/2lnemfr.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Organ-Works-Bach-Liszt-Hybrid/dp/B0009KBMLM/
And, since each and every one of us has got only 2 ears (I guess), this one for stereo: Respighi's Roman Trilogy with Enrique Bátiz!!
(http://i47.tinypic.com/w1xmdk.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Respighi-Symphonic-Poems-Ottorino/dp/B0000013TI/
(Apologies for swearing in the multi-channel church.)
Quote from: Scarpia on August 08, 2012, 02:02:38 PM
It is fascinating that taste diverges so widely. I had both of those recordings at one time and, despite being a great admirer of Boulez, got rid of both because the sound was so objectionable to me that I found them listenable. I see both of them have the DG "4D" logo, and in the technical description of their 4D system, DG boasts about their ability to individually manipulate a huge number of digital audio channels in a computer-controlled mixer. That's my problem with them, to my ear they sound artificial, almost as if I am listening to a very sophisticated synthesizer.
It seems obvious to me that a good concert hall is the best mixer, if the result can be captured properly. The recordings that I regard as the very best are ones made with advanced but minimal technology. For older recordings, I have a lot of admiration for Mercury, and for digital, there are many Telarc recordings that are superb in the naturalness of sound. Both of these labels typically recorded with only 3 microphones, no electronic equalization.i.
Well, I hear none of that: I have a BOSE SurroundSound with a mid-priced Sony amplifier and a lower end Toshiba DVD/CD player-recorder. Maybe that causes the difference? Or just different ears! ;D
Quite true about
Mercury: here is a must-have from their glory days.
(http://www.classical.net/music/recs/images/m/mrc32006.jpg)
Quote from: mc ukrneal on August 08, 2012, 01:59:29 PM
Philips have some great discs like this one:
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/cc/33/46b9419328a0da67f901f110.L._AA300_.jpg)
I am going to relisten to that as a result of this! I think I only heard it once :( ...perhaps I haven't had it up loud enough or was doing something when it was on...one of those things I like about GMG, always having to re-evaluate on new information...Thanks for the tip, I'll put it on shortly.
This little critter right here in response to the original poster. As clear as hell :-\, wide dynamic range, and it's just as well no-one spoiled it by dropping a pin during the brilliant playing and song from von Otter...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CaJoaf4QL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: Scots John on August 08, 2012, 02:22:40 PM
I am going to relisten to that as a result of this! I think I only heard it once :( ...perhaps I haven't had it up loud enough or was doing something when it was on...one of those things I like about GMG, always having to re-evaluate on new information...Thanks for the tip, I'll put it on shortly.
This little critter right here in response to the original poster. As clear as hell :-\, wide dynamic range, and it's just as well no-one spoiled it by dropping a pin during the brilliant playing and song from von Otter...
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CaJoaf4QL._SS500_.jpg)
This - as well as other DGG
Boulez/Mahler CD's - are recommended. I chose #7 because of the compelling performance AND the sound.
Quote from: Marc on August 08, 2012, 02:12:37 PM
And, since each and every one of us has got only 2 ears (I guess), this one for stereo: Respighi's Roman Trilogy with Enrique Bátiz!!
(http://i47.tinypic.com/w1xmdk.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Respighi-Symphonic-Poems-Ottorino/dp/B0000013TI/
(Apologies for swearing in the multi-channel church.)
I already recommended a different Respighi Trilogy album! We need to have a head-to-head comparison!
Scarpia's Brahms recommendation is definitely a great CD!
anything telarc/cleveland orch
Quote from: Brian on August 08, 2012, 02:47:33 PM
I already recommended a different Respighi Trilogy album! We need to have a head-to-head comparison!
Respighi seems to inspire great audio.
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There's also an astonishingly good Karajan/Philharmonia with Walter Legge on EMI. Doesn't seem to be available as an individual release, except an old out-of-print one
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/67/38/ce8281b0c8a0024ac6ee9110.L._AA300_.jpg)
but I have it here.
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Much better than his later Berlin recording.
Quote from: Cato on August 08, 2012, 02:16:06 PM
Well, I hear none of that: I have a BOSE SurroundSound with a mid-priced Sony amplifier and a lower end Toshiba DVD/CD player-recorder. Maybe that causes the difference? Or just different ears! ;D
When I had the recordings I was generally listening on Sennheiser HD580 headphones off my old NAD pre-amp and a dedicated headphone amp. Lately I listen mostly with my fairly modest rig (Marantz CD play and Amp, Polk LSi9 speakers with a sub). But those DG "4D" recordings still rub me the wrong way. Lately I listened to Boulez's DG Bartok and had the same reaction (although I am aware that I am in the minority in not admiring those recordings).
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kGyE1nbeL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41TgvtpJ8oL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41-DSPdMa1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Os93awS5L._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
A few off the top of my head that I've found to have marvelous sound, and great performances.
Best - I don't know. Great - definitively!
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(http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937995-a7f2-0dfb.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937995-a7f9-32ba.jpg)
...and a few contemporary pieces from Bang on a Can alum Gordon and Lang. Both with spectacular sound.
Quote from: mc ukrneal on August 08, 2012, 01:59:29 PM
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/cc/33/46b9419328a0da67f901f110.L._AA300_.jpg)
Quote from: Scots John on August 08, 2012, 02:22:40 PM
I am going to relisten to that as a result of this! I think I only heard it once :( ...perhaps I haven't had it up loud enough or was doing something when it was on...one of those things I like about GMG, always having to re-evaluate on new information...Thanks for the tip, I'll put it on shortly.
John, when you do play it again, listen in particular to the final measures of the first movement. Haitink reinforces the rhythm with some blistering timpani strokes (not in the score). I don't think I've heard any other conductor make that unauthorized addition but it works really well. Quite thrilling.
Sarge
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra playing Prokofiev, Bizet, Britten. Amazing performance and truly outstanding sound.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ySW90GFbL._SS500_.jpg)
Let's get some small-forces recordings on here. Solo piano:
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Chamber:
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[asin]B00000F1S4[/asin]
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on August 09, 2012, 03:39:51 PM
Let's get some small-forces recordings on here. Solo piano:
Add Yevgeny Sudbin playing Scarlatti, Scriabin, or Chopin.
Also
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RnCQvtIvL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on August 09, 2012, 03:39:51 PM
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Oh, yes, I heartily agree about these Winter & Winter recordings. In fact, this label unfailingly produces some of the best sounding and best packaged music. I would add that now that ECM is venturing into the Classical rep, they too produce beautiful sounding recordings. Like this one:
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I agree with Boulez's Stravinsky & Bartók recordings mentioned earlier.
Luisada's RCA Chopin mazurkas (SACD) belong on the piano recording list, too, along with Pletnev's EMI Pictures, Argerich's duos with Pletnev and Freire on DGG, and Andsnes's Schumann Fantaisie & 1st Sonata.
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And, despite recent developments, I quite like Belcea Quartet's Bartók and Schubert recordings on EMI.
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(that woods sure has good acoustics)
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In fact, pretty much every relatively recent (2000s) Harmonia Mundi / BIS / Naïve / Linn / Hyperion recording...
Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (Concertgebouw, Chailly) - The Fifth isn't necessarily my favorite Mahler symphony, but this spectacular recording shows both Chailly and the orchestra at their best. The sonics are beyond praise, and the great artwork doesn't hurt, either.
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Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Études-tableaux, Vocalise (Minnesota Orchestra, Oue) - While not my favorite interpretation of the piece, this release (on Reference Recordings) has sound quality that is spine-tingling. (PS, I really can't stand the cover art. Couldn't they have come up with something other than those silly birds?)
[asin]B00005QD5Z[/asin]
--Bruce
Quote from: Arnold on August 09, 2012, 04:11:17 PM
Oh, yes, I heartily agree about these Winter & Winter recordings. In fact, this label unfailingly produces some of the best sounding and best packaged music.
Yes, that packaging by Winter & Winter is the kind of thing that makes me sad CDs are going away.
QuoteI would add that now that ECM is venturing into the Classical rep, they too produce beautiful sounding recordings.
Definitely agree here.
Quote from: Brian on August 09, 2012, 03:42:09 PM
Add Yevgeny Sudbin playing Scarlatti, Scriabin, or Chopin.
One day I'd like to pick up something from Sudbin. Maybe Santa will be kind this year...
Thanks everyone - I should add my interest in SACD's relates primarily to the understanding that most of the time they use better masters, rather than anything more technologically abstract.