texasdave

Responses from texasdave

Arturo Toscanini Beethoven LPs
I can't tell you about the differences in the two versions you ask about, but the Toscanini/NBC Symphony Orchestra recordings of the Beethoven symphonies, famous as performances, are also notorious among audiophiles for poor sound. They were recor... 
Inexpensive SACD and DVD-A two-channel player?
Thanks for the input; I appreciate it. I'll probably go with a Denon. I've had very positive experience with Denon components. Right now I'm looking at a used Denon DVD-2910 DVD player. Any thoughts on this model? (Yes, I know, it's more expensive... 
What exactly is "B stock"?
Thanks for the answers; I appreciate them. On the subject of "refurbs," I will add that in the past decade I have bought two "factory refurbished" units from a major manufacturer of electronics with a good reputation, both at reduced prices but fr... 
Next on the list for Mahler....
I’ve been a Mahler buff for 40 years, have many Mahler recordings and have heard many Mahler live performances, so I’ll take a shot at your question. You’ve already got the First and Second, so we go from there. The most popular Mahler symphony, a... 
Which Vivaldi Four Seasons CD to buy???
I have a good many versions of this warhorse, and I've heard a good many more, but I think the best one ever recorded is the peerless 1970 Argo (Decca/London) version by Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, with Alan Loved... 
Labels for classical brass?
Empire Brass on Telarc has recorded many fine classical brass CDs with excellent sound. Try going to Arkiv Music and you can check them all out. 
reference recordings
It's hard to respond to your question without knowing what kind of music you like, and it would help to know whether or not you've got an HDCD player. Here are a few of my favorite RR recordings:(1) Strauss, Ein Heldenleben, Oue, Minnesota Orchest... 
Good Grief. Another Tchaikovsky already.
Heifetz made two studio recordings of the Tchaikovsky concerto. The first was in 1937 with Barbirolli and the London Philharmonic. The second was in 1957 with Reiner and the Chicago SO (RCA Living Stereo). The first one is the greater performance. 
Is Lisa Marie Presley a singer?
Here's the short answer to your question: no. 
RACHMANINOFF PIANO CONCERTO 2
I second the recommendation of the classic Cliburn/Reiner performance on RCA Living Stereo, which has excellent sound, and I also recommend the Ashkenazy/Haitink digital version on Decca/London, which also has excellent sound. My recommendation am... 
Good Grief. Another Tchaikovsky already.
Bell's earlier version of the Tchaikovsky concerto, with Ashkenazy conducting the Cleveland Orchestra (Decca/London), is also very fine. It was recorded in Cleveland in 1988 (by outstanding Decca/London recording engineer Colin Moorfoot) and boast... 
Audiophile Classical cds?
If you like Mahler, don't miss the recent Mahler Ninth by Chailly and the Concertgebouw on Decca. It's not only a magnificent performance, but far and away the best-sounding Mahler Ninth ever recorded (and I speak as a Mahler nut who has many Nint... 
Who is the best classical pianist alive?
My vote goes to Krystian Zimerman. At least he's my favorite of those performing today. I wish he recorded more. 
Power conditioners
Re the comment on Monster Power power conditioners (from Monster Cable), I've owned two of them, and am currently using their HTS 5100 in my main audio system. It works superbly, does exactly what it's supposed to do, and does not compress dynamic... 
Everything Bach ever wrote
Dmurfet et al., Despite all the talk here about the cantatas, the Bach work I would recommend here would be the B Minor Mass, one of Bach's greatest works (none of the unevenness and pedestrian level of inspiration that impairs many of the cantata...