Both the early Decca (rarer big print Decca label) and the early EMI cream and gold label are just about the most natural and finest sounding classical records you will ever find. The Deccas produced in Germany fall far short soundwise compared to the British pressings. A number of the Mercuries are overrated, both in sound and performance. Some of them tend to have a little too much treble emphasis, and might be a bit lacking in warmth. Invariably, the earliest Mercuries, typed lettered FR-1,FR-2,etc., are superior sonically to the later hand inscribed RFR-1, RFR-2, etc. Also, as a conductor, Antal Dorati was not in the same league with Reiner, Klemperer or Beecham. Some of the earlier RCA shaded AND white dogs were also very good, however, all of those are not necessarily superb in sound. I just don't have the desire to go through a "grading" list at this moment. Someone else mentioned the Philips discs. Yes, a good number of the earlier (and thicker) pressings sound very nice. Avoid the much later, extremely thin "floppy disc" Philips lps. And here's the sleeper: The made in England London Stereo Treasury series recordings are typically very fine. I fail to understand why they continue to be ignored by classical record lovers, especially since they can still be gotten relatively easily and at much lower prices than the big "collector's items". But make sure that when you buy a London Stereo Treasury pressing that it is NOT the later, lousy U.S. cream, red and blue label. There are also some pretty good sounding Columbia 6 eyes, with some of the finest performances ever put on disc by conductors like Bruno Walter, Eugene Ormandy, and yes, Leonard Bernstein, whose stature in my eyes and ears over the years, has grown considerably.....Have a good time searching, and good listening !
