Haitink Mahler 5 on DECCA Pure Analog

The Walter would probably be my first choice if it was in stereo, but current restorations are excellent.

  I prefer the first Bernstein/NYP.  Karajan, Abbado/CSO, and Boulez are right up there as well, and yes I have a bunch that rate just below.  Solti/CSO was actually my first purchase (Bud Herseth on the trumpet).  I heard it recently for the first time in years and it’s as good as any.

If you pull the trigger on the Decca share your impressions.  I’ve seen a Facebook post where some of these Decca and DG Pure analogue releases were defective so make sure you purchase from a reputable dealer with a good return policy 

There is stiff competition!  I just had a look at Presto's website Mahler: Symphony No. 5 (page 1 of 6) | Presto Music.

The first entry is 12 CDs with Simon Rattle for A$50.  Then alpha pops up with the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra on 2 vinyl records on special at about A$48.  The Decca is also on 2 records and includes Mahler 10 for A$137.

For my money, the best performance is Barbirolli - 5 CDs for A$20.  It is not often that I instantly switch allegiance when hearing a new-to-me performance of a familiar work.

I am very biassed at the moment against Decca and DG for their lack of quality control and, in DG's case, ability to deliver at all.

Would be good to get a second opinion!  I'd go Decca and alpha and for a little more, pick up 17 CDs too 

@richardbrand I was considering Mahler 5 with Barbirolli on Warner, available here https://store.acousticsounds.com/d/166845/Janet_Baker-Mahler_Symphony_No_5_Barbirolli-Vinyl_Record

Decided against it as it’s not AAA and as such it is most likely the exact version that’s available on Qobuz and Tidal. I try to buy AAA vinyl only. May be worth hunting down the original pressing with Barbirolli. I’ll look into it. 
 

As a side note…I have a Mahler CD box set with Gary Bertini that I bought at a CD store long time ago. It’s a sleeper box set for Mahler fans. Not available on Qobuz and Tidal for streaming. If you stumble upon it, grab it!

@audphile1 

I have the new release of Mahler's 5th plus the Adagio from the 10th.

The sound is horrible. Hard to listen to highs.My system is definitely on the warm side, but didn't tame this LP at all.

I immediately put it into the :Never Listen Again" section of my LP collection.

@kevemaher 

I have the new release of Mahler's 5th plus the Adagio from the 10th

I was wondering how Decca squeezed it all on two records.  Leaving out 4/5 of the 10th must help!