Haitink Mahler 5 on DECCA Pure Analog


Almost bought this but figured I ask if anyone has heard this reissue. 

From product notes…

For this release Rainer Maillard at Emil Berliner Studios has used the original, four-track quadraphonic master tape to make a new stereo mix sent directly to the cutter head. This preserves a pure analogue path throughout. The Philips engineers of the 1970s would similarly have mixed the four front and rear channels before cutting but this downmix would have resulted in a two-track stereo copy for mastering, whereas here the lacquer is cut directly from a ’live’ mix into stereo from the four Quad channels.
 

Any feedback on the quality of recording and vinyl?

audphile1

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 laugh

@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!