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?
There is a recent alpha Mahler 5 (on vinyl as well as digital) which has won international awards. The BBC Magazine review included
Did you end up buying Mahler 7 from alpha? |
@richardbrand no not yet. I have it on my list to listen in its entirety |
I own an exceptionally quiet version of the original Philips Mahler 5th box set and now the same performance remastered on the Decca Pure Analogue I strongly prefer the original mastering. The Decca is all dynamics, and bluster but seems much less musical and engaging to me. Bigger isn't always better. |
Inspired by this thread, yesterday I listened to Mahler 5 by Haitink. I have a first pressing from 1971 and it sounds wonderful. A combination of a great performance, great recording and great pressing (Philips Red Label). By the way, what a relief to discuss records and recordings instead of which cable, streamer, dac, sounds... As said it inspired me to listen to Mahler again after a very long time. Thanks for that! |
@pinwa and @stievus thank you for sharing your thoughts. Remastering can definitely impact the musicality of the original recording in a negative way. There are numerous examples of this on streaming services. Glad to hear the original is good. |
