Chesky classical LP's

I will refrain from commenting on the MFSL classical offerings, except to note that I think they did some manipulation to the frequency response in their remastering. As far as the Chesky/Classic/Speakers Corner/Testament reissues vs. originals, there is plenty of debate among enthusiasts on both sides. There is no question in my mind, having heard comparisons between originals and the reissues, that the reissues are cleaner with deeper and better defined bass, and more low-level detail and somewhat better dynamics (not as big a difference in that area as you'd think, though, on most recordings). Mike Hobson made the observation that they were closer to what the master tape sounds like, and I would not doubt that. However, they do lack the warmth of the originals in most cases, and on some of these recordings you might not care to hear what's on the master tape, but would rather prefer the sound of the original record, which might sound more like what you remember nostalgically or, more importantly, what a live performance might have sounded like. For example, I have an EMI recording of the Saint Saens Symphony No. 3 (Organ), Fremeaux and the City of Birmingham Orchestra, both an EMI Greensleeves version and the Cisco/Klavier reissue. On the reissue, the massed strings sound thin and wiry; they're lush and full on the original. I prefer to listen to the original, even though the reissue has more detail and better-defined bass--it sounds too much like a CD. On the other hand, comparing the Classic reissue of the Beethoven Violin Concerto (Heifetz) to the original, the unveiled ambience from the recording venue and the overall clarity of the reissue made it a clear winner to my ears (and those of the guy who brought the original to my house as well), despite a slight loss of overall warmth. I'd say that the reissues can be viewed in some respects as new views of old, some famous, performances, and are worth getting if only for that perspective. So the Chesky's are worth it (remember, new they cost $15, so I wouldn't call their current price full price) in my view.

Rcprince has covered it well. I am much more enthusiastic about the Speakers Corner reissues than his comments would suggest -- they are uniformly excellent in my experience.

One of the Chesky resissues that truly deserves special attention, if you can find it, is the Stravinksy/Petrouchka with Danon and the Royal Philarmonia, Chesky CR42. This is an incredible recording of an orchestra (another J. Kenneth Wilkinson wonder), and a very interesting interpretation/performance as well.

Rushton's right about the Speakers Corner reissues; their Decca remasters are uniformly terrific, and the Mercury (Paul Paray conducting the Detroit in works of Ravel and Debussy) I just got is superb, albeit with a little loose deep bass and some rumble, no doubt traffic noise from the Motor City in the 50's*--hopefully there's more of them on the way, as the Classic reissues from that catalog got our appetite whetted for more Mercs. His recommendation of CR42 is on the money as well, one of the best orchestral recordings you'll find anywhere, with outstanding dynamics. The Readers Digest series had some excellent recording engineers, the Chesky reissues show just how good the recordings really were--in this case, better than the originals in virtually all respects, particularly dynamically. The later Chesky reissues, starting with their Lt. Kije, are their best.

*: There is a price to be paid for better cutting heads and deep bass response on the reissues, and that is you can really hear extraneous noises in the lower frequencies better than on the originals. Many Deccas and UK RCAs have the "delightful" sound of the London underground rolling by on occasion, and the Classic reissue of the RCA Heifetz "Scottish Fantasy" recording has deep bass noises I can only ascribe to the conductor or perhaps Heifetz himself bouncing around on the podium (which don't appear at all on my shaded dog original). In a full range system you'll hear these, often becoming a distraction; on the originals these noises, while there, are not nearly as prominent. Where are rumble filters on preamps when you need them?!?

Thanks for the info guys,,,

Well, I got the Chesky's....and I am impressed with the Brahms one.....I love the smooth sound of it...Dead quiet vinyl,,,,I think all the dynamics are there.

I will assume the other one is just as good....geez, at 7.50...what a bargain!