Hot Stamper Classical and Orchestral Imports on Decca & London
UPDATE 2022
The last time we played a few copies of this London title, CS 6198, we were quite a bit less impressed than the review below might lead you to believe.
We found the sound to be plenty Tubey Magical, but the louder peaks were sour. Overall we judged the sound to be OK at best.
Having played a number of different pressings over the years, our favorite recording of the Slavonic Dances these days is the one with Kertesz on the Decca World of Great Classics budget reissue label.
It may come as a shock to some record collecting audiophiles, but there are actually budget reissues of some titles that can beat any and all comers. Here are some that we’ve come across, discoveries which we are happy to share with you.
- Budget reissues with (potentially) great sound
- Budget reissues that actually win shootouts against the originals
Our Old Review
The London pressing of this music used to be on the TAS List but appears to have been dropped at some point over the years. Not that I would notice what comes and goes on HP’s list, as I do not hold it in as high a regard as most audiophiles I have met over the years. For some reason there were those who tended to think it definitive or consistent. I can assure you it is neither.
The Brahms here (side one) is nothing special on this copy, but the Dvorak is SUPERB, sounding much better than the other Bluebacks we played and the Stereo Treasury copies as well. With Reiner at the helm both sides are lively and fun.
Side Two (Dvorak)
At least A++ sound, with far more top and bottom than the other pressings we played. It’s full of energy and dynamic as hell. Reiner plays the work at a brisk pace and it is a thrill to hear it sound so good!
Side One (Brahms)
A+ or so, no better. Not all the top and somewhat opaque but better than the STS pressings we played. The average uncleaned Blueback would clearly be worse.
Further Reading