Side two here has a SUPERB sounding Bolero, and an EVEN BETTER Alborado del Gracioso, possibly the best we have ever heard. Truly A Triple Plus sound.
As you probably know, Bolero is very hard to find on vinyl properly performed with audiophile quality sound. The sound of Bolero here is excellent: very natural, not harsh at the end where the trombones comes in, and not too compressed.
This is probably the biggest problem with most recordings of the work. Compression makes the quieter parts ravishingly open and clear, and positively ruins the climax with distortion caused by compressor overload.
A classic case of compression having sonic tradeoffs.
Alborado… has some of the best sound we have heard on London. It’s spacious, dynamic and clear. With an extended top end, the strings and horns sound harmonically correct. The orchestra from top to bottom is tonally correct as well.
Side One
The material on side one is not quite in the same league as that of side two, earning a grade of A+ for both works. The sound is a bit dry and lean, which means it is very detailed and clear but may not wear well unless your system is very rich and full in the lower mids and below.
My guess is that Old School Vintage Tube Equipment (or the modern equivalent thereof) may be just right for this side.
Either way, no matter what equipment you have, side two should be quite a thrill.
Side One
Weber / Berlioz – Invitation To The Waltz
Falla – The Three Cornered Hat
Side Two
Ravel – Bolero
Ravel – Alborado Del Gracioso