Hot Stamper Pressings of the Music of Richard Strauss Available Now
In 2023, we did a very large shootout for LSC 1806 and LSC 2609. LSC 1806 was recorded in 1954 but not released until 1960. It has been on the TAS Super Disc list for a very long time, if not actually from the very beginning. It’s long been considered the definitive recording by TAS Heads for sound and possibly for performance.
LSC 2609 came out in 1962. We prefer it over 1806, as the notes for our shootout make clear:
Initially, I thought I preferred LSC 1806. The amount of space and silky texture in the top end is hard to match. After a few comparisons, though, I began to miss the richer and more realistic midrange of LSC 2609. If anyone strongly prefers 1806 to 2609, they probably have a darker system or a smeary 2609.
The best copy of 1806 in our shootout earned the same Triple Plus grade on side one as our best 2609, slightly less on side two as it had somewhat steely strings.
Still, both are superb recordings. Head to head on big speakers in a custom room and all the rest, we know which recording we prefer.
Most audiophiles, including most of our customers, do not have a big-speaker system playing in a dedicated room, custom built and carefully treated in order to produce sound reproduction of the highest quality. They may prefer the original recording depending on how it sounds on the equipment they are using.