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Reference Recordings

Does anybody find Reference Recordings truly high fidelity?
In orchestral music, their perspective seems to be from the rear balcony of the auditorium.
 I’ve always thought if my system improved I would hear what many critics rave about.
But now I’ve come to the conclusion they are just dull and washed-out recordings with no sound staging and lots of bass.  Even with the HDCD setting available on my Oppo 105 the sound still is distant and watery.
Is it just me, or do others feel this way?
128x128rvpiano
newbee
4,093 posts
 
I think many of their earlier works were very good. I have not been as enthused by a lot of the later recordings which I have and rarely refer to.

I agree with twoleftears re Arnold's overtures as well as his disc for Bands. I thoroughly enjoy Coplands Symphony #3, which I consider an audiophile's wet dream.

Something of theirs I have really enjoyed over the years is the 'Tempest', a ballet in 2 parts by Paul Chihara. They recorded this in analog as well as digital to show the differences, or lack there of in the two formats. I've had both...frankly couldn't care less. It's the music!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
938 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendation.  
May try it.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
938 posts
 
Once you get used to the RRs the sound is not so bad, but nothing like the raves of some critics
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
2,850 posts
 
I've found most of the RR's, of which I own quite a few, to be uninteresting. I prefer to seek out really great recordings from the Golden Era of recordings. And ... that isn't limited by a steady diet of RCA's and Mercurys either. :-)

Frank
newbee
4,093 posts
 
FWIW, a few other Reference Recordings I think highly of -

1) Copland - Appalachian Springs Suite (OV for 13 instruments)

2) Menotti/Barber Concerts for Violin & Orchestra

Both were recorded by Prof Johnson with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

On the subject of Prof Johnson and the art of recording in the late 50’s, Professor Johnson’s Astounding Sound Show, if you can play vinyl and your interested (research on Google) this recording is a hoot! My house is still reverberating from the African drums cut - I used to love to bring the house down with this. :-)
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