Best type of CD

[admin_exported]

Hi

So now I am getting into better quality systems, I have found that some CDs really do lack something.

Makes me wonder if some are better than others?

We have a large collection of classical etc.

I love cathedral organ works, but the three discs I have don't inspire me even on my new system.

Is there a best label, type of CD recording to look for?

 

[the record spot]

Depends on the mastering technique used greatly IMO. Have a look at www.stevehoffman.tv and the forum therein; brilliant resource and classical is well served. He's one of a few guys who still treat their work with something like care. Joe Gastwirt is another.

Plenty of folk on the Hoffman forum who will point you in the right direction - there's an excellent search facility too.

 

[Anonymous]

Being a classical musician myself, I would have to say that as well as the actual sound that is being produced from the CD, the musicians themselves also (obviously) contribute to the final ear candy. Purchasing a book like "1001 Classical Recordings You Must Hear Before You Die" by Matthew Rye can help with which versions of certain works to veer towards i.e. it may not always be the best decision to get a recording of Gershwin playing his own Rhapsody in Blue from 1924 simply for authenticity as the sound quality, on even the most dreamy & desirable set-up, will have certain disadvantages over James Levine's 1990 version.

 

[Anonymous]

Naxos used to have a good reputation for their classical cd's. I have one or two by them and think they're pretty good.

 

[Tear Drop]

How about getting yourself one of the classical CD guides (Penguin or Gramophone are good), or trying the Gramophone review database which is now online? Wonderful recordings may be musically uninspiring, and vice versa, and classical music recordings can be something of a minefield if you don't know precisely what you're looking for.