Hobson made a factual error talking about LSC-1806, Reiner's Also Sprach. it was recorded in 1954 and was 40 not 50 yrs from from when it was released and HP and him heard RTI's test pressing (okay, that was a small nit to pick). I also find it a little hard to believe they forgot it was '54 since *everyone* knew it was one of, if not the earliest RCA classical recordings in stereo. I for one preferred the first batch that Bernie cut prior to the introduction of his vacuum tube console. Those records cut on the SS console sound more resolved and transparent, IMO.
Very interesting interview. The experience he had listening to the test pressing of the Reiner Also Sprach is familiar to me. I managed to make a copy of an acetate tape of Munch's 1954 recording of the Symphonie Fantastique. The source tape was a stereo master used to produce the stereo tape release of the time, since there was no stereo LP at the time. One can hear all the background noise made by the musicians, something that probably got edited out in the final commercial release. The sound is so dynamic and transparent, it is hard to believe the recording was made almost 70 years ago. I listened to a copy of a production master of Lorin Maazel conducting the VPO playing Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet last night. This is a Decca recording dating back to 1965. The source tape was a production master made in the 1970s for a cassette release. Again, it has that eerily alive feeling. These old recordings somehow has this liveliness that is hard to describe.
There was mention of a turntable, but I only saw the Furutech Demag machine and a record cleaning machine, no actual turntable in the video. I did see the glimpse/flash of Tinka, the videographer.
There was mention of a turntable, but I only saw the Furutech Demag machine and a record cleaning machine, no actual turntable in the video. I did see the glimpse/flash of Tinka, the videographer.