I also received a set of these tapes from Pierre late this summer. I was most pleased with the Michelangeli performance of the Ravel. While I do love stereo recordings the Callas mono was a revelation. There were a few points of saturation in the tape, but overall it reminded me of just how stunning her voice and interpretative skills were. My mom was a mezzo and I suppose for that reason I have always preferred that range, but Callas definitely transcends probably all others from the 20th century with her incredibly wide range.
Having many 15 ips EMI masters and engineer's copies in my collection, I think EMI's engineering tends to be under-appreciated due to judgments being made on the basis of the quality of the pressings alone.
I also want to note that I was a bit disappointed in Pierre's use of 1 mil tape. But when I mentioned the better characteristics for dubbing by using 1.5 mil 468 he rightly pointed out that the stock had been discontinued and he could not rely on having a future supply. Unfortunately this is all too true. I have been lucky enough to stockpile 1400 pancakes of 468, much of it BASF and AGFA vintage, but have no idea where I will turn when I have used that inventory up in my duplicating service. I keep hoping someone reputable will acquire the formula and start offering it again.
Having many 15 ips EMI masters and engineer's copies in my collection, I think EMI's engineering tends to be under-appreciated due to judgments being made on the basis of the quality of the pressings alone.
I also want to note that I was a bit disappointed in Pierre's use of 1 mil tape. But when I mentioned the better characteristics for dubbing by using 1.5 mil 468 he rightly pointed out that the stock had been discontinued and he could not rely on having a future supply. Unfortunately this is all too true. I have been lucky enough to stockpile 1400 pancakes of 468, much of it BASF and AGFA vintage, but have no idea where I will turn when I have used that inventory up in my duplicating service. I keep hoping someone reputable will acquire the formula and start offering it again.
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