The new audiophile vinyl series The Original Source from Deutsche Grammophon (AAA)

[Ron Resnick]

I am confident that a $100,000 turntable/tonearm/cartridge/phono stage will beat any digital according to at least seven out of ten randomly selected audiophiles.

Regardless of one's personal sonic preferences most audiophiles today can find a digital playback system they find genuinely impressive and involving.

Almost two years after I wrote this, and after hearing Olympus --> XDMI --> Horizon 360, I am no longer confident it would be "at least seven out of ten."

 

[spiritofmusic]

Having had the Karajan Bruckner set for just over four months, I’d like to share my impressions. (I have only ever made a few posts here, but this is one release that I feel is worth highlighting.)

In short: I cannot recall being more impressed by a vinyl release.

I was already pretty familiar with these performances. They have been my favourite Bruckner interpretations for over four decades, since I first discovered Bruckner in 1980. I may be swayed by the fact that only time I heard Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic live was when they performed Bruckner’s 5th in London in 1981 but, for me, Karajan’s ability to maintain momentum and, at the same time, keep the broad sweep that Bruckner needs is unsurpassed. (Of course, there are many, many other fine Bruckner recordings, not least some of the Furtwangler and Jochum albums, but my desert island choice would be Karajan.)

As for these Original Source releases, well, from the moment I started playing the records in August, I could not believe how well they have been remastered. They could not be more clear, without sounding remotely ‘digital’ (for want of a better word) and — perhaps I have been really lucky with the pressings I received? — absolutely quiet. Certainly way superior to the original LP releases that I bought in the 1980s and, perhaps rather more subjectively, more enjoyable to listen to than the high-res downloads (although that is arguably a rather meaningless statement, in the context of my turntable and streamer).

So for anyone who is keen on Bruckner and enjoys Karajan’s style of interpretation, I can recommend the set without reservation.

Andrew

Totally agree, the whole DG OS program is stupendous. Roll on the Ravels.

 

[tima]

The new audiophile vinyl series The Original Source from Deutsche Grammophon (AAA)​

page 1

I am confident that a $100,000 turntable/tonearm/cartridge/phono stage will beat any digital according to at least seven out of ten randomly selected audiophiles.

Page 52

Regardless of one's personal sonic preferences most audiophiles today can find a digital playback system they find genuinely impressive and involving.

Almost two years after I wrote this, and after hearing Olympus --> XDMI --> Horizon 360, I am no longer confident it would be "at least seven out of ten."

Seems to happen everywhere. However this thread about a Deutsche Grammophon vinyl release series passed through its 'digital vs vinyl' phase in the first two pages. May we please not revive that here. Maybe you could start a thread on 'Ron's personal opinions about equipment and formats'.

 

[oldvinyl]

Ordered the Ravel box set today. The DG website store made me create a new account. They changed their processing and deleted all existing accounts. So much for data migration. My order history was blank, so they can’t tell if someone is a regular customer.

 

[Zeotrope]

Ordered the Ravel box set today. The DG website store made me create a new account. They changed their processing and deleted all existing accounts. So much for data migration. My order history was blank, so they can’t tell if someone is a regular customer.

Same here! Ok, so it’s not just me.
Honestly the DG.com site is HORRENDOUS. Universal Music owns DG - it’s shocking how back it is. Embarrassing.
Looks like they switched to Shopify now.

Sometimes they do not send email confirmations of what you ordered, especially if it’s a pre-order. So now that the order history is gone, you may not remember what you ordered.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Agreed, the DG website is horrific, but these LPs are so good.
I used to laugh at drug addicts having nightmares getting their fix as dealers lead them a merry dance, well the last laugh is on me, as I persevere with an ordering experience that can only have been created by extreme misanthropes.

 

[GrumpyPatzer]

Having had the Karajan Bruckner set for just over four months, I’d like to share my impressions. (I have only ever made a few posts here, but this is one release that I feel is worth highlighting.)

In short: I cannot recall being more impressed by a vinyl release.

I was already pretty familiar with these performances. They have been my favourite Bruckner interpretations for over four decades, since I first discovered Bruckner in 1980. I may be swayed by the fact that only time I heard Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic live was when they performed Bruckner’s 5th in London in 1981 but, for me, Karajan’s ability to maintain momentum and, at the same time, keep the broad sweep that Bruckner needs is unsurpassed. (Of course, there are many, many other fine Bruckner recordings, not least some of the Furtwangler and Jochum albums, but my desert island choice would be Karajan.)

As for these Original Source releases, well, from the moment I started playing the records in August, I could not believe how well they have been remastered. They could not be more clear, without sounding remotely ‘digital’ (for want of a better word) and — perhaps I have been really lucky with the pressings I received? — absolutely quiet. Certainly way superior to the original LP releases that I bought in the 1980s and, perhaps rather more subjectively, more enjoyable to listen to than the high-res downloads (although that is arguably a rather meaningless statement, in the context of my turntable and streamer).

So for anyone who is keen on Bruckner and enjoys Karajan’s style of interpretation, I can recommend the set without reservation.

Andrew

There was one other thing I meant to say when I made this post, but forgot:

I really rather like the fourth side of the 9th symphony LPs, too ….

 

[Bonesy Jonesy]

Ordered the Ravel box set today. The DG website store made me create a new account. They changed their processing and deleted all existing accounts. So much for data migration. My order history was blank, so they can’t tell if someone is a regular customer.

Same experience with having to set up a new DG account too when I ordered Ravel's box set !

 

[Zeotrope]

I am confident that a $100,000 turntable/tonearm/cartridge/phono stage will beat any digital according to at least seven out of ten randomly selected audiophiles.

Agreed. Again, not to go off topic; but I am reminded of this every time I listen to digital and vinyl/tape.
Despite the incredible sound from Taiko Audio, a $100k+ vinyl system will blow it away. It’s not the fault of the playback streamer/DAC, it’s the encoding from A to D that is now the bottleneck to better digital sound.

 

[oldvinyl]

‘Twas the night before The Original Source Vinyl and all through the house

Not a record was spinning, not even by Strauss;

The masters were remixed by Emil Berliner Studios with care,

In hopes that a music lover soon would be there;


The audiophiles were nestled all snug in their listening rooms,

While amps and speakers matched their cable looms.

And an Amazon purchase from the computer in my lap,

And just cleaned a record to prevent electrostatic zap.


When out of the turntable there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my listening chair to see what was the matter.

Away to platter I flew like a flash,

Called up the dealer and spent some more cash.


The four track mix from original quadro

Gave the timbre of mid-hall to the soundstage show,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a Mahler 5th, I loved it so dear,


With a transient response, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it was a really great disc.

More rapid than eagles his masterings they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;


"Now, IEC! now, Baerwald! now, UNI-DIN and Loefgren!

On, Walker! on Rega! on, Avid and Linn!

To the top of the groove! to the top of the null!

Now spin away! spin away! spin away all!"

Once again ....

'Twas the night before analog, when all through the house

No music was playing, not even by Strauss;


The clock cables were hung from the chimney with care,

In hopes that sound improvement soon would be there;


The bits were nestled all snug in their DACs;

While visions of analog-like went through their heads;


And some with their Lampi, and I reading TAS,

Had just settled down to stream from a NAS,


When out in the forum there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the listening position to see what was the matter.


Away to the Windows I reprogrammed the flash,

Swore about jitter and spent more cash.


The tune that was wrest from the new-fallen micro,

Gave a lustre to the midrange of the digital flow,


When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

New lacquers underway and remastered by Rainer,


With 4-track masters so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be DG music.


More rapid than eagles his masters they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:


"Now, Berliner! now, Weiner! now Kleiber and Jochum!

On, Quartet! on, Abbado! on, Kubelik and Scriabin!


To the top of the score! to the top of the hall!

Analog soundstage! Analog sonics! dash away digital!"

 

[Zeotrope]

Bravo!!!

 

[tima]

Of the last 6 titles received, 2 go back with pressing defects. The von Karajan 'Vier letze Lieder' and the Bartok Concerto. The pressing defects are substantial, not subtle -- I never cleaned or played either, just put them back in their sleeves while keeping the plastic outer-wrap intact. One will be replaced, the other (Bartok) is out of stock, though I sourced it elsewhere.

Given the limited number any given dealer receives, I think there is an argument to be made against buying extra copies and keeping them sealed. Inspect each record visually. If one is an extra copy and looks good, just put it back in its sleeve. Although it is open, it is still Mint unplayed. Try keeping the outer plastic wrapper and reinsert the album -- this retains the 'Original Source' labeling which  may keep some value.

Purchasing ~15 of these TOS albums, I have mixed feelings about receiving 2 with defects. I realize some level of manufacturing defects is real world inevitable, but still a pita. I don't know what it would take to improve quality control. I suppose the manufacturer is content to let the consumer play that role. The 'issue' is the limited edition. Of course we know this going in to a transaction.

I *finally* had the opportunity to play the Original Source Kubelik/BSO "Concerto for Orchestra" from Bela Bartok. (Yes, I'm not quite a year late.) This is the composer's most accessible composition, imo. It's still Bartok -- somewhat angular and, like other works I've heard of his, it still doesn't go anywhere; it's still feral but not wacky feral. My oh my, a surprise, what a genuine delight is this release.

A Concerto typically presents a featured solo instrument with orchestral accompaniment ... piano concerto, violin concerto, etc. B gives us a concerto for the entire orchestra in five movements. In other words it features individual instruments and sections in a seemingly endless set of combinations. In doing so, the piece zigs and zags in no set pattern across the entire orchestra. The orchestration is rich: 3 each of Clarinets, Oboes (1 a Cor Anglais), Flutes (1 a Piccolo) and Bassoons. Four horns, three each of trumpets and trombones with one tuba. Violins 1 & 2, Cellos, Double Basses and 2(!) Harps. And 6 different percussion instruments from Timpani to Tam-Tam. Each of these groups and instruments gets their part multiple times.

The performance itself is the real highlight. It's the only Bartok that Kubelik conducted and the Boston Symphony of the day (1973) is magnificent. I don't know where this performance stands in the hierarchy of the work, but it has to be at or near the top. I like it better than Reiner w/ the Chicago. I don't know how it compares to the original DG release but this TOS treated one is superb. After returning the first copy I received I'm happy to report this one is flat and perfect.


DG 2350 479

 

[bonzo75]

I was quite disappointed with the Gilels Brahms sonics

 

[Dishman442]

DG Original Source

I am happy see new AAA series from one of the cornerstones of classical recording labels.There are four titles as of now, all mastered by Emil Berliner from original 4 track tapes. They say all of them will be on 180g vinyl and in deluxe gatefold with original covers. The records are limited and numbered and cost 35euros. No extortion prices and I am happy to pay that sum for clean AAA copies of good performances.

The first four titles are as follows;

Carlos Kleiber & Die Wiener Philharmoniker Beethoven: Sinfonie Nr. 7

Claudio Abbado & London Symphony Orchestra Stravinsky: Sacre Du Printemps

Emil Gilels, Amadeus Quartet & Rainer Zepperitz Schubert: Klavierquintett A-Dur “Forellenquintett” D. 667

Herbert von Karajan & Die Berliner Philharmoniker Mahler: Sinfonie Nr. 5

The email newsletter I got states that the series will continue for 14 albums which will be released over the course of 2023 but there maybe a typo there. Let's hope not!

Thanks for the heads up! Do you happen to know if these are all analog?

 

[Dishman442]

Lol .... stupid maybe but not hardcore 'spiritofmusic' !

Don't and won't buy a streamer (at least jot in the near future) as now can't even hear digital music with my Chord Blu CD Transporter & Chord DAVE digital set-up after listening to good to excellent quality analogue since July onwards last year.

I now find all digital music sounds very flat throughout the music's frequency ranges and not so life like at all compared to analogue now.

I can only hear digital for max 1 hour straight (and that is pushing it and only when hearing my favourite music) after that I find it boring and sterile and get terrible ear fatigue.

Whereas with my analogue set-up I can listen to music for 5 to 6 hours straight (with coffee and meal breaks in between of course). It never used to be this way, in fact it was the other way around when I had my Rega P10 TT & Rega Aura Phono stage.

p.s. Posted a dedicated thread on my Carl Orff - Carmina Burana journey in trying to find the best or one of the best LP copies out there !

You have described me perfectly. In that 1 hour listening to digital I find my shoulders rising, as if to protect my ears. In general, listening to analog draws me in, album after album, for hours sometimes. Digital, even when I didn’t notice it reading the cover, causes my mind to wander. “Gosh, I need to trim my toenails, or organize my sock drawer”.

 

[Zeotrope]

I was quite disappointed with the Gilels Brahms sonics

Yes, same. It's the only OS album I rated 4/5 stars (and I have listened to almost all of them). Sides A and C has some inner groove distortion at the end. I think this was echoed in the Tracking Angle review as well.

 

[miniguy]

I was quite disappointed with the Gilels Brahms sonics

Not surprised. The original release is a distant mess.

 

[oldvinyl]

Thanks for the heads up! Do you happen to know if these are all analog?

Yes, hence the AAA SPARS code.
Have a look at the DG TOS web site. The whole process is described.

 

[Mr. Miyagi]

Agreed, the DG website is horrific, but these LPs are so good.
I used to laugh at drug addicts having nightmares getting their fix as dealers lead them a merry dance, well the last laugh is on me, as I persevere with an ordering experience that can only have been created by extreme misanthropes.

I look forward to one day being able to contribute to this thread but that would require actually getting the records and first hearing from the vendor after spending $1,000 and getting some semblance of when I might receive what I bought.

Instead I sent someone money and perhaps I will receive the LPs sometime in 2026 or 2027.

With all the off the shelf software for CRM and e-commerce DG is a joke.

 

[Kjetil]

^I do not hear IGD on my Brahms Gilels. I guess that’s an equipment issue.
I actually bought that album to test its playability after reading the TA review. IIRC the TA review was was partly based on the use of a very high end tonearm in use that couldn’t reach the innermost modulated grooves properly.