[net.audio] CD records

jho@ihuxn.UUCP (Yosi Hoshen) (02/24/84)

There has been an extensive discussion on the merit of the CD player.
At this point I am more interested in actual discs.  The
discs are rather expensive, some are much better than others.
I feel that if we could share our experience with CDs we could
save each other money.   The users of netnews could write on the
availability of discs, performance and sound.  My specific interest
is classical chamber music.

I have been buying discs from stores in the Chicago area and by mail.

My mail order sources are:  
1. Capitol Record Shop, Hartford, CT.
They usually have a large selection of discs. Service is fast.
CDs on the average $19-21.
2. Read Brothers Stereo, Charlston NC.
They mostly deal with Telrac and Delos.  Service is fast.
Cost per disc including shipping $18.
3. Supersound, Forest Park, Il.
They have a large catalog of CDs.  However, they do not have a
large stock, so that it could take weeks to get the discs.
They are the least expensive.  Delos, Telrac, Denon are listed
for $16, Polygram labels (classical) $17. Additional discounts 
apply for larger orders.
The full address of these outlets can be found in the CD advertising
section of the Audio magazine.

I would like to comment on some CDs.
1.  Beethoven's Rasoumovsky quartets  1 and 2 (2 discs)
on Denon performed by the Smetana Quartet.  Super performance,
excellent sound.  Never heard such performance live or recorded.
2.  Schubert Death and the maiden string quartet, played by
the Amadeus String quartet on Deutsche Gramaphone (DG). 
The sound is very good, but the performance could be improved. 
3.  Brahms Piano and Cello Sonatas (1 &2).  R Serkin and
Rostropovich. DG label. Excellent performance and very good sound. 
4.  Beethoven Archduke Trio , Perlman, Ashkenazy, Harrel on the
EMI label.  Disappointing performance, lacks energy.  Sound is good,
but there is too much stereo separation for a trio.
5.  Beethoven Piano sonatas: Pathetique, Moonlight & #13.  Excellent
performance with great sound.  Performer:  E. Gilels on DG.

Obviously my impressions are subjective, but you may find them useful.

Does any body have information on Wagner's Ring (18 discs)
Tristan and Isolde (Philips)
-- 

Yosi Hoshen
Bell Laboratories
Naperville, Illinois
(312)-979-7321
Mail: ihnp4!ihuxn!jho

grw@inmet.UUCP (03/04/84)

#R:ihuxn:-56000:inmet:2600041:000:360
inmet!grw    Feb 29 10:33:00 1984

Friendly suggestion:
If you organize a disk reviewing process find yourself a friend in New York
and have him/her purchase the disks at Tower Records in the village.  They
often discount CDs to $12.99 and $13.99 (quantity 1).
					-- Gary Wasserman
					...harpo!inmet!grw
					...hplabs!sri-unix!cca!ima!inmet!grw
					...yale-comix!ima!inmet!grw
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