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24-bit 96-kHz remastering of classical

I've now tried four different 24-bit 96-kHz recent CD remasterings of classical music "golden oldies" on two different labels (Decca and RCA), all recordings known for excellent sound in their original form (1950s to early 1960s). To my ears none of them sound right in these recent, supposedly SOTA remasterings: they sound overprocessed, bright, thin, lacking in body/presence. I'm wondering if others into classical CDs have had similar experiences or have some comments on this. Thanks.
texasdave

Showing 2 responses by guidocorona

guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
TexasDave, you should give a try to the hybrid CD/SACD of Antonin's Dvorak's Cello Concerto, performed by Piatigorsky on the cello and conducted by Charles Munch on RCA. Even on the CD track there is NOTHING light nor artificial about it. To me it is a true jaw dropper. . . Furthermore, Piatigorsky's interpretation is yet unsurpassed.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I have just discovered the RCA Living Stereo remasters. Currently listening to them on Redbook, as my SACD player is 60 days away as we speak But even with CD equipment, I was stunned by the relative grace and unagedness of the Piatigorsky recording. The only place where I found even a trace of datedness is in some creschendo passages in the first movement, where I can detect some boxiness in the sound, typical of recordings of that time. You may want to purchase the new version of this recording, so you can let us know if the CD track is the same, or this is a newer PCM remaster.
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