Do classical CDs made from early analog tapes sound better on your system than new CDs?


I find that classical CDs produced from analog recordings originally made in the late 50’s and early 60’s really make my system sing, and, by far, give me the best sound staging over most modern recordings.  This is especially true in those produced in the pre-Dolby era.  The overtones are just there in abundance and the space is endless and real.
 I’m wondering if others have that experience.
rvpiano

Showing 7 responses by charles1dad

Ghosthouse this would be very educational for me. I’d rate my jazz knowledge 8.5/10 and continually expanding. Classical music 2/10 , much room for growth😊. Brownsfan where are you?
Charles
Rvpiano,
Between you, Al and Schubert, you 3 could certainly get it off to a good start.
Charles
Jazz for aficionados is very unique.  Nearly 5 years old, over 10,000 posts and it remains interesting,  insightful and thought provoking. Many good recording recommendations although with the jazz genre this isn't difficult as there's a true wealth of excellent material. With the caliber of contributors such as the OP, frontman and others this inconsistency  is no surprise. 
Charles  
Hi Tenenbaum16, 
I happily accept your very kind offer and thank you. My email is charles1dad@aol.com 

I've ordered the Dvorak recommended by Al. As a jazz guy I'm trusting your taste in classical music Al.😊
Charles 
My listening tells me that in fact the ""old technology"" was actually very good quality, I just have too many excellent sounding recordings to say otherwise. Here’s a handful of jazz labels from the 1950s thru 1960s that consistently sound terrific on CDs.
Columbia
Riverside
Prestige
Contemporary
EmArcy
Blue Note
Atlantic
There are others. The tape recorders and microphones utilized captured the numerous jazz musicians of that time period splendidly!
Charles

Al,
If I can find the Chesky Jascha Horenstein I’ll buy it, thanks. I really like the classical recordings without the multi miking. Two or three good microphones was the better method IMHO.
Charles
Hi Rvpiano, 
My music genre is predominantly jazz but your listening experiences I can relate to.  I own many jazz recordings from the mid 1950s - 1960s (analogue tape and surely tube microphones ) AAD CDs.  With rare exception there is beautiful natural tone/timbre and the capturing of space and presence. Just a joy to listen to.

I think modern recording has been kinder to the jazz genre than much of classical music. Most jazz recordings are well done these days.  My limited collection of classical does include RCA Living Stereo and Mercury Living Presence of the era you mention, they are very enjoyable. 
Charles