I think that there are very many satisfying Living Stereo records, even from the so-called early recordings with early pressings.
Over many decades of collecting it is obvious that no consensus exists about these records. Not any different than the lack of consensus on any audiophile topic.
Many of my most "amazing" musical and audio thrills have come together on these recordings. There is a considerable variability in what is heard among individual pressings of these records which may account for some of the diverse opinions. Also, as Rcj1231 explains, ultimately the musical values are rarely emphasized in audio discussions, because audio attributes are more obvious, and more easily justify why we spend so much time and money to optimize the potential in a sound system.
Each of us can only speak from our personal experience. I have found many records "to live for" that never even get mentioned in most reviews of older records.
After reviewing Arthur Salvatore's website, thanks to Rushton, I can agree he has identified many great recordings. But, I imagine he could critique the sound in an imperfect seating position in a famous concert hall, causing you to avoid all music played in that hall. When Avery Fisher Hall at New York City's Lincoln Center first opened with poor acoustics this did not prevent hearing some fabulous musical events available nowhere else.
Once a recording, or a live venue, reaches a certain threshold level of acceptability then it is the musical performance which really counts.
Perhaps it is better if everyone leaves over the Living Stereo's for me at sales and thrift stores. Just put them together in one box so I won't have to search so hard to collect them.
Over many decades of collecting it is obvious that no consensus exists about these records. Not any different than the lack of consensus on any audiophile topic.
Many of my most "amazing" musical and audio thrills have come together on these recordings. There is a considerable variability in what is heard among individual pressings of these records which may account for some of the diverse opinions. Also, as Rcj1231 explains, ultimately the musical values are rarely emphasized in audio discussions, because audio attributes are more obvious, and more easily justify why we spend so much time and money to optimize the potential in a sound system.
Each of us can only speak from our personal experience. I have found many records "to live for" that never even get mentioned in most reviews of older records.
After reviewing Arthur Salvatore's website, thanks to Rushton, I can agree he has identified many great recordings. But, I imagine he could critique the sound in an imperfect seating position in a famous concert hall, causing you to avoid all music played in that hall. When Avery Fisher Hall at New York City's Lincoln Center first opened with poor acoustics this did not prevent hearing some fabulous musical events available nowhere else.
Once a recording, or a live venue, reaches a certain threshold level of acceptability then it is the musical performance which really counts.
Perhaps it is better if everyone leaves over the Living Stereo's for me at sales and thrift stores. Just put them together in one box so I won't have to search so hard to collect them.