Massed strings and large choral groups

I absolutely agree with this. I would also suggest that large choral groups are harder than massed strings. I think some of this is due to how the recording sessions are miked, but you I have heard big differences using different amps in my system. I have recently enjoyed some hips using 1 or 2 voices per part vs a huge chorus. Much more enjoyable for me.

Frogman, sixty banjos playing together would tax more than my stereo. I can, however, imagine such an event would go over well in Pittsburgh, and probably does in fact occur on a regular basis.

I cannot abide sitting in the balcony dress circle because the blending of which you speak drives me wacky. Admittedly, that takes very little. I much prefer main floor front seating - rows 5-6, just left of center or just right of center. I suspect that seating preference would not be uncommon among audiophile/music lovers. I want to hear the cellos "texture" not just hear their "color."
To me, masses strings in recordings sound much like the seating perspective has been shifted to dress circle. The texture of the individual instruments is lost. Ach, what would Mahler have instructed for recording his symphonies?

Frogman, thanks much. I will give it a read. I probably like the Mahler 8th the least. I recently pinned it down to the abrupt opening of the massed chorus. It is interesting though, that one of my favorite Bruckner works, the Te Deum, opens in a very similar fashion, but rapidly shifts to the soloist.
Mahler done well live is something special indeed. I made the trip to Cleveland this year for the Mahler 3 opening concert. Oh my! 1.5 hours of pure, uninterrupted bliss. Row E, left of center.