Carl, you are correct that it was B&W 808's with big amps, I think by Mark Levinson, maybe Cello
brand? That system got LOUD, like full orchestra in your face loud. The studio had a nice stereo
spread and reliable soundstage and frequency response, so the 3-2 mix could be done with reliability
and repeatability. I've described the audio chain before, so I'll just say it was very direct and
there was no DSP stuff after conversion.
The playback equipment and digital technology used in Germany were different. I think the SACD's
sound like the same tapes played back on a different machine, not a huge difference in sound (so if
you're hearing one, check your CD player regarding playback of the original CDs) but more
"solid-statey" compared to playback on an Ampex 300. The first two issues have "un-Mercury" 3-2
mixes (the 2-channel SACD layer), not enough center channel in the mix. The last two batches sounded
better (more like the original CDs) in all respects, but I still prefer the CDs because they are
real-deal Mercury.
-- Tom Fine
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl Pultz" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2012 8:00 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Mercury Living Presence
> At Edison NJ, they had B&W 808s and, iirc, B&W amps and a Cello Audio Pallet
> used as a line amp/switcher - not too shabby.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Clark Johnsen
> Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2012 1:07 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Mercury Living Presence
>
> On Sat, Jun 2, 2012 at 11:21 PM, DAVID BURNHAM <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Why would they not have heard these differences when they issued the
> CDs?
>>
> Two possible answers: 1) Recording studio audio systems generally s*ck. 2)
> Wishful thinking.
>
> I recall that back in the late Seventies Victor Campos asserted that he had
> found a cartridge that made LPs sound "just like the master tapes" (of
> which he owned numerous good copies). That cartridge? A mid-priced Audio
> Technica. Yes.
>
> A couple years later he had a Sonus Blue... much better!
>
> clark
>
>
>>
>> Dave b
>>
>
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