Tom, You just mentioned Sony's remastering MO.

"Typical Sony MO for remastering disk media these days is pretty aggressive DSP, but some of the results I've heard (for instance, the Robert Johnson box, and the extra CD of rare Victor blues sides) was pleasing to my ears."

I bought the remastered SACD of the Bernstein/Mahler #2 from Japan, and while it does have a very good sound field with the three channels, in comparing it with the remastered CD I did from my own reel to reel, the strings on the SACD come out a bit harsh to the point that I have to roll off the high end in playback, while my CD sounds sweet as is.  Does that ring any bells with anybody else?  In contrast, the RCA Living Stereo SACD reissues seem to all have a wonderful string sound. One of my favorites is the Reiner/CSO of Mahler's Symphony No. 4 (82876-67901-2) that I go back to hear over and over.  Another element that makes it so terrific is the brass section that seems to float over the orchestra, especially the horn section.  Reiner has them come out almost as solo instruments when Mahler has given them a main theme or counterpoint.  For the horn lovers in our list, this is one you've got to have.  But, the total reading by Reiner of one of
 Mahler's more lyrical and listenable symphonies, it's got to get people on board with Mahler if they haven't been before.


Rod Stephens