In this video I listen to my first two records from the recently introduced Deutsche Grammophon Original Source Series.
Everything about this series promises to please, from the all analogue mixing and all analogue mastering directly from the original 4-track 1/2" session tapes, to the sumptuously high quality jacket and inserts. In fact there's only one aspect that could potentially spoil the party: the chosen pressing plant: Optimal.
It's not that everything I've had from Optimal is problematic, but a few friends had alerted me to more pressing issues than anticipated with this otherwise impressive Deutsche Grammophon audiophile series, but nevertheless, the series catalogue has some of what I'd consider essentials, so I dipped my toe in by purchasing two records: Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, and a Debussy / Ravel record featuring my absolute favourite Ravel composition: Daphnis and Chloe.
So, here I discuss the sound quality of these beautiful editions but also the problems encountered.
I wish to point out that since recording this video I have contacted Deutsche Grammophon who were very helpful and are sending me a replacement.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
10:37 Sub-OPTIMAL: THE PRESSING PROBLEM
I purchased my Original Source Series records direct from: https://store.deutschegrammophon.com/collections/original-source-vinyl