SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9 – Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi/ Oleg Caetani – Surround Records multichannel Blu-ray, Audio 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, 74:00 min. *****: (there is no product number)
This music-only Blu-ray disc delivers 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio if and when connections are made with 1.3 and/or 1.4 HDMI cables. If connected with optical cables it will only deliver 5.1 or 6.1 standard DTS quality sound. For the purpose of this review I only used high-speed 1.3 cables connecting the Blu-ray player and the 7.2 AV receiver. I should mention that the present receiver is one of Onkyo’s new generation of THX-certified products built around high quality Burr-Brown DACs.
The DTS-HD MA encoding of this recording as connected with 1.3 HDMI cables produces a variable bit rate (VBR), bit-for-bit (lossless) stream that includes 7.1 channels with sample rates of 96 kHz. Just as well the DTS-HD MA-encoded files also contain a backward-compatible DTS Digital Surround 5.1 (and 6.1) “core” with a bit rate of 1509 kbps. However, this review concerns itself only with 7.1 DTS-HD MA channels reproduction. The musical values of this recording while enormous given this virtuoso orchestra under the baton of Oleg Caetani will not be emphasized to any length in this review for obvious reasons; suffices to say that this is not just one more recording of the much-transited Shostakovich orchestral output – this is a historical milestone in sound recording in my humble opinion. [2L has been doing the same thing in their “Pure Audio” Blu-ray + SACD series…Ed.]
My purpose was to evaluate what was done sound-wise, departing from an original 2003 production that was mixed in the first instance as a 5.1 SACD and then in 2004 as a 5.1 DVD-Audio. Given the fact that more often than not live concerts are recorded with more than six microphones at the master level, this 7.1 Blu-ray inscription must be a further re-mixing from the original master. This Blu-ray replicates to some extent what the Arts label produced as a 5.1 SACD and the separate DVD-A discs while the addition of two more rear channels is much more to my ears than just further rear noise. My speaker set up for the present review was with the normal surround speakers moved up to be directly on the left and right sides of my sweet spot, and the rear center surround speakers separated at the very back of the room.
My first impression was that this 7.1 Blu-ray disc is overwhelmingly different and more vivid than any 5.1 SACD and/or 5.1 DVD-A discs I have heard so far. Just for comparison and given my ample experience with “true” surround sound like that produced by the labels MDG 2+2+2, Tacet Real Surround Sound, Linn and Sony SACD (only) quad recordings I have to categorically say it again, this 7.1 Blu-ray disc’s sound is overwhelming for a true audiophile experience.
The unique acoustic reality experience that his recording affords to my ears as to the musical phrasing and playing of these two very complex scorings, the orchestral presence, instrumental sections separation, high and low dynamics and instrumental solos are far superior to anything I have heard on so-called true surround recordings. We are placed at the same location that the conductor assumes in the podium, we are not part of the audience – we hear what the conductor hears. Orchestral sound is very close and all around, especially the sound coming out of the two side-surround speakers. In my mind the use of these side speakers totally redefines surround sound; this is a new experience and something to behold.
I would even say that I have been to quite a few live concerts where Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 (and to a lesser extent the 9th as well) had been played and never, repeat never, I have heard all the myriad of instruments required by the orchestration – mostly due to poor hall acoustics. Indeed, the 5th requires an orchestra that may reach a complement of about 130 players. I am ready to say that the present listening experience was far superior to any of the live concerts I have attended in the past of the same works. I grant that being part of the audience is not the same as what the conductor hears and this is the factor to behold. Indeed a new and surprising experience for me.
The whole 4th movement of the 5th Symphony (T-4 Allegro non troppo) is one of the most vivid and realistic recording inscriptions I have ever heard. Just on the merits of these 10:42 minutes of orchestral sound this recording joins my new list of 100 to take to my island when the time comes. This recording comes with my highest recommendation and if you have a true 7.1 or 7.2 AV receiver, all the necessary speakers (full range if possible) and an adequate Blu-ray player you owe to yourself to have this disc. Buy it!
[I have a conflicting opinion on the usefulness of the center back surround speakers, though not of the additional channels. I feel they are useless for music at that location plus seriously in the way in many rooms, and are much better used for side-height or front-height speakers. They can also be fed by any source from 2 to 5 channels using Dolby ProLogic IIz with height channels….Ed.]
Equipment used during this review:
Onkyo TX-SR608 (7.2 channels THX-certified AV receiver)
LFE bypass: at 100 Hz
Blu-ray player: Panasonic DMP-BD60
Speakers: 7 full range 3-ways and one custom built 12” sealed subwoofer
Cables/connectors: all HDMI 1.3 and custom speaker cables
— John Nemaric
