I reviewed the XRCD24 incarnation of this disc in September 2005’s Audiophile Audition – that review was an unabashed rave over just about every aspect of that disc’s presentation. How does the SACD compare? How many superlatives do I need to pile on? Both discs are technically excellent; however, the SACD offers the following: 1) A very generous playing time of 78 minutes, including four of six tracks from the bookend Reiner/CSO album Strauss Waltzes, compared to 49 minutes for the XRCD. 2) All tracks are presented in original three-channel sound. 3) All liner notes are offered in languages other than Japanese. 4) All Living Stereo SACDs were recently on sale at Tower Records for only $8.99 each! That price makes purchase of these discs a no-brainer.
I know, how many times are we going to repurchase this same music? – but Sony/BMG is making our decision easier with these excellent and reasonably priced discs. Very highly recommended!
— Tom Gibbs
