Please, advise on best sounding classical records on your LP12 and Naim system

Every Decca (and affiliated label) pressing that I have is a stand out, I find the Schubert discs with Clifford Curzon playing piano particularly good.

I have a number of discs with Kathleen Ferrier singing on the Ace of Clubs label and these never disappoint.

Solti conducting the LSO in Mahler's 2nd (Decca) is fairly enormous sounding as well.

This sounds awesome and is a great disc for testing out the hi-fi.

I didn't know Deutsche Gramophone was still issuing lp's.

Lontano, this isn't an LP right?
But, if it is, please tell me where to find it
regards
Andrea

I’ve been listening to classical vinyl since the late 60s. I stopped buying when LPs became widely unavailable in the late 80s.
My immediate suggestions – based on my personal musical tastes and the happenstances of what I bought at the time. These are recommended based on quality of performance and recording. They’re all analogue recordings and have been listened to on a large number of Linn/Naim systems over the years – including recently, which justifies their inclusion here.
Obviously be aware of remastering of recordings when they’re reissued – this used to be a fascinating component of record buying. Label and catalogue number may be different outside UK.
Havergal Brian: symphonies 6 and 16 (London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Myer Fredman) – Lyrita SRCS67, recorded c1975 (shoots light and air into an orchestral texture which is usually dense and heavy from this composer). [Incidentally, this is being released on CD this month (SRCD295 – a must buy!)]
Bruckner: Symphony 9 (New Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer) – HMV ASD2719, c1972 (doesn’t suffer from the plodding heaviness that characterised other recordings by this great conductor in his old age – it’s just glorious)
Mahler: Song of the earth (Philharmonia Orchestra / Otto Klemperer, with Fritz Wunderlich (fantastic in first movement) and Christa Ludwig) – HMV Angel SAN179, c1966
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, complete (Cleveland Orchestra / Lorin Maazel) – Decca SXL6620-2, c1973 (at the time, this really came across as a leap forward in recorded sound)
Stravinsky: The firebird, complete (Concertgebouw Orchestra / Colin Davis) – Philips 9500 637, c1979
Vaughan Williams: Symphony 4 (New Philharmonia Orchestra / Adrian Boult) – HMV ASD2375, c1968 (and probably the rest of this cycle)
Vaughan Williams: Job: a masque for dancing (London SO / Adrian Boult) – HMV ASD2673, c1971
Walton: Belshazzar’s feast (London SO and Chorus / Andre Previn) – HMV Angel SAN324, c 1972
You’ll notice a certain trend appearing. Back in the 60s/70s, there were far fewer releases and most of them were from the big six companies: HMV, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Philips, CBS, RCA. Of these I always felt that, on average, DG recordings were a bit disappointing – despite having a long German name and a posh logo; Philips were, on the whole, good, honest and a bit plain; CBS recordings were uniformly execrable; and HMV and Decca could be rather variable but at the best, EMI was rich, round and sonorous (positively Elgarian) and Decca was harder, more detailed with more impact (more like your Britten).
Cheers
Jeremy

Hi Andrea,

Perhaps I don't qualify for this thread, seeing as I own a different turntable, but I'll post some of my favourites anyway.
Seeing as you don't mention any specific likes or dislikes the following list is as broad a selection as I can provide.

Bach- Mass in B Minor/St John Passion/St Matthew Passion/Christmas Oratorio - John Eliot Gardiner - Archiv 1985 - 1989

They are mid to late 80's digital recordings, but have a nice warmth, and are performed with great verve and precision.

Monteverdi - Vespers 1610 - Andrew Parrott - EMI 1984 - All Saints Church Tooting.

Recording can be a little hard and analytical unless the turntable is up to scratch. But the performance is the best I've heard of this great and beautiful work .

Shostakovich - Symphony No 10 - Neeme Jarvi - Chandos 1988 - Caird Hall Dundee.

Exquisite rich dynamic sound, with great inner detail, conveys the stark beauty of Shostakovich's work.

Shostakovich - Piano Quintet - Music Group of London - ASV 1983

Stunning sound, one of the best violin/cello/piano ensemble recordings in my collection, a very moving work.

Benjamin Britten - Rejoice The Lamb - Corydon Singers - Hyperion - 1984 - St Alban's Church, London.

Amazing subtlety, dynamics, and church acoustic.
Some beautiful solo singing, and organ accompaniment which emerges and underpins the music with great depth.

Richard Strauss - Der Rosenkavalier - Karajan -EMI 1956

Probably one of the best versions of this work with the velvety, magical voice of Elisabeth Schwazkopf. I've got a digitally remastered version which sounds great to my ears; the original in mint condition I would imagine would cost a lot.

Mahler - Symphony No 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 - Klaus Tennstedt - EMI 1979

My favourite conductor of Mahler - great inner detail and dynamics. My second favourite is Solti, but IMO he can be overstated and unsubtle, but is unparalleled for sheer energy and excitement, try his No 8, it's awesome!

regards,

mat

Huwge, Jeremy and Mat, thank you very much for your advise.
Jeremy and Mat especially, put great effort into advising, and I really appreciate it.
Actually, it does not seem this post has gathered much answers, does it have do do with LP12 capability of reproducing classical music?
This could be a topic for another post.
Best regards
Andrea

Dear Andrea,

It might have something to do with the fact that clssical is a style that has benefitted more than others from CD issues, and that the mainstream companies dropped LP production almost two decades ago.

I sold over 600 LPs in 1991, including some of those Jeremy mentioned, but honestly I would be in trouble trying to work out which ones sounded fine at this length of time since last using them!

Surface noise - at least of the type usual on even really clean LPs - is far more distracting on classical music, where you can have a whole five minutes of very quiet music and a variable rustling and clicking really can get phenomenally annoying after a while!

George

Much like George, I've all but done away with records. I do still have a record player in storage (it won't fit in my living room), but that's been the case for 2 and a half years and I honestly don't miss it. Surface noise was a constant annoyance, CD doesn't have this problem (it does have others, it isn't perfect, but I prefer it). What's more, the sound players like the 5x can get out of a CD is pretty impressive.

Then there's the fact that classical labels have all but abandoned LP (true some issues, like the Testament Ring - which I mostly don't recommend, can be had new on LP, many cannot). Even Linn Records, maker of your LP12 don't issue their classical releases (except one) on CD, if you want Charles Mackerras's stunning new recording of the last four Mozart symphonies (I was just at concert they gave of the Prague this evening that was thrilling - I can't recommend the set enough). There are countless other examples.

However, if I will give some recommendations that should be on vinyl (second hand, in most cases).

Bach's Golberg Variations played by Helmut Walcha on EMI. Also the Art of Fugue, also by Walcah on DG.

Beethoven's piano concerti with Solomon and the Philharmonia conducted by either Menges or Clytens. These were originally issued, I think, on EMI but are now on Testament (so may be available new on vinyl). Also any of Kempff's recordings. He did two survey's of the concerti, both for DG and with the BPO, in mono in the 50s with van Kempen and in the 60s in stereo with Leitner (my preference is for the mono recordings and I think he is without equal in the 4th concerto).

Beethoven's 9th symphony conducted by Furtwangler at Bayreuth in 1951 (EMI) also the 3rd with the VPO in Vienna in 1944.

Any of Eugen Jochum's DG survey of the Beethoven symphonies (split between the BPO and the Bavarians). If you come across them, though, the 3rd and 9th from his later LSO series (EMI) are superior, though the 9th isn't the finest sound quality.

Beethoven's string quartets played by the Budapest Quartet (I'm afraid I haven't the slightest idea who teh original label was).

Solomon's performances of the Beethoven sonatas (on EMI originally but now on Testament, so may be available new) and also Kempff's 1950s mono recordings on DG.

Jochum's recordings of the Brahms symphonies are rather special. He recorded them all for DG in mono with the BPO (I think 1 and 4 are particularly special) and later in stereo for EMI with the LPO (2 and 3 are the better ones here and the overtures are stunning). Guilini's Brahms is a favourite of mine but poorly available on CD - he did make a complete cycle with the VPO, but I haven't heard it - that might persuade me to unpack the turntable. Furtwangler's Brahms is also worth hearing, though I would question the availability as most of my issues are out of copyright live releases. Walter's cycle with the NYPO (on CBS?) ought to be available though, and has a certain something.

Leon Fleisher's collaborations with George Szell and the Cleveland orchestra were very special, and seemed to be an occasion where two artists brought the best out of each other. In particular their recordings of the Brahms piano concertos are something of a must.

Britten's War Requiem is something I would consider a must (though not to all tastes), indeed, I think I have it on vinyl somewhere.

In Bruckner, Jochum recorded them all at least twice. I only have the later Dresden recordings (on EMI), from which I would recommend looking for the first and the 6th. Also, if it can be found Knappertsbusch's performances of the 3rd and 4th

Elgar's cello concerto as performed by du Pre and Barbirolli and the LSO (EMI).

Haydn's London, and indeed Paris symphonies from Leonard Bernstein and the NYPO (on Columbia) - they bring a wonderful sense of joy. Also Jochum's very special London symphonies with the LPO (on DG).

Janacek's operas as conducted by Charles Mackerras with the VPO, particularly Vec Makropulos. Also their recordings of Tarus Bulba and the Sinfonietta (all on Decca).

Mahler. Well, I could say too much here (asuming I haven't already done so). I'm afraid Tennstedt does little for me, I've tried several times but I just find his survey a little on the dull side (I'd also note that 1979 is not a correct date for the cycle since several of the recordings were made into the mid 80s). I struggle with recommendations though, as so many of my favourites are not on vinyl. For the first symphony Bernstein and the Concertgebouw on DG. For the second Walter and the NYPO on Columbia, Rattle and the CBSO on EMI and Klemperer and the Concertgebouw on Decca (with Kathleen Ferrier). For the third Haitink and the Concertgebouw on Philips and Bernstein and the NYPO (either on Columbia or DG, I have a preference for the latter). For the fourth Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. For the 5th and 6th, Barbirolli and the Philharmonia on EMI. For the 7th Bernstein and the NYPO on Columbia or Solti and the Chicago Symphony on Decca. Solti and the CSO again for the 8th. The 9th from Bernstein and the BPO on DG.

Uchida's recordings of the Mozart piano concertos with Tate and the ECO on Philips are worth exploring, if they were ever on vinyl, as are Barenboim's with the same orchestra.

Mozart's 40th and 41st symphonies from Bernstein and the VPO on DG.

The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni from Guilini and the Philharmonia on EMI are both superb as is Kleiber's VPO Figaro.

Schubert's 9th symphony is one of my favourite works, and yet all my favourite recordings, bar one, are CD only. Erich Kleiber's account (on Decca with the Cologne RSO) is worth seeking out. As is Furtwangler's 1940s BPO performance. It was recorded by German radio then spirited away to Russia after the war so may exist on vinyl in some illicit pressing somewhere. Jochum's Bavarian account on DG is pretty fine too, and George will doubtless sing Boult's praises for us. I would also seek out the D960 sonata from Kempff on DG.

If you don't mind his wilful tempi, Bernstein's Vienna recordings of Sibelius's symphonies on DG offer something special, and Barbirolli's rather sunny view on EMI with the Halle is worth hearing. Sadly my favourite Sibelius is too recent for vinyl.

Giulini's recordings of the Verdi requiem are, in my view peerless. Sadly the only vinyl one (EMI) is the worst. True you get Schwarzkopf and Ludwig but you also get a nasty distortion in the loudest climaxes. Still, musically it is very fine. His Royal Opera House recording with Domingo of Don Carlos (also EMI) is a must for me (though the live CD issue of his 58 performance is a more involving experience still).

Lastly, to Wagner. Furtwangler's recording of Tristan and Isolde with Flagstad and the Philharomia on EMI is rather special, as is Kleiber's Dresden recording on DG. If it was ever available, Knappertsbusch's 1951 Bayreuth Parsifal on Teldec. Solti's Ring on VPO is a technical tour de force and musically wonderful too.



Are any of these great sounding on the LP12? I have no idea. They are, however, in my view great or at the least very fine recordings.

However, it is a poorer list than I would like: the number I've come across that I would have included (Mackerras's Brahms and Beethoven, Abbado's recent Mahler, everything on BBC Legends) illustrates how important CD has become.

regards, Tam

Some years ago I saw a mint set of the Solomon recordings of the Beethoven concerti, still in the celophane wrapping on the box album. I think it was for £150, or £50 per disc. And that stood against the much tonally finer CDs of the same now available for a grand total of £39 on Testamant, £13 per disc!

Whilst I can understand that some people might want to keep the old methods going, if you are particular about the artists you want to get in your favourite music on LP, even now it can be wallet-bleedingly expensive! I would never recommend a random approach to building a classical record library. The performances themselves are more significant than the technical quality in the absolute, or even the medium they are replayed from.

If not the only satisfactory replay would come from the best tecnique, probably late analogue from the late seventies, but that was a time noted for the terrible quality of LP pressings and also the awful basic quality of studio discipline and microphone technique. Or do you go for the fifties, when more of the greatest artists were in their prime!

Really it is not possible to be dogmatic, but take the best performances from whatever era, and by now all of these have been re-released in CD of a quality undreamt off in the original LP transfers or commercial 78 releases.

The LP is is a fairly useless carrier for music as long and as dynamic as most classical music, in my view.

George

quote:

Originally posted by andrea:
Lontano, this isn't an LP right?
But, if it is, please tell me where to find it
regards
Andrea

Sorry I read the thread title as on an LP12 or an all Naim system which I interpreted as including a CD player. Sorry this is a CD but it does sound awesome.

quote:

Originally posted by GFFJ:
Dear Andrea,

It might have something to do with the fact that clssical is a style that has benefitted more than others from CD issues, and that the mainstream companies dropped LP production almost two decades ago.

I sold over 600 LPs in 1991, including some of those Jeremy mentioned, but honestly I would be in trouble trying to work out which ones sounded fine at this length of time since last using them!

Surface noise - at least of the type usual on even really clean LPs - is far more distracting on classical music, where you can have a whole five minutes of very quiet music and a variable rustling and clicking really can get phenomenally annoying after a while!

George

Right George, I was expecting that . . one should perhaps have two set of electronics, since with classical music tubes could go better, I mean valve amps. But as for LPs, they do sound "difficult" most of times on classical music.
Too bad, you can't have everything . . .since for rock blues or even jazz, the LPs are fantastic, os so I feel.
Many thanks for your advise.
Have a great time tomorrow at Munch's (you going right?)
Andrea

quote:

Originally posted by Tam:
. . . . .However, if I will give some recommendations that should be on vinyl (second hand, in most cases). . . . . .
. . . .regards, Tam

Tam, what to say, I'm impressed . . .you've fulfilled the whole post by yourself alone! Congrats, and many thanks! I doubt I'll be looking for those records on vinyl . . . but one way or the other, I'm sure they will sound great.
I do know some of the take you are referring to, but mostly on different label/director/performer, . . . all older.
Best regards and many thanks
Andrea

quote:

Originally posted by Lontano:

quote:

Originally posted by andrea:
Lontano, this isn't an LP right?
But, if it is, please tell me where to find it
regards
Andrea

Sorry I read the thread title as on an LP12 or an all Naim system which I interpreted as including a CD player. Sorry this is a CD but it does sound awesome.

It is fine, I run both formats, as you see, it was more to find out if classical does good on LPs, and I think, in general, the answer is no.

So, I'll go for that recording (I do have already the Paganini's concert by Accardo, in fact) and let you know.
thanks a lot and best regards
andrea

I've got a Speaker's Corner reissue of a 60s Decca LP (Pierre Monteux conducting Ravel and Debussy) which sounds sensational.

I have to say that I completely disagree with those posters who say Classical doesn't work on vinyl. Those that say that, have obviously not heard what record players today can do.
The arguments of mis-tracking, and surface noise and lack of dynamics are simply false, if the record playing system is good enough. I would say there is a point in upgrading a record playing system where mis-tracking and surface noise go from minimal to subjectively non-existant. Yes there are still the odd clicks and pops, but on a mint record this is a minor issue, and not distracting.

50% of my listening is classical, and I have heard CD players many times, and in my system, but the same recordings always sound better on vinyl over CD, in my system. This includes digital recordings, as most of my above suggestions are. It is true that there are many dodgy recordings from the 60's and 70's, that's why I have so many from the 80's. I own roughly 150 records by Bach alone, which is testament to the choice and pleasure I have from listening to Classical vinyl.

regards,

mat

My two grumbles are that the sides are too short and that surfaces are not silent, but suffer variable mechanical interference.

Plus I have always resented having to rush from the TT to the listening position. I like to prepare for a good half minute before worth-while listening ensues.

LPs simple don't cut the mustard comapared to CD for classical music in these vital areas, though in their short sides, if in mint condition, the actual sound of good clean LP at it fairly infrequent best is close enough to the superb quality of almost all classical CD releases to be very easily enjoyable. And yes I have had the chance to use a really top TT for a use with some very well cared for records. It yielded some considerable pleasure where the choice of recording required me to make use of the vinyl source.

LP is a long outmoded way of playing the classics, which served adequately in its time. If it were otherwise then the majors would not have dropped the medium nearly two decades ago. Strangely enough I would not say that the majority of classical music buyers [if ever there was a fussy and discerning group then this is it] were the kind of people to easily accept the new CD medium if were not patently better. Not perfect, but significantly improved in the vital areas.

I frequently would transfer two sides of a mint LP to tape to go some way towards providing the continuity advantage of the CD in the olden days.

Thanks be that the classical music LP has been superceded for new issues and the phenomenally increased quality available in reissues over their original LP counterparts in the absolutle majority of cases ...

George

Just to clarify, I never said that classical doesn't work on vinyl, just that I think CD is a superior medium - both media imperfect but the imperfections of CD bother me less than those of vinyl. I suppose for others it may be the other way round.

I would imagine that if enough money is spent the flaws of vinyl can be minimised, but it takes a lot of money. It also takes a lot more effort in hunting down records that are in the right condition. I'd rather my energy went to choosing which recording I want rather than finding a good disc of it.

Added to this, the simple fact is that almost no new classical recordings are issued on vinyl. This would be a huge problem for me as there have been a number of recordings that fall into this category from which I wouldn't want to be parted.

That said, I think CD could be improved upon. SACD never really took off, and I think now any replacement will be digital in nature - from Linn's website you can now download the recordings at studio master quality. The future?



regards, Tam

A few more.
Again, I am suggesting some absolute gems, which score “superb” in at least two of the three categories: musical reading, musical performance, engineering. Analogue unless otherwise stated.

Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Vienna Philharmonic / Karl Böhm) – Decca 6BB 171-72 (2LP), 1974 (Spread over four LP sides to great benefit.)

Debussy: Images, etc (London Symphony Orchestra / Andre Previn) – HMV digital ASD 3804, 1979 (This was the first of HMV’s digital classical releases. Apparently Previn was briefed that editing would be difficult, so he duly delivered each track in one take. Far from being nervous, the performance is inspired.)

Monteverdi: “Un concert spirituel” (Concerto vocale) – Harmonia Mundi HM1032-33 (2LP), 1980 (This is a selection of 17 of the many highly varied sacred pieces Monteverdi wrote, featuring the striking counter tenor voice of Rene Jacobs. A little way into the first track, Duo seraphim, comes the most sublime dissonance in the whole of western music (or something).)

Monteverdi: Vespro della beata Vergine (aka Vespers, 1610) (Taverner Consort et al / Andrew Parrott) – HMV digital EX 270129 3 (2LP), 1984 (Important not just for its quality but because it places Monteverdi’s music into the context of a complete service, so the luxuriant compositions of Monteverdi are contrasted with short sections of plainchant, just as the composer intended.)

Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky (London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus / Claudio Abbado) – DG 2531 202, 1980 (Startling – try The battle on the ice, placed strategically at the start of side 2.)

Strauss: Sinfonia domestica (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Karajan) – HMV ASD 2955, 1973 (Fantastically vulgar, wonderfully rich and ripe. The ending is just amazing – it just won’t stop!)

cheers
Jeremy

I have to differ from Tam and George. There are some stunning results on Vinyl though they are not everyday occurences. It seems to have no specific relation to issuing labels.....but when it all comes together....

Here's one I just cannot stop playing.



Played by the Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca, Giuliano Carmignola - Violin

The label is DIVOX Antiqua which lists it as a CD but the actual Vinyl pressing is from Cisco records so search them on the web if you have to track it down.

regards
Geoff

quote:

Originally posted by mjamrob:
I have to say that I completely disagree with those posters who say Classical doesn't work on vinyl. Those that say that, have obviously not heard what record players today can do.
The arguments of mis-tracking, and surface noise and lack of dynamics are simply false, if the record playing system is good enough. I would say there is a point in upgrading a record playing system where mis-tracking and surface noise go from minimal to subjectively non-existant. Yes there are still the odd clicks and pops, but on a mint record this is a minor issue, and not distracting.

50% of my listening is classical, and I have heard CD players many times, and in my system, but the same recordings always sound better on vinyl over CD, in my system. This includes digital recordings, as most of my above suggestions are. It is true that there are many dodgy recordings from the 60's and 70's, that's why I have so many from the 80's. I own roughly 150 records by Bach alone, which is testament to the choice and pleasure I have from listening to Classical vinyl.

regards,

mat

This is interesting Mat, but I am sorry to see you're not using an LP12 . . . does it hold even with it? I mean, what you say about vinyl vs cd on classical?
regards
Andrea

quote:

Originally posted by Jeremy Marchant:
A few more.
Again, I am suggesting some absolute gems, which score “superb” in at least two of the three categories: musical reading, musical performance, engineering. Analogue unless otherwise stated.

Bruckner: Symphony 4 (Vienna Philharmonic / Karl Böhm) – Decca 6BB 171-72 (2LP), 1974 (Spread over four LP sides to great benefit.)

Debussy: Images, etc (London Symphony Orchestra / Andre Previn) – HMV digital ASD 3804, 1979 (This was the first of HMV’s digital classical releases. Apparently Previn was briefed that editing would be difficult, so he duly delivered each track in one take. Far from being nervous, the performance is inspired.)

Monteverdi: “Un concert spirituel” (Concerto vocale) – Harmonia Mundi HM1032-33 (2LP), 1980 (This is a selection of 17 of the many highly varied sacred pieces Monteverdi wrote, featuring the striking counter tenor voice of Rene Jacobs. A little way into the first track, Duo seraphim, comes the most sublime dissonance in the whole of western music (or something).)

Monteverdi: Vespro della beata Vergine (aka Vespers, 1610) (Taverner Consort et al / Andrew Parrott) – HMV digital EX 270129 3 (2LP), 1984 (Important not just for its quality but because it places Monteverdi’s music into the context of a complete service, so the luxuriant compositions of Monteverdi are contrasted with short sections of plainchant, just as the composer intended.)

Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky (London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus / Claudio Abbado) – DG 2531 202, 1980 (Startling – try The battle on the ice, placed strategically at the start of side 2.)

Strauss: Sinfonia domestica (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Karajan) – HMV ASD 2955, 1973 (Fantastically vulgar, wonderfully rich and ripe. The ending is just amazing – it just won’t stop!)

cheers
Jeremy

Thanks Jeremy, very attracting, I'll be on the search for them, as I can . .
Bye
andrea

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff P:
I have to differ from Tam and George. There are some stunning results on Vinyl though they are not everyday occurences. It seems to have no specific relation to issuing labels.....but when it all comes together....

Here's one I just cannot stop playing.



Played by the Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca, Giuliano Carmignola - Violin

The label is DIVOX Antiqua which lists it as a CD but the actual Vinyl pressing is from Cisco records so search them on the web if you have to track it down.

regards
Geoff

I got it on the spot at Acoustic Sounds . . . it will be the nth version of it I have . .I still prefer the one by "I Musici" . . so far.
I'll let you know as it will be with me
Cheers and thanks
andrea

quote:

This is interesting Mat, but I am sorry to see you're not using an LP12 . . . does it hold even with it? I mean, what you say about vinyl vs cd on classical?
regards
Andrea

quote:

This is interesting Mat, but I am sorry to see you're not using an LP12 . . . does it hold even with it? I mean, what you say about vinyl vs cd on classical?
regards
Andrea

Hi Andrea,

I assume you mean, does what I said about LP being superior hold when using an LP12?
I am not really qualified to answer that.
I have heard several LP12's in the past, which were top spec in the mid 1990's, but I didn't listen to enough classical disks on the top set-up to reach a firm conclusion. Even so, from what I heard, the original Xerxes I owned at the time was better IMO for classical; having higher resolution, better imaging, more accurate and transparent bass. The current spec TMS I own now is in a different league to the Xerxes, and the great thing for classical is no mis-tracking, and great handling of surface noise. I would say it has the bettering of any CD player I've heard for resolution, but the thing that is important for me is the way the music hangs together, and draws me in and keeps me listening for much longer than CD can.
This is where you have to live with a top turntable to appreciate the difference, in isolation CD can sound fine, but falls short in the long term listening experience for me, when directly compared against a well set up turntable in the same system.
I haven't heard a top Naim CD player, only a Marantz CD10, Naim CD5x, Roksan Attessa DP3.
Of course these can be bettered, but I don't believe even the best would improve on my TMS for sheer enjoyment.

So I would think that your LP12 should have a similar listenability even for classical, I noted you got a good improvement with the Lingo2. I'm not surprised - the 3 equivalent speed controller upgrades I have done, have taken my deck to a new level. I would guess that the TMS is better technically, (in terms of accuracy and its tracking ability), and this is reflected in my positive results for classical LP playback.

regards,
mat

Thank you Mat, it clearer now.
I hope to have my LP12 properly set up soon.
I'll let you know then.
regards
andrea