The Sound of Deutsche Grammophon Classical Records: The Good & the Bad

Today we are discussing Deutsche Grammophon, arguably the most famous classical record label in the world. We’re mainly going to talk about what pressing to seek out in terms of sound quality, price, and condition. This is my journey with DG records, so I would love to hear in the comments what other aspects of DG you like and don’t like!

Overall, this is a great website that talks about OG pressings vs. reissues, Deccas, Living Stereos, EMI, Columbia, DG, etc. Its a great way to get familiar with so many classical pressings and labels out there! Would highly recommend everyone check it out!

My system is as follows:
Paradigm 800f standing loud speakers
Rega elex-r integrated amplifier
Rega P6 turntable
SKW 5m 14 gauge OCC copper speaker cables
Gaia III isolating speaker stands

[poetryonplastic]

I find Deutsche Grammophon is invaluable for chamber music repertoire, so many stellar string quartet, piano quintet, and wind octet recordings out there on DG. Karl Bohms recordings also have a special place in my heart, I find they usually have better engineering than Karajan's from the same era.

[henryoliver]

If anyone dismisses DG due to its sonic reputation, they are going to overlook some of the most incredible music. When I see people in forums who basically only listen to classical music if it's Analogue Productions reissues of Living Stereo or Mercury I despair about what they're missing out on. Also, as well as some of the best chamber music recordings (mentioned in another comment), DG might be the best classical label for avant-garde/20th-century music.

[boogiewoogie]

Do go for the new The Original Source reissues! Absolutely stunning! DG finally up their with the best and finally we are able to hear how well these releases were recorded!

[jerngreb]

A lot of details. Love this channel!!!

[MrThomas]

Love your channel, glad to see you are back! T.Y.

[flowsouth]

Karajan was not exclusive to Deutsche Grammophon, he also recorded for Decca and EMI. DG recordings always had variable sound.

[markfischer]

Milstein was one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century. The 1962/1963 cycle is among the best ever. I don't like Michael Fremer but those recordings are about the only thing we agree on. You probably have no way to alter the tonal balance of your sound system. Being an engineer and not an audiophile I wouldn't have a sound system that couldn't be adjusted. The audiophile ideas that less is more, one size fits all, and if you have the oerfevt sound system you will get perfect results every time strikes me as a poor idea. Learning to use tone controls and a graphic equalizer is a skill that takes time, patience, and an ear that knows what live music sounds like. This affords greater enjoyment listening to more recordings. IMO DG is a top label. Most of my DG recordings are CDs.

[johnnymurgatroyd]

Here in Sydney Australia DG records are definitely easier to find than any other of the "great" labels. I particularly relish coming across mono DGs from the early 50s; they are pressed on very heavy vinyl, which is pleasingly rounded off at the edges, almost like a piece of porcelain. One copy of Beethoven's fifth that I found contained advertising material in German, and notes written in German by one Doktor Luther, who presumably owned the record in 1953. Total cost: one australian dollar.
The covers of these early DGs contain an integrated pocket for the record, pre-lined with plastic and covered over with the front cardboard flap. Try putting a modern PVC free sleeve in there and you have a convenient sort of cover for protecting the contents. The edges of the "pocket" are stitch-bound, which I find quite appealing, and prevents seam-splitting.

[koenraaddm]

Here in Belgium it's easiest to find DG, not so for Decca. It's true, sound is not as good but good, and if I have a copy that sounds too thin I equalize a bit. I am no audiophile so I may :-)

[datphoenix]

Very nice review, you shared many good points.

[ComicRhema]

Nicely done. I totally agree with your ending notes. I have over 500 DG releases in my collection. DG’s have their rightful place in the classical cannon. I did a series of videos studying the labels I learned a lot, but I didn’t know that about Canadian pressings. Thanks for sharing. God bless

[retohofmann]

Cool! A lot of information, presented in a fresh way. Got to dig for this DGs as the German boarder is just 20 minutes from my Swiss home away!

[HoomanR]

Thanks for sharing about your DG collecting tips. One comment about your system description.. would be helpful to know the Phono and the cart that you use for your listening as well as all the other components..

[Classicalvinylpage]

Very informative. I’m going to start sharing some of my collection as well. Thank you. Just subscribed and liked.

[geraldmartin]

DG never had an audiophile reputation among classical record collectors. Thin highs, no bass--- German label equalized for European listeners with cheap record players. I was happy with DG releases; just never bought them for the sound. Great orchestras and conductors were DG's strength-- never the sound.

I've collected and read about classical recordings for five decades. Decca/London was at the top of the heap for sound quality. I think RCAs were overpraised, especially the notorious "dynagrooves" which were specifically equalized for cheap phonographs. RCA even claimed so in its advertising.

[ozziegarcia]

Dead on accurate. DG is good and from time to time very good, clean but sonically not audiophile.

[techrider]

Karajan has been also also on London. Interesting about that Milstein DG. I own the OG and it is very decent sounding. I have about 1000 DG LPs. Thanks for the thoughts in classical LPs. Very nice to see your generation into this.

There is a very nice tulip DG called Maria Stader “Portrait Einer Sangerin”. It’s absolutely outstanding with great air and clarity and the cover is also beautiful.

[AlterMann]

Thank you so much for pointing out about the quality of the Canadian pressings of those DG albums. I was fortunate to find hundreds of them for a very inexpensive price a few years ago at a local used record store, which has closed. I am also a huge fan of Karajan's work.
I was noticing the variety of albums stored behind you and noticed the spines of several Joni Mitchell albums. You have a very good taste!

[ScottHughes-nu]

Karajan was not exclusive to DG. He made numerous recording for Decca and EMI as well. Get your facts correct.

[Bob-swzj]

Just discovered this channel. Excellent review of DG. Thanks for making this video!