Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I compare two legendary recordings of Stravinsky’s The Firebird—each a standout in its own right, but one absolutely blew me away.
The first is the 1958 Decca release featuring L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet, a conductor closely associated with Stravinsky himself. The second is the Mercury Living Presence recording with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Antal Dorati, known for its powerful dynamics and vivid stereo imaging.
Both of these recordings are considered classics by audiophiles and collectors, but how do they hold up in a head-to-head listening comparison? I dive into the sonic details, pressing quality, and overall musical impact to find out which one truly captures the fire and beauty of Stravinsky’s masterpiece.
🎧 Whether you’re a vinyl lover, classical music fan, or just curious how different interpretations of the same piece can dramatically shift the experience, this shootout has something for you.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Hana ML MC Cartridge
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Perpetuum Ebner PE 6060 Turntable
-Ortofon Quintet Black MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
#Stravinsky #TheFirebird #VinylShootout #ClassicalVinyl #ErnestAnsermet #AntalDorati #DeccaRecords #MercuryLivingPresence #ClassicalMusic #AudiophileVinyl #RecordCollecting
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Support
01:13 The Decca Ansermet Recording
05:37 The Mercury Dorati Recording
09:18 Conclusion
In this video, I compare two legendary recordings of Stravinsky’s The Firebird—each a standout in its own right, but one absolutely blew me away.
The first is the 1958 Decca release featuring L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet, a conductor closely associated with Stravinsky himself. The second is the Mercury Living Presence recording with the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Antal Dorati, known for its powerful dynamics and vivid stereo imaging.
Both of these recordings are considered classics by audiophiles and collectors, but how do they hold up in a head-to-head listening comparison? I dive into the sonic details, pressing quality, and overall musical impact to find out which one truly captures the fire and beauty of Stravinsky’s masterpiece.
🎧 Whether you’re a vinyl lover, classical music fan, or just curious how different interpretations of the same piece can dramatically shift the experience, this shootout has something for you.
Reference System
-VPI Scout with Classic Platter Upgrade
-JMW Memorial Tonearm
-VPI Analog Drive System
-Hana ML MC Cartridge
-Phasemation PP-500 MC Cartridge
-Perpetuum Ebner PE 6060 Turntable
-Ortofon Quintet Black MC Cartridge
-Miyajima Labs Infinity Mono MC Cartridge
-ModWright PH 9.0 Tube Phono Preamplifier
-Cayin A-50T Integrated Tube Amplifier
-System Audio Pandion 30 Loudspeakers
-Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
-VPI 16.5 Vacuum Record Cleaner
-Sweetvinyl Sugarcube SC-1 Mini
-Pioneer RT-707 Reel To Reel Tape Deck
-Ramar Record Brush
The reference system is wired exclusively with Audio Art cables.
#Stravinsky #TheFirebird #VinylShootout #ClassicalVinyl #ErnestAnsermet #AntalDorati #DeccaRecords #MercuryLivingPresence #ClassicalMusic #AudiophileVinyl #RecordCollecting
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Support
01:13 The Decca Ansermet Recording
05:37 The Mercury Dorati Recording
09:18 Conclusion
