I finished the second season of Marco Polo this weekend. This is a great series, as are many of Netflix's original programs. If it were not for shows like this and House of Cards, I may have canes led my membership long ago.

PQ and SQ are typical for streaming content: nothing special. The sets, costumes, writing, cast, and cinematography make this one a winner. Highly recommended after the kids go to bed or are away!

Cheers,

T Cobe

Not being overly patient, I played around with audio settings on the Blu-ray, including boosting bass via the equalizer, and listened again to the first two Beethoven symphonies on the Marriss Jansons 1-9 series. SQ via the wireless headphones was much improved, now a 5/5! I'm convinced that will elevate to 7-8/5 when I get the gear to use the new SONY's, and still can't wait to hear them in full surround on the TX GEt system, where I'm convinced that will elevate to the 10/5 Wayne experienced.

And I haven't even gotten yet to the 3rd, 5th, 9th, which are among the favorites.

Impressions so far: dynamic, grand, sweet.. I think the double bass and drums will blossom even more with better speakers, but I really like this collection!

Rick

With a bit of a nudge from Wayne (though I do want to listen to most of the Beethoven symphonies 1-9 from Mariss Jansons' series here in NH), I played the 3rd today. I don't believe I've ever heard it before.

I'm searching for the right words here. I've said before on this forum that music has to have a "hook" that gets into my right brain (and then my left brain wants to analyze while my right brain says "just let me enjoy it"!).

Well, the 3rd symphony just hooked me from the start and never let go. Words to describe? At times haunting, at times so sweet, at times bringing me close to tears, at times so dynamic. How does a composer do that? Especially before the age of computer sync stuff.. Imaging how a full orchestra will sound with the composition and how to merge all the instruments together....

As I listened, I just wanted to take the disc and get on a plane to our TX house and put it in the OPPO and let it crank on the GEt surrounds. I was truly TOTALLY drawn in by this piece. Wayne, you are so right. This piece is SO special. I'd pay the price for this piece alone.

Folks, this collection is special... and I haven't even gotten to my favorites, the 5th and 9th yet!

Rick

Alright, Rick, you've got me sold. It's on the wish list but that's a bit pricey. I will probably wait a bit on that one.

Cheers,

T Cobe

YESSSSS Rick!!!!!
That's what I am talkin' about!!!! You felt it too!!!!
Guys, there is a reason that Beethoven is a BIG name after all these years.
But I admit, I am ignorant as all get out.
So here is what I do: I open the Wikipedia on the symphony I am gonna listen to, then read all I can about it, and even refer to it as I listen some. Helps me understand what is going on, the history of the work, what Beethoven or others might have said about it.
I only knew the 5th and yeah, sorta was familiar with the choral part of the 9th. I reacted the same as you did to the 3rd. BUT RICK, wait until you hear the 7th!!! Especially the second movement. The 6th is great too, and the 8th is a dancer.
Rick, have you had time to watch the behind the scenes rehearsal Jansons had with this orchestra? I really gained some respect for him and these musicians. And how major this process is, especially for 9 symphonies!!!
Once again, Rick, and T Cobe, if you buy it, wait until you hear it on your awesome Triton Ones home theater.
T Cobe, you do use the Ones for home theater too, as well as stereo, right?
God Bless, Wayne

Wayne,

Yes, I do use my T1s in my theater setup. They are the foundation of my whole setup and I've purposely selected the electronics I have to allow for theater use and 2-channel play back. The only problem is that home theater playback doesn't lean on them enough but a concert like this should let them shine! I'm looking forward to it.

Cheers,

T Cobe