Just received the SACD-box set and listened to the first two discs (Preludes, Images, Pour le Piano). I also did compare the 2012 remaster of the Preludes briefly with the 1995 remaster on the EMI icon box set.
To answer the headline question of this thread: Yes, it definitely is a viable investment !!! The engineers did a very cautious but successful job. The piano sound now has a substantial fuller, warmer, "woodier" brilliant and dynamic character. The 1995 version soundwise is not completely different, e.g. in terms of low tape hiss both are quite similar. But the SACD is smoother and more pleasant to the ear and they even managed to make it more brilliant while maintaining the low hiss. Caveat: We are speaking of 1953 and 1954 mono recordings. This obviously has not changed, so especially those not familiar with these recordings please do not compare with a current piano recording. For all seeking one of Debussy's master interpreters, with the SACD you should hold the final version in your hands. Also the making and look of the box is a win, many photos of the first vinyl editions of the recordings.
I am looking forward to what's coming next in this series.
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