New RCA Living Stereo 45 RPM Series from Analogue Productions | First Look

The new RCA Living Stereo 45 RPM series from Analogue Productions brings these legendary classical recordings back to vinyl with audiophile mastering and pressing at Quality Record Pressings. In this video I take a first look at the new releases of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé with Charles Munch and Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra with Fritz Reiner. In this video I introduce the new series and discuss whether the 45 RPM format is an appropriate vehicle for classical music. While the sonic advantages of 45 RPM are well known, the format also presents practical challenges for long orchestral works. Using the new releases of Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé with Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Richard Strauss’ Also sprach Zarathustra with Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I explore how this new series compares with earlier Living Stereo reissues and the classic 45 RPM releases from Classic Records. This video focuses on the history of the format, the packaging, and the collector perspective. A full sonic and musical evaluation of Daphnis et Chloé can be found in my written review for Audiophilia. Read the full review here: https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2026/2/15/maurice-ravel-daphnis-et-chlocharles-munch-conducting-the-boston-symphony-orchestra-with-the-new-england-conservatory-chorus-analogue-productions-rca-living-stereo-45-rpm-series-2026 I also reference my interview with Chad Kassem discussing the origins of this new Living Stereo series. Watch the interview here: The Pressing Matters Exclusive: Chad Kassem on the 45RPM RCA Living Stereo Reissues https://youtu.be/lbYtVGiYTqo If you enjoy these discussions, you can find all of my reviews of the RCA Living Stereo reissues from Analogue Productions in this playlist: Living Stereo Review Playlist: Analogue Productions Living Stereo https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEYEO1n58bC_18mKx1Zbmcfi2980ZFX48 ⸻ About the New RCA Living Stereo 45 RPM Series These new releases combine several mastering sources: • Original Classic Records metal parts where available, cut by Bernie Grundman • Lacquers previously cut by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound at the time of the Analogue Productions 33 RPM series • New lacquers cut by Matt Lutthans at The Mastering Lab All titles are pressed at Quality Record Pressings. The series also introduces newly designed anti-scuff gatefold jackets that significantly reduce the footprint compared with the bulky single-sided 45 RPM sets issued by Classic Records. ⸻ Featured Recordings • Maurice Ravel — Daphnis et Chloé Boston Symphony Orchestra — Charles Munch • Richard Strauss — Also sprach Zarathustra Chicago Symphony Orchestra — Fritz Reiner ⸻ Subscribe for More Audiophile Vinyl Reviews If you enjoy thoughtful discussions of classical vinyl, audiophile pressings, and record collecting, consider subscribing for future coverage of Living Stereo releases and other historic recordings. #RCALivingStereo #AnalogueProductions #ClassicalVinyl #AudiophileVinyl #LivingStereo #45RPM #CharlesMunch #FritzReiner 00:00 Introduction 01:37 The Classic Records Story 04:27 The Classic 45 Series 06:32 The Analogue Productions 45 Series 13:07 Conclusion @acousticsoundsks