Bargains

[gurnemanz]

HMV used to have competitive prices - often cheapest. Now they seem to be the most expensive. I assume it is a result of the closing of the Jersey loophole. Others seem to be managing this better. I can't see how they can keep going.

[remdataram]

HMV used to have competitive prices - often cheapest. Now they seem to be the most expensive. I assume it is a result of the closing of the Jersey loophole. Others seem to be managing this better. I can't see how they can keep going.

I agree entirely - whether it's because HMV pay Tax and Amazon don't; or whether it's HMV's awful website I don't know.

Three years ago I bought all my DVD's and CD's from HMV - these days its mainly Amazon (new and secondhand) together with MDT and Presto.

I'm sure HMV will go bankrupt during 2013.......

[Bryn]

I still find many 'pre-order' prices at hmv.com are the same as those at amazon.co.uk. When they are, I tend to order from hmv.com due to their generally more protective packaging.

[PJPJ]

Likewise.

By the way, I understand the Jersey loophole isn't closed, it's merely restricted to, I think, £15 or under.

[Kees]

Nice bargain on Arkiv! 15 Russian Archives 3CD's only £ 4.39!

[Thropplenoggin]

Nice bargain on Arkiv! 15 Russian Archives 3CD's only £ 4.39!

The Richter Beethoven set has been available on Amazon for £6.25 this week. I was tempted, but having heard it on Qobuz, the sound sounds pretty ropey even by historic recording levels. I appreciate the performances are anything but ropey. I began to wonder whether this was just Qobuz?

For example, the version of the Brilliant box of Piano Sonata No.18 'The Hunt' is no where near as clear as on the yellow Decca disc, part of their Richter The Master series. Am I right in assuming its the same performance only with much better remastering?

[mathias broucek]

The Richter Beethoven set has been available on Amazon for £6.25 this week. I was tempted, but having heard it on Qobuz, the sound sounds pretty ropey even by historic recording levels. I appreciate the performances are anything but ropey. I began to wonder whether this was just Qobuz?

For example, the version of the Brilliant box of Piano Sonata No.18 'The Hunt' is no where near as clear as on the yellow Decca disc, part of their Richter The Master series. Am I right in assuming its the same performance only with much better remastering?

They are different performances. I have the earlier Brilliant box (same material plus Schubert). I was generally impressed with the performances. The sound is acceptable if you keep in mind that these are Russian radio recordings from the 1950s and 1960s. Some loud coughing IIRC

[Flosshilde]

Likewise.

By the way, I understand the Jersey loophole isn't closed, it's merely restricted to, I think, £15 or under.

The article Gurnemanz linked to seemed to suggest that it only applied to goods below £15 -
"LVCR [Low Value Consignment Relief] meant no VAT was charged on goods under £15, such as CDs, when sent to the UK from outside of the European Union."
& it's that that has been closed.

The Channel Islands authorities seemed to be making the same arguments in its favour that Gideon was making the other day for reducing Corporation Tax in the UK. Sauce for the goose & gander etc?

[PJPJ]

The article Gurnemanz linked to seemed to suggest that it only applied to goods below £15 -......

My apologies - I ought to have read the earlier post. This news passed me by.

[Thropplenoggin]

They are different performances. I have the earlier Brilliant box (same material plus Schubert). I was generally impressed with the performances. The sound is acceptable if you keep in mind that these are Russian radio recordings from the 1950s and 1960s. Some loud coughing IIRC

Thanks for clearing that up, Mathias.

[Thropplenoggin]

Good Deed of the Day: Beethoven Klemperer Box Set "Like New" £4

(You get a superior class of linkage with the Thropp-meister.)

[hafod]

Good Deed of the Day: Beethoven Klemperer Box Set "Like New" £4

(You get a superior class of linkage with the Thropp-meister.)

Also Romantic Symphonies box set (£4.25) from the same seller.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Symphonies-Otto-Klemperer/dp/B008YKRRIQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3GXI8BUN316F2&coliid=I3EDIJNLIBIHLF

[Bryn]

Also Romantic Symphonies box set (£4.25) from the same seller.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Sym...I3EDIJNLIBIHLF

Still waiting to mine, ordered from same vendors (then £2.26 + £1.26 p&p). However, the last date of the estimated delivery range is December 29th, so no point in worrying yet.

[Thropplenoggin]

Still waiting to mine, ordered from same vendors (then £2.26 + £1.26 p&p). However, the last date of the estimated delivery range is December 29th, so no point in worrying yet.

Given your frenzied pace of ordering, you'll probably get round to listening to them in 2014.

[MickyD]

I've just received the Brilliant 18 CD box set of the Clementi piano sonatas on fortepiano....Arkiv did them for £12.99! Once I've had a listen I will report back. Ditto with the 6 CD set of the complete Buxtehude organ music from the same source.