This SACD is evidently a remastering of the original 1977 performance.  A redbook CD of the performance probably will sound much better.  Where is the bass energy?  I have no idea.  Listening to this through Sennheiser HD 600s powered by a Burson amp I could hear only the barest trace of frequencies below maybe 400 Hz or so.  Terrible, there is just no weight to this recorded version of the performance.  I doubt Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic had such pecuniary difficulties they had to lay-off the lower register instrumentalists on the performance that day; they either were never adequately picked up during recording or else EQd way down for this release.  Go figure.  Went to my 1989 performance by Lenny Bernstien in a digital recording and while I am sure there are better renditions, at least the gravity and weight of the lower frequecies could be heard.  Sounded fine to me.

Beware this release.  Kleiber on D/G SACD of Beethoven 5th is just fine.  Now go figure again.
This SACD is evidently a remastering of the original 1977 performance. A redbook CD of the performance probably will sound much better. Where is the bass energy? I have no idea. Listening to this through Sennheiser HD 600s powered by a Burson amp I could hear only the barest trace of frequencies below maybe 400 Hz or so. Terrible, there is just no weight to this recorded version of the performance. I doubt Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic had such pecuniary difficulties they had to lay-off the lower register instrumentalists on the performance that day; they either were never adequately picked up during recording or else EQd way down for this release. Go figure. Went to my 1989 performance by Lenny Bernstien in a digital recording and while I am sure there are better renditions, at least the gravity and weight of the lower frequecies could be heard. Sounded fine to me. Beware this release. Kleiber on D/G SACD of Beethoven 5th is just fine. Now go figure again.