London Coll: Choice Collection / Held By the Ears

I purchased this collection at a discount knowing that it had been recorded more than 10 years ago I also did enough research to understand that this was a collection of smaller pieces recorded to show off the talents of the quartet's individual members most of whom have moved on. What I didn't expect was the dramatic difference in sound between the two cds. A Choice Collection, recorded in the late 90's in traditional 2 channel stereo, was distant and almost tinny,however; Held By the Ears, recorded in 5 channel, the predecessor to SACD, is present clear and a real pleasure to listen to