For the record my initial reference to a top EMI analog version is to a good condition original British EMI LP from about 1970, not to a basic CD transfer.
The best of recent SACD remasterings of classic recordings, the Barbirolli M5 and the Klemperer Das Lied being most relevant here, are major issues that capture both beauty and presence of the original tapes in ways that, to my ears, are significantly beyond the standard CDs. And these SACDs capture the sense of space and overtones of the analog originals that open up even more of the achievement of the performances.
The contrast is between analog originals on LP and tape as opposed to standard CD transfers. It is true that CD remastering has improved in a number of ways in recent years, but the emergence of the SACD, at least in specialist markets, shows reasonable dissatisfaction with the limits of the Redbook CD.
A similar improvement can be found on the first Bernstein Mahler series in its SACD incarnation.
The Barbirolli M5 seems to me a more complete performance on the SACD version than on the two or three standard CD versions I have.
In Einsam in Herbst, second song of Das Lied, the hushed oboe and violins, the echoing flute, can be heard in wonder on the Esoteric SACD. And Ludwig's entrance is magical so that you can sense the orchestra and Klemperer listening and breathing with her. It is marvelous to have such wisdom and beauty made even more palpable for us.
Best to all,
Tom in Vermont