Hi to both of you: There are several "classic" recordings of the Rite...not all so sonically spectacular as those in SACD. My recommendation would be Bernstein with the N.Y. Philharmonic on Sony. It is absolutely unique with sounds not heard in any other recording and with a dynamism not found either. You can find used copies around on the so called "Royal Edition" coupled with Petrushka. By the way Simonov's very fine recording has a SACD issue (it's hard to find but I'd wait for it to appear on Amazon or eBay if I were in the market; I also own this recording in DDD format). You may also consider Robert Craft's rendition with the Philharmonia...he was a long time collaborator with Stravinsky and not only are his recordings authoritative...but very exciting in exemplary sound. I read excellent reviews about Ozawa's Chicago recording and Salonen's LAPO SACD recording as well..but I haven't heard them.
