Recording levels weren't adjusted at all. This is only really noticable in the solo passages, although it can be heard through the orchestra in some of the quieter parts too. I would be much obliged if somebody with access to this CD and an MT821 could try to reproduce this, just in case it is the unit I was using. I tried a TDK, Maxell and MMore disc, and the results were the same. The Aiwa AM-F70 does better, and so does the JE530 deck.
None is perfect.
Hooper Sony trouble on Piano Transients and Hi Hats CD 'At the Drop of Another Hat' - Parlophone CDP 7974662. I can hear clicks on the MD dub. The worst offender is track 8, 'Friendly Duet' from about zero to twenty seconds. The only clue I can find is that these are hard piano tranients. Just as bad.