Columbia SAX remain one of the most popular and sought after audiophile labels. The  series was launched in 1958 with its trademark blue and silver labels (SAX 2252 - 2532) and boasted a roster of eminent artists including Szell and Klemperer. In 1964 the SAX label style changed to a red and black design (SAX 2533 - SAX 2588) and a third 'magic notes' red and black label saw the series through to its absorption in the general EMI catalogue in 1968. Throughout its 10 year existence the COLUMBIA SAX series contributed many distinguished recordings of classical music, whose quality was confirmed by their re-issue on EMI in their ASD 4 digit series.