Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon – Review – updated with 50th anniversary Printed Art on Clear vinyl ( Box, CD, DVD, SACD, Cassette, 8 track, Blu-ray, Vinyl, Qobuz Hi-Res – Stereo, quadraphonic, 4.0, 5.1, Dolby Atmos – 31 versions)

Posted byjeanfrancoiswPosted inVinyl vs DigitalTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“The Dark Side of the Moon” album by Pink Floyd was recorded between 1972 and 1973, mostly at Abbey Road Studios in London, with sound engineer Alan Parsons. The band members used innovative recording techniques to create unique sound effects, such as the use of tape loops and various echo and reverb effects. They also used unusual instruments, such as synthesizers and tubular bells, to create unique sonic textures. It was released in March 1973 and became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies worldwide.

For this review, you will find 31 versions tested included the 50th anniversary Box and the Printed Art on Clear vinyl : vinyl (Japan 1973, MOFI, Remastered, Quadrafonic…),DVD, CDs (1984, 1994, 2003 MOFI), SACD (2003, 2021, in stereo and 5.1), Bluray (stereo, 4.0, 5.1, Dolby Atmos), Qobuz, Tidal Dolby Atmos.

You can find the review of other Pink Floyd albums:

Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition in the following chapters.
The synthesis of the review and the samples are available here

The album is composed of 10 tracks:

  1. Speak to Me
  2. Breathe
  3. On the Run
  4. Time
  5. The Great Gig in the Sky
  6. Money
  7. Us and Them
  8. Any Colour You Like
  9. Brain Damage
  10. Eclipse

First we will analyze each edition in detail (technical and qualitative analysis), then we will compare the successive editions with their dynamics and assign a final score, and you will be able to listen some samples.

The streaming versions may evolve over time, those presented here correspond to the version tested at the date of publication, or update of the review.

Review of the editions:

Part 1: Presentation of the editions

Part 2 : Waveform and dynamique comparaison

Parts 3 : Spectrum comparisons

Part 4 : Spectrogram comparaisons>

Part 5 : Spatialization

Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Sample

Part 1: presentation of the editions

Ed 1: Vinyl French – 1973
Presentation

Europeen vinyl released in 1973 with ref : 2C 064-05.249.

Vinyl French – 1973
Vinyl French – 1973
Vinyl French – 1973
Ed 2: Vinyl Japan – 1973
Presentation

Japanese vinyl released in 1973 with ref : EOP-80778

Vinyl Japan – 1973
Vinyl Japan – 1973
Vinyl Japan – 1973
Vinyl Japan – 1973
Ed 3: Vinyl MOFI – 1973
Presentation

Vinyl MOFI (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab) released in 1981 with ref : MFSL 1-017

Vinyl MOFI – 1973
Vinyl MOFI – 1973
Vinyl MOFI – 1973
Ed 4: Vinyl Remastered – 2016
Presentation

Vinyl remastered by Bernie Grundman in 2016 with ref : PFRLP8 88875184251

Vinyl Remastered – 2016
Vinyl Remastered – 2016
Vinyl Remastered – 2016
Ed 5: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973
Presentation

Quadraphonic vinyl released in 1973 with ref : LQEMI-73009. The measurements are made on the stereo version. The samples are available in stereo and 4.0. The SQ decoding has been done digitally.

The SQ (Stereo Quadraphonic) encoding for vinyl is an audio recording technique that allows for the creation of a quadraphonic signal using two stereo channels. It was developed by CBS Laboratories in 1971 and was used to produce quadraphonic vinyl records.

SQ uses an encoding/decoding process to separate front and back signals in the left and right channels of a stereo recording. The front signal is encoded in normal phase (N), while the back signal is encoded in inverted phase (I). The signals are then combined to create a signal compatible with a standard stereo record.

Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973
Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973
Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973
Ed 6: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978
Presentation

Quadraphonic vinyl released in 1978 with ref : 1C 064-05 249 Q D. The measurements are made on the stereo version. The samples are available in stereo and 4.0.

The SQ decoding has been done digitally. The SQ (Stereo Quadraphonic) encoding for vinyl is an audio recording technique that allows for the creation of a quadraphonic signal using two stereo channels. It was developed by CBS Laboratories in 1971 and was used to produce quadraphonic vinyl records.

SQ uses an encoding/decoding process to separate front and back signals in the left and right channels of a stereo recording. The front signal is encoded in normal phase (N), while the back signal is encoded in inverted phase (I). The signals are then combined to create a signal compatible with a standard stereo record.

Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978
Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978
Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978
Ed 7: Cassette – 1973
Presentation

Cassette released in 1973 with ref: 2C242 05249, read with Nakamichi LX3 without Dolby B NR.

Cassette – 1973
Ed 8: Cassette XDR – 1973
Presentation

Cassette released in 1973 with ref: 4XW-11163, withXRD (Expanded Dynamic Range) technologie. Read with Nakamichi LX3 without Dolby B NR.

Cassette XDR – 1973
Ed 9: Cassette 8 track – 1973
Presentation

Thi is the 8-track cartridge ref 1C 346-05 249. The cartridge contains a 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) wide tape with 8 parallel tracks allowing to have 4 stereo tracks. The player shifts the stereo head to play each of the 4 stereo tracks. With a speed of 9.5 cm/s (3.75 ips), the rendering of the cartridge is very correct for the time. The reading was done on a JVC Nivico player.

Cassette 8 track – 1973
Ed 10: CD – 1984
Presentation

Original CD released in 1984 with Pre-Emphasis treatment. Ref : CDP 7 46001 2.

CD – 1984
Ed 11: CD – 1994
Presentation

CD remastered in 1994 by James Guthrie with ref: 7243 8 29752 2 9.

CD – 1994
Ed 12: CD Layer from SACD – 2003
Presentation

Cd layer from hybrid SACD remastered in 2003 with Ref: 7243 582136 2 1.

CD Layer from SACD – 2003
Ed 13: SACD – 2003
Presentation

Stereo layer from hybrid SACD released in 2003 with Ref: 7243 582136 2 1.

SACD – 2003
Ed 14: SACD 5.1 – 2003
Presentation

5.1 layer from hybrid SACD released in 2003 with Ref: 7243 582136 2 1.

SACD 5.1 – 2003
Ed 15: SACD AP – 2021
Presentation

Stereo layer from Analogue Production hybrid SACD released in 2021 with Ref: 1 9075 81033 2 7

SACD AP – 2021
Ed 16: SACD 5.1 – 2021
Presentation

5.1 layer from Analogue Production hybrid SACD released in 2021 with Ref: 1 9075 81033 2 7

SACD 5.1 – 2021
Ed 17: Bluray 2.0 – 2011
Presentation

Stereo track from Bluray of the Immersion Box Set released in 2011 ref : 5 09902 943121

Bluray 2.0 – 2011
Ed 18: Bluray 4.0 – 2011
Presentation

4.0 track from Bluray of the Immersion Box Set released in 2011 ref : 5 09902 943121

Bluray 4.0 – 2011
Ed 19: Bluray 5.1 – 2011
Presentation

5.1 track from Bluray of the Immersion Box Set released in 2011 ref : 5 09902 943121

Bluray 5.1 – 2011
Ed 20: Qobuz – 2011
Presentation

This is the Qobuz released version in 24 bits 96 kHz from 2011 mastering

Qobuz – 2011
Ed 21: CD MOFI – 1988
Presentation

CD MOFI remastered in 1988 with ref: UDCD 517

CD MOFI – 1988

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

Ed 22: Vinyl remastered – 2023
Presentation

The remastered vinyl of the 50th anniversary box.

Ed 23: CD remastered – 2023
Presentation

The remastered CD of the 50th anniversary box.

CD remastered – 2023
Ed 24: Blu-ray Stereo – 2023
Presentation

The remastered stereo Blu-ray of the 50th anniversary box, presented in 24 bits 192 kHz.

Blu-ray Stereo – 2023
Ed 25: Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023
Presentation

The remastered 5.1 Blu-ray of the 50th anniversary box, presented in 24 bits 96 kHz.

Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023
Ed 26: Blu-ray Atmos – 2023
Presentation

Dolby Atmos TrueHD Blu-ray remastered from the 50th Anniversary Box, presented in 24-bit 48 kHz with bit rates up to 8000 kb/s.

Blu-ray Atmos – 2023
Ed 27: DVD Stereo – 2023
Presentation

The remastered stereo DVD of the 50th anniversary box, presented in 24 bits 48 kHz.

DVD Stereo – 2023
Ed 28: DVD 5.1 – 2023
Presentation

The remastered 5.1 DVD of the 50th anniversary box, presented in Dolby Digital 640kb/s.

DVD 5.1 – 2023
Ed 29: Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023
Presentation

The Qobuz stereo version of the remastered stereo version for the 50th anniversary, presented Hi-Res 24 bits 192 kHz.

Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023
Ed 30: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023
Presentation

The Tidal Dolby Atmos version remixed for the 50th anniversary, presented Dolby Digital plus in 768 kb/s (for listening in 7.1.4).

It seems that the Dolby Atmos version of TIDAL is no longer available at the time of publication (I don’t have more information). It seems to be the same on Apple Music and amazon. [update 30 March 2023: Dolby Atmos is available again on Apple Music] [update October 2023: Dolby Atmos streaming available again on Tidal, Amazon, Apple for the release of individual 50th anniversary editions]

Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023
Ed 31: Printed Art on Clear Vinyl – 2024
Presentation

This vinyl edition is special in that it consists of 2 discs printed Art on clear vinyl. The printing is on one side and the engraving on the other. The result is a vinyl-quality print and engraving without the groove-printing noise seen on picture dics like “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” (Black Vinyl vs Color Vinyl vs Picture disc Review).

Part 2 : Waveform and dynamic comparaisons

Waveform

The waveform represents tracks of this album.

The 4 waveforms below represent the 4 stereo vinyl. We find for these 4 vinyl a dynamic signal on all the tracks.

Waveform Ed 1 : Vinyl French – 1973

Waveform Ed 2 : Vinyl Japan – 1973

Waveform Ed 3 : Vinyl MOFI – 1973

Waveform Ed 4 : Vinyl Remastered – 2016

The waveforms below represent the 2 vinyl in quadraphony. These vinyl are very dynamic, the waveforms are different from the stereo vinyl, this is due to the 4 channels encoding with the SQ technique.

Waveform Ed 5 : Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973

Waveform Ed 6 : Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978

The waveforms below represent the 3 cassettes. They are similar but with peaks more present on the 4xw cassette than on the 8 track cartridge. The comparison of the spectra will confirm that the 4xw cassette has the greatest bandwidth, and in last the 8track cartridge.

Waveform Ed 7 : Cassette – 1973

Waveform Ed 8 : Cassette XDR – 1973

Waveform Ed 9 : Cassette 8 track – 1973

The waveforms below represent the 1984, 1994 and MOFI CDs, the SACD Stereo, the Bluray 2.0 version and the Qobuz Hi-Res version. These versions are dynamic as the DR will confirm. However, the sound levels differ according to the years of the releases and the media.

Waveform Ed 10 : CD – 1984

Waveform Ed 11 : CD – 1994

Waveform Ed 13 : SACD – 2003

Waveform Ed 15 : SACD AP – 2021

Waveform Ed 17 : Bluray 2.0 – 2011

Waveform Ed 21 : CD MOFI – 1988

Waveform Ed 20 : Qobuz – 2011

The waveform of the CD layer of the 2003 SACD is slightly compressed in dynamics compared to the other versions as shown by the yellow area.

Waveform Ed 12 : CD Layer from SACD – 2003

The 3 waveforms below represent the 5.1 version of the two SACDs and the Blu-ray. We find a dynamic track for these three versions.

Waveform Ed 14 : SACD 5.1 – 2003

Waveform Ed 16 : SACD 5.1 – 2021

Waveform Ed 19 : Bluray 5.1 – 2011

The waveform of the 4.0 Blu-ray version is dynamic like the 5.1 versions, but this one represents the original 4.0 mix.

Waveform Ed 18 : Bluray 4.0 – 2011

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

The 5 waveforms below represent the vinyl, cd, dvd, blu-ray stereo and dvd stereo of the 50th anniversary box. We find for these 5 waveforms a dynamic signal on all the tracks.

Waveform Ed 22 : Vinyl remastered – 2023

Waveform Ed 23 : CD remastered – 2023

Waveform Ed 24 : Blu-ray Stereo – 2023

Waveform Ed 27 : DVD Stereo – 2023

Waveform Ed 29 : Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023

The 3 waveforms below represent the blu-ray 5.1 and dvd 5.1 of the 50th anniversary box, and the Tidal Dolby Atmos decoded in 5.1. We find for these 3 waveforms a dynamic signal on all the channel and for all the tracks.

Waveform Ed 25 : Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023

Waveform Ed 28 : DVD 5.1 – 2023

Waveform Ed 30 : Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

Tha waveform below represents the Bluray Dolby Atmos decoded in 7.1. The waveform is dynamique like the 5.1 version.

Waveform Ed 26 : Blu-ray Atmos – 2023

Updated with 50th anniversary collector’s Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl

The waveform below represents the Printed Art On Clear Vinyl. There’s a dynamic waveform on all tracks, as on the vinyl edition of the 50th anniversary box set.

Waveform Ed 31 : Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl – 2024

Dynamic

Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest. The target is to compare the dynamics of the music and not of the media (CD, digital files or vinyl).

For our 30 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :

Vinyl French – 1973Vinyl Japan – 1973Vinyl MOFI – 1973Vinyl Remastered – 2016Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978Cassette – 1973Cassette XDR – 1973Cassette 8 track – 1973CD – 1984CD – 1994CD Layer from SACD – 2003SACD – 2003SACD 5.1 – 2003SACD AP – 2021SACD 5.1 – 2021Bluray 2.0 – 2011Bluray 4.0 – 2011Bluray 5.1 – 2011Qobuz – 2011CD MOFI – 1988Vinyl remastered – 2023CD remastered – 2023Blu-ray Stereo – 2023Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023Blu-ray Atmos – 2023DVD Stereo – 2023DVD 5.1 – 2023Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023
GlobalDR11DR11DR11DR11DR12DR12DR9 DR9 DR9 DR10DR11DR9 DR10DR11DR10DR11DR10DR11DR11DR10DR10DR11DR10DR10DR11DR13DR10DR11DR10DR13
MinDR10DR10DR10DR9 DR11DR11DR8 DR8 DR8 DR9 DR10DR8 DR9 DR10DR9 DR10DR9 DR10DR10DR8 DR9 DR10DR8 DR8 DR10DR11DR9 DR10DR8 DR11
MaxDR13DR13DR12DR14DR14DR14DR10DR13DR10DR12DR12DR10DR10DR13DR10DR13DR11DR13DR12DR11DR11DR12DR11DR11DR13DR15DR11DR13DR11DR15
Speak to MeDR13DR11DR11DR14DR14DR14DR11DR13DR10DR11DR12DR10DR10DR13DR10DR13DR10DR13DR12DR9 DR10DR12DR9 DR10DR13DR13DR9 DR13DR9 DR12
BreatheDR12DR12DR12DR12DR11DR12DR10DR10DR10DR11DR12DR10DR10DR12DR10DR12DR11DR11DR11DR11DR11DR12DR11DR11DR12DR13DR11DR12DR11DR12
On the RunDR11DR13DR11DR11DR12DR12DR9 DR10DR9 DR10DR11DR10DR10DR12DR10DR12DR10DR12DR12DR10DR10DR11DR10DR10DR12DR12DR10DR12DR10DR12
TimeDR11DR11DR11DR11DR11DR12DR9 DR10DR9 DR9 DR10DR10DR10DR12DR10DR12DR10DR12DR12DR10DR10DR12DR10DR10DR12DR13DR10DR12DR10DR13
The Great Gig in the SkyDR10DR11DR10DR10DR11DR11DR8 DR8 DR9 DR9 DR11DR9 DR9 DR11DR9 DR11DR9 DR11DR11DR9 DR9 DR10DR9 DR9 DR11DR13DR9 DR11DR9 DR14
MoneyDR11DR12DR12DR12DR12DR12DR9 DR9 DR9 DR11DR11DR8 DR10DR12DR10DR12DR11DR10DR12DR11DR10DR12DR10DR10DR12DR15DR10DR12DR10DR15
Us and ThemDR10DR11DR10DR10DR11DR11DR8 DR8 DR9 DR10DR10DR9 DR9 DR11DR9 DR11DR10DR10DR11DR9 DR9 DR10DR10DR10DR11DR13DR10DR11DR10DR13
Any Colour You LikeDR11DR11DR11DR12DR11DR11DR9 DR9 DR9 DR12DR12DR10DR10DR10DR10DR10DR11DR11DR10DR11DR10DR12DR11DR11DR10DR11DR11DR10DR11DR11
Brain DamageDR11DR11DR11DR11DR12DR12DR9 DR9 DR9 DR11DR11DR10DR10DR11DR10DR11DR11DR12DR11DR11DR10DR11DR10DR10DR11DR13DR10DR11DR10DR14
EclipseDR11DR10DR10DR9 DR11DR11DR8 DR8 DR8 DR9 DR10DR8 DR8 DR11DR8 DR11DR9 DR10DR10DR8 DR9 DR10DR8 DR8 DR10DR11DR9 DR10DR8 DR11

The dark Side Of The Moon is an album with an average dynamic range of DR10/DR11 found on all stereo or multichannel media, except for cassettes, the 8Track cartridge and the CD layer from the 2003 SACD which have a DR9. Updated with the 50th anniversary box, we find the same DR for the stereo, 5.1 and vinyl versions as for the first editions, we thus keep the dynamics of the album. Only the ATMOS remix offers a slightly higher dynamic range DR13 due to the impact of the multi-channel, multi-object.

As a reminder, the scale goes from 0 to more 20, but the dynamics are considered good from 12, quite good between 10 and 11, and deteriorate below 10.

Part 3 : spectrum comparisons

Spectrum

The Spectrum allows to check the tonal balance of the music (balance between treble, medium and bass sounds) and to detect process that may have been carried out during the recording, the mixing, mastering or manufacturing phases. It is also possible to detect frequency interference issues.

The spectra of the European vinyl and the Japanese vinyl are similar, with a little more treble (1 to 2 dB) for the European vinyl above 3 kHz, and significant variations (>5 dB) above 15 kHz (red zone) for the European version

Spectrum Ed 1 Vinyl French – 1973 (white) vs Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (blue)

The spectra of the 1984 CD and the Japanese vinyl are close, with slight variations (1dB) above 4 kHz. The vinyl cuts off above 20 kHz due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate of the CD.

Spectrum Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectra of MOFI vinyl and Japanese vinyl are similar, but with a big difference (up to 10 dB more at 20 kHz for MOFI) above 15 kHz (yellow area), and 2 dB variations between 200 Hz and 2 kHz (green area).

Spectrum Ed 3 Vinyl MOFI – 1973 (white) vs Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (blue)

The spectra of the 2016 remastered vinyl and the Japanese vinyl are similar below 15 kHz, with very small variations below 2 kHz (green zone), high frequencies up to 10 kHz to 15 kHz (yellow zone) and above all large variations (up to 15dB) above 15 kHz (red zone)

Spectrum Ed 4 Vinyl Remastered – 2016 (white) vs Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (blue)

The spectra of the 1973 and 1973 quadraphonic vinyl are similar, but with more treble (up to 5 dB) for the 1973 version above 3 kHz (yellow area), and a little more bass below 60 Hz (green area).

Spectrum Ed 5 Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973 (white) vs Ed 6 Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978 (blue)

The spectra of the 1978 quadraphonic vinyl and the Japanese vinyl are different at the top and bottom of the spectrum, this is due to the difference in the mixes used: stereo vs. quadraphonic encoded in SQ.

Spectrum Ed 6 Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978 (white) vs Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (blue)

The spectrum of the 1973 tape shows that the tape is more damaged than the XDR tape, with important differences in level above 1 Khz (green zone), but especially above 10 kHz (yellow zone) with up to 12 dB of difference.

Spectrum Ed 7 Cassette – 1973 (white) vs Ed 8 Cassette XDR – 1973 (blue)

The spectrum of the XDR cassette shows an increase in high frequencies (yellow zone) of up to 6 dB and low frequencies (green zone) of up to 3 dB compared to the spectrum of the 1984 CD.

Spectrum Ed 8 Cassette XDR – 1973 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectrum of the 8 Track cartridge shows an attenuation of the high frequencies (yellow zone) up to 14 dB above 2 kHz and the low frequencies (green zone) below 150 Hz up to 14 dB compared to the spectrum of the XDR cassette.

Spectrum Ed 9 Cassette 8 track – 1973 (white) vs Ed 8 Cassette XDR – 1973 (blue)

The spectrum of the 1994 CD shows an accentuation of the highs (yellow zone) up to 6 dB above 2 kHz compared to the spectrum of the 1984 CD.

Spectrum Ed 11 CD – 1994 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectrum of the CD layer from the 2003 SACD is similar to the 1984 CD, with a difference at the top of the spectrum (yellow area) where the filtering used in 2003 allows to go up to 22 kHz unlike the 1984 one which is limited to 20 kHz. We notice small variations (up to 2dB) below 300 Hz (green zone).

Spectrum Ed 12 CD Layer from SACD – 2003 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectrum of the 2003 SACD is similar to that of the bluray 2.0, with a lower level (up to 3dB) above 8 kHz (yellow zone) and also below 100 Hz (green zone) with a difference of about 1 dB for the SACD. The yellow arrow indicates the rise in noise above 30 kHz for SACD due to the DSD64 encoding.

Spectrum Ed 13 SACD – 2003 (white) vs Ed 17 Bluray 2.0 – 2011 (blue)

The spectrum of the 5.1 track of the 2003 SACD shows a good exploitation of all the channels. The yellow arrow indicates the rise of the noise above 30 kHz due to the DSD64 encoding. This spectrum of the 2003 SACD overlaps perfectly with the spectrum of the 2021 SACD indicating the use of the same reference master.

Spectrum Ed 14 SACD 5.1 – 2003

The spectra of the 2003 and 2021 SACDs overlap perfectly, which corresponds to the use of the same intial master.

Spectrum Ed 15 SACD AP – 2021 (white) vs Ed 13 SACD – 2003 (blue)

The spectrum of the 5.1 track of the 2021 SACD shows a good exploitation of all the channels. The yellow arrow indicates the rise of the noise above 30 kHz due to the DSD64 encoding. This spectrum of the 2021 SACD overlaps perfectly with the spectrum of the 2003 SACD indicating the use of the same reference master.

Spectrum Ed 16 SACD 5.1 – 2021

The spectrum of the blu-ray 2,0 is similar to the 1984 CD, with a difference at the top of the spectrum (yellow area) with the blu-ray level being up to 8 dB higher at 20 kHz. We notice small variations (up to 2dB) below 400 Hz (green zone).

Spectrum Ed 17 Bluray 2.0 – 2011 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectrum of the 4.0 track on the bluray is taken from the original recording, without using an SACD master as for the 5.1 track. Compared to the 5.1 version, the exploitation of the surround channels is different, which shows two different mixes between 4.0 and 5.1.

Spectrum Ed 18 Bluray 4.0 – 2011

The spectrum of the 5.1 track of the bluray shows a good exploitation of all the channels. The yellow arrow indicates the rise of noise above 30 kHz due to the use of a DSD64 encoded master. This spectrum of the 5.1 bluray overlaps perfectly with the spectrum of the 2021 SACD indicating the use of the same reference master.

Spectrum Ed 19 Bluray 5.1 – 2011

The spectra of Qobuz and Blu-ray Stereo overlap perfectly, which corresponds to the use of the same initial master.

Spectrum Ed 20 Qobuz – 2011 (white) vs Ed 17 Bluray 2.0 – 2011 (blue)

The spectra of the MOFI CD and the 1984 CD show a difference in mastering above 2 kHz (yellow zone) with a maximum difference of +10 dB at 20 kHz for the MOFI CD. The bass is also impacted below 200 Hz (green zone), with a maximum accentuation of 5 dB for the MOFI CD.

Spectrum Ed 21 CD MOFI – 1988 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

The spectrum of the 50th anniversary box vinyl is very close to the original Japanese version down to 10 kHz. There are small variations below 1 kHz (green zone) (up to 1 or 2 dB) with an accentuation below 100 Hz and a slight attenuation above that for the 2023 vinyl. On the other hand, above 10 kHz, the signal is disturbed (red zone) with a rapid drop in the signal from 17.5 kHz. The technical quality of the cut is less clean than the original version and is worse than the flaw in the 2016 remastered version. This problem is not present on the The Dark Side of the Moon Live at Wembley vinyl included in the 50th anniversary box set.

Spectrum Ed 22 Vinyl remastered – 2023 (white) vs Ed 2 Vinyl Japan – 1973 (blue)

The spectrum of the 2023 CD is perfectly superimposed with the spectrum of the stereo blu-ray up to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the sampling rate of the CD at 44.1 kHz. The maximum frequency of the graph is 96 kHz.

Spectrum Ed 23 CD remastered – 2023 (white) vs Ed 24 Blu-ray Stereo – 2023 (blue)

The spectrum of the 2023 stereo Blu-ray (50th) is close to the spectrum of the original 1984 CD, with a slight increase (up to 2.5 dB) in the bass below 300 Hz (green zone), and a small variation above 3 kHz (yellow zone), ending with an accentuation above 15 kHz up to 5 dB at 20 kHz, this difference will bring a little more brilliance without altering the sonic balance of this 2023 version unlike the 2011 blu-ray version

Spectrum Ed 24 Blu-ray Stereo – 2023 (white) vs Ed 10 CD – 1984 (blue)

The spectrum of the 2023 Blu-ray stereo track (50th) is similar to the spectrum of the 2011 blu-ray, but with an attenuation of the highs above 4kHz (yellow zone) and with a very slightly accentuated bass below 150 Hz.

Spectrum Ed 24 Blu-ray Stereo – 2023 (white) vs Ed 17 Bluray stereo – 2011 (blue)

The spectrum of the 5.1 Blu-ray of 2023 (50th) is perfectly identical to the spectrum of the 5.1 Blu-ray of 2011 for the 6 channels, it is thus the same basic master which was used for these two versions. We find the rise of the noise above 30 kHz indicating the use of an initial master in DSD64.

Spectrum Ed 25 Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023 (white) vs Ed 19 Bluray 5.1 – 2011 (blue)

The spectrum of the Dolby Atmos True HD Blu-ray track represents here decoding in 7.1. We can see that the maximum frequency is 24 kHz (yellow arrow) which is due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency. The green arrow represents the LFE bass channel which is progressively attenuated above 200 Hz.

Spectrum Ed 26 Blu-ray Atmos – 2023

The spectrum of the 2023 stereo DVD is perfectly superimposed with the spectrum of the stereo blu-ray up to 24kHz (yellow arrow) due to the sampling rate of the DVD at 48 kHz. The maximum frequency of the graph is 96 kHz.

Spectrum Ed 27 DVD Stereo – 2023 (white) vs Ed 24 Blu-ray Stereo – 2023 (blue)

The spectrum of the DVD in 5.1 of 2023 (50th) is perfectly identical to the spectrum of the blu-ray 5.1 of 2023 (50th), up to 20 kHz for the right, left, center and surround channels (yellow zone at 20 kHz), and up to 600 Hz (zone for the 6 channels, it is thus the same basic master which was used for these two versions. We find the rise of the noise above 30 kHz indicating the use of an initial master in DSD64.

Spectrum Ed 28 DVD 5.1 – 2023 vs Ed 25 Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023

There is a perfect superposition between the spectrum of the Qobuz-Hires version and that of the stereo blu-ray. The maximum frequency of the graph is 96 kHz.

Spectrum Ed 29 Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023 (white) vs Ed 24 Blu-ray Stereo – 2023 (blue)

The spectrum of the Tidal Dolby Atmos track (Dolby Digital Plus) represents here the decoding in 5.1. We can see that the maximum frequency is 20 kHz (yellow arrow) which is due to the encoding in Dolby Digital Plus unlike the maximum frequency of 24 kHz of the Blu-ray encoded in Dolby TrueHD. The green arrow represents the LFE bass channel which is strongly filtered from 130 Hz.

Spectrum Ed 30 Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

Updated with 50th anniversary collector’s Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl

The spectrum below represents the Printed Art On Clear Vinyl compared to the vinyl edition of the 50th anniversary box set.

The spectrum of the 50th Anniversary vinyl is identical to that of the Printed Art On Clear Vinyl Edition. The disturbed signal (red zone) is present above 10 kHz, with a rapid drop-off from 17.5 kHz. The technical quality of the cut is less clean than the original version and is worse than the defect in the 2016 remastered version.

Spectrum Ed 31 Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl (white) vs Ed 22 Vinyl remastered – 2023 (blue)

Part 4 : Spectrogram comparaisons

Spectrogram

Spectrogram is another representation of frequency versus time of a track. For each channel (right and left), horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency. The amplitude is represented by the intensity (brightness) of the color of each point in the image.

The spectrogram is similar for all the vinyl with a signal that rises above 22 kHz (yellow arrow), the signal that goes above 30 kHz (white arrow) represents a part of the music and especially of the distortion due to the way the vinyl is read. On the MOFI vinyl, there is a spike in the frequency around 30 kHz (black arrow). Concerning the vinyl remastered in 2016 the black arrow represents the variations which are visible on the spectrum and reproduced here on the spectrum, it shows that it is well independent of the music pieces. The spectrogram of the 4.0 versions encoded in SQ is slightly different from the stereo versions due to the specific mixing.

Spectrogram Ed 1 : Vinyl French – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 2 : Vinyl Japan – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 3 : Vinyl MOFI – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 4 : Vinyl Remastered – 2016

Spectrogram Ed 5 : Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 6 : Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978

The spectrograms of cassettes and 8-track cartridge are characterized by a maximum high frequency (yellow arrow) between 15 kHz (8-track cartridge) and 20 kHz. Beyond these frequencies, we find the background noise of the tape reading.

Spectrogram Ed 7 : Cassette – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 8 : Cassette XDR – 1973

Spectrogram Ed 9 : Cassette 8 track – 1973

The spectrograms of the CD versions presented below are characterized by a maximum limit at 22 kHz due to the sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz (yellow arrow) and no signal beyond this frequency (white arrow). It can be seen that for the MOFI and 1984 editions the limit is more towards 20 kHz than 22 kHz due to the filtering used for the mastering of these CDs.

Spectrogram Ed 10 : CD – 1984

Spectrogram Ed 11 : CD – 1994

Spectrogram Ed 12 : CD Layer from SACD – 2003

Spectrogram Ed 21 : CD MOFI – 1988

The two SACD stereo versions are characterized by frequencies that rise above 22 kHz (yellow arrow), and also by the rise of the background noise above 30 kHz (white arrow) due to the DSD64 encoding used for the SACD.

Spectrogram Ed 13 : SACD – 2003

Spectrogram Ed 15 : SACD AP – 2021

The SACD 5.1 versions below as well as the Blu-ray 5.1 version go above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) and as for the stereo versions of the SACD, we also find the background noise above 30 kHz due to the DSD 64 encoding. This background noise is also present on the Blu-ray version which indicates the use of an initial DSD 64 master. The green arrow shows for these 3 versions that the low frequency channel (LFE) is not filtered at 120 Hz.

Spectrogram Ed 14 : SACD 5.1 – 2003

Spectrogram Ed 16 : SACD 5.1 – 2021

Spectrogram Ed 19 : Bluray 5.1 – 2011

The spectrogram of the Blu-Ray 4.0 version shows that the spectrum rises above 22 kHz (yellow arrow), there is no background noise above 30 kHz (white arrow) but the music. This version is not based on a DSD 64 master.

Spectrogram Ed 18 : Bluray 4.0 – 2011

The spectrograms of the stereo Blu-ray and Qobuz Hi-Res versions go up beyond 22 kHz (yellow arrow), with a signal that goes up beyond 30 kHz (white arrow) without any rise of the background noise.

Spectrogram Ed 17 : Bluray 2.0 – 2011

Spectrogram Ed 20 : Qobuz – 2011

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

The spectrogram of the 2023 vinyl shows attenuation from 17 kHz. Beyond this frequency, we find a signal made up of music and also of distortions generated by the principle of reading the vinyl.

Spectrogram Ed 22 : Vinyl remastered – 2023

The two spectrograms below of the CD and DVD 2023 (50th) have a signal that goes up to 22 kHe for the CD and 24 kHz for the DVD (yellow arrow) and no signal above (white arrow). This is due to the sampling rate of 44.1 kHz for the CD and 48 kHz for the DVD.

Spectrogram Ed 23 : CD remastered – 2023

Spectrogram Ed 27 : DVD Stereo – 2023

The two spectrograms below of the stereo blu-ray and Qobuz Hi-Res 2023 (50th) have a signal that rises well above 22 kHz (yellow arrow). We notice a rise of noise beyond 60 kHz (white arrow) which could suggest a use of DSD256 for digitization.

Spectrogram Ed 24 : Blu-ray Stereo – 2023

Spectrogram Ed 29 : Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023

The spectrogram below of the 5.1 blu-ray goes well beyond 22 kHz (yellow arrow). We notice a rise of noise beyond 30kHz (white arrow) due to the use of the SACD master as for the bluray of 2011. The green arrow shows that the LFE bass signal is poorly filtered.

Spectrogram Ed 25 : Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023

The spectrogram below of the Dolby Atmos Blu-ray decoded in 7.1 shows that the signal is cut at 24 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow) due the sampling rate of 48 kHz . The green arrow shows that the LFE bass signal is filtered.

Spectrogram Ed 26 : Blu-ray Atmos – 2023

The spectrogram below of the 5.1 DVD shows that the signal is cut at 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow) due to the Dolby Digital encoding. The green arrow shows that the LFE bass signal is very filtered.

Spectrogram Ed 28 : DVD 5.1 – 2023

The spectrogram below of the Dolby Atmos Tidal decoded in 5.1 shows that the signal is cut at 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow) due to the Dolby Digital Plus encoding. The LFE bass signal is very filtered.

Spectrogram Ed 30 : Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

Updated with 50th anniversary collector’s Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl

The spectrogram of the Printed Art On Clear Vinyl shows attenuation from 17 kHz (yellow arrow) . Beyond this frequency (white arrow), we find a signal made up of music and also of distortions generated by the principle of reading the vinyl.

Spectrogram Ed 31 : Printed Art On Clear Vinyl – 2024

Part 5 : Spatialization

Spatialization allows you to define the sound distribution of the music on all the channels. The spatialization indicator and the description of the graph are described here.

Very beautiful spatialiation for this album which exploits all the channels with specific sounds on each channel creating an immersion in the music of Pink Floyd.

The spatialization represents the 4 channels of the Blu-ray 4.0

Spatialization : ●●●●o (4.5)

The spatialization represents the 5.1 channels of the Blu-ray 5.1 (included 2023) (similar for SACD 5.1)

Spatialization : ●●●●o (3.7)

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

The spatialization represents the 7.1.4 channels of the Blu-ray Dolby Atmos

Spatialization : ●●●●●●●●oo (8.1)

Below the spatialization for the 10 tracks of the BD Dolby Atmos version. Click on the images to zoom in.

The spatialization represents the 7.1.4 channels of the Tidal Dolby Atmos

Spatialization : ●●●●●●●●oo (8.5)

Below the spatialization for the 10 tracks of the BD Dolby Atmos version. Click on the images to zoom in.

Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Samples

Ed 1: Vinyl French – 1973

Although similar to the Japanese vinyl, this vinyl does not have the same quality of pressing and mastering with a surface noise that is not as low, but the rendering remains correct.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 1: Vinyl French – 1973
Ed 2: Vinyl Japan – 1973

Very nice pressing for this Japanese vinyl with a reduced surface noise. We find here the sound balance of the original version comparable to the 1984 CD. It is certainly the most homogeneous vinyl among those tested.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 2: Vinyl Japan – 1973
Ed 3: Vinyl MOFI – 1973

The MOFI vinyl is quite close to the Japanese vinyl, but with a more detailed high end and a very good pressing. The mastering is of good quality without exaggeration compared to the last masterings released.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 3: Vinyl MOFI – 1973
Ed 4: Vinyl Remastered – 2016

The remastered vinyl of 2016 brings a different balance compared to the original version with a higher level of high frequencies, the manufacturing quality is good, but it sounds less natural than the original.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 4: Vinyl Remastered – 2016
Ed 5: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973

Listening to the quadraphonic vinyl is an interesting experience. In Stereo, we find a more immersive listening due to the SD encoding, but it is in 4.0 that this version expresses itself completely and puts forward the original rendering on 4 channels. The principle of SQ decoding makes the 4.0 rendering of the vinyl more spatially encompassing than the 4.0 bluray, which is much more precise. The samples below include the stereo version and the decoded 4.0 version.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 5: Vinyl Quadraphonic stereo – 1973

The sample is in 5.1 wav format with only 4.0, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample SQ Decoded Ed 5: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1973
Ed 6: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978

We find the same principle of the SQ encoding as on the SQ vinyl of 1973. The sound balance is different here with less brilliance in the upper spectrum. The stereo listening is also wider than the stereo vinyl. In 4.0 we find a separation a little more accentuated than the 1973 version. The samples below include the stereo version and the decoded 4.0 version.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 6: Vinyl Quadraphonic stereo – 1978

The sample is in 5.1 wav format with only 4.0, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample SQ Decoded Ed 6: Vinyl Quadraphonic – 1978
Ed 7: Cassette – 1973

This version has a reduced bandwidth that can be heard immediately compared to the XDR tape. We lose clarity and finesse in the restitution.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●oo (3.5)
  • Surface noise: ●●ooo (2)
  • Restitution: ●●ooo (2)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 7: Cassette – 1973
Ed 8: Cassette XDR – 1973

The XDR cassette has an extended bandwidth from the high end to above 15 kHz and with the low end more forward. Activating the Dolby B NR attenuates the high end more to provide a listening experience closer to the original but losing detail in the high end of the spectrum. The cassette remains well below the vinyl listening experience.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Surface noise: ●●ooo (2)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 8: Cassette XDR – 1973
Ed 9: Cassette 8 track – 1973

Even if the bandwidth is reduced to 15 kHz, the rendering of this 8 track cartridge is interesting, with a homogeneous sound, but which remains well below the quality of vinyl.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●oo (3)
  • Surface noise: ●●ooo (2)
  • Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 9: Cassette 8 track – 1973
Ed 10: CD – 1984

This is the original CD that keeps the balance of the original vinyl version. The dynamics and precision of the original album can be found in this CD.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 10: CD – 1984
Ed 11: CD – 1994

Very beautiful remastering James Guthrie for this CD of 1994, we find here a dynamic and precise version of this cult album with a clearer rendering where the drums are less punchy.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 11: CD – 1994
Ed 12: CD Layer from SACD – 2003

This version lacks dynamics in listening compared to other CDs, the CD layer remains very inferior to the SACD stereo layer.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3)

Sample : ”Money” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 12: CD Layer from SACD – 2003
Ed 13: SACD – 2003

Beautiful remastering for this SACD which allows to have a high resolution version of quality in SACD for this album. We find here the dynamics and the smoothness of the restitution while remaining close to the original version.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 13: SACD – 2003
Ed 14: SACD 5.1 – 2003

Compared to the original 4.0 version of the Blu-ray, the 5.1 version renders a more homogeneous atmosphere with a very good distribution of sounds on all channels. The 4.0 version is more directive, with stronger effects, but without recreating a sound space like the 5.1 version. We lose the original version, but the new mix brings a real gain in the spatialization more in phase with the current mixes. The bass also benefits from the reinforcement of the LFE channel.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 5.1 – 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 14: SACD 5.1 – 2003
Ed 15: SACD AP – 2021

This 2021 SACD version 2.0 is identical to the 2003 version 2.0

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 15: SACD AP – 2021
Ed 16: SACD 5.1 – 2021

This 2021 SACD version 5.1 is identical to the 2003 version 5.1

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 5.1 – 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 16: SACD 5.1 – 2021
Ed 17: Bluray 2.0 – 2011

This 2011 remastered version brings more detail than the original version, but remains less accurate than the 1994 and MOFI CD remasters.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 17: Bluray 2.0 – 2011
Ed 18: Bluray 4.0 – 2011

Very beautiful original restitution of the album in 4.0, we find here all the sound atmosphere wanted by the group with a beautiful dynamic and a very expressive spatialization. The 4.0 version was also played during the concerts, it is certainly the version the closest to the original work of this album

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●o (4.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 4.0 4.0 – 24 bits 96 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 18: Bluray 4.0 – 2011
Ed 19: Bluray 5.1 – 2011

This 5.1 version of the bluray is identical to the 5.1 version of 2003 but with the DSD64 to PCM 24 bits 96 kHz conversion. Depending on the type of DAC, the listening result will change depending on whether the DSD64 (SACD) or PCM (Blu-ray) version is used.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.7)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 5.1 – 24 bits 96 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 19: Bluray 5.1 – 2011
Ed 20: Qobuz – 2011

The Qobuz version of 2011 uses the same remastered version as the bluray of 2011, the listening experience is similar to this blu-ray.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 20: Qobuz – 2011
Ed 21: CD MOFI – 1988

Beautiful remastering of Mofi which brings more detail in the highs like the CD of 1994 but with more present bass.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 21: CD MOFI – 1988

Updated with 50th anniversary releases

Ed 22: Vinyl remastered – 2023

We find here a mastering which is closer to the original version, it is the positive point of this version, however, technically, given the very high price of the box, to have a bandwidth which is limited to almost 17500 kHz for a vinyl is really unacceptable, more especially as the original vinyl in Japanese version is better technically! Have a look at the comparison of the spectra of the two editions to realize this. But the pressing is of high quality with a reduced surface noise. Concerning the listening, the rendering is correct, but does not equal the precision of the other vinyl versions.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:


Sample 1 Ed 22: Vinyl remastered – 2023
Ed 23: CD remastered – 2023

The CD of the 50th anniversary box set has the same characteristics as the high resolution blu-ray version, with a sound balance closer to the original version. The rendering is close to the blu-ray version.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 23: CD remastered – 2023
Ed 24: Blu-ray Stereo – 2023

When listening to the blu-ray in stereo, the 24-bit 192 kHz PCM track was listened to. We find a new mastering that is very detailed, with a sound balance closer to the original compared to the 2011 version that is richer in the upper spectrum, which puts more emphasis on the lower spectrum. This makes it a very good high resolution version of the album.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 24: Blu-ray Stereo – 2023
Ed 25: Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023

Nothing new on the side of the 5.1 version, we find the same version as for the Blu-ray of the immersion box.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.7)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 25: Blu-ray 5.1 – 2023
Ed 26: Blu-ray Atmos – 2023

The Dolby Atmos version encoded in Dolby TrueHD is the real novelty of the 50th anniversary box set. We find a mix that goes beyond the 5.1 mixes in terms of spatialization, all channels are exploited with instruments, sound effects. This remix is a real spatial extension that is really natural for this album, we could think that it was thought Atmos to its conception so much the spatialization is coherent with the music, it is a very beautiful success and the best way to be immersed in this album. We also find on the bluray signals allowing to check the good setting of your Dolby Atmos system in order to listen to this new Dolby Atmos mix in the best conditions.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●●●●●oo (8.1)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 7.1 24 bits 48 kHz:

The sample is in 7.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 26: Blu-ray Atmos – 2023
Ed 27: DVD Stereo – 2023

The stereo version of the DVD is still inferior in terms of accuracy and nuance compared to the 24-bit 192 kHz stereo Blu-ray version, but it does provide a nice reproduction of this remix.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 48 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 27: DVD Stereo – 2023
Ed 28: DVD 5.1 – 2023

The 5.1 DVD version remains inferior in terms of precision, sharpness and spatialization than the Blu-ray 5.1 version. Except for those who don’t have a bluray player, it is better to listen to the blu-ray.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.7)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 16 bits 48 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 28: DVD 5.1 – 2023
Ed 29: Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023

We find a similar rendering of the Qobuz Hi-Res 24 bits 192 kHz version as the stereo PCM version of the Blu-ray in 24 bits 192 kHz.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●● (5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 29: Qobuz Hi-Res – 2023
Ed 30: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

La version Tidal Dolby Atmos est issu du même master que la version du Blu-ray. On retrouve toutes les qualités de ce mixage Dolby Atmos que l’on retrouve sur le blu-ray, mais avec un peu moins de finesse et de précision globale du à un encodage en Dolby Digital Plus. Pour profiter pleinement de cette version, il est préférable d’écouter sur les enceintes en configuration 7.1.4 de préférence ou supérieur. La version binaural reste inférieure à la version stéréo en 24 bits 192 kHz.

It seems that the Dolby Atmos version of TIDAL is no longer available at the time of publication (I don’t have more information). It seems to be the same on Apple Music and amazon. [update 30 March 2023: Dolby Atmos is available again on Apple Music] [Update October 2023: Dolby Atmos streaming available again on Tidal, Amazon, Apple for the release of individual 50th anniversary editions]

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Spatialization: ●●●●●●●●oo (8.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Money” 5.1 24 bits 48 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.

Sample 1 Ed 30: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023
Ed 31: Printed Art On Clear Vinyl – 2024

The mastering here is very close to that of the original version, which is the positive point of this release. However, technically, as with the vinyl disc in the box set released in 2023, having a bandwidth limited to almost 17500 kHz for vinyl is really unacceptable, especially as the original Japanese vinyl is technically better! Just look at the comparison of spectra to realize this. But the pressing is of high quality, with reduced surface noise and, above all, it’s a version that allows us to have a quality listening experience using 2 discs, unlike other picture discs. As far as listening is concerned, the rendering is correct, but doesn’t match the precision of the other vinyl versions.

Rating:

  • Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Money” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Sample 1 Ed 31: Printed Art On Clear Vinyl – 2024

To hide nothing to you, I rediscovered this album during the listening in multichannel, it was mixed for that and it is true that it brings another perspective with the sound immersion. The original 4.0 version present in the bluray brings the original mix, but the remix in 5.1 of the SACD and blurays are much more immersive and really plunge us in the heart of this album. If you can, listen to this album in multichannel, it really brings a plus when the music is designed for. Le vinyl SQ est aussi une curiosité à écouté pour se replonger dans l’écoute 4.0 d’il y a 50 ans. Listening in stereo will depend a lot on your taste, if you want a balanced version, without treble accentuation, the 1984 CD or Japanese vinyl versions will bring you the original rendering. If you like more details in the highs frequencies, you can go for the 1994 CD, MOFI, MOFI vinyl or SACD versions.

Updated with the 50th anniversary versions:
Let’s start with the superb 50th anniversary box set which is really huge in size and weight, and which is a real nest of boxes very successful, but not very practical to use, especially to reach the vinyl records.
The big news is the Dolby Atmos version available on the Blu-ray in Dolby Digital TrueHD quality, this version extends the spatial rendering of the album compared to the 5.1 version by adding height. It’s a very successful listening experience.
The mastering of this new version is between the original version and the 2011 version, and is certainly the best high resolution version available. You can make your own idea by listening to the samples. Considering the price of the box set, one can be exigent on the expected quality, and the vinyl doesn’t have the technical quality that one can expect from a box set of this price.The streaming allows to find the new master in high resolution, and after being available, the Dolby Atmos streaming version does not seem to be available anymore on the platforms, without explanation.

Updated with 50th anniversary collector’s Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl

This 50th anniversary collector’s Edition Printed Art On Clear Vinyl brings nothing more to the listening experience than the vinyl version of the 50th anniversary box set (which doesn’t match the finesse of the original versions), but it is a very fine collector’s edition that combines printing on disc without surface noise, using one side for printing and one side for engraving, which explains the presence of 2 discs.

Subscribe to MagicVinylDigital

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Detail of the ratings :

  • Dynamic :
    1. Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
    2. Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
    3. Correct piece DR >=10
    4. No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
    5. No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
  • Spectrum :
    1. Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
    2. Spectrum cut at 15 khz
    3. Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
    4. Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
    5. Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
  • Surface noise (only for vinyl):
    1. Continuous audible noise
    2. Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
    3. Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
    4. Low surface noise, very good quality
    5. Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
  • Spatialization :
    • Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
    • Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
    • For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
  • Restitution :
    1. Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
    2. Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
    3. Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
    4. High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
    5. Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.

11 thoughts on “Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon – Review – updated with 50th anniversary Printed Art on Clear vinyl ( Box, CD, DVD, SACD, Cassette, 8 track, Blu-ray, Vinyl, Qobuz Hi-Res – Stereo, quadraphonic, 4.0, 5.1, Dolby Atmos – 31 versions)”

  2. I compared the 1973 harvest UK, and the 1983 black triangle japanese version with the 2023 remaster, and it sounds 100% extremely close. Or it may be the very same as the first ever release but Hi-Res format.

    This 50th anniversary remaster is the ultimate version to get…!! 😇

    Reply

  3. I’d have liked the EMI100 edition (1997) and the 2003 (Kevin Gray’s cutting /Doug Sax’s pre-editing/fading… he joyned the 2 sides onto a single 14″ tape) were tested as well. By many, me included, they are considered among the best available. Anyway another good job as always. Thanks

    Reply

  4. Great work ! Very much appreciated. I would have liked to have seen the DSOTM U.K. discrete 4 channel quadraphonic 8 track tape reviewed . The sound coming from this supposedly lowly format is fantastic. Probably as close to the discrete master tapes as it can get as there was no r2r release, imho.
    There is also a 4 channel encoded cassette , Japan release thatwould have been nice to see. But very rare.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Robert. I had seen that there is an 8-track cartridge in quadraphonic, it can be found, but is still very expensive. And then you have to find a quadraphonic 8-track player.
      I’ve never heard of this 4-track cassette, thanks for the information, I’ll have a look out of curiosity.

      Reply

  5. This year i think it was released 2 different versions on vinyl.
    1- the 50th anniversary version on 180gram by Parlophone
    2- a remastered version by Pink Floyd Records.
    Did you already tested both versions? If so, what is yout opinion?
    Thanks

    Reply

    1. The versions released in 2023 are the 50th anniversary version in the PFR50 boxed set and the individual 180g PFR50LP1 version as a reissue of the boxed set version, still with Pink Floyd Records. What is the reference number of the Parlophone version you are talking about?

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Magic Vinyl vs Digital

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading