DSOTM has been a "go to" test album since I listened to my first stereo system in 1974, so I have always been a little OCD about which version is "the best" I have the following on vinyl: original USA release and the original MoFi 1979 release (excellent condition). The MoFi version was my go-to test album prior to going to digital. I thought that it was an improvement over the original release. However, I no longer listen to vinyl and have the following digital versions:
1. Black Triangle version
2. 1992 Remaster
3. 2011 Remaster
4. Digitized 1981 UHQR MFSL limited edition pressing [24 bit/96K]
5. Digitized and declicked MFSL 1979 vinyl [24/96K]
There are subtle differences between the various versions. My hearing is no longer good enough to definitively say that one version "blows away" any other version, but there are subtle differences. Historical note: MoFI broke the analog master tape when using it for the MFSL 1979 release . . . OOOPS!
Although this thread was originally a vinyl "which is better" question, for those interested in putting their hearing to the test, see this thread on the Steve Hoffman forums where the poster kindly made identical 1 minute clips of six different CD masterings of DSOTM in one download. Listen to the clips and decide which you think is best and then find the key to see which version it is . . . you may be very surprised!
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/dark-side-of-the-moon-on-cd-a-blind-listening-test.468342/
Finally, I second the comment about the SACD. Hearing DSOTM in 5.1 was incredible and almost like hearing a new album!
1. Black Triangle version
2. 1992 Remaster
3. 2011 Remaster
4. Digitized 1981 UHQR MFSL limited edition pressing [24 bit/96K]
5. Digitized and declicked MFSL 1979 vinyl [24/96K]
There are subtle differences between the various versions. My hearing is no longer good enough to definitively say that one version "blows away" any other version, but there are subtle differences. Historical note: MoFI broke the analog master tape when using it for the MFSL 1979 release . . . OOOPS!
Although this thread was originally a vinyl "which is better" question, for those interested in putting their hearing to the test, see this thread on the Steve Hoffman forums where the poster kindly made identical 1 minute clips of six different CD masterings of DSOTM in one download. Listen to the clips and decide which you think is best and then find the key to see which version it is . . . you may be very surprised!
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/dark-side-of-the-moon-on-cd-a-blind-listening-test.468342/
Finally, I second the comment about the SACD. Hearing DSOTM in 5.1 was incredible and almost like hearing a new album!