Pink Floyd Dark Side comparison?

OK. But I was asking about the comparison of the EMI newest remaster vs the MFSL edition.

Went ahead and ordered the EMI 2011 versions (CD, NOT VINYL!!!!), as Amazon had them for about $10 each, execpt the Wall.

Also found a source on Amazon that had MSFL Darkside (this is manufactured in Japan) for about $40-50 used. Since its used, there is no penalty to previewing the sound and returning it if I am not happy. A new one for $300-400 is insane and if you open it you eat $250 in depreciation.

phasecorrect:

Do you also have the original 80's version? Curious to know how much different the re-masters are from that version.

Brad:

We are talking CD, not LP FYI.

My post got started because I wanted to replace my 80's US version of Darkside with either the new remasters from Guthrie or the MSFL re-master. Due to the cost, I just decided to order the re-masters and listen to them vs the 80's version. If I like them I may stay fat dumb and happy. The MSFL version is a bit pricey, even used (new is just insane) and unless it stands up and walks on water vs the new re-masters, I don't think I'll bite. I also want the other versions of Wish You Were Here, Animals, and the Wall so getting the re-masters makes some sense due to their consistency.

The other option is the Japanese SHM versions but they are also out of print and quite pricey. But no doubt sound very good.

Well, I had a chance to compare the new Guthrie remaster with my original 80's issue, and was somewhat dissapointed to find out the 80's issue still sounds better. Detail, sounstage, and air is better on the original. You can more clearly hear the dubbed in voices and their position in the sound field is more precise, as are attacks on drums and guitar strings. The dymanic range is broader, with the impact of the bells and chimes significantly higher in level. Its like they were using more compression in the re-master. I was surprised to say the least, as I had exactly the opposite impression of Animals. My 80s version is almost unlistenable compared to the 2011 re-master.

Sgr

WRT Darkside, the 80's version is better IMO. More detailed, better dynamic range. I forgot to mention that the re-master has a more enhanced bottom end compared to the 80's version. For example, the heartbeat at the beginning is more pronounced.

My last comment was in reference to Animals. In that case the 80's version is inferior to the re-master, and for me the 80's version of Animals was unlistenable. The new remaster of Animals is quite nice.

Brad:
Its just my impression, playing both versions back to back on my system (B&W 804s, HSU sub, Parasound JC1 (2) power and JC2 preamp, CA 840c feeding digital to Bryston BDA-1 feeding the JC2).

I did not mess with the levels, as the level of compression between the two versions seems to be different, so what level do you pick to standardize on? The bass on the re-master is more enhanced, but things like the bells/chimes in "Time" just don't jump out at you in the re-master like they do in the original. This may not be a bad thing for some listeners, its just that I prefer the enhanced dynamics over the re-master's more reduced levels. Also, space and air around vocals and esp the background recorded vocals and sound effects seem to be a bit muted in the remaster. Maybe its because the master tapes are getting so old now and some details are beginning to fade? These things are not killer issues, and the re-master still sounds good in any case.

I did find "Animals" was much better in the re-master, and found that "Wish You Were Here" was about a wash to slighlty better in the remaster. The bass enhancement is really impressive in the pre-amble to "Welcome to the Machine" compared to the original.

And please understand (as most do) this is my opinion and I would be the last to suggest others should not listen for themselves. What I value with regards to sound imaging, depth, air etc. may not be shared by others with other systems and hardware.

Finally, I applaud folks like Mr. Guthrie in trying to make a music classic even better. We do appreciate his work. Now if someone like himself would re-master the Blind Faith album, I would be happier.

Ben:
"I find it strange the new version isn't better but I suppose these things are subjective but considering a lot of original CD's were badly mastered I find it a surprising result."

That was exactly my presumed opinion before getting the Guthrie re-masters. I assumed that my 80's version would be inferior to both an MFSL version or the 2011 remaster. But after comparative listening, my opinion changed. I think it may have something to do with two competing factors. The early versions suffered from immature technology, but the master tapes were quite a bit younger and fresher. The later remasters have the advantage of better digital technology but now have to deal with tapes that are many years older. Just guessing, of course, but we all know magnetic tape ages, even if kept in temp controlled vaults, 40+ years is a long time.

I was surprised that the re-master did not exhibit larger differences, or improvement. All I can say is make the comparison for yourself. If you don't have an 80's version, then the point is mute as the re-master sounds quite good on its own.