Best Sounding Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon? Ranking 10 Pressings incl; MoFi, 2nd UK, 30th & 50th

Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason made one of the most legendary albums in the world. It has triggered a lot of audiophiles into falling in love with sound(quality). But what is the best sounding version of this album? In this video I compare the following pressings;
- 1973 1st Dutch (NL)
- Dutch ‘70s pressing mastered by Hans Nouse
- Canadian ‘70s pressing (In USA sleeve) mastered by CAPITOL
- 1973 Australian Quadraphonic pressing (but played with stereo equipment!)
- 1977 UK pressing mastered by Harold T Moss (HTM)
- 1973 2nd UK pressing A3/B3
- 1973 1st German pressing with the O on the back
- 2003 30th anniversary pressing mastered by Kevin Gray
- 1979 Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL aka MoFi) mastered by Stan Ricker
- 2023 50th anniversary remastered by James Guthrie & Joel Plante for Bernie Grundman Mastering
- 2024 50th anniversary (same mastering) but pressed on clear vinyl with UV art print.
#darksideofthemoon #pinkfloyd #davidgilmour #rogerwaters #nickmason #richardwright #uk #1973 #mobilefidelitysoundlab #mfsl #mofi #kevingray #mastering #30thanniversary #50thanniversary #audiophile #lp #vinyl #vinylcommunity #review #rock #33rpm #psychedelic

[@top5records796]

To watch the unboxing of the 50th anniversary UV printed vinyl, look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ7Eg355grGGe5I To watch the review of the 50th anniversary remaster, look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHqniZSvn9Rgl5I To watch my review of The Dark Side of the Moon itself, look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi0Y5p8eZKEZ5Y And to check out my full Pink Floyd Discography review series, look here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZrUpKJsnt6tras

[@lucullus6127]

Very interesting video; one of my fav. album ever ! I used to own dozens different versions in the last 45 years including MFSL, 30th Ann ,;Whenever I was sure I understood exactly which copies had the best sound, again and again I would be proved wrong. The best-sounding parts of this record are nothing less than ASTONISHING. Money is the best example I can think of for side two. When you hear the sax player rip into his solo as Money gets rockin’, it’s almost SCARY! He’s blowin’ his brains out in a way that has never, in my experience anyway, been captured on a piece of plastic. The best copies create a huge soundfield, with the music positively jumping out of the speakers. They’re not brighter, they’re not more aggressive, they’re not hyped-up in any way, they’re just bigger and clearer. Breathe is my favorite test track for side one for any version of Dark Side Of The Moon:. On this track, when the voices come in about halfway through the song, you can hear that most copies are too bright. The cymbals might sound wonderful, lots of other instruments might also sound wonderful, and there might be plenty of ambience, detail and transparency. But all of that counts for nothing if the voices don’t sound right. And on most copies the voices are bright, aggressive, grainy and transitory. (This is clearly the case with the 2003 180 gram 30th Anniversary pressing I’m sorry to say. It fails this fundamental test badly.) And of course the tonality can be wrong in the other direction. Oftentimes the voices are muffled and dull, which turns out to be every bit as bothersome as voices that are too bright. Tonality on this record, like most records, is key. It’s not the only thing, but it’s probably the single most important thing. At the end of the day i have kept just three in my collection : UK A3 / B3 , Gramophone label, no EMI, in NM condition + 1st Japan Pressing, and the 2nd (1976 ?) German pressing A2 /B2 (the one with the very narrow deadwax on side B, yes, like the Zep II RL Hot Mix..😉).... aha !! ( i'm pretty sure a Hot Stamper from Better-records (Tom Port) could be a german pressing BTW !!) Ps : yes , Harry T. Moss did a great remasterin job back in the years.. his Abbey Road (approx 1980) -6 HTM / - 4 beats the early -2 / -1 !!!

[@JWD1992]

Now that is dedication! Awesome. I used to have a Canadian pressing similar to that. Got it for free at the local dump when I lived in Massachusetts, which is a state in the USA not too far from Canada. It was a nice copy, too. I just checked my "files." It had "TLC.T" on Side 1 and "Mastered By Capitol Wally" on Side 2. I sold it on Discogs in 2016. I should have kept it. I do not remember how it compared. Maybe that's for the better so I don't know what I am missing out on. I still have my US pressing (I don't have the runouts on file, and I am across the country at the moment) and the UK quadraphonic. I got the US when I scooped up my neighbor's records at a yard sale in 2007. I remember it sounds good, but didn't blow me away. Gotta play it again and also document the runouts. The UK quad I also got here in the US at a different yard sale in 2012 for only $2, and it's immaculate. But I've still never played it! I keep telling myself, "Wait until you get a quadraphonic system so you can hear it the right way!" Well, still no quad system in 2024. And it is SQ quad, so I can play it on a stereo system without any harm. It just won't be the same stereo mix. I would love to hear that UK 2nd. That under-the-radar "HN" Dutch pressing really intrigues me. If I don't enjoy my US when I hear it again, I will buy the HN cut!

[@jyejye1077]

Amazing video man you have a new Australian Sub!

[@top5records796]

Thanks! Good to have you on board!

[@TiagoCavalcanti-ji6hu]

Wow!!! There's no competing with you, bruh! Neat job. You just saved us tons of time and money. Cheers!!!

[@top5records796]

Thanks! I really hope to save people money! It’s not always the expensive pressings that are the best.

[@EddyTeetree]

Hey man good show lots a passion! Any chance you might take the time to show or talk about what you’re listening to these thru. It would give the audience (well me anyways :-) an indication of where we are in relation to what you’re hearing? I have a 4th UK of this and Im happy with the sound. The track money throws really lightweight arms (like those on a Sony usb player) right outta the grooves haha. Ive been to the Netherlands and it was lovely when I was there around 2010 for a couple weeks. Your ’67 top 50 was a real treat. Lots to investigate there.

[@top5records796]

Thank you! I’m happy to hear that! To be quite frank I really don’t know what to tell about the gear. I have a Thorens TD160, with a blue Ortofon for stereo and a white Ortofon for mono. The receiver is a Marantz 2216 and the speakers are Dynaudio BM6a Mk I. I am incredibly happy with it but talking about it an entire video would be hard for me.

[@styles8007]

Thanks for the post. I personally have multiple copies of " Dark Side of the Moon" as well. I guess I need to do a sound test myself. Cheers from Indiana in the US.

[@top5records796]

Awesome! Which ones do you have?

[@styles8007]

1973 US copy, Australia Quadraphonic copy, Japanese blue triangle copy, 30th anniversary, 40th Anniversary, and multiple copies of the 50th Anniversary.

[@bokertonepictures5223]

I have the 5th UK Harry Moss MINT for about $65. No need to keep hunting and spend far far more. It's great.

[@realleescoggins]

I have all of these and more. The German with the ‘-2’ in the deadwax is my favorite.

[@FredsDead-fv7hf]

Great shootout - as usual. I’m still grateful for the tip for the Military The Wall which does barely beat my US Promo by a smidge which is that it is a bit more airy, has a bit more space around the instruments and defined mids by a small, but noticeable amount. For the topic at hand, I had somewhat similar results although I disqualified my UK A3/B2 due to condition, it still sounded excellent in some parts and would have likely been 2nd pl. Your 3rd, the UK 5th (mine is an A10/B9 btw) is my first place although I have never heard the German. To me the HTM is one of my very favorite records of my collection. I think maybe at least part of the reason I like it so much is that I like to listen loud - 87-95 db and it holds together beautifully with nothing peaky or harsh with unbelievable imagining and a sound stage you could go swimming in - if that makes sense. It is THE greatest experience in my Hifi room. It is also perfectly balanced IMO. However now I’m going to have to find another /cleaner UK 2nd and try again! My 2nd was a surprise to me which was an inherited ‘75 Wally, 3rd was the 1st Japan and 4th was the 2003 which is slightly bright in my system and a few others after that.

[@FredsDead-fv7hf]

PS while I did find the 1st Japan a wonderful listen and has more detail than the HTM, I didn’t get the same emotional connection as I do with the UK 5th. I’m going to say it is the same with the UK 2nd although to a less degree , meaning it was very close to the 5th but, my 2nd was a lower VG+ and my 5th is almost M which probably impacted that connection at least some.

[@top5records796]

I am happy to hear about the The Wall video! I am really curious what you think of the 1st German!

[@JoseLuisJacob]

Nice Review. The 1• UK pressing, 2A /2B is a litle better than the 1• UK 3A/3B? If the pressing have no flaws?

[@top5records796]

I’m getting more response from people who indeed have found flawless 1st UK’s! So that’s a new challenge.

[@arzabael]

I truly consider myself lucky for overlooking Pink Floyd my whole life, as well as The Rolling Stones and the Beatles and many more that I started listening to at age 33

[@top5records796]

Interesting, why are you lucky for overlooking them?

[@arzabael]

@@top5records796 I have the ability to discover these bands for the first time - rather than having gotten use to their music from listening to it my whole life. Make sense? For example, I had heard a few lines from Money, and Shine on you crazy diamond, never knew it was that band with the prism and rainbow on the black cover. Fast forward to now, I’m getting ready to go home after work to listen to The Dark Side of the Moon for the first time in my life. So my friend, as you can see if you thought my original comment had anything to do with the continuation of overlooking them, I’m sorry what I meant to say is I’m so lucky that at age 33 I stopped overlooking Pink Floyd, and that I still have true adventures to embark on that most have memorized to the point of desensitization.

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

Excellent review. I own a NM 1973 uk A5/B/5 pressing, 1997 EMI Anniversary Pressing, 2011 UK & 2016 UK pressing, 30th, 40th and 50th Anniversary pressings. I play these on my Rega P6. Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

[@kiiiiiiingd]

and how do you rate them?

[@Abefroman-lq3md]

@@kiiiiiiingd . In that order.

[@timkimware3537]

My first UK press (solid blue triangle) plays flawlessly, with no skip on “Money.”

[@top5records796]

That is truly unique and a wonderful collectors item!

[@peterlaffey6328]

My UK A2/B2 first pressing is the best DSOTM that I've heard . It plays flawlessly , absolutely no problems with " Money " . There was a bad batch with the " Money " flaw , but the majority of the 1st pressings were perfect .

[@thelisteningchair5283]

I have a UK 1st Press - and there's no problem with the pressing at all. In fact it's the best version I have every heard of DSoTM.

[@top5records796]

That is amazing! How did you get it?

[@sittertal]

I agree here. I have bought my Solid Triangle many years ago for less than $20.00 (before discogs😅). Before that, my favourite was a Japanese Copy. But I didn’t like the 30th Anniversary Kevin Gray pressing at all. I believe it would be helpful to know what Turntable and Cartridge these Comparisons were made on. Still a very interesting Video. Thanks a lot.

[@revelry1969]

I thought I had a lot with 6 different pressings. The 30th seems to be my favorite. I also like my first German pressing, Ken Perry and Wally cut. The new UV printed one had a lot of surface noise.

[@top5records796]

The last 5 went pretty quick haha, not sure if I would have bought this many without the channel though.

[@garybarritt9041]

I have the 2016 USA & Canada pressing have you come across that

[@top5records796]

Yes I have, didn’t buy it back in the day but heard and compared it at a friend’s place. It wasn’t bad but I didn’t found it necessary to buy it because it was not close to the Dutch pressings in quality.

[@michaelrogers8126]

Hello, what are your thoughts on the 2016 remaster ?

[@top5records796]

It is absolutely not bad! It is digitally sourced (just as the 50th anniversary) and I am not that much attracted to it so that’s why I didn’t buy it.

[@VagueRANT100]

I have a Dutch pressing also and it sounds really good.....I have no desire to investigate any further!

[@top5records796]

Nice! Which Dutch is it?

[@phillippope6844]

My favorite: 1st Greek Pressing with A3/B2 UK stampers that I paid $40 bucks for. EMI Greece used UK stampers so its a great way to find an OG UK press for a lot less.

[@top5records796]

That is interesting! I actually have very bad experiences with Greek pressings but how would you describe the vinyl/pressing quality/texture?

[@phillippope6844]

@@top5records796 I'm stateside and would say its as good as anything Capitol in America were putting out at the time in terms of pressing quality. The sleeve is a glossy outer not unlike a Garrod and Lofthouse sleeve. I have had two Greek EMI pressings, this and a copy of the White Album. Both used UK stampers. Both had laminated sleeves and both sound really good.

[@vinylpatrol101]

My first press UK plays fine, didn’t realize there was some problems with them

[@top5records796]

You’re really lucky then! And good to hear there are good ones out there!

[@tobbebonzo]

Not all first pressings have the pressing defect on Money. I have a first solid blue triangle pressing which plays excellent. The sound is amazing, imo betters the 2nd UK. Anyhow, great and informative video!

[@top5records796]

Thanks! That is real lucky then! Where did you find it?

[@tobbebonzo]

@@top5records796 I bought it from an experienced seller here in Sweden. It is the A2/B2 stamper.

[@lornerawlings407]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5Cvnnejlq2Bjassi=Ojuovi7DzTE50SNP

[@lornerawlings407]

This is a good shootout vid that mentions the a2/b2 as the best sounding press , and mentions the manufacturing defect on some of the stampers

[@kristianbooth6262]

I’m wondering where the 2016 pressing would have sat in your reviews

[@top5records796]

Good question! I heard and compared it back in the day at a friend’s but didn’t find the need to buy it. It’s not a bad pressing but if memory serves me well I’d say it would be in the same league as the 50th anniversary one. It was at least not as good as any of the Dutch pressings.

[@richardegarr1441]

just got the NL 'white' pressing also cut by HN ... fab!

[@top5records796]

Awesome! When did they release the white pressing?

[@richardegarr1441]

@@top5records796 ‘78 … and the UK A3/B3 pressing is indeed just f***ing unbelievable😱💥

[@classicrock7890]

I would recommend second UK A3/B3 or the 30th anniversary (2003) AAA. I think the new mastering on clear vinyl sounds very good BTW and better than the 2016. I would say the best digital sourced version.

[@top5records796]

That’s interesting! Why do you prefer it above the 2016 pressing?

[@draganmitric7535]

Japan Pro-Use Series 1978 and Greece 1st 1973 with UK A3/B2

[@TheHutt]

PS: the circle version is NOT a German 1st pressing at all. It is a discounted reissue from about 1975.

[@rixvspinner]

You didn't review the first Canadian pressing of Dark Side. That is one of the best sounding pressings of it in my opinion.

[@Jamko1970]

My to best sounding ones are UK 2nd pressing and the 30th anniversary.

[@danielb8877]

Not all UK 1st pressings had the Money nuance/skip, mine doesn't. The UK 1st press is still the clear winner in my opinion for outright dynamics and punch, with the German 1st press behind it. I do recommend the Japanese 3rd press if you really want to fully test the better presses.

[@top5records796]

I guess you’re very lucky to have a UK first without the flaw. If I ever find one of those I’ll do an update; thing is; collectors and sellers have warned me about the flaw in that pressing so it is a tough one to advice to people.

[@onsenkuma1979]

Like photographic film, audio tape is not a stable medium. Earlier pressings are more likely to have greater detail across the full audio spectrum in large part because the tape is still 'fresh', and presuming the mastering and pressing quality are good to begin with, are generally more likely to sound better. I got this album when it was released in March '73, and the simple truth is that, at that time most people: (a) did not own decent turntables with good or properly aligned cartridges; (b) didn't know when to replace a worn stylus; and (C) didn't have a clue how to handle or store records. As many copies of DSOTM as were pressed in the '70s, the vast majority still out there 'in the wild' are probably in at least somewhat ratty condition. I was/am obsessive about record care, but in my experience very few people cared one way or the other.

[@top5records796]

I understand your conflict! But there were so many pressed that finding one in VG or NM condition isn’t that difficult in my experience. Then again; I live in a city with a lot of stores (Amsterdam) and frequently travel and check out other recordstores. But if you are willing to pay a little extra for NM it should not be impossible. In this video the Dutch repress, 1st German, UK HTM and Quadraphonic are NM. But even the 1st Dutch with scratches sounds incredible and has little noise or pops.

[@mcintoshkid]

listen to the first uk press A2B2 matrix solid blue triangle, its just the best i can tell you, also the immersion box set is good,

[@allsorts9909]

Have a couple of early uk and the mofi one. Struggle to tell any difference

[@simonyap4660]

You should check out the 1st Japan press. It sounds amazing. It sounds exactly like the 2nd UK pressing.

[@top5records796]

Is the mastering likewise? Because usually Japanese mastering can lack some bass.

[@christianreyes409]

1. First UK blue prism 2. A/3 b/3 3. 30th anniversary 4. 5 UK pressing 5. Although not vinyl 30th sacd (dsd)

[@PeterPrism]

The best is coloured one in the first 11 box but the SACD is n1

[@CuriousEnthusiast956]

Which Vinyl are you referring to exactly? And the SACD isn't bad sounding and is really good in the digital domain, but it's nowhere near the best.

[@PeterPrism]

@@CuriousEnthusiast956 TDSOTM coloured vinyl inside the box the first XI. Sacd is superior in every aspect to every analog lp.

[@CuriousEnthusiast956]

@@PeterPrism "Sacd is superior in every aspect to every analog lp". Only for people who always get in their minds that the new is always better without any context,. Digital always has to have mandated resolution which cuts off further frequencies and is entirely speculative with the digital signal. Analog's only limitations is how good the mastering and the quality of the material is. So for that alone, Analog is significantly better. It is pretty illogical to suggest that Digital does better for Analog recorded albums than Analog. It's a very silly and tired argument that was pushed by corporations that wanted to push CD and that's it.

[@PeterPrism]

@@CuriousEnthusiast956 nope you live in a DOGMA BRO…the DAC (every DAC even the worst, and there are very good DACs in the scene) rebuilds the steps in the curve, so the Khz and the bits are the parameters and the curve is “infinite”. Dynamic range is also superior “physics is physics”. Example with some very deep bass the pickup would jump away so the vinyl record is mastered in compressed way. Furthermore, unfortunately the SACD project failed. Ps NOW, liquid listen is better than SACD. As vinyl the one included in that box is anyway spectacular. Qobuz is the best service to listen in hires and gapless at the moment. Pps I have more than 3000 LPs and 15000 Cds and a dedicate room just to listening. If I weren't a disgusting fetishist I would throw everything away and just keep the Qobuz subscription 😀

[@CuriousEnthusiast956]

@@PeterPrism You can't have better dynamic range if you don't have a higher frequency response and you suffer from mandated resolution and speculative computer signals. You even admitted that you would throw everything away for a silly subscription in which you never own any of the music and it's highly compressed. So no man, i'm not convinced. There are good DACs, but that doesn't automatically mean that CD or SACD has higher dynamic range or is better in general.

[@keepitgreasey1]

Who is getting tired of DSOTM?

[@top5records796]

Impossible. I’ve been listening to it for almost 20 years now. And I still remember the first time, it is magic.

[@JimboP-Outside]

No one, it’s timeless.

[@ricksantos9849]

No fucking one. Best sounding album of all time.

[@FormulaProg]

I'm tired of the reissues.

[@w1nchester32]

it would have been more interesting to actually see the labels, rather than just the sleeves ??

[@top5records796]

Oké, why?

[@nyquist5190]

Maybe they all sound different. Maybe you prefer some of them to others. So, what is the point? How are we wiser after watching this?

[@top5records796]

There is a fair description of how the sound is different. That’s the wiser you get.

[@nyquist5190]

@@top5records796 Only your personal interpretations and hugely subjective descriptions of the sound. In your system, in your room. Again, what is the point? Which one of these is closest to the master tape?

[@top5records796]

@@nyquist5190 I don’t understand why my description would be “hugely subjective” or why it would be more subjective than any other. And indeed it is on my system, in my room. And all have been compared on the same system, so that does count for something. The way I read your comment you would prefer to do a test yourself. My anwser to that would be; Go ahead and compare them yourselves. It is fun! Please enjoy!

[@markmalasics3413]

"I have a lot of money to burn and I spend it on audio gear. I am now an audiophile." The typical audiophile.

[@top5records796]

I do not understand your remark.

[@DiegoImperatore81]

MoFi, definitely. ( IMHO )

[@user-sd8sm5ye7u]

Uhhh

[@jonathaneastwood2927]

All sounds exactly the same to me

[@top5records796]

You have heard all ten?

[@boydovens4180]

I think you have fallen into the trap that a lot of people have . You should enjoy the music for what it is , You can end up chasing your tail trying to find Ultimate L/P. with a slightly different sounding piece of music .

[@top5records796]

Every new version I discover the album once again, especially when it’s even better than the pressing before that. It makes me fall in love with the album again and again.

[@FredsDead-fv7hf]

Yes, part of the fun is the research and then the hunt for the best sounding versions of the albums I love. I personally keep the top 4-5 and sell off the others.

[@JWD1992]

Why are "enjoying the music" and wanting to hear the best presentation of it mutually exclusive? I can understand saying that collecting different label variations doesn't contribute to the listening experience, but the whole point of this video is he is trying to maximize enjoyment of the music. And he's not agonizing over it. It's fun.

[@alexandergolub5683]

Дякую від України, дорогий друже!

[@top5records796]

You’re welcome!

[@alexandergolub5683]

@@top5records796 Головне, щоб Ви продовжували Вашу цікаву та якісну роботу! Наснаги, енергії та терпіння!

[@danmartinez5502]

You're missing the point it's the music that counts. Any system can have an effect on the sound. I have first edition promo. The other versions sound great and the remixes are well done. But I don't over think it. Just saying

[@top5records796]

Here is my video about the music; Review of Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi0Y5p8eZKEZ5Y

[@DavidMander-rs4uk]

Like you need 10 pressings of it! I just have the 1994 CD and it's great.

[@top5records796]

Absolutely not necessary. But I had great fun finding, collecting, listening and comparing them.

[@PSN489]

I cannot understand why anybody would want 10 copies of the same album. The expense let alone the space it takes up. Each to their own but I do not get it , sorry.

[@top5records796]

Well, it started off with one. Then I heard a better one… and then another better one… It has never been my goal in life to own 11 copies but hey… stuff happens.

[@danielb8877]

The same reason someone might have 5 blue jumpers, 8 pairs of blue jeans, 5 grey t-shirts etc, they wear different and these sound different.

[@FredsDead-fv7hf]

If you don’t get it, you don’t get it. It is the pursuit of the best sounding versions of my favorite albums. I won’t know until I hear for myself. For me, I’ll buy anywhere from 5-12 pressings, compare them all, keep the top 4-5 and sell the rest of them.

[@TheHutt]

Matrix numbers, or it didn't happen!

[@top5records796]

From which one would you like the matrix numbers?

[@TheHutt]

@@top5records796 Why, all of them!

[@micjoseph6250]

I've never really enjoyed the pulse live version with Pink floyd in 94 , Gilmour and the contract players, Gilmour tends to mess up the Waters part and noone can duplicate Roger's parts . Bot even older Roger. I rember in 1997 holding out hope but stubborn rich pricks never cared to and I can't blame them cause we all have tht asshole friend that was a nightmare and one day people want a truths, it's like f......k off im over it .

[@top5records796]

I completely agree. For me Pink Floyd post-Waters is not interesting. I really hope they will release more live shows from the seventies.

[@pinkfloyd.appreciation]

Certain pressings within the first issue have slight issues on the B side,but that flaw was limited, DSOTM first UK issue has over 100 seperate pressings all carrying the solid triangle centre label and over 90 of those pressings have the A2/B2 lacquer number,most of which play perfectly well..but i agree the second issue A3/B3 is the best sounding UK issue..the third issue also has some A3/B3 numbers which are not far behind 🎶

[@CuriousEnthusiast956]

I know that certain copies of A2/B2 have the skip, but isn't A2/B2 meant to still be the better version?

[@pinkfloyd.appreciation]

The A2/B2 is the one collectors really want and lots of people say its the best sound,most would agree but i always seemed to have preferred the A3/B3,i suppose it boils down to personal taste​@@CuriousEnthusiast956

[@TheHanniballs]

Ik heb vorig jaar hier bij Concerto een solid blue 1 UK pressing gevonden voor 30 euro. Ze hebben waarschijnlijk niet gecontroleerd welke versie het was en gewoon geprijsd als een Nederlandse versie. En deze heeft ook geen skip op Money. Verder wel niet in super goede staat. Een klikje hier en daar maar voor 30 euro mag ik niet klagen!

[@top5records796]

Wow, dat is een heel bijzondere vondst!