The Dark Side of the Moon: analog & digital comparison (CD, SACD, Vinyl, Tape)

In this video we explore and compare different digital and analog versions of one of the most famous Pink Floyd's album, the Dark Side of the Moon. In particular we focus on the track 'Money' sourced by:
1990's CD, 2003 anniversary SACD, 2003 anniversary remastered & 1973 original vinyl pressings, XDR - HX Pro cassette tape and reel to reel master tape copy (2 track 15ips)!
(N.B. The actual listening of these versions live, that is reproduced through a Hi-Fi system, is truly incomparable in respect to these digitalized files. The Master Tape copy version is by far the best, although listening to the Hi-Res files the quality is only slightly better. I guess this is the downside of digital audio, conversion and compression processes)
!ATTENTION! - For a better comparison stream or download the high resolution versions (192Khz / 24 bit) of 'Money' of each media following these links:
- CD version:
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- SACD version:
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- Vinyl (2003 version):
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- Vinyl (1973 version):
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- Cassette tape version (XDR - HX pro version):
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- Master tape copy (2 track 15ips, machine 1) version:
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
- Master Tape Copy 2 (2 track 15ips, machine 2):
my.pcloud.com/publink/show?co...
INSTAGRAM: / ana_dia_log
FACEBOOK: / anadialog1
TWITTER: / anadialog
_____________________________________
Music: Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon - 'Money'
_____________________________________

[@anadialog]

Remember to download all these versions in high resolution (192Khz/24bit) in the video description!

[@HASHEAVEN]

Still all files are digital so can't do much justice to the real analog sound except hearing the coloration of each analog reproduction system and possibly different mastering. Again interesting comparison and I liked SACD the best and cassette was the worst, even 160kbps mp3 sound better than cassette.

[@tommyconancoates7097]

@@HASHEAVEN sacd sounded the best to me also

[@KevinHallSurfing]

Nice 👍 Have this album on 8 track. Also Led Zep "1" etc. Must look at getting a player. Luckily they sell refurb kits for the cassettes themselves. The sponge deteriorates etc. Interesting to compare to the old 8 track system, from what I recall was pretty good back in the day with a good player and speaker system.

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Thanks for posting. I will download them. But, frankly, my perception from this video is that the SACD and the 2003 vinyl are the best. The cassette isn't good, I noticed a change in the level of the channels compared to the other forms of media. And I wasn't impressed by the reel to reel copy at all. I think you're more impressed with with the results of the graphic shows you than what you're really listening. However, I have to listen to the high res files to have a definitive opinion and I'm also aware my age (56) could be affecting my perception. But I have to say, I've listened to this album for years and years, with different versions including the 1973 Brazilian "quadraphonic" cut, but unfortunately not with the type of equipment it was intended for. In fact, I've never seen a quadraphonic stereo piece of equipment.

[@trophywolfe]

It's 24 bits 192,000 times per second... Grammar is important.

[@Kodaigon72]

Timestamps 2:37 1994 CD 5:08 2003 Super Audio CD 7:47 2003 Vinyl LP 10:00 1973 Vinyl LP 12:03 1988 Cassette Tape 14:40 Master Tape Copy

[@bobe3250]

You are great!! Thank you.

[@vikpet68]

Thanks you.

[@CeeStyleDj]

Thank you.

[@rods6405]

thanks heaps

[@saravananv9375]

They all sound same to me!

[@genedizon6387]

Your time and effort are much appreciated. Thank you!

[@billcampbell9949]

I would like to thank Alan Parsons for the superb engineering on this and all the other music he has touched. A fan for LIFE

[@anadialog]

Yes, except for his last album...

[@lucasmccarthy9905]

So, the master tape sounds the best to me, and I was impressed by how close the 2003 LP was. However, despite being lower quality, the cassette put a big smile on my face. I think this is a nostalgia thing. The tape effect on the sound is something I haven't heard in years, and it felt like meeting again an old friend.

[@garysmith8455]

Just wait a bit, cassettes are coming back. Some nice players are back on the market !

[@SSchithFoo]

Cassette isnt lower quality, it is the highest quality because mangnetic tape is. For me even with the hisss it sounded bigger.

[@percy7387]

The SACD sounded so different than everything else like the instruments were remixed. The 2003 LP was pretty darn good. I gasped when you produced the master tape it sounds great.

[@keithv4452]

SACD is crap, the inherent noise is terrible, so they remix the crap out of everything

[@stevengaddis6564]

@@keithv4452 The SACD is good for the 5.1 mix only. If listening in stereo, I opt for a vinyl version.

[@dingdong2103]

@@keithv4452 I remember the first time I listened to a SACD, the signal to noise ratio was at least 30db worse than the cd version. Even at low volumes I could hear background hissing. But that was a mastering issue, the noise you refer to is probably quantization noise which exists above audible band...

[@Flux799]

Really appreciate the time and effort you take to put this video together with all the sound clips and analysis. You earned a sub! Keep up the great work!

[@anadialog]

Thanks Sean!

[@mrwilliamefwilson]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together, and excellent choice in the sample song!

[@StevesStrayStuff]

I listened several times and I find the Master tape the absolute best, followed by the 2003 LP. Rock on!

[@gigngamer]

the 2003 LP is Very compress. The volume is just about the same as Master tape but soooooo much compress, bass and guitar are compress and you loss all the soul. For me it's the worst with casette and cd. There is a little bit of attack on the master compression but i not a big fan of the result.... but its still better than the CD or CASETTE

[@truthseeker6642]

I agree. The 2003 LP does sound better then the other vinyl.

[@thedudos]

me too !!

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

100% agree.

[@wa2368]

Could you tell the difference in a blind test, you blooming liar? We'll include a polygraph with the blind test too, just to be sure.

[@FlyingAce1016]

that master tape sounds INSANE!!!!!!

[@dkmi]

I agree. We should all be so lucky to have something like that.

[@gracefulmender2]

@@dkmi I agree. A 192 kHz 24 bit audio file? Count me in, I'm saving that to my phone.

[@matthewhetzler4912]

Even the coin sound effects sounded better right out of the gate!

[@lonestarracing7516]

I feel the master copy was beyond all the others but the CD was second best in my opinion but hard to tell

[@TedRay77]

Agree, Master Tape was amazing. Even on my K712 Pros the difference was as night and day to the other versions. If you pay extra attention you can also hear the faint buzzing of the motor of the tape machine in the silent parts.

[@CLaudiusClemensJimmy]

you are like the professor that teach us to use our ear better then our head, i couldn't thank you enough for your time!!! God Bless always...

[@anadialog]

Thanks Claudius!

[@sonicyouth29]

No defined number can describe how many times i have listened to this album. Great video ;)

[@spl4t1]

Thank you for still doing content even though it gets demonetized. Says a lot about what you stand for.

[@mus1970]

Unless you listen to them back to back I doubt any single version of this milestone album would be less enjoyable than the next... Thank you for all the work and energy that must have gone into creating this - especially that final assembly of the same track switching from version to version was insightful!

[@ultraneight]

I respectfully disagree. Maybe not so pronounced on youtube but vinyl mastered from tape has a very warm organic sound, not to say that digital doesn't have some benefits.

[@melaniezette886]

LP needs a special mastering.

[@BenCabell]

With all due respoect, unless you have exceptionally great hearing if he had not identified what is what 99% could nog guess with any great acuracy?? Analog people always use words like "warm and organic" as they cannot be measured and /or quantified. I grew up in the 70's and it is kind of neat hearing the opening crackels of vinal, it brings back a "warm and organic feeling" but I am not going to try to say analog recording is superior when clearly it is not.

[@Pepsidud32]

​@@BenCabell I agree that the love for vinyl is something that can't truly be measured with science, and that DSD might be "objectively" better, but if a digital and analog version of the same album are mastered so well it just comes down to which one makes me feel happier. Just hearing some crackle from the vinyl might get me in a better mood, and get me to enjoy it more in my head.

[@riasgremorypanasonic6968]

very well . At last, someone has realized how well analog can be. the comparisons were outstanding and I could distinguish the different media. Well done .

[@anadialog]

Thank you so much!!

[@hakanjeppsson9704]

Very interesting! Thank you!

[@cymacymulacra2301]

Thank You for allowing all of us to experience something of master recordings from this famous pop music. I haven't listened to the downloads on my DAP yet, but my laptop plays them all the same except for noise levels (surprises no one.)

[@ArcadeDude44]

An awesome demo, thank you, sir!

[@TheDunateen77]

I remember buying the SACD and playing it through my old pioneer 5.1 system and it sounded totally amazing

[@Ty_N_KC]

Hey man, I really enjoy your channel. Thanks for sharing your time with us

[@andik9222]

I'm happy for someone demonstrating the very nice cassette Tape quality when mastering and "pressing" is done right, thanks for that 🙂

[@lbm5618]

The 1973 dynamics blow the remasters away, but the cassette is like hearing the song for the first time even in KZbin compressed audio. I love dynamics more than I like resolution. Then I hear the reels, and OMG.

[@user-xh9rz7rf8l]

The 30th anniversary edition is awful!

[@edrhinehart]

Agreed

[@edrhinehart]

I don't want to like the cassette but I do. Lol

[@dropit7694]

@@user-xh9rz7rf8l You must be tripping on something, the 30th anniversary is one of the best editions available besides a first issue

[@naikrosh]

The Demo at the end with all of the versions together was a great idea.

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@BillKinsman]

Remember that louder does not mean better!

[@paisleepunk]

@@BillKinsman True, but you can say the same for quiet!

[@Cambaudio]

EXACTLY what I was looking for. Thank you for the excellent video sir.

[@diogoalfaiate5253]

Thank you for this comparison! You have great stuff. The copy of the master tape was a real revelation for me, I had never heard some things in the recording before, like the guitar echo when the bass comes in. Cheers!

[@musicboxstudio1965]

Man, I may be getting old, but for the CDs, I think the first CD was cleaner and that newer vinyl sounded impressive and obviously that reel was the bomb! I kind of felt sorry for the cassette tape level wise with all its HX Pro! and that other XDR I think you said.lol. That was fun to listen and compare with the way your careful explanation of everything. Big thumbs up brother!

[@stevengaddis6564]

I'm really impressed with the quality of the 2003 vinyl overall.

[@RocknRollkat]

Fascinating, especially the final few minutes where the formats are crossfaded against each other ! Thank you for taking the time to do this. Bill P.

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@RocknRollkat]

@@anadialog You're welcome !

[@snitsch68]

Today's a very special day, thanks to your channel I found out about the differences between analog and digital, as I'm leaving this comment I'm listenning to this great album for the very first time on vinyl i.e. the 2nd UK press which I was fortunate to get hold of with my newly upgraded Thorens turntable TD 115 with new Exact cartridge from Rega (the yellow one)...a great deal of pleasure, cheers from France

[@joncandyfliprecords]

I think the SACD gives the best value. If you have a player that handles it, for the low cost, and the outstanding no-loss-in-the-future format you get, the SACD will please almost everyone. Remembering too of course that just about *any* version of this album sounds fantastic - so we really are splitting hairs. 😎💜

[@melaniezette886]

I agree, I never came back to LP after sacd version.

[@martinruddell2682]

SACD and Master Tape copy sound awesome, runner up is 2003 vinyl, but thank you for those moments from the original vinyl... 45 years ago for me!

[@fsmmike]

Wow Man! Really great job on all this. Now I'm keeping my album collection and Reel-to-reel deck. Thanks for that!

[@anadialog]

Thank you John!

[@sunjaychakre1677]

Amazing comparison took me 2020 to 1984 recordings. Big Thankyou.

[@omenoflaherty1294]

The CD and SACD sound so much cleaner and clearer to me.

[@stuartdavis5736]

That it digital sounds tinier not as warm or natural it to crisp in mopinion but you did hear the difference it becomes real evedent when jimmie hendrex is put to that test. Distortion was a big part of his music. Then you can hear part of his music was lost to data compression.

[@NatMart9394]

Slower.

[@henrietafirkova2797]

And if that album was recorded now days on proper digital domain rec system it would be so much better and snake oil seller /vinyl propaganda/would be even more laughable then is now

[@Gavynnnnn]

The SACD wins out here because of the sheer instrument tone. Unfortunately that can’t be displayed here because it had to be converted from DSD and it lost all it’s DSD qualities the moment that was done

[@Gavynnnnn]

@@henrietafirkova2797 Right? Vinyl is a joke

[@mz5222]

I listened to the samples, with Sony ZR1's headphones and a PHA3 the Master Tape and the LP2003 are in my opinion the best. Tremendous difference from all other formats. Thanks for sharing this experiment Cheers MZ.

[@mlblue5355]

Amazing video! The master tape was unbelievable!

[@theonl1128]

The difference is very good to hear, thank you. 👌

[@colloidalsilverwater15ppm88]

vynil is so refreshing, tape is smooth, and precise. Others are like a rage.

[@theelmagoo]

Really cool comparison! I was amazed how much difference I could tell even just listening on KZbin (at the highest quality setting). One thing I might also suggest is looking at the stereo imaging as well. The SACD version is just amazing in this regard how it uses the full width of the stereo image when compared to the other versions on good headphones. For me, even though I grew up with vinyl and tape, I'm not a big fan of the analog blanket effect (how it smooths out the detail and muffles everything a bit). I don't like pure digital either as clearly that can go way too harsh, but I personally loved the SACD version in this test! The really wide imaging, all of the detail was brought back to life, yet it wasn't harsh, and it just sounded like there was so much depth to it (front to back). For me that felt the most "in the room" with the music, like I was there. Great stuff!

[@maxhigh3234]

Thank you for all this work! Very interesting comparisons. I think one of my ears is plugged up. I need to re-listen after I address the issue.

[@docc1123]

The master reel to reel and the vinyl 2003 I thought were very close. Thanks for the great analysis

[@ChrisTexan]

Been listening to the high quality samples (thank you for leaving those up!)... late to the part, but I'm amazed how "compressed" the CD and SACD sound. Especially the bass, the "roundness" of the thumps and string moving in air is very lost, it's more like a synthbass representative note than a real stringed instrument sound. Even compare to either vinyl, the "body" of the bass is just not there anymore in those 2 formats. Even cassette held that (although the top end (cymbal crashes and washes) are very muted on cassette as would be expected. I'm a die-hard fan of CDs for what it's worth, even though I'm "vinyl-aged" we never had a working turntable growing up, LOL, so I never was used to that sound, cassette was my first personal medium, then CDs, which I thought were amazing (and are/can be I think wen mastered correctly). Alan Parson's for example, I'd love to have a vinyl to CD comparison of some of his work, but I can't imagine anything better than my first listen of "Eye in the Sky". The CD/SACD mixes (sounds to me like the same mix/master just output to the relative conversions thus having a bit more headroom on the SACD which is nice) really sound compressed, like the engineer who made that mix assumed the average system couldn't reproduce heavy bass or something, so just make sure the central note is evident and move on, rather than hearing the nuances of the instruments. And was probably true in 1985 or whenever that was mastered for CD, but... ugh. Way too dry, and lost all low-end warmth. And the "sheen" that normally comes through on CD, isn't there (but OMG it is SO there on the master tapes!!!!)... so it's almost like they took an RIAA mix for vinyl (dropped top-end), and just started there to master the CD, and then made more compromises/compression to get it in digital format. No idea, but if you made an SACD or non-lossy digital format straight off those master tapes, it would sound so wonderful. Could then master out a little bit of the barely detectable tape noise (nothing compared to cassette, LOL, but it IS tape)... basically just the tiniest filtering at the edges to silence the noise floor (which the CD/SACD mixes do well, I think that's part of where the low-end warmth got blended out), and a modern reissue with the quality of those masters... would be exquisite. Honestly I know the vinyl have the RIAA profiles applied, they simply have to to cut reliable vinyl, but the "master-tape-intent" really is best preserved there, even if the depth of stage, separation, noise, etc aren't all as good as the digital domain, the "master" quality really is, I'd rather listen to that 1973 vinly, if you replay the first 5 seconds side-by-side between the CD and 1973 vinyl, the vinyl sounds like you are really "in the shop"... the CDs sound like someone using sound tracks "placed this sound left at 88-degrees, placed this sound right at 74-degrees" and they have no ambience, no character at all... just do that, I opened each cilp in a browser tab to quickly swap between them, and the vinyl is just "you are there" (with a little noise) and the CDs... aren't. That's what it is after many cycles now... it's not analog "noise", it's the actual "ambience" of the original mix is GONE in the digital versions. That, to me, isn't a digital vs analog, that's a sound engineer who really screwed up the mix by drying it out completely. I hope it wasn't Alan Parsons on that "to digital" mix, I can't imagine it was though based on this, as he's quite good at maintaining ambience in his SACD/CDs from my experience. With the loss of ambience also comes that loss of "quality" of the instruments. Anyhow, my thoughts years later, having just found this, LOL.

[@jwanda10]

I think an interesting experiment would be to offer the files in random order not labeled. Then we could listen to them blindly. Put up a poll with just the number. Then after a couple of weeks reveal the results. It would be interesting to see if the results were the same if people’s opinions weren’t colored by preconceived notions.

[@anadialog]

True! Will do with a new video.

[@stereophotog]

jwanda10 I agree. The SACD has much better dynamic range than all the other formats.

[@Firebrand55]

Excellent suggestion. I did this once with 6 famous jazz pianists.........My blind favourite was Oscar Petersen, which I hadn't expected.

[@jamiesmith6838]

Agreed. That way to eliminate any chance of bias.

[@fernandoespinola1758]

absoluttly agree

[@ajf9880]

Thank you!! really enjoy your videos

[@itsjim2875]

Outstanding presentation - thank you!

[@zaphodsbluecar9518]

This is the best format comparison I've seen on KZbin; of course everything we hear is processed and compressed for the stream, but the differences were clearly audible. Nicely done! I didn't realise cassette was so bad...

[@g2skinny]

The cassette tape did suck I agree the master tape was cool but still tape

[@QrchackOfficial]

For the cassette, they had to do everything they could to fight the garbage medium - that's why you hear a compressed, "pinched sound", to get as much above the noise floor as possible. Just like on radio.

[@GabrielMario63]

Amazing comparison, mate! Definitely, the master tape is the sweetest... But I choose the sound of the vinyl first press (maybe because it's more plausible for me to buy it) the soundstage, the warmth and even the extension of the higher ground it's wonderful... Cheers!

[@larryh1843]

Loved the Master and the 2003 LP, the cassette surprised me. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@Tobisonics]

Thanks for sharing the files - really useful!

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@Kaxlon]

Such a nice comparison! Thank you. For my ears: CD, and master tape copy. SACD totally loses the sound stage. Was not ready for that. All analog versions also sounded great.

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@emirhantemel9912]

It is difficult to choose between 1973 and 2003 versions. It's probably due to my equipment. Master tape is very natural and definitely my favorite

[@gaby1945Argentina]

Foobar A/B same replay gain, the winner 🏆 is master tape

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 revisiting the DARK SIDE AGAIN 🤩😎THANKS

[@israelfwm]

Hey thank you very much for the downloads and the content!

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@alvarosundfeld]

The master tape copy is absolutly the best. It sounds so rich and oppened. I think the 2003 and the 1973 LP's come in second and third. The worst of all is the cassete, wich is not as loud and sound a little muffled. Great video!

[@salamjihad3449]

THE 8TRACK IS NICE TOO !!

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

@@salamjihad3449 the 78 is better.

[@ChangoFrett]

I absolutely LOVE that saturation on the Tape Machine 1 track. Ooooooweeee...... Can't get enough of that punch.

[@anadialog]

True!

[@godnotsomighty]

Very helpful, entertaining and thought provoking... thanks.

[@claudiomura]

it's really interesting listening the differencies of ambience, specially for Pink Floyd

[@Martyz-TV]

I didnt expect the vinyl to perform so well. You may have changed my outlook to vinyl :-)

[@anadialog]

Now that will make me smile for the entire day!!

[@fortitude9932]

Analog passion...dope ! Glad people like you still exist.

[@bethcaruso8855]

Great examples for us to hear and evaluate. Thanks for your time and knowledge sharing. It's greatly appreciated. I think the Master Tape is best for me followed closely to the 2003 LP.

[@janzimny7957]

Just listened on my iPad to all the formats and I Love the reel to reel tape!!

[@kencur9690]

This guy just exudes calm.

[@anadialog]

When I did that video I remember that my daughter was sleeping :-)

[@jamesbentz7883]

Really nice to have all the hi-def versions to listen to. My favorite was the second press vinyl... "more listenable".. whatever that means... ;)

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD ,CAREFUL WORK😍😍😍

[@luisfanorvega7407]

Fantastic vídeo. Well done. LP 2003 sounds insanely ........freakin good!

[@Joel-ry7ez]

30th Anniversary edition vinyl, SACD and Master Tape. I guess in this order, are my bests. The dynamic of the cassette recording it's interesting. We never used to buy comercial cassettes. We used to buy vinyl records and tape them for Walkman use. It makes me remember the quality of our recordings in CrO2 + Dolby C from Vinyl - despite the quality of the manual recording at home, was better than the commercial sold tapes, even with extended dynamics and headroom expansion and whatsoever, but the industrial process brings deep lacks. Anyhow, I liked that kind of wide deep sound although was few dB lower. Mate: You are a guy I'd like to be friends with. Thanks for your work, your voice tone, your dedication and your art. You have art in what you do. - This is my first video where I find you, I'll subscribe and keep in touch. Warm hug to you and everyone reading and commenting in this interesting channel.

[@petermccallum9938]

Yes I done that to and still have my collection. They certainly were almost on par with the original vinyl and you can nearly eliminate ANY tape hiss by doing a first run silent recording! Used SONY HF 90 tapes.

[@shpater]

Most interesting video, Thanks a lot! The major difference I heard is that the RTR recorded Master Copy has a slight speed difference (slower) than the rest of the sample. It indicates that during the process of copying the Master at least one of the machines speed (playback and/or recording machine) was slightly not calibrated properly.

[@Schwabguitar]

Wow! Awesome video, thank you!

[@flowerchild58]

Very much agreed with Steve's Stray Stuff, with a slight preference to the LP for it's more rounded and musical bass. Above all thanks for the opportunity to listen and compare all the format.

[@surenjlsorenson8128]

I am extremely satisfied and happy with my reel to real copy at 15 ips version on pro equipment and thank you for sharing your experience

[@burstactive4461]

I have 40 years of recording experience. The best sound from reel-to-reel master versions. Different recording studios use equalizers, mixers, and human factors. No standard on this field. Even 20 music professional have different perceptions and will make a personal opinion.

[@CeeStyleDj]

This may be an unpopular opinion and of course it is a subjective one but - SOMETIMES Remasters finally "get it right". ( emphasis on sometimes.) There's something about that 2004 Vinyl version.

[@gigngamer]

The 2003 approach the loudness (artificially) and feel of the original tape for the mainstream public (at a coast of the lost of dynamic range) so i guess it can be ok, but with good listening environnement yes the master and 1973 are the best SACD close

[@rustymixer2886]

Want to engineer master my lp?

[@morbidmanmusic]

I'd be more interested to hear it tracked in digital and analog. Then the fight would be fair. Of course a reel master will sound best, next to having the real separate tracks to play back. But if this was done today, to digital, nobody would complain and it would some as good, if not better. I've been at it for 50 years.. (like that matters) and digital was the first time drums sounded like they sound to the drummer! No tape compression. Even with crappy ADAT converters they were better. And having been in tape for 3 decades, I can get that sound without the bad parts, with digital pretty easily. All personal for sure. but specs don't lie, but our hearts and ears do.

[@nelsomlacao9737]

hello, very thanks for this amazing post, i'm loved , very interested theme !!!! thank you , best regards.

[@BSzaruga]

amazing comparison, thank you! This is how - purely based on my ears - I moved from digital to analog.

[@seesaw1969]

good experiment...i I've been searching for something like this..and doing this with my fav Floyd album... obviously the master tape copy sounds much beter than others, however the SACD also put high equality to rip part and separate instruments. thks

[@bshah4831]

Great work, thank you. I preferred the master tape. Edit: it appears I have a 73 copy of the Dark Side of The Moon. Better have a good listen. 👍

[@franciscofilipe9189]

A great idea to make comparisons like this

[@raduflorin6154]

That master tape , sounds awesome, it's probably worth it's weight in gold at this point!! The vinyl from 2003 sounds great as well , the cassette tape sounds very smooth, and put a smile on my face 😊 !!

[@ganaksergey514]

Many thanks for great comparison! Really nice and interesting! As to me the 2003 vinyl sounds best, more dynamics! Master tape is number 2 for me.

[@loonachan]

The first time I listened to the Dark Side of the Moon it was on that exact cassette version. I still recognize that exact sound signature as being separate from the others and nostalgic. It's more than just tape hiss, it certainly has its own texture about it.

[@anadialog]

Cool!

[@Mike-fi5se]

I hear more compression breathing on the cassette, probably due to the limitations of the format. Ex recording engineer for a cassette duplication house that did copies for Sony Classical, back in the 1980s. But for what it was I wouldn't have complained.

[@joaodepaivaandrade715]

British sound engineering is truly one of the best, if not the best, in the world. I even purchased the first CD edition that EMI released in Brazil. My disappointment was great, especially in the first track, "Speak to me", in the third, "On the run" and in the fifth, "The great gig in the sky". ALL the passages with low intensity, whispers, like the one that emulates a person panting, tired, running... none of them can be heard. I exchanged the CD with my brother. I later acquired the 1973 LP, used but in good condition, released by Captol in the USA. It was a right decision. The versions presented and analyzed sound good. The CD (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) showed its limitations; the abrupt cut at 20 kHz makes the sound of the format (however well mastered it may have been) strident, metallized, although the super-highs (22 kHz) are absent, which is artificially compensated by an excessive boost between 15 kHz and 20 kHz . SACD sounds softer, due to having a smoother transition, a cut, at the top of the spectrum. The two LP editions show the painstaking work of engineers and technicians, in order to reproduce the original musical record as faithfully as possible. The sound of the two LPs (the 1973 and the 2003) is excellent; I noticed a slightly greater weight in the bass in the treble in the edition commemorating the 30th anniversary of the album's release. The cassette tape released in the 2003 commemorative edition has an acceptable sound, with an extended frequency response. However, the limitations of the format are evident and easily perceived even by a layman. Finally, the reel/roll tape sounded as expected. As it was not clear what type of equipment it was reproduced on, we cannot infer why its spectrum was abruptly "slimed" to 30 kHz. As tapes are the original recording medium, it is clear that the higher frequencies (up to 40 kHz) observed in the LP spectra come from them. Therefore, two things could have happened: 1) the master from which the LP cuts were made is different from the one reproduced in the video; 2) the equipment on which it was reproduced here has limitations.

[@TheZzmel]

Absolutely, the master tape is very dynamic. I listen to Pink Floyd many times and the best part that stands out is all what is played and the realism that goes with it. I feel that vinal has more in-depth of frequency and a smoother bass. I also grew up with vinal and hard a pretty good sound system. I didn't have the best sound speakers but the Advent was excellent for the price. The music I listened to, felt that I was at the performance.

[@TonyTwoTonez]

SACD seemed to have a wider sound stage. I love a wide sound stage so that was my favorite but i guess it just depends on your taste. Everyone will pick the source that suites their taste. No matter how you listen just remember to enjoy one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@Aaron-jb7ho]

Thanks for your time.

[@MyPinkFloydian]

thanks for this! just getting into higher quality audio equipment this was a fun difference in how much audio source can effect and learning it's possible to obtain copies of the masters! next item on agenda, wish you were here master copy 😉

[@kennethl4172]

Great comparison between the different formats. It would be interesting to compare the 1/2 speed master vinyl and the 24k 1/2 speed master CD with the master tape. I have this album in vinyl, CD, 1/2 speed vinyl and 1/2 speed CD.

[@jamesmdeluca]

Greetings: I worked for CREST DIGITAL MEDIA (Hollywood) that mastered the SACD master and duplicated the discs. Our listening room had audiophile grade playback equipment that likely cost more than my salary. Not having golden ears, although I was able to note the remixing sound difference, I was unable to note a qualitative difference from the regular CD. If I remember correctly, the source material was delivered at a sample rate of 192 kHz. I was working in the HD video depth. at the time so had no direct involvement with th project. (The AC power cords were filled with sand!?) I think the sacd recording was multi-channel as well, but it was over 10 years ago.

[@leosalas41ify]

All the credit, masterful comparison. Great job thanks! Ps. Have original sounds great.

[@justynakania7655]

The reel to reel tape sounds outstanding!

[@bgtubber]

I downloaded and listened to the files on a FiiO E10K AMP/DAC + Audio-Technica M40X headphones. For me from best to worst: 1. 2003 vinyl 2. Master tape copy 2 3. Master tape copy 4. 1973 vinyl 5. SACD 6. CD 7. Casette

[@bioof4]

The bass and vocals were the only things that changed drastically each time. My favorite has to be the 2003 release of the LP

[@MrWilander88]

Omg same here, I felt like as if I was in the room while they performed it live.

[@goosedontbefrightened1440]

one thing that stood out to me was the reverb on all of the different versions. the air in the reverb really did a number for me. (long time since you've probably seen this but I don't disagree that those were the biggest differences)

[@stefanhansen5882]

Very interesting comparison. Thanks!

[@paulstanton8332]

Thank you for the care and effort that you put into making this report. Very interesting. Two things in particular struck me. 1) My mental ranking of the media varied according to whether I was listening through KZbin or from the WAV files (via Audirvana). In the first case it was CD, tape, LP, cassette. In the second it was tape, LP, CD, cassette. As to whether CD was better/worse than SACD or the old LP pressing noticeably different from the new, such differences are minor compared to the effects of switching other elements in the reproduction chain (e.g. DAC and headphones, my Chord Hugo is noticeably clearer than my Chord Mojo, my Focal Utopias spatially narrower but more engaging than my Sennheiser HD800s). 2) Regardless of the medium, or any other part of the reproduction chain (I first listened to this in my youth via LP on a modest Thorens/JVC/ Wharfedale system and now have it available as a ripped SACD or via Qobuz in a a number of formats on a Chord/Naim/Focal system) I still struggle with the sound balance on DSOTM (vocals brittle, bass drum muddy etc.) And regardless of the timbral qualities (my hearing range at the upper end has deteriorated rapidly with the years, but then does much of interest really happen above 13 kHz, unless you're a bat or a dog) I cannot escape (imagined?) issues with things like mistimed drumming (I'm not a musician so maybe it's all in my head). Conclusions. Yes there are audible differences between the recording media but they are relative. With the exception of clearly compromised media (cassettes) the extent to which they might outweigh other factors, in quantitative terms, can vary according to the reproduction chain being used. But the choice of listening equipment is at least as important, and at a number of price points, more so. Not quite a quantum leap, more of a quality spectrum subject to the law of diminishing returns. Is digital better than analogue (or vice versa)? I have only found this to be a significant issue with 'transitional' or transferred recordings (from the 80s/90s) and often the main problem turned out to be the mastering/remastering process. But conceptually, the very idea of there being 'analogue' advantages for pop music I find problematic. By and large we are talking about electric/electronic instruments, microphoned/amplified vocals, layers of studio effects etc. What is analogue about any of that? Acoustic instruments and unadulterated vocals - well that's different. But in practice, I find modern digital recordings to be superior. in all respects And of course, on a purely pragmatic level, there are no issues with a fragile and imperfect medium (warps, ingrained dirt, scratches, anti-mould treatment etc.) or with storage space. Playing LPs on a turntable is much more to do with ritualistic pleasures and (for oldies like me) nostalgia. People may say that they prefer the sound of LPs but I think that is more to do with the listening experience than the actual sound (listening to LPs on headphones is never an enjoyable experience!) Above all, music is about musicality as much as tonal fidelity. Despite the expanding catalogues now available through the likes of Qobuz, Tidal etc. no amount of technological tinkering or remastering can compensate for the inherent deficiencies in recording techniques available for Caruso or even Callas say. Yet their sheer musicality shines through regardless. One can only imagine how glorious they would sound had their performances been captured using modern recording methods. Fortunately, our brains can cope with such anomalies. So Caruso and Callas will always sound incomparably better than Ed Sheeran or Norah Jones, or whoever happens to be in vogue right now. Not only because of their classically trained voices but also their wondrous artistry. Imagine Mr S attempting Nessum Dorma or Ms Jones Vissi d'Arte (at all, let alone at an equivalent musical standard and without amplification).

[@tonygalli6986]

They all sound very good. If you force me to choose a favorite, for me it's the 1973 vinyl mainly because I remember walking into the record shops back then and buying the LP (more than once!). Plus, it does sound incredibly good to this very day and ANA[DIA]LOG is no doubt using a great analogue set up. Yes - it's the 1973 vinyl for me.

[@garysmith8455]

You know, considering that the cassette was at 1 7/8 IPS and the R to R was at 15 IPS, you have to hand it to the cassette tape! I am enjoying some really fine PRErecorded cassette tapes and it is amazing just how good they sound on a GOOD player. I have the Bang and Olufsen 6500 series audio system from 1990. I replaced all the belts on the player and enjoy using the REMOTE control for it's functions. Who ever heard of a cassette deck with full remote control of playback, record, flipping sides etc. ??? Fun vintage stuff that still sounds SO good (O:

[@tommyradband4069]

Outstanding demo and review1

[@iislas1976]

Amazing work, thanks,

[@jordandallen]

Great video. I enjoyed listening to the comparisons. The master tape wins by a long shot to my ears. But I will say that the SACD down sampling from it's native DSD format 24bit/192khz did it a great disservice.

[@willbeda]

I can say that, at least to my ears, using a Koss porta Pro headphone, the vinyl version (2003) sounds better, although the master tape copy sounds more "full" or "bigger". I wonder how would these compare to the Mobile Fidelity UHQR vinyl.

[@MateusMachado]

I do agree.

[@CzarnyRamzes]

I cant agree more. I have the same feeling.

[@luciomagini1389]

You simply listen the output of different mastering process. So what?

[@elkeospert9188]

@@luciomagini1389 That´s exactly the point which most people here (even the guy who created this video) do not understand.

[@anadialog]

You are failing to understand that people buy VERSIONS of an album, not mastering. A version is defined by the medium and the mastering. Hence, in this case I compared digital and annalog versions. In other videos instead I analyzed the same mastering on different media: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2WlfYqIZ6plrck Not in this case. Its very simple!

[@ivanaraque]

Thanks for the great analysis!

[@TerryMundy]

Made a believer out of me. Glad I stored all of my vynal in a safe dark cool place. Time to dig it out and set up my Yamaha stereo equipment.