Notation/Rating/Samples:

• Ed1: Japanes Vinyl ref: 25RS-232 (1984)

The Japanese version is a very nice pressing, the sound is very dynamic and very clear.
The balance is different from the remastered versions, with more treble present.
This gives it a more dynamic listening experience, while the DRs are almost identical.
Surface noise is low and reflects the quality of the pressing.

• Rating:
  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)

• Samples* “Ghostbuster” (Sample1) and “I Can Wait Forever” (sample 2) in 24 bits / 176.4 kHz:

• Ed2 : Vinyl ref : 88843082871 (remastered in 2014)

Compared to the Japanese version, we don’t find the same balance, the treble is less present which gives a balance putting more emphasis on the bass. We find the dynamics of the titles, but this one seems less marked. The low notes are more present here. It is just a pity that the vinyl is not made from the master in 24/96. The surface noise is low and reflects the quality of the pressing.

• Rating:
  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●oo 0(3/5)
  • Surface noise: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3/5)

• Samples* “Ghostbuster” (Sample1) and “I Can Wait Forever” (Sample 2) in 24 bits / 88.2 kHz :

• Ed3: Hi-Res digital edition 24bits 96 kHz (remastered in 2014)

We find the same features as the vinyl version (Ed2) which is also based on the remastered version, but we benefit from the 24/96 version based on the original master tapes. We find the dynamic of the original, no dynamics compression added here, this is very good news. The digital edition is therefore of high quality. Here, no notion of surface noises, because there is no mechanical reading you record with the cell.

• Rating:
  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5/5)

• Samples* : “Ghostbuster” (Sample1) and “I Can Wait Forever” (Sample 2) in 24 bits / 96 kHz :
  • Sample 1_Ghostbusters_Ed3
  • Sample 2_Ghostbusters_Ed3

• Ed4 : CD Arista Records : ref 258720 released in 1984.

This release is similar to the Japanese Vinyl (Ed1), but the sound is a little less dynamic and clear than Japanese Vinyl (Ed1).

• Rating :
  • Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
  • Bandwidth: ●●●oo (3/5)
  • Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5/5)

• Samples* : “Ghostbuster” (Sample1) and “I Can Wait Forever” (Sample 2) in 16 bits / 44.1 kHz:

The choice between the 4 editions is a question of preference with regard to the tonal balance. If you prefer a more precise version in the treble, the Japanese edition (Ed1) of the vinyl is for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more present low register, the remastered editions are for you, or the CD version (Ed4).

*The level has been adjusted to have the same RMS level for an easier comparison.

Detail of the ratings :

• Dynamic :
  • Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
  • Compression of the present dynamic, DR between 7 and 9.
  • Correct piece DR >=10
  • No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
  • No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
• Bandwidth :
  • Bandwidth cut and less than 15 khz
  • Bandwidth cut at 15 khz
  • Bandwidth not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
  • Bandwidth conforming to the original (but not HD)
  • Bandwidth conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
• Surface noise (only for vinyl):
  • Continuous audible noise
  • Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
  • Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
  • Low surface noise, very good quality
  • Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
• Restitution :
  • Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  • Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  • Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
  • High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
  • Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.