A Momentary Lapso Of Reason is the 13th studio album of Pink Floyd which was released in 1987.
The recording will be done in several studios but mainly on the Astoria, Gilmour’s houseboat.
This album is treated in a “hybrid” way as we would say today, with the use of analog and digital recording.
While waiting for the release of the vinyl version in 45 rpm and the reissue of the CD and BD, here is a first review with different editions of this album.
The review also includes the new 360 Reality Audio mix (Amazon and Tidal).
Update of the review with the CD, Bluray (stereo and 5.1) and vinyl versions of 2021.
You can find the measures of each edition in the different parts that follow or you can go directly to the synthesis and listen to the extracts of these albums by clicking here.
This album includes 10 (11*) tracks :
- Signs Of Life
- Learning To Fly
- The Dogs Of War
- One Slip
- On The Turning Away
- Yet Another Movie / Round And Around*
- A New Machine Part 1
- Terminal Frost
- A New Machine Part 2
- Sorrow
*The track is separate in two tracks in the release of 2019.
We will review 15 editions (Vinyl 1987 and 2016 , CD 1987, Streaming Amazon Music and Qobuz, CD and BD 2019, Amazon Music 2019 and 360 Reality Audio, CD 2021, Bluray 2021, vinyl 2021) of this album.
This album was recorded digitally with the exception of the acoustic drums and bass guitar which were recorded analogue. Dolby SR noise reduction was used for mixing, mastered direct to metal
First we will analyze each edition in detail (technical and qualitative analysis) then we will compare the successive editions with their dynamics and assign a final score and you will be able to listen some samples.
The streaming versions may change, the streaming versions presented correspond to the version tested at the date of publication of the review, or of an update of the review.
Review of the editions:
Part 1: Presentation of the editions
Part 2 : Waveform and dynamique comparaison
Parts 3 : Spectrum comparisons
Part 4 : Spectrogram comparaisons
Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Sample
Part 1: presentation of the editions
Pink Floyd – A Momentary Lapse Of Reason (1987)
Ed1 : Vinyl ref 748068 1- 1987
Presentation
This is the original vinyl released in 1987.
| Label | EMI |
| Reference | 748068 1 |
| Format (speed) | Vinyl 33 rpm |
| Type | Vinyl LP |
| Master | Digital recording with analog recording of acoustic drums and bass guitar,Dolby SR noise reduction was used for mixing, mastered direct to metal |
| Mastering/Pressing | Europe, Mastering Lab & Precision Lacquer |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | Europe |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 1987 |
Ed2 : Vinyl ref PFRLP13- remastered 2016
Presentation
This is the remastered vinyl in 2016.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFRLP13 |
| Format (speed) | Vinyl 33 rpm |
| Type | Vinyl LP 180g |
| Master | Remastered from the original analogue tapes |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remastered by James Guthrie, Joel Plante and Bernie Grundman |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | Europe |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2016 |
Ed3 : CD ref CDP 7 48068 2 – 1987
Presentation
This is the original CD (1987).
| Label | EMI |
| Reference | CDP 7 48068 2 |
| Format (speed) | CD |
| Type | CD 16 bits 44.1 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Europe, Mastering Lab & Precision Lacquer |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 1987 |
Ed4 : Streaming Amazon remastered 2011
Presentation
This is the Amazon Music HD and UltraHD streaming remastered in 2011.
It is important to note that the versions proposed in streaming can evolve in time. The tests are based on the version available at the time of the review. Between the beginning of the work for this test and the publication, this version has evolved with the addition of the track 2 in 24 bits 192 kHz instead of 16 bits 44.1 kHz. It is therefore the latest version that is presented here.
| Label | Warner Music |
| Reference | Amazon Music HD and UltraHD |
| Format (speed) | Streaming |
| Type | HD 16 bits 44.1 kHz, except the Track 2 in 24 bits 192 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remastered in 2011 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2011 |
Ed5 : Streaming Qobuz – remastered 2011
Presentation
This is the Qobuz quality CD streaming remastered in 2011.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | Qobuz CD |
| Format (speed) | Streaming Lossless CD |
| Type | HD 16 bits 44.1 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remastered in 2011 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2011 |
Ed6 : CD1 of The Later Years BOX – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFRLY01
Presentation
Released in 2019 in the box set “The Later Years”, this CD contains a new remixe and updated with re-recorded drum tracks by Nick Mason and additional keyboard work from the late Richard Wright.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFRLY01 |
| Format (speed) | CD Remixed & Updated 2019 |
| Type | CD 16 bits 44.1 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2019 |
Ed7 : BD Stereo of The Later Years BOX – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFRLY01
Presentation
Released in 2019 in the box set “The Later Years”, this BD contains a new remixe and updated with re-recorded drum tracks by Nick Mason and additional keyboard work from the late Richard Wright. This is the 2.0 version in 24 bits 96 kHz version.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFRLY01 |
| Format (speed) | Bluray stereo Remixed & Updated 2019 |
| Type | 24 bits 96 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2019 |
Ed8 : Streaming Amazon Music remastered 2019 – 2021
Presentation
This is the Amazon Music Ultra HD streaming remastered in 2019 and presented in 24 bits 96 kHz.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | Amazon Music UltraHD |
| Format (speed) | Streaming ultraHD |
| Type | 24 bits 96 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2019 |
Ed9 : Streaming Amazon Music – 360 Reality Audio – 2021
Presentation
This is the Amazon Music streaming remastered in 2021 (based on the 2019 recording) and presented in 360 Reality Audio.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | Amazon Music 360 Reality Audio |
| Format (speed) | Streaming 360 Reality Audio |
| Type | 360 Reality Audio Ambiphonic |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed10 : Vinyl 2021 – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFRLP37 – 0190295079208
Presentation
This is the beautiful vinyl re-released in 2021 in double LP 45 rpm with the half speed master cut technique. A booklet is included with the vinyl.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFRLP37 – 0190295079208 |
| Format (speed) | 2 LP, 45 RPM |
| Type | Vinyl half speed master cut |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins 2019 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed11 : CD 2021 – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFR37BOXBD
Presentation
This is the beautiful box with CD an Bluray.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFR37BOXBD |
| Format (speed) | CD |
| Type | PCM 16 bits 44.1 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins 2019 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed12 : Bluray 2021 – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFR37BOXBD
Presentation
This is the beautiful box with CD an Bluray. The Ed12 is dedicated to the review of the stereo version in 24/96 of the Bluray.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFR37BOXBD |
| Format (speed) | Bluray |
| Type | Stereo PCM 24 bits 96 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins 2019 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed13 : Bluray 2021 – PCM 5.1 ref : PFR37BOXBD
Presentation
This is the beautiful box with CD an Bluray. The Ed12 is dedicated to the review of the PCM 5.1 version in 24/96 of the Bluray.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFR37BOXBD |
| Format (speed) | Bluray |
| Type | 5.1 PCM 24 bits 96 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins 2019 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed14 : Bluray 2021 – DTS HDMA 5.1 ref : PFR37BOXBD
Presentation
This is the beautiful box with CD an Bluray. The Ed12 is dedicated to the review of the DTS HDMA 5.1 version in 24/96 of the Bluray. DTS HDMA is a lossless audio data compression format like FLAC.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | PFR37BOXBD |
| Format (speed) | Bluray |
| Type | DTS HDMA 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins 2019 |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Ed15 : Streaming Tidal – 360 Reality Audio – 2021
Presentation
This is the Tidal streaming remastered in 2021 (based on the 2019 recording) and presented in 360 Reality Audio.
| Label | Pink Floyd Records |
| Reference | Amazon Music 360 Reality Audio |
| Format (speed) | Streaming 360 Reality Audio |
| Type | 360 Reality Audio Ambiphonic |
| Master | Digital |
| Mastering/Pressing | Remixed by Andy Jackson with Gilmour, assisted by Damon Iddins |
| Original recording | London and Los Angeles |
| State | UK |
| Year original | 1987 |
| Year production | 2021 |
Part 2 : Waveform and dynamic comparaisons
Waveform
The waveform represents all the tracks of the album.
This edition Ed1 vinyl and the Ed3 CD are similar for all the Track with dynamic.
Compared to the Ed1 vinyl 1987, the Ed2 Vinyl 2016 seems less dynamic than the original vinyl version (cf track Yet Another Movie / Round And Around DR12 vs DR14).
Compared to the Ed1 vinyl 1987 and Ed2 CD 1987, the Streaming Amazon Music remastered 2011 (Ed4) and the Qobuz Remastered in 2011 is a bit compressed , there is a settling of some dynamic peaks on the tracks. Only track 2 is different between the Qobuz 2011(Ed5) and Amazon Music 2011 (Ed4) editions due to the 24/192 version for Amazon against 16/44.1 for Qobuz.
The CD (Ed6), BD (Ed7), Amazon Music Ultra HD (Ed8), CD 2021 (Ed11) and Bluray 2021 (Ed12) versions of 2019 mix have less dynamics that can be seen in the yellow area compared to the other editions.
The 2021 vinyl (Ed10) has a higher dynamic than the digital stereo editions (Ed6, Ed7, Ed8, ED11 and Ed12), but lower than the 1987 vinyl (Ed1)
Amazon Music 360 Reality Audio 2021 (Ed9) is a new mix with 3D 360 Reality Audio technology, it is less compressed than the CD(Ed6), Bluray(Ed7) and Amazon Music Stereo UltraHD version released in 2019.
A problem with a track that is silent, a problem that should be quickly corrected.
Tidal 360 Reality Audio 2021 (Ed15) is a new mix with 3D 360 Reality Audio technology, it is similar to the Ed9 Amazon 360.
The 5.1 PCM (Ed13) and 5.1 DTS HDMA (Ed14) have a higher dynamic than the digital stereo editions (Ed6, Ed7, Ed8, ED11 and Ed12).
Dynamic
We start this test by measuring the dynamic. Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest.
For our 15 editions we have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR):
| Ed1: Vinyl 1987 | Ed2: Vinyl 2016 | Ed3: CD 1987 | Ed4: Amazon Music | Ed5: Qobuz CD | Ed6: CD 2019 TLY | Ed7: BD 2019 TLY | Ed8: Amazon Music 2019 | Ed9: Amazon Music 360 2019 | Ed10: Vinyl 2021 | Ed11: CD 2021 | Ed12: BD 2021 | Ed13: BD PCM 5.1 | Ed14: BD DTSHD 5.1 | Ed15: Tidal 360 | |
| GLOBAL | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR10 | DR10 | DR13 | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 |
| Min | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR8 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR10 | DR10 | DR10 |
| Max | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR15 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR14 | DR14 | DR15 |
| Signs Of Life | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 |
| Learning To Fly | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR10 | DR9 | DR9 | DR9 | DR13 | DR11 | DR9 | DR9 | DR14 | DR14 | DR14 |
| The Dogs Of War | DR11 | DR11 | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR11 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 |
| One Slip | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR10 | DR10 | DR10 | DR10 | DR9 | DR12 | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 |
| On The Turning Away | DR11 | DR11 | DR11 | DR9 | DR9 | DR8 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR10 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 |
| Yet Another Movie / Round And Around | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR9 | DR9/DR10 | DR9/DR10 | DR9/DR10 | -/DR12 | DR12/DR11 | DR9/DR10 | DR9/DR10 | DR13/DR12 | DR13/DR12 | DR12/DR10 |
| A New Machine Part 1 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR15 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR10 | DR10 | DR15 |
| Terminal Frost | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR10 | DR9 | DR11 | DR11 | DR11 | DR14 | DR12 | DR11 | DR11 | DR13 | DR13 | DR14 |
| A New Machine Part 2 | DR11 | DR10 | DR10 | DR12 | DR12 | DR11 | DR11 | DR11 | DR12 | DR12 | DR11 | DR11 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 |
| Sorrow | DR13 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR9 | DR8 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR11 | DR8 | DR8 | DR11 | DR11 | DR13 |
For Ed1 to Ed3 we have an average value of the album at DR12 , a good dynamic. The distribution between the tracks is different according to the remastering and the support, but we remain globally between DR9 and DR14.
The Ed4 and Ed5 versions remastered in 2011 are very similar, the difference comes from the track 2 which is more dynamic on Amazon Music with its 24/192 format against 16/44.1 for the Qobuz version.
For the 2019 editions (Ed6, Ed7, Ed8, ED11 and Ed12), the dynamic is DR10, with a minimum that goes to DR8. So this version has been compressed a bit compared to other versions in previous years. The Amazon Music 2019 streaming version in 360 Reality Audio is the most dynamic with an average of DR13.
The 2021 vinyl (Ed10) has a higher dynamic DR11 than the digital editions (Ed6, Ed7, Ed8, ED11 and Ed12), but lower than the 1987 vinyl (Ed1).
The 5.1 versions are also very dynamic with their DR12.
As a reminder, the scale goes from 0 to more 20, but the dynamics are considered good from 12, quite good between 10 and 11, and deteriorate below 10.
Part 3 : spectrum comparisons
Spectrum
The Spectrum allows to check the tonal balance of the music (balance between treble, medium and bass sounds) and to detect process that may have been carried out during the recording, the mixing, mastering or manufacturing phases. It is also possible to detect frequency interference issues.
The curve represents the average frequency distribution over the sample “Learning To Fly”.
The interesting features on this curve Ed1 Vinyl (White) vs Ed2 Vinyl remastered in 2016:
- The two curves are superposed between 200Hz to 12 kHz
- The treble level Ed2 Vinyl remastred has peaks of variation in the treble response beyond 15 kHz, with a pick of 8 dB at 16 khz (yellow Zone)
- Below 200 Hz, the bass of the Ed2 (Vinyl remastered) is higher than on the Ed1 (vinyl 1987). There is more than 2 dB around 100 Hz
Between the Vinyl 2021 version (Ed10) and the vinyl 1987 version (Ed1), there is a small increase in the bass (yellow arrow) and a decrease in the treble (large yellow arrow) of more than 5 dB above 5 kHz.
The Ed1 Vinyl of 1987 and the Ed3 CD of 1987 are similar with a superposition of the curves on the whole spectrum. In the yellow zone, we notice the cut of the CD at 22 Khz, blue curve, which is normal because of the sampling frequency of the CD at 44.1 kHz..
Between the Qobuz Streaming version (Ed5) and the CD version (Ad3), there is a small increase in the bass (green zone) and in the treble (yellow zone), it is an increase that is also present on the remastered vinyl (Ed2), it is thus a characteristic of the remastered versions.
The comparison between the 2019 versions and the previous ones cannot be made here because of the difference in mixing (with new complementary recordings) and not only in mastering, as shown by the arrows.
The comparison between the amazon 2011 and 2019 versions cannot be done here because of the difference in mixing (with new complementary recordings) and not only in mastering, as shown by the Yellow arrows. However, we can see that the 2011 version, with a very high sampling frequency of 192 kHz, shows small peaks (red arrows) in the very high frequencies (without impact on the listening). The curve below represents the frequencies up to 96 kHz and not up to 48 kHz like the other curves.
The comparison between the CD (Ed6) and BD (Ed7) versions of the 2019 version highlights the contribution of the DB version in 24/96 compared to the CD version (yellow zone) with an extension of the frequencies above 22 kHz.
Comparison between the Streaming Amazon Music 2019 (Ed8) and BD (Ed7) versions of the 2019 version shows an almost total superposition of the two curves.
Comparison between the Bluray stereo 2021 (Ed12) and BD (Ed7) versions of the 2019 version shows an almost total superposition of the two curves.
The comparison between the stereo Ed8 version and the 360 Reality Audio ambiphonic version (Ed9) is not possible because of the difference in technology (different mixing plus the ambiphonic processing) which leads to a different representation of the spectrum.
The two editions in 360 RA Amazon and Tidal have a perfectly overlapping spectrum.
The two 5.1 versions (PCM and DTS HDMA) are identical with a frequency that rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) and an LFE filtering of the bass that reinforces the level below 100 Hz (green arrow).
Part 4 : Spectrogram comparaisons
Spectrogram
Spectrogram is another representation of frequency versus time of a track. For each channel (right and left), horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency. The amplitude is represented by the intensity (brightness) of the color of each point in the image.
For the spectrogram of the Ed1/Ed2 and Ed10 Vinyl, the yellow arrow as for the spectrum , reveals the limit above 20 kHz. Beyond 20 kHz (white arrow), there is an extension in frequency with signal of music and noise or distortion due to the vinyl playback method.We also note the presence of a small interference peak at the 15.5 kHz frequency (certainly due to a screen present during the recording), green arrow.
The four digital versions (CD, Streaming Amazon Music and Qobuz, CD 2019 ) are similar (see the four curves below). We find a cut-off at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the sampling frequency with the presence of the black band (white arrow).
However, for the Ed4 Amazon Music version, the album is in 16 bits 44.1 kHz except for the second track which is in 24 bits 192 kHz. The green arrow shows that the frequencies go well beyond 22 kHz. The red arrows show the peaks at high spurious frequencies as on the spectrum curve representation
The 360 Reality Audio (Ed9 Amazon and Ed15 Tidal) version has a maximum frequency around 20 kHz ( yellow and white arrows) due to the resolution of the master. We also find the absence of a track for the Ed9 Amazon, a problem on the album at the time of the test and which should be resolved quickly.
The Ed7/Ed12 version of Bluray and the Ed8 Streaming Amazon Music 2019 in 24/96 really use all the possibilities of the format with a bandwidth that goes above 22 kHz, 25 kHz for the yellow arrow and beyond for the white arrow.
The 5.1 versions (Ed13 PCM and Ed14 DTS HDMA) have a frequency that rises above 25 kHz (yellow arrow) with a few peaks above (white arrow). The green arrow shows the LFE channel cutoff as presented in the spectrum analysis.
Part 5 : Spatialization
Spatialization allows you to define the sound distribution of the music on all the channels. The spatialization indicator and the description of the graph are described here.
As the graphs below show, the spatialization of the music is very good for all the editions, and particularly for the Dolby Atmos versions.
Representation of the PCM 5.1 track of the audio bluray (ED13). The rear channels are present and well used by the music. Very nice spatialization of the mix.
Spatialization : ●●●●o (4.2)
Representation of the DTS HDMA 5.1 track of the audio bluray (ED14). The spatialization is identical to the PCM 5.1 version.
Spatialization : ●●●●o (4.2)
Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Samples
Ed1 : Vinyl ref 748068 1- 1987
The pressing of the 1987 version is very good with low surface noise.
We rediscover the original mix with a very good dynamic and warm rendering of the vinyl, and a natural sound as with the guitar in the track On The Turning Away.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:
Ed2 : Vinyl ref PFRLP13- remastered 2016
The 2016 remastered vinyl is a very nice pressing with reduced surface noise. We find here the remixed version with a little more bass and treble in the rendering compared to the original version, but the vinyl still brings a warmer rendering than the digital versions.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:
Ed3 : CD4 ref CDP 7 48068 2 – 1987
The CD is very similar to the 1987 vinyl in its sound balance. The rendering is a little less warm than the vinyl, but it keeps the sound of the original mix.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed4 : Streaming Amazon – remastered 2011
The version presented is the remastered version in 2011. We find bass a little more sustained bass and treble reworked.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (4.5/5) 4 for tracks in HD quality and 5 for the track in UltraHD
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Everybody Wants To RLearning To Fly” 24 bits 196 kHz:
Ed5 : Streaming Qobuz – remastered 2011
The Qobuz version remastered in 2011 is almost identical to the Amazon Music version remastered in 2011, the difference comes from the second track which has just changed format on Amazon (24/192).
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed6 : CD1 of The Later Years BOX – Remixed & Updated 2019
The remixed and remastered version in 2019. We find a little more sustained bass and In the version of 2019 we find a new mix that brings a new arrangement between the instruments with the re-recording of some. A very nice work has been done, and the proposed version is very balanced, despite a slight compression.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed7 : BD Stereo of The Later Years BOX – Remixed & Updated 2019
In this stereo version of the Bluray, we find the same remix and master as the CD version (Ed6) but with a bandwidth that really exploits the 24/96 format bringing a better rendering of this mix of 2019.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed8 : Streaming Amazon Music Remixed & Updated 2019 – 2021
Very fine rendition of the remixed and remastered version of 2019 with a nice dynamic in 24 bits 96 kHz.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed9 : Streaming Amazon Music 360 Reality Audio – 2021
In addition to the re-edition, we have a new mix in audio objects with 360 Reality Audio technology which is based on the MPEG-H standard.
So it’s a track reserved for headphone listening.
This version brings more space and volume to the sound. The volume is very appreciable to the listening, it is another way to discover this album of Pink Floyd. For some tracks, the impact is less important, but it is compensated by the spatial rendering. After that, it’s up to each one to compare with the sample below and to choose his favorite release.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5) for headphone listening only
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” in 360 Reality Audio ambiphonic, for headphone listening :
Ed10 : Vinyl 2021 – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFRLP37 – 0190295079208
Very nice vinyl pressing for this mix of 2019 presented here on 2 lp in 45 rpm.
Compared to the digital versions of the mix of 2019, we have a little more dynamic. Concerning the sound rendering, the vinyl rendering brings more presence and naturalness, and softer than the digital versions (this is also due to the treble levels a bit lower). Compared to the 1987 vinyl version, between the difference of the mix and the treble level, we have two different balances, with a clearer sound on the 1987 version, and more precise instruments on the 2021 version due to the new mix.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed11 : CD 2021 Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFR37BOXBD
The re-released CD 2021 version is similar to the version released in 2019.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 16 bits 44.1 kHz:
Ed12 : Bluray 2021 – Remixed & Updated 2019 ref : PFR37BOXBD
The re-released Bluray 2021 version is identical to the version released in 2019.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed13 : Bluray 2021 – PCM 5.1 ref : PFR37BOXBD
The re-released Bluray 2021 presented in PCM 5.1 presents a detailed and precise rendering with in addition the spatialization in 5.1. The sound space is really present, Pink Floyd have mastered the subject for many years. This is the version to immerse yourself in the music.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Spatialization : ●●●●o (4.2)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed14 : Bluray 2021 – DTS HDMA 5.1 ref : PFR37BOXBD
The re-released Bluray 2021 presented in DTS HDMA 5.1 is similar to the PCM version in terms of precision and spatialization. Both versions are proposed in 24 bits 96 kHz sample rate.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5/5)
- Spatialization : ●●●●o (4.2)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed15 : Tidal 360 Reality Audio – 2021
The Tidal 360 RA version is similar to the Amazon 360 RA version with a spatialization and opening of the music.
- Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4/5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4/5) for headphone listening only
- Sample : “Learning To Fly” in 360 Reality Audio ambiphonic, for headphone listening :
The update with the CD, BD and vinyl reissue does not change the difference between the different renderings, here are three different renderings between the 2019 version and the previous versions. If you prefer the original version, the 1987 vinyl edition brings a very nice dynamic and a slightly more natural rendering than the other versions remastered until 2016. For the 2019 version, it is quite different with a remix of the album. The rendering is different, with a very good balance between the instruments. The stereo Bluray version and Amazon Music UltraHD are the versions with the best rendering. The double vinyl version in 45 rpm brings a softer but dynamic rendering which makes it very pleasant to listen to (after, it is a question of personal preference). The new 2021 mix is a different listening experience in reality 360 Audio brings openness, dynamics and better separation of the instruments than the stereo versions, but only for headphone listening. The bluray 5.1 version (PCM or DTS-HDMA) brings a spatialization in the rendering while keeping all the qualities of lossless, that is to provide precision and sound image. The samples are there to allow you to make your own opinion according to your preferences.
Detail of the ratings :
- Dynamic :
- Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
- Compression of the present dynamics, 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
- Spectrum :
- Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
- Spectrum cut at 15 khz
- Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
- Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
- Spectrum 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)
- Spatialization :
- Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
- Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
- For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
- 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.
Magic Vinyl vs Digital 
Merci Jean-François pour ton travail 🙂
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Man… i’m speechless of what you have achieved here. It’s my first time here and i’ve never read anything more here than just this post. This is by far the most comprehensive review about what an album release can sound in a very geek way. I loved it!
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Amazing job!!
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