After the review of the 40th anniversary special edition, here is the comparison with the other editions (vinyl, CD, Cassette, SACD, Streaming, space sound), including the original versions, the 25th anniversary versions and the MOFI versions in SACD and UltraDisc One-Step vinyl. No less than 22 versions are compared in this review.
We will review 22 versions including vinyl, CD, Cassette, Streaming Qobuz Hi-Res, Amazon UltraHD, Tidal Master, Tidal 360RA, from 1982 to 2022, with MOFI releases, updated with Apple Dolby Atmos.
Other albums reviewed:
For this review, you will find 21 versions tested. Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition.
The synthesis of the review and the samples are available here
- Ed 1: Vinyl Thriller 40 – 2022
- Ed 2: CD Thriller 40 – 2022
- Ed 3: Qobuz Thriller 40 – 2008
- Ed 4: Tidal 360 RA – 2022
- Ed 5: Vinyl EU – 1982
- Ed 6: Vinyl US – 1982
- Ed 7: Vinyl Japan – 1982
- Ed 8: Vinyl Master Sound – 1984
- Ed 9: Vinyl Thriller 25 – 2008
- Ed 10: Cassette EU – 1982
- Ed 11: CD Japan – 1983
- Ed 12: CD Special Edition – 2001
- Ed 13: CD Thriller 25 – 2008
- Ed 14: SACD – 1999
- Ed 15: Qobuz – 1982
- Ed 16: Qobuz Thriller 25 – 2008
- Ed 17: Vinyl MOFI
- Ed 18: SACD MOFI
- Ed 19: CD from SACD MOFI
- Ed 20: Amazon Music UltraHD
- Ed 21: Tidal 1982 Master
- Ed 22: Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025
The album is composed of 9 tracks:
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
- Baby Be Mine
- The Girl Is Mine
- Thriller
- Beat It
- Billie Jean
- Human Nature
- P,Y,T, (Pretty Young Thing)
- The Lady in My Life
The streaming versions may evolve over time, those presented here correspond to the version tested at the date of publication, or update of the review.
Summary, scoring and Samples
The listening of the different versions was done with Didier (WVaudio), thanks for his participation.
Ed 1: Vinyl Thriller 40 – 2022
Presentation
The 40th anniversary vinyl reissue features the 9 tracks of the original album (ref: 196587145118), but no bonus tracks present on the CD and Streaming version.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR12
The Vinyl Thriller 40 – 2022 shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR12. These versions are dynamic but without the peak of level present on the beginning of the 5th song “Billie Jean”. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). Above this frequency (white arrow), we find a signal composed of music and distortion generated by the vinyl playback principle.
The spectrum of the vinyl version Thriller 40 (white) is superimposed with the Qobuz version Thriller 40 (blue) up to 22 kHz (yellow arrow), frequency limit of the Qobuz version due to its sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
The vinyl brings a dynamic with more fineness and precision compared to the digital stereo versions of Thriller 40. The rendering of the sound space is also a little wider.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Ed 2: CD Thriller 40 – 2022
Presentation
The 40th anniversary CD reissue is a double CD (ref : 196587345624). The first CD contains the 9 tracks of the original album and the second CD contains 10 bonus tracks. The content of this CD edition is less rich than the streaming version with its 26 bonus tracks!
Waveform and Spectrum: DR8
The CD Thriller 40 shows a limited dynamic range due to the loudness war, confirmed with DR8. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectra of the Thriller 40 CD (white) and the Thriller 25 CD (blue) are very close with small differences below 100 Hz and above 15 kHz. We find the limitation at 22 kHz due to the sampling frequency of the CD.
Synthesis and listening
The CD of the Thriller 40 version is in the continuity of the CD of the Thriller 25 version, we find a version reduced in dynamics with a DR8, thus far from the rendering of the original. Moreover, this double CD does not contain all the tracks present in the streaming version. Too bad for an anniversary version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 3: Qobuz Thriller 40 – 2008
Presentation
The Qobuz streaming version includes the 9 tracks of the original version and 26 bonus tracks. This is the most complete edition. This edition is presented in Hi-Res 24 bits 44.1 kHz, unlike the previous editions at least available in 96 kHz for the 25 years anniversary version.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR8
The Qobuz Thriller 40 version shows a limited dynamic range, confirmed with DR8. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow). The spectrum perfectly overlaps with the CD Thriller 40 version (see Ed 2).
The spectrum of the Qobuz Thriller 40 (white) and CD Thriller 40 (blue) versions overlap perfectly. We find the same limitation at 22 kHz due to its sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
The Qobuz version of Thriller 40 is similar to the Thriller 40 CD edition, with a dynamic range reduced to a DR8, so far from the rendering of the original. We regret the use of a sampling frequency limited to 44.1 kHz, whereas it was 96 kHz for the Thriller 25 edition. What saves this version is the presence of 25 bonus tracks.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 4: Tidal 360 RA – 2022
Presentation
Available for the first time in the Sony 360 RA (Reality Audio) format, this remixed version concerns the 9 original tracks of the album Thriller. It is available in 360RA on Tidal and in Dolby Atmos on Apple Music.
Spatialization:
The distribution is uniform over all channels, an example of spatial mixing. The Tidal version using Sony 360 Reality Audio (RA) is a real surprise for this 40th anniversary edition.
Spatialization : ●●●●●●●●oo (7.9)
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The 360 RA binaural version is more dynamic than the CD and Qobuz versions of Thriller 40, the graphic is closer to the vinyl version Thriller 40, confirmed with DR13. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 18 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the MPEG-H compression algorithm. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectrum of the Tidal 360 RA binaural version and the Thriller 40 CD are very different (green and yellow zone), this is due to the different mixing between the two versions and the use of the binaural conversion. The Tidal 360 RA binaural version has a maximum frequency that is limited to 18 kHz (yellow arrow) compared to the CD version limited to 22 kHz. This is due to the MPEG-H encoding used for the 360RA with a bit rate of about 667 kbps.
Synthesis and listening
The Sony 360 Reality Audio (RA) version is the real good surprise of this 40 years anniversary edition by proposing us a very rich spatial mix which suits perfectly this album. We find here one of the best remixes in 360RA of an album dating from 1982. It is necessary to say that the richness and the quality of the original multi-track recording allows a dynamic and very spatial rendering of the music. It is a true success for a listening in 7.1.4. In binaural listening, despite the spatialization aspect, this version does not manage to reproduce the finesse and energy of digital lossless versions or vinyl with a very high quality stereo mix.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Ed 5: Vinyl EU – 1982
Presentation
This EU vinyl is the European French version of the album released in 1982 (ref : BL38112 — EPC 85930 CB 281).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR15
The Vinyl EU 1982 is one of the most dynamic versions, with an important level peak visible at the beginning of the 5th track “Billie Jean”, confirmed with DR15. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). The signal above this frequency is composed of music and distortion generated by the vinyl playback principle.
The spectra represent the EU vinyl version (white) and the US vinyl version (blue). Both versions are similar, with small variations like in the green area (1 dB difference). But it’s mainly in the high end of the spectrum that there are differences, the EU version has a treble boost of more than 7 dB above 18 kHz, while the US version has a high frequency limitation at 18 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
The pressing of this vinyl is of good quality, we find a dynamic and alive rendering of the album. A nice edition.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4.5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Ed 6: Vinyl US – 1982
Presentation
This US vinyl is the 1st US pressing of the album released in 1982 (ref : BL38112 — 07464381121). This vinyl has the particularity to not have mentioned on back cover that Michael Jackson is co-producer.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR15
The Vinyl US 1982 is one of the most dynamic versions, confirmed with DR15. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). The US vinyl has a high frequency limitation at 18 kHz compared to the EU version (see comparison at Ed 5).
The spectra represent the 1982 Japanese vinyl version (white) and the US vinyl (blue). Both versions are similar except below 600 Hz up to 3 dB (green area) and above 6 kHz up to 5 dB (yellow area). We find the 18 kHz limitation of the US vinyl.
Synthesis and listening
If we technically compare this vinyl to the 1982 vinyl stars, we notice a reduced bandwidth in the upper spectrum. However, it gives a good result to the listening, unfortunately, the quality of my copy does not allow to classify it among the best versions.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Ed 7: Vinyl Japan – 1982
Presentation
This Japanese vinyl is the Japanese repressing released in 1982 (ref: 25-3P-399).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR15
The Vinyl Japan 1982 is one of the most dynamic versions, confirmed with DR15. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). The signal above this frequency is composed of music and distortion generated by the vinyl playback principle.
The spectra represent the Japanese vinyl version of 1982 (white) and the Japanese CD of 1983 (blue). Both versions are almost identical, with just a small attenuation below 80 Hz for the vinyl. The yellow arrow shows the 22 kHz limitation of the CD due to its sampling rate, while the vinyl signal continues beyond that. This is the closest vinyl version to the original digital version.
Synthesis and listening
With a very high quality pressing and a reduced surface noise, we find in this edition all the dynamics, all the detail of the album Thriller, it retranscribes very well the richness of the original mix.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●● (5)
Ed 8: Vinyl Master Sound – 1984
Presentation
This Japanese vinyl is the Master Sound DM Digital Mastering version released in 1984 (ref: 30.3P-431). This vinyl has been mastered digitally from the analog tapes.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR14
The Vinyl Master Sound 1984 shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR14. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow).
The spectra represent the 2 Japanese vinyl versions, Master Sound 1984 (white) and Japan 1982 (blue). Both versions are similar except below 600 Hz up to 3 dB (green area) and above 6 kHz up to 5 dB (yellow area). We find the 18 kHz limitation of the Master Sound vinyl.
Synthesis and listening
We find here a pressing of very good quality, with a reduced surface noise. However, when listening, the vinyl has a less dynamic rendering than the 1982 versions, with a sound balance favoring the bass a little more.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Ed 9: Vinyl Thriller 25 – 2008
Presentation
This is the European vinyl version for the 25th anniversary of the album Thriller in 2008 (ref : 88697233441). This vinyl has been mastered digitally from the analog tapes. This album contains 2 LP with 7 bonus tracks.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The Vinyl Thriller 25 – 2008 shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR13. These versions are dynamic but without the marked peak of level at the beginning of “Billie Jean”. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow).
The spectra represent the Thriller 25 vinyl version (white) and the MasterSound vinyl (blue) — see comparison at Ed 8 for full detail.
The spectra represent the Thriller 25 vinyl version (white) and the MasterSound vinyl (blue). The two versions differ in the lower end of the spectrum below 100 Hz with up to 5 dB more for the MasterSound (green area), and up to 5 dB more above 2 kHz for the Thriller 25 vinyl (yellow area). We also notice a 10 dB drop at 18 kHz, then a rise of more than 12 dB at 20 kHz (yellow arrow).
Synthesis and listening
This anniversary edition is composed of two discs. The pressing is of good quality, but it does not match the other vinyl versions because of its slightly less dynamic rendering.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Ed 10: Cassette EU – 1982
Presentation
This is the European cassette released in 1982 (Epic – 40-85930).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR12
The cassette is more dynamic than the latest digital editions which suffer from the loudness war, confirmed with DR12. The spectrogram shows a limitation of the high frequencies around 20 kHz (yellow arrow), with a strong attenuation from 18 kHz. The white arrow shows the noise of the cassette played on a Nakamichi LX3 deck.
The spectra of the cassette (white) and the Japanese Vinyl (blue) are similar with an accentuation for the cassette of the level below 500 Hz (up to 4 dB) and above 3 kHz (up to 5 dB). We notice that the bandwidth of the cassette is less extended, with a limitation towards 18 kHz. This will give a sound with a good presence of the bass and the treble.
Synthesis and listening
The cassette released in 1982 is dynamic with a warmer sound due to its sound balance. But, this cassette cannot rival the finesse and clarity of the vinyl and SACD versions.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Surface noise: ●●●oo (3)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3)
Ed 11: CD Japan – 1983
Presentation
It is the first version of the CD released in 1983, this Japanese CD (ref: 35.8P-11) was encoded using the principle of pre-emphasis which increases the level of the treble before the digitalization. A reverse correction is operated during the reading to reproduce the original.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The CD Japan 1983 shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR13. These digital editions are not compressed in dynamics. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate.
For the Japanese CD of 1983, here is the comparison between the raw CD and the CD after de-emphasis correction (attenuation of the high frequencies).
The spectra of the CD of 2001 (white) and the CD of 1983 (blue) are similar but the remastering of the version of 2001 brings an accentuation of the level below 500 Hz (up to 4 dB) and above 10 kHz (up to 4 dB). We find the limitation at 22 kHz due to the sampling frequency of the CD.
Synthesis and listening
This first CD edition is very faithful to the original version in spite of the use of the pre-emphasis, we find all the dynamics and the sound balance of the album Thriller. A very beautiful CD.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)
Ed 12: CD Special Edition – 2001
Presentation
This is a special edition of the CD released in 2001 (ref 5 099750 442227) including the bonus tracks: Billie Jean (Home Demo 1981), Voice-Over Session From “Thriller”, Carousel and interviews.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR9
The CD Special Edition 2001 shows a limited dynamic range due to the loudness war, confirmed with DR9. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectra of the CD Thriller 25 (white) and the CD of 2001 (blue) are really very close with a difference in the bass where the version of 2001 has a few more bass (3 dB) below 100 Hz. We find the limitation at 22 kHz due to the sampling frequency of the CD.
Synthesis and listening
This CD has fallen into the loudness war, the album is compressed in dynamics, which does not enhance the quality of the mix.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 13: CD Thriller 25 – 2008
Presentation
The CD version of the 25th anniversary album Thriller is proposed with bonus tracks and a DVD included the famous clips Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR8
The CD Thriller 25 shows a limited dynamic range due to the loudness war, confirmed with DR8. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectra of the Qobuz Thriller 25 version (white) and the Thriller 25 CD (blue) are very close with small differences below 200Hz. We find the limitation to 22 kHz (yellow arrow) of the CD version, and the Qobuz version which continues until 48 kHz (green arrow) due to the sampling frequency of 96 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
In the continuity of the CD of 2001, this CD is also compressed in dynamics, too bad for an anniversary CD.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 14: SACD – 1999
Presentation
This SACD was released in 1999 (ref 0 7464-38112-6 2), it was engineered by Bernie Grundman and authoring engineer Stephen Saper. This SACD can only be played on an SACD player, it does not have a CD layer.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR14
The SACD 1999 shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR14. These digital editions are not compressed in dynamics. The spectrogram shows that the high frequencies go above 22 kHz (yellow arrow). The red arrows show a rise of the background noise above 30 kHz, this is due to the principle of encoding in DSD64.
The spectra represent the two SACD versions, MOFI in white and the 1999 version in blue. The two versions are similar, but with differences in level below 200 Hz and between 2 and 15 kHz due to the difference in mastering between the two versions.
Synthesis and listening
Very beautiful digital edition of the album, the SACD format allows to surpass the CD in fineness of restitution. Here, no problem of dynamics, it is clean, precise. When listening, we are immersed in the music.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●● (5)
Sample : “Beat It” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:
Ed 15: Qobuz – 1982
Presentation
The Qobuz version of the album Thriller is proposed in Hi-Res 24 bits 176.4 kHz.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The Qobuz 1982 version shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR13. The spectrogram shows that the high frequencies go above 22 kHz (yellow arrow). The red arrows show a rise of the background noise above 30 kHz, confirming that the Qobuz version is derived from a SACD version converted to 24-bit 176.4 kHz PCM.
The spectra of the 1999 SACD version (white) and the Qobuz version (blue) are identical, except for the filtering in the high frequencies above 50 kHz (yellow arrow). Both versions are from the same master, the Qobuz version uses a SACD master converted to 24 bits 176.4 kHz PCM.
Synthesis and listening
The original version presented in Hi-Res 24 bits 176.4kHz is the best of the tested streaming versions, we find here all the dynamics and the smoothness of the original version. This version is issued from a DSD64 version like the 1999 SACD with identical characteristics. When listening, it is the DAC which will also make the difference between a DSD and PCM conversion.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4.5)
Ed 16: Qobuz Thriller 25 – 2008
Presentation
The Qobuz version of the 25th anniversary album Thriller is proposed in Hi-Res 24 bits 96kHz. It is the Super Deluxe Edition which includes 22 additional tracks (music and interviews).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR7
The Qobuz Thriller 25 version shows a significant limitation in dynamics, confirmed with DR7. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 48 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectrum of the Qobuz Thriller 25 and Tidal Master version overlaps perfectly with a 48 kHz cutoff due to the 96 kHz sampling rate.
Synthesis and listening
Presented in 24 bits 96 kHz, it was an opportunity to present a nice edition of Thriller, but this version is like the CD Thriller 25, affected by the war loudness.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 17: Vinyl MOFI
Presentation
The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MOFI) vinyl is made according to the UltraDisc One-Step principle (ref UD1S 1-042). The vinyl was made from the digital recording in DSD256 of the analog master tape in 1/2″ / 30 IPS (76 cm/s). This special edition will be produced in 40000 numbered copies.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR14
The Vinyl MOFI shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR14. The spectrogram shows that the frequencies rise above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). The signal above this frequency is composed of music and distortion generated by the vinyl playback principle.
The spectra represent the MOFI vinyl version (white) and the MOFI SACD (blue). Both versions are from the same original analog tape, but the mastering done on the two media is very different, as shown by the small differences in the bass (green area) and the midrange (purple area). But it is especially in the highs (yellow zone) above 12 kHz where the difference is very important, up to more than 7 dB more for the vinyl, and this until 30 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
With a quality pressing, MOFI offers us a very nice vinyl edition. The vinyl is dynamic and very accurate, we can hear many small details in the high end of the spectrum that are not as accurate on other vinyls. This extra detail is mainly due to the remastering and burning with an emphasis of up to 7dB above 12kHz. But this enhancement does not respect the balance of the original work anymore.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (3.5)
Ed 18: SACD MOFI
Presentation
The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MOFI) SACD is made according to the Ultradisc UHR principle (ref UDSACD 2251). The SACD has been realized from the digital recording in DSD256 of the analog master tape in 1/2″ / 30 IPS (76 cm/s). This special edition is numbered and contains a 12 pages booklet.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The SACD MOFI shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR13. The spectrogram shows that the high frequencies go above 22 kHz (yellow arrow). The red arrows show a rise of the background noise above 30 kHz, this is due to the principle of encoding in DSD64.
The spectra represent the MOFI vinyl version (white) and the MOFI SACD (blue). Both versions are from the same original analog tape, but the mastering done on the two media is very different, as shown by the small differences in the bass (green area) and the midrange (purple area). But it is especially in the highs (yellow zone) above 12 kHz where the difference is very important, up to more than 7 dB more for the vinyl, and this until 30 kHz.
Synthesis and listening
This new SACD edition is issued from the DSD256 digitization of the 1/2 30ips analog master tape and offers a very nice restitution, very dynamic and detailed. It is a pity that we cannot access the DSD256 version for listening.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●● (5)
Ed 19: CD from SACD MOFI
Presentation
This CD is the CD layer of the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab SACD (ref UDSACD 2251).
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The CD from SACD MOFI shows good dynamics, confirmed with DR13. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 22 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 44.1 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectra of the CD layer of the SACD (white) and the 1983 CD (blue) are similar but the remastering of the MOFI version from the original master brings some differences in the lower part of the spectrum below 400 Hz and also from 12 kHz. We find the 22 kHz limitation due to the sampling frequency of the CD.
Synthesis and listening
The CD layer of the MOFI SACD brings the main characteristics of the SACD layer, but without retranscribing the same finesse as the DSD64 format.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Ed 20: Amazon Music UltraHD
Presentation
This is the Amazon Music version of Thriller dated 2022, but not labeled Thriller 40 or Thriller 25, in UltraHD 24 bit 96 kHz format.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR7
The Amazon Music UltraHD version shows a significant limitation in dynamics, confirmed with DR7. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 48 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling rate. There is no signal above this frequency (white arrow).
The spectrum of the Amazon UltraHD and Tidal Master version overlaps perfectly with a 48 kHz cutoff due to the 96 kHz sampling rate.
Synthesis and listening
Presented in 24 bits 96 kHz, it was an opportunity to present a nice edition of Thriller, but this version is like the Qobuz Thriller 25, affected by the war loudness.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 21: Tidal 1982 Master
Presentation
This is the Tidal version of Thriller dated 1982, but not marked Thriller 40 or Thriller 25, in Master 24 bits 96 kHz encoded in MQA and decoded with Audiravana.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR8
The Tidal 1982 Master version shows a significant limitation in dynamics, confirmed with DR8. The spectrogram shows a frequency limitation at 48 kHz (yellow arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling rate.
The spectrum of the Amazon UltraHD and Tidal Master version overlaps perfectly with a 48 kHz cutoff due to the 96 kHz sampling rate.
Synthesis and listening
Presented in 24 bits 96 kHz, and indicated as a 1982 version, this version is similar to the Qobuz Thriller 25 version, affected by the volume of the war.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●ooo (2)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●ooo (2.5)
Ed 22: Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025
Presentation
This is the Apple Music Dolby Atmos presented in Dolby Digital Plus (768 kbits/s).
Spatialization:
The spatialization SP of Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025 version varies from track to track, with values between SP 4,9 and SP 7,4.
The spatialization SK of Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025 version varies from track to track, with values between SK 4.8 and SK 6.
Spatialization SP: ●●●●●●oooo (6.3) , SK: ●●●●●ooooo (5.3)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR15
The waveform of the Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025 shows a very high range confirmed with DR15. This is one of the more dynamic version of Thriller.
The spectrogram of the Tidal Dolby Atmos track in 9.1.6 is limited to 20kHz with no signal above . This limitation is due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding, which is a lossy encoder that limits bandwidth to optimize data size for a bit rate of 768 kbits/s. The bass channel (LFE) is filtered to 120 Hz.
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Apple Dolby Atmos – 2025.
The spectrum of Dolby Atmos version decoded in 7.1 shows that all channels are used. The LFE channel is used with a cutoff frequency of 120 Hz (green arrow). The white arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 20 kHz due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding. The yellow arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 24 kHz due to encoding at the 48 kHz sampling frequency used.
Synthesis and listening
The Thriller mix in Dolby Atmos delivers a highly dynamic and immersive experience, making effective use of all channels at key moments. In order to preserve the spirit of the original version, the approach mainly focuses on expanding the soundstage across a 180-degree field. On the track Thriller, the atmosphere fully surrounds the listener thanks to excellent spatialization, with extensive use of both the surround and wide channels. We now hope that an Blu-ray Audio edition will soon be released featuring a lossless Dolby TrueHD encoding, bringing even greater detail and refinement to this Dolby Atmos version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●● (5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Spatialization SP: ●●●●●●oooo (6.3)
- Spatialization SK: ●●●●●ooooo (5.3)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Thriller is the best-selling album in the world and there are over 600 versions. This test allows us to find some of the emblematic versions of this album. We have the chance with this album to have one of the most beautiful mixes, rich and detailed. It is therefore difficult to choose only one version as the best, because it also depends on the listening mode you prefer. If you prefer to listen to a digital version, the SACD 1999 and Mofi versions sound very good with dynamics and precision. In streaming, only the Qobuz version in Hi-Res 24 176.4 is very close in rendering to the SACD 1999 version. For the vinyl, the Japanese version of 1982 is excellent, as well as the pressing of the MOFI vinyl which brings more details in the top of the spectrum with its specific mastering which makes it less faithful of the original work. Everyone will be able to choose the best version adapted to his listening mode.
Update: The Dolby Atmos version of Thriller now joins the Dolby Atmos editions of Off the Wall, Bad, and Dangerous released in 2026. It is an impressive remixing effort that delivers a superb listening experience on an immersive 7.1.4 system or higher. We are now hoping for a Blu-ray Audio release of these albums featuring a higher-quality audio format such as Dolby TrueHD, allowing listeners to enjoy a fully lossless Dolby Atmos experience.
Dynamic Range measurements are shown below.
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Measurements
Dynamic Range comparaisons
Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest. The target is to compare the dynamics of the music and not of the media (CD, digital files or vinyl).
For our 21 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :
| Vinyl Thriller 40 – 2022 | CD Thriller 40 – 2022 | Qobuz Thriller 40 – 2008 | Tidal 360 RA – 2022 | Vinyl EU – 1982 | Vinyl US – 1982 | Vinyl Japan – 1982 | Vinyl Master Sound – 1984 | Vinyl Thriller 25 – 2008 | Cassette EU – 1982 | CD Japan – 1983 | CD Special Edition – 2001 | CD Thriller 25 – 2008 | SACD – 1999 | Qobuz – 1982 | Qobuz Thriller 25 – 2008 | Vinyl MOFI | SACD MOFI | CD from SACD MOFI | Amazon Music UltraHD | Tidal 1982 Master | |
| Global | DR12 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR15 | DR15 | DR15 | DR14 | DR13 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR8 | DR14 | DR13 | DR7 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR8 |
| Min | DR11 | DR7 | DR7 | DR12 | DR13 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR11 | DR12 | DR8 | DR7 | DR12 | DR12 | DR6 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR6 | DR7 |
| Max | DR13 | DR8 | DR8 | DR15 | DR16 | DR17 | DR16 | DR15 | DR14 | DR13 | DR14 | DR10 | DR9 | DR16 | DR16 | DR8 | DR15 | DR14 | DR14 | DR8 | DR9 |
| Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ | DR12 | DR7 | DR7 | DR15 | DR14 | DR14 | DR15 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR9 | DR7 | DR12 | DR12 | DR7 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR7 | DR8 |
| Baby Be Mine | DR13 | DR8 | DR8 | DR14 | DR15 | DR15 | DR15 | DR14 | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR8 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR8 |
| The Girl Is Mine | DR11 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR13 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR13 | DR11 | DR12 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR13 | DR8 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR8 | DR9 |
| Thriller | DR13 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR15 | DR15 | DR14 | DR13 | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR8 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR7 | DR8 |
| Beat It | DR12 | DR7 | DR7 | DR13 | DR14 | DR14 | DR14 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR13 | DR8 | DR6 | DR14 | DR13 | DR6 | DR13 | DR11 | DR11 | DR6 | DR7 |
| Billie Jean | DR12 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR16 | DR17 | DR16 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR14 | DR8 | DR7 | DR16 | DR16 | DR7 | DR15 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR8 |
| Human Nature | DR12 | DR8 | DR8 | DR12 | DR14 | DR16 | DR14 | DR14 | DR13 | DR12 | DR13 | DR10 | DR9 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR8 |
| P,Y,T, (Pretty Young Thing) | DR12 | DR8 | DR6 | DR14 | DR14 | DR15 | DR15 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR13 | DR9 | DR8 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR7 | DR8 |
| The Lady in My Life | DR13 | DR8 | DR8 | DR13 | DR16 | DR15 | DR15 | DR15 | DR14 | DR13 | DR14 | DR9 | DR9 | DR14 | DR14 | DR7 | DR14 | DR14 | DR14 | DR7 | DR9 |
We find 2 great categories at the level of the dynamics of the editions: the dynamic versions which go from DR12 to DR15 which concerns the digital versions, vinyls, Cassette, CD, SACD and 360RA, and the digital versions with a DR between DR7 and DR9 (CD 2001, Thriller 25, Thriller 40, Amazon UltraHD and Tidal Master) which undergo a compression of the dynamics to increase the average sound level of the album, as confirmed by the analysis of the waveforms.
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.
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.
Merci pour ce gros travail! Pour moi ça sera SACD MOFI…
Is there any reason why the Apple Music Dolby Atmos versions weren’t review too. Think it would of made sense to include this.
Yes, indeed, it is an interesting version that I am preparing to complete the review soon.
Any idea when you will add the Apple Music Dolby Atmos review?
And also just the plain stereo “Apple Digital Master” version if possible? To my ear it sounds really loud, and I’ve just ordered an early CD version of Thriller because of that.
I am an Apple Music subscriber because it offers lossless audio…but many of my favorite songs don’t sound like they used to, they are really loudly remastered. They sound very harsh and fatiguing. I think I’ll have to get old CDs instead…most of the CDs I do already have sound better than the streaming versions.
Hello,
I have to prepare an update, I’d rather not give a date, as I’m working on other albums at the moment, but it’s still planned. The idea is to update with Apple Dolby, Apple Lossless, 8 track cassette and Picture Disc vinyl.
In fact, on streaming services, it’s often the latest remastered version that’s available, generally with limited dynamic range due to loudness war. You’re right to buy the old CDs, which are generally unaffected by this dynamic range problem.
Pour moi, la version qui l’emporte avec la meilleure écoute, c’est le Vinyle original US de 1982 sans la mention Michael Jackson co-producer au verso de la pochette. Étant donné que c’est un travail terminé par Bernie Grundman qui à fait ce disque avec l’accord et les oreilles de Michael avec Quincy Jones et surtout avec l’ingénieur du son Bruce Swiedien qui ont décidé que l’album devait sonné comme sur cette première version référence: QE 38112 et que c’est un album qui à été enregistré en analogique au départ, il a été décidé qu’il sonne de la manière la plus proche de la bande master analogique original et c’est le vinyle qui s’en rapproche le plus, étant donné que l’on est toujours en analogique sur ce support. D’ailleurs Bernie Grundman à fait un podcast spécial en compagnie d’intervenants sur YouTube pour parler du master qui lui a été confié à l’époque pour cette album (qui avait été confié avant lui à Universal il me semble qui avait fait un sale travail avec des pistes trop compressé, qui avait très contrarié MJ qui avait investi beaucoup de travail et d’énergie pour faire de cette album ce qu’il est devenu à l’époque et encore aujourd’hui, bref je m’égare). Et comme je possède plusieurs pressage, dont le japonais original de 1982 (qui reste très bien) ainsi que le master sound japonais de 1984 (qui a une jolie basse mais au détriment de d’autres choses) et l’européen (qui reste bien aussi), je peux vous dire qu’à l’oreille, c’est l’US qui sonne le mieux, vous en aurait pour votre argent si vous le trouver en condition NM sur discogs pour 50€ avec l’envoi compris. Sinon le mieux aurait été d’avoir une cassette DAT du master original pour la meilleure l’écoute numérique ou la bande master original pour la meilleur écoute analogique, dans une piece avec une acoustique parfaite, mais ce sont des formats réserver au maison de disque ou aux artistes en général. Les cd sont bon, mais il est vrai que les remaster sont compressé par rapport à l’édition EU de 1991, mais je trouve que le titre “baby be mine” sonne super bien sur la version cd 2001 par contre.
Merci pour votre retours et vos appréciations sur les versions de cet album.
I was wondering if you could analyze the qobuz dsd as well, I’m intrigued by these results:
https://dr.loudness-war.info/album/view/220826
Indeed, the DR is 15, whereas the SACD I tested is DR14. However, the DR measurement depends on the DSD to PCM conversion that is performed and the type of filter used. There may therefore be a difference of 1 or 2 between the DRs of the two measurements. As shown, the PCM version of Qobuz is derived from the conversion of the DSD version, and it has a DR13. The same spectrum is found between the Qobuz PCM version and the 1999 SACD, so we can assume that Qobuz certainly had this version or the 2006 reissue.