To celebrate its 125th anniversary, Deutsche Grammophon is reissuing a number of vinyl albums in pure analog from analog master tape : The Original Source Series. It’s now almost 50 years since the release of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony.

Entirely realized in analog, Deutsche Grammophon’s choice of quadraphonic versions (the quadraphonic version downmixed in stereo) shows that it is now difficult to reuse old stereo masters that must have been worn down by time and use for the creation of vinyl or other media.

To compare this album we’re going to use the original analog version of the 1976 stereo vinyl, two versions SACD and the Amazon ultra HD streaming version, and also at the antipodes of the pure analog versions, the Dolby Atmos version from the tidal streaming service. This test is therefore an opportunity to compare two pure analog versions from two different stereo and quadraphonic masters, digital versions digitally mixed from analog multitrack tape, and the Dolby Atmos version which was also mixed from analog multitrack tape.

The graphic below explains the various stages (mixing, mastering) between the analog multitrack source and each edition, indicating whether it’s an analog step (black) or a digital step (blue).

For this review, you will find 7 versions tested: vinyl 1976, Vinyl full analog 2023, SACD ESOTERIS, SACD DG stereo and 5,1, streaming Amazon and Tidal Dolby Atmos.

Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition in the following chapters.
The synthesis of the review and the samples are available here

The album is composed of 4 tracks:

1. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace
2. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 2. Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 3. Presto
4. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 4. Allegro con brio

* only on Streaming Qobuz Hi-Res and Tidal Dolby Atmos

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 evolve over time, those presented here correspond to the version tested at the date of publication, or 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 5 : Spatialization

Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Sample

Part 1: presentation of the editions

Ed 1: Vinyl – 1976

Presentation

The 1976 vinyl record is a pure analog record made from the analog stereo master, so it’s the analog stereo reference that’s available today (ref : POL 380).

Ed 2: Vinyl AAA – 2023

Presentation

So the 2023 vinyl reissue (ref 28948638444) for the 125th anniversary of Deutsche Grammophone was made from an analog master of the quadraphonic version, as shown in the tape description poster below.

The tape used is 1/4-inch 4-track with Dolby noise reducer. It’s getting harder and harder to get master tapes in good condition that aren’t multiple copies to make new analog productions. This new series of vinyl records is therefore exceptional in that Deutsche Grammophon is offering them to us in full analog. The series is limited to 2,400 copies.

Ed 3: SACD ESOTERIC – 2018

Presentation

Esoteric’s SACD has been mastered by Esoteric to provide a specific stereo-only version (ref : 4907034222568). It is therefore in the DSD 64 format corresponding to the SACD. This SACD contains symphony number 5 and number 7. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only include the four tracks corresponding to symphony No 7.

Ed 4: Amazon UltraHD – 2022

Presentation

The Amazon music ultra HD version contains symphony number 5 and number 7. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only include the four tracks corresponding to symphony number 7, for comparison with the analog versions. This version is presented in 24-bit, 96 kg Hertz high resolution.

Ed 5: SACD DG stereo – 2003

Presentation

The SACD Deutsche Grammophon features the digital mix of the 7th Symphony in both stereo and multichannel versions (ref : 028947163022). The stereo layer is tested for this edition Ed5. This SACD contains symphony number 5 and number 7. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only include the four tracks corresponding to symphony No 7.

Ed 6: SACD DG 5.1 – 2003

Presentation

The SACD Deutsche Grammophon features the digital mix of the 7th Symphony in both stereo and multichannel versions. The 5.1 layer is tested for this edition Ed6. This SACD contains symphony number 5 and number 7. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only include the four tracks corresponding to symphony No 7.

Ed 7: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

Presentation

The Dolby Atmos version is available for streaming on Tidal (tested here) , Amazon and Apple Music. This version contains symphony number 5 and number 7. For the purposes of this review, we’ll only include the four tracks corresponding to symphony number 7, for comparison with the analog versions.

Part 2 : Waveform and dynamic comparaisons

Waveform

The waveform represents tracks of this album.

For all watforms, we find a good dynamic range, which is often the case with classical music. However, we can see that on the SACD version of Esoteric, the dynamic range is less important, as shown in the graph and confirmed by the DR measurement.

On the ESOTERIC SACD waveform, we notice the use of a limiter on the peaks compared to the other stereo versions.

The SACD GS in 5.0, shows fine dynamics across all channels, with no trace of limiter.

The Dolby Atmos version, decoded in 5.1, shows fine dynamics across all channels, with no trace of limiter. We can see that the front channels have the highest sound level, as confirmed by the spatialization.

Dynamic

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 7 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :

	Vinyl – 1976	Vinyl AAA – 2023	SACD ESOTERIC – 2023	Amazon UltraHD – 2022	SACD DG stereo – 2003	SACD DG 5.1 – 2003	Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023
Global	DR13	DR13	DR11	DR13	DR14	DR14	DR13
Min	DR12	DR12	DR9	DR13	DR13	DR13	DR13
Max	DR15	DR15	DR13	DR15	DR15	DR14	DR14
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace	DR14	DR12	DR11	DR13	DR13	DR14	DR13
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 2. Allegretto	DR13	DR13	DR13	DR15	DR15	DR14	DR14
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 3. Presto	DR15	DR15	DR11	DR14	DR14	DR13	DR13
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 4. Allegro con brio	DR12	DR12	DR9	DR13	DR13	DR13	DR13

The analysis of dynamics with the DR measurement is interesting and shows that all versions are dynamic with a DR13, except for the esoteric version which is a little limited in dynamics with its DR11.

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 graph below compares the vinyl spectrum (white curve) to the Qobuz Hi-Res spectrum (blue curve). The curves overlap completely between 70 Hz and 7 kHz, below 70 Hz the white curve is above the blue curve (green area), showing the surface noise of the vinyl for this track. Above 7 kHz, the white curve is higher than the blue curve, with a difference of up to 3 dB (yellow area). The tonal balance is very similar, with slightly more treble in the vinyl version 2023.

The spectra of the 1976 vinyl record and the Amazon UltraHD version are similar, but with a small difference above 10 kHz (yellow zone) with a maximum of 3 db, and also below 500 Hz (green zone) of the order of 1 to 2 dB. The red arrow shows a small parasitic peak above 30 kHz.

The spectra of the 1976 SACD ESOTERIC and the Amazon UltraHD version are similar, but with a difference above 10 kHz (yellow zone) up to more than 5 db, and also below 500 Hz (green zone) of the order of 2 to 5 dB. The yellow arrow indicates the rise in noise above 20 kHz due to DSD64 functioning.

The spectra of the Deutsche Grammophon SACD and the Amazon UltraHD version are identical up to 16 kHz, after which an increase in noise (yellow arrow) can be seen, due to the operation of DSD64.

The spectrum of the 5.0 layer of the Deutsche Grammophon SACD clearly shows the use of 5 channels without a bass channel, with a rise in noise above 20 kHz due to DSD64.

The spectrum of the Dolby Atmos version, decoded in 7.1, shows a higher level in the left and right channels. The bass channel is filtered at 120 Hz (green arrow). The yellow arrow shows the 20 kHz limit due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding.

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.

The spectrograms below of the two vinyl records show a frequency that rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with a signal above these frequencies that is composed of music and also distortion due to the principle of vinyl record playback (white arrow).

The spectrograms of the SACD versions, whether stereo or multichannel, show that the frequency rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow). Above this frequency, from 30 kHz onwards, there is a rise in noise due to the DSD64 operating principle, as shown by the white arrow.

The spectrogram of the Amazon ultra HD version shows a frequency that rises well above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with a signal that rises to 40 kHz (white arrow).

The spectrogram of the Dolby Atmos version shows that the maximum frequency is 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow). This is due to the encoding used, which optimizes the amount of information by limiting the bandwidth to 20 kHz in order to reduce the data rate.

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.

The Dolby Atmos mix was designed to give a realistic rendering of the orchestra in the hall. No spectacular effects with instruments around you. Instead, the atmosphere and energy of the orchestra is reproduced.

Below the spatialization for the 4 tracks of SACD 5.0 version. Click on the images to zoom in.

Below the spatialization for the 4 tracks of Dolby Atmos version. Click on the images to zoom in.

Part 6 : Summary, scoring and Samples

Ed 1: Vinyl – 1976

The 1976 vinyl record is also a full analog vinyl record from the stereo mix of the time. We find a beautiful soundstage, with a more pronounced central zone and less openness than the 2023 vinyl. The digital version is the ESOTERIC SACD.

Rating:

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

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Ed 2: Vinyl AAA – 2023

Cutting vinyl from pure analog master tapes is becoming increasingly rare. As time goes by, the tapes become more and more damaged, and it will eventually become difficult to make this type of cut. To get around this problem, Deutsche Grammophon has chosen to use the 4-track master tape (quadraphonic) as the basis for a stereo version in pure analog. The result is a clearer, wider sound image than the 1976 stereo vinyl, as you can see from the extract below.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Surface noise: ●●●●o (4.5)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Ed 3: SACD ESOTERIC – 2018

ESOTERIC’s SACD is the only digital version of the original analog mix. It therefore offers the same sonic rendering and soundstage as the 1976 vinyl (Ed1). This version is a little less dynamic than the other digital versions, but retains the sound of the original analog mix.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●oo (3)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Ed 4: Amazon UltraHD – 2022

The Amazon Music UltraHD version uses the 24-bit 96 kHz master from the digital remix of the recording. This remix was done in 24-bit 96 kHz and also serves as the basis for the stereo SACD DG (Ed5).

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 24 bits 96 kHz:

Ed 5: SACD DG stereo – 2003

Deutsche Grammophon is very transparent about the making of this SACD, indicating that it was produced from digital remixing in 24-bit 96 kHz format. This SACD therefore offers a wider soundstage than the ESOTERIC SACD and the 1976 vinyl release. The rendering is very clean and dynamic for this stereo version Listening to the SACD format may differ from listening to the Amazon 24-bit 96 kHz version, depending on the DAC used and the processing it performs on the DSD and PCM signals.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 24 bits 88.2 kHz:

Ed 6: SACD DG 5.1 – 2003

Deutsche Grammophon is very transparent about the making of this SACD, indicating that it was produced from a 5.1 digital remix in 24-bit 96 kHz format. This SACD therefore offers a wide soundstage with the exploitation of the rear channels. The rendering is very clean and dynamic for this 5.1 version. We gain in finesse and detail compared to the Dolby Atmos version, which offers better spatialization.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
• Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.9)
• Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” 5.1 16 bits 44.1 kHz:

The sample is in 5.1 wav format (5.0 music), 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.

Ed 7: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2023

Listening to the Dolby Atmos version is surprising: we’re used to having a wide sound image in stereo mode, with depth and projection behind the speakers. Listening to the Dolby Atmos version on a 7.1.4 system really immerses us in the concert hall, providing very significant energy from the orchestra on the front, side and high channels. This distribution gives more volume to the orchestra and a more homogeneous energy distribution than that found in a concert hall. Comparison with the stereo version gives the impression of leaving the concert hall and having only the instruments in front of you. However, with the Dolby Atmos version encoded here in Dolby digital plus, multichannel listening lacks a little of the finesse of the stereo versions. A Blu-ray edition with the Dolby TrueHD format would bring more finesse and energy to this version.

Rating:

• Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
• Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
• Spatialization: ●●●●●●oooo (6.2)
• Restitution: ●●●●o (4)

Sample : ”Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92- 1. Poco sostenuto – Vivace” Dolby Atmos decoded in 7.1:

The sample is in 7.1 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.

The different versions of this album show several variations made from the same analog multitrack recording. The original recording (with analog mix) can be found on the 1976 vinyl and on the ESOTERIC SACD. For those who want a wider soundstage, you’ll need to turn to the digital mix found on the Deutsche Grammophon SACD or the Amazon Music version. This wider soundstage is also to be found on the 2023 pure analog vinyl disc made from the quadraphonic analog master. Dolby Atmos listening is also interesting for the sound space and energy restored by this mix, which plunges us into the concert hall, but with less precision than other versions due to its lossy encoding in Dolby Digital PLus.

Subscribe to MagicVinylDigital

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Detail of the ratings :

• Dynamic :
  1. Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
  2. Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
  3. Correct piece DR >=10
  4. No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
  5. No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
• Spectrum :
  1. Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
  2. Spectrum cut at 15 khz
  3. Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
  4. Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
  5. Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
• Surface noise (only for vinyl):
  1. Continuous audible noise
  2. Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
  3. Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
  4. Low surface noise, very good quality
  5. 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 :
  1. Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  2. Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
  3. Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
  4. High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
  5. Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.

---