I’m often asked which are the best albums I’ve tested from a technical point of view.
So here’s a ranking of the best albums (without taking into account the artistic aspect) according to 3 categories: Digital, Analog and Dolby Atmos (TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus).
Let’s start with the best album of 2024, in all categories, is Trio Mediaeval – YULE, mixed by Morten Lindberg.
It takes first place in the spatial sound category, with its native 7.1.4 recording bringing a natural, immersive feel to the music. Its variations in 7.1, 5.1 and stereo formats are also very successful, with a diversity of formats that allows every audiophile to find their favorite format. Vinyl enthusiasts can also enjoy a high-quality vinyl edition. All this work by Morten Lindberg makes this album a reference for the year 2024.
The best digital editions of 2024:
Miles Davis – Kind of blue : SACD MFSL version. One of the best digital editions of this album with the Japanese SACD.
Trio Mediaeval – YULE : SACD and blu-ray box versions. Whether on SACD stereo and 5.1, or blu-ray stereo, 5.1 or 7.1, Morten Lindberg’s meticulous craftsmanship is evident throughout.
John Williams in Tokyo : SACD and blu-ray Deluxe box version. A very fine SACD edition of this box set, which also includes the blu-ray version with the concert video.
The Pineapple Thief – It Leads To This : Blu-ray stereo and multichannels versions. An example of what should be done on all media is the stereo version of blu-ray, which boasts a beautiful dynamic range compared to other media.
The best analog editions of 2024:
Jerome Sabbagh – Heart : True Master Tape copy (Real2Real), also available Pure analog vinyl record AAA. Listening to the copy of the master tape on the Analog Audio Design TP-1000 player reveals a natural, dynamic rendering.
Jerome Sabbagh – Vintage : True Master Tape copy (Real2Real), also available Pure analog vinyl record AAA. Listening to a copy of the master tape on a studer A80, you can hear the natural, dynamic sound of a pure analog recording.
Miles Davis – Kind of blue : Vinyl Analog Production UHQR 45 rpm AAA version. Analogue Production offers the finest vinyl edition of this legendary album.
Trio Mediaeval – YULE : Vinyl record double LP 45rpm version. Morten Lindberg offers a perfectly mastered vinyl version to complement the multiple digital editions.
Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns : Vinyl record double clear LP version. Vinyl records are beautifully cutted, with reduced surface noise and beautiful dynamics.
The best Dolby Atmos editions of 2024 :
But what makes a Dolby Atmos mix the best?
Some would say by the way the channels are exploited, others by the coherence of the spatial mix, others by the realistic rendering of the mix, and finally by its quality in terms of spatial definition and precision.
The definition and precision of spatialization depend above all on the format used. To do this, we’ll distinguish two categories: Streaming versions (in Dolby Digital Plus “DDP” format) and Blu-ray versions (in Dolby Digital TrueHD format). An album in TrueHD is not included in the DDP format.
The classification will be based on the overall rendering of the mix in relation to the type of music, taking into account criteria as varied as the realism, atmosphere and originality of the Dolby Atmos mix.
The best Dolby Atmos “TrueHD” editions of 2024 :
Trio Mediaeval – YULE : SACD and blu-ray box with Dolby Atmos versions. Morten Lindberg’s direct recording in 7.1.4 delivers realism and spatialization that physically places us in the recording environment.
John Williams in Tokyo : SACD and blu-ray Deluxe box with Dolby Atmos version. The Dolby Atmos version of the bluray immerses us in the atmosphere of the concert, in keeping with the video, making for a highly successful immersive listening experience.
The Pineapple Thief – It Leads To This : Blu-ray Dolby Atmos version. a Dolby Atmos version designed to immerse us in the album’s sound space.
Tears For Fears – The Hurting : Blu-ray Dolby Atmos version. Steven Wilson’s mastery of Dolby Atmos mixing is once again evident on this Tears For Fears album. We’re really immersed in the music, with all channels perfectly exploited.
Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio – A Shade Of Blue : MKV Dolby Atmos version. The Dolby Atmos version immediately brings a notion of sound space, of 360-degree rendering. It’s like being back in the Music Hall of Tokyo’s Gotanda Cultural Center.
The best Dolby Atmos “DDP” editions of 2024 :
Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue) : Dolby Atmos version, While we wait for the full review of the album, here’s an interview with Eric Serra, who explains that he practiced apnea diving for 2 minutes and 30 seconds to get into the spirit of the film!
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas : Dolby Atmos version. From the very first notes, the tone is set, with the use of side speakers for the music, and Mariah Carrey’s voice coming from the front. The instruments and backing vocals are then distributed in 360-degree space, with a highly successful rendering.
Prince – Purple Rain : Dolby Atmos version. Very fine mixing work on this mythical album, perfectly exploiting the possibilities of space sound while respecting each track.
Def Leppard – Pyromania : Dolby Atmos version.The Dolby Atmos mix is very successful, making good use of the different sound channels depending on the track, while retaining the energy and power of each song.
Madeleine Peyroux – Let’s Walk : Dolby Atmos version in 5.1.4. The album was mixed in 5.1.4 immersive audio by Elliot Scheiner and mastered by Darcy Proper. Listening to it is a pleasant surprise, despite the format used, as we find beautiful spatialization.
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