Mark Knopfler – Sailing To Philadelphia – Review (CD, blu-ray, vinyl record, streaming, Tidal, Stereo to Dolby Atmos) – 25th anniversary

[Jean.Francois]

Hello,
Sailing to Philadelphia, released in 2000, is Mark Knopfler’s second solo album following the end of Dire Straits. To celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, a special edition was released, including a Dolby Atmos mix, an instrumental version, and a 2LP transparent vinyl. So, what about this 25th-anniversary edition on Blu-ray (SDE) and vinyl?

The original stereo version delivers satisfactory dynamics despite being limited to a DR10, which affects certain tracks, yet still provides a well-balanced overall sound. However, its dynamic range remains lower than that of the new Dolby Atmos mix.

Below the comparison of the waveforms (Original stereo and Dolby Atmos downmixed in 2.0):

The Dolby Atmos version (Bluray Dolby TrueHD) delivers 180-degree spatialization, extending the frontal soundstage to the lateral channels, creating a wider and deeper scene in music reproduction.

The vinyl edition, it is a very fine release based on the stereo master. However, it could have been even better if it had been produced from the 2025 remix using the tracks for Dolby Atmos, which provides a more dynamic reproduction.

You can access the high-resolution samples to compare the different versions by ear, as well as all the measurements, by clicking HERE (link).

Enjoy listening,
Jean-François

 

[Sokel]

I have the first release 2000 20-bit HDCD which supposedly was a high definition mark with extended DR.
Never measured it though.

At the sound and artistic part, "speedway at nazareth" can be highly rewarding at a room/gear system with low extension.

Let me know if you want any info from the booklet inside.

 

[Jean.Francois]

I have the first release 2000 20-bit HDCD which supposedly was a high definition mark with extended DR.
Never measured it though.

At the sound and artistic part, "speedway at nazareth" can be highly rewarding at a room/gear system with low extension.

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Let me know if you want any info from the booklet inside.

Thank you very much, it is indeed the HDCD version that I also tested. I have included samples of both the standard CD version and the HDCD-decoded version on the website to allow for comparison, but indeed, I forgot to mention it.
Indeed, "speedway at nazareth" has great low-end extension, but it’s also one of the most dynamically compressed tracks.

 

[Sokel]

Indeed, "speedway at nazareth" has great low-end extension, but it’s also one of the most dynamically compressed tracks.

Totally agree and it's a shame that a work with such gut (no chest) -punch potential is crippled this way.
It can still give, but...