Review of the Pink Floyd's album Animals between Vinyl, CD, Bluray, SACD from 1977 to 2022 in stereo and 5.1

[Jean.Francois]

Hello,

The release of the box containing the vinyl, CD, Bluray and DVD versions is the opportunity of Animals between the 16 versions : Vinyl (1977, Japan 1977, 2016, 2022), CD (1991, from SACD layer, 2022) , Bluray stereo 24/192 (1977 and 2018) and 5.1, SACD (stereo and 5.1), Qobuz Hi-Res (2011, 2018), Tidal (2011, 2018).

The remixed version of 2018 brings more precision and balance, with in addition a 5.1 version very successful, Pink Floyd mastered multichannel since the 70s.

This comparison is also the occasion to compare the PCM versions in 24 bits 192 kHz and the SACD, the graph below shows the limits of the SACD in DSD64 with the rise of noise above 30 kHz (red arrow). This does not take away the listening quality of SACD, but today DSD256 pushes the noise higher in frequency. The PCM version shows well the spurious frequency peaks present on the recording.

SACD (white) vs Bluray (blue)

The pressing quality of 2022 vinyl is not always perfect, but often a wash will solve the problem. However, we find a significant variation of the levels of the top of the spectrum (above 15 kHz) due to an equalization or to the burning head (red zone). This is a characteristic that can also be found on the 2016 version which was also mastered by Bernie Grundman. This can give a slightly brighter character to the listening, but depends on your RIAA cell and preamp used, and on the linearity of the set.

Vinyl 2018 (white) vs bluray (blue)

Vinyl 2016 (white) vs vinyl 1977 (blue)

You will find the samples to listen to and more information including all measurements (DR, Spectrum, waveform, detailed waveform...) on https://magicvinyldigital.net/2022/...qobuz-tidal-original-remixed-2018-stereo-5-1/

 

[Lopsided]

Thank you! Interesting to see vinyl version tracks digital very well given all sorts of variations that can affect analog playback.

 

[Jean.Francois]

Hello,

On May 17, 2024, a blu-ray audio edition is released, containing the original and 2018 stereo mixes, the 5.1 version and, above all, the new Dolby Atmos mix.
Only the Dolby Atmos version is new on this blu-ray, as the stereo and 5.1 versions were already present on the blu-ray released in 2022.

It's hard not to compare the Atmos version with the 5.1 version. The same spirit can be found with spatialization, which is an extension of the 5.1 version (as shown in the spatialization graphics) and exploits all channels to punctually extend sound into space, complementing the 5.1 channels.

It's a pity this mix wasn't included in the 2022 box set blu-ray. Otherwise, the mix remains in the spirit of the original 5.1 version, but we’re a long way from Dolby Atmos mixes like those produced by Steven Wilson.

You can compare this new version and and listen to the samples with the stereo versions in the review of all versions.

Enjoy listening,
Jean-François

 

[Mantra]

@Jean.Francois

Hi
what a beautiful review !
may i know what software have you used to draw and upload the spectrum ?
thanks again!

 

[Jean.Francois]

@Jean.Francois

Hi
what a beautiful review !
may i know what software have you used to draw and upload the spectrum ?
thanks again!

Thank you very much!
Spectrum, waveform and spectrogram measurements are made with Izotope RX, with a screenshot to get an image file.

 

[Mantra]

Thank you very much!
Spectrum, waveform and spectrogram measurements are made with Izotope RX, with a screenshot to get an image file.

hi Jean
well , sadly i have only audacity 3 64bit and goldwave 6 and they can't even make a full song spectrum measurement
beautiful the link magic .. dot net , i' m reading them
thanks