DSOTM on Vinyl


My 1978 Mobile Fidelity DSOTM is starting to show its age; I’ve played it MANY times.

What do feel is the best version of this album available today on vinyl?  
stickman451
DSOTM has been a "go to" test album since I listened to my first stereo system in 1974, so I have always been a little OCD about which version is "the best"  I have the following on vinyl: original USA release and the original MoFi 1979 release (excellent condition).  The MoFi version was my go-to test album prior to going to digital. I thought that it was an improvement over the original release.  However, I no longer listen to vinyl and have the following digital versions:

1. Black Triangle version
2. 1992 Remaster
3. 2011 Remaster
4. Digitized 1981 UHQR MFSL limited edition pressing [24 bit/96K]
5. Digitized and declicked MFSL 1979 vinyl [24/96K] 

There are subtle differences between the various versions.  My hearing is no longer good enough to definitively say that one version "blows away" any other version, but there are subtle differences.  Historical note:  MoFI broke the analog master tape when using it for the MFSL 1979 release . . . OOOPS!

Although this thread was originally a vinyl "which is better" question, for those interested in putting their hearing to the test, see this thread on the Steve Hoffman forums where the poster kindly made identical 1 minute clips of six different CD masterings of DSOTM in one download.  Listen to the clips and decide which you think is best and then find the key to see which version it is . . . you may be very surprised!
http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/dark-side-of-the-moon-on-cd-a-blind-listening-test.468342/

Finally, I second the comment about the SACD.  Hearing DSOTM in 5.1 was incredible and almost like hearing a new album!
I finally got in the latest re-masters of "DSOTM" & "The Wall". Looking forward to hearing them.
As a budding audiophile, over 3 decades ago, I had read all of the positive attributes of "Speak To Me" and how it was a revelation. All of these years later, I am still disappointed, maybe because all of the hype surrounding it, that never met (that) expectation,yet mostly because I own several lps now that blow this portion of that record away, regarding deep bass.

Now, on to this pressing... I own the original MFSL, and all of the (every five year) anniversary issues and the domestic. I’m going to rely on my musical memory, which I’ve always found to be very good and I’m sure those of you who are really into music can attest you have as well. This pressing sounds at least as good, maybe better than any I own. In fact, it’s dynamic expression seems to be superior to any copy I own, while retaining all of the warmth one should expect from a ’70s era lp.

I could go through every pressing I own of this lp and find little things that I’d like here & there. Not interested in doing that. If I were to recommend one copy of this lp, The 2016 re-master would be it. In fact, whenever I pull this title out for a listen, this pressing WILL be my go-to.
  • The new remaster is pretty good. It isn't as good as the 30th Anniversary. The 30th bests the MoFi. To sum this up. The 30th is an upgrade to the MoFi. The new remaster is about a lateral move from the MoFi. So if you want an upgrade, buy the 2003 remaster. If you just want a replacement the 2016 Grundman remaster is cheap and about as good as the MoFi. I suggest the 2003 remaster as an upgrade. I do own all three versions.