Audiophile Guide
Band on the Run: Paul McCartney Digital Sound Quality Guide
Picking the best-sounding CD & hi-res versions isn’t as easy as you might think
Welcome to my ongoing research on the best-sounding Paul McCartney CDs and high-resolution downloads. You will either find this a tedious journey that you wish to skip or a fascinating take on the CDs and hi-res downloads of titles in McCartney’s classic period.
I judged these different versions by comparing multiple tracks a/b to determine which sounded best. I also took dynamic range readings (DR) so that you can consider that as one factor in deciding which version you want if that matters to you.
I have only compared the digital versions I own, which is to say this is not an exhaustive list and there is a possibility that there is one or more that I haven’t heard that could be a “winner.” If you have a version that isn’t included here, I’d love your feedback if you’ve done any comparisons of your own.
Most of these are out of print. However, they can be found used on websites like Discogs, eBay, or Amazon. Some are more scarce and expensive than others, but there are surprises here: expensive doesn’t always mean better. I have linked the titles to their Discogs counterparts so you can get more information on whichever ones you like.
Comparison of 8 (+1/2) Different Digital Releases of Band on the Run (excluding bonus tracks):
- 50th Anniversary 2024 Edition (2 CD) MPL 602455435651 (DR 11)
- Capitol 25th Anniversary Edition (1999) 2CD (DR9)
- 2010 Remaster Deluxe Edition, Archive Collection Concord/MPL CD (DR11)
- DCC GZS 1030 Gold CD (DR12)
- Columbia CK 36482 (Made in Japan for US) (DR12)
- High resolution download 2010 (Unlimited Edition 24–96) (DR12)
- DTS 1996 EMI/Capitol/Mobile Fidelity International (DR unknown)
- Parlophone-MPL CDP 7460552, black front Japan (DR13)
& Capitol CDP 7 46675 2 (US Version) (DR12)
Note: These 2 are digital clones, except that the Capitol has the 10-track album with “Helen Wheels,” and the Parlophone/MPL Japan has the 9-track version without it. Otherwise, they have the exact same timings down to the millisecond and the same amount of headroom. The difference in their dynamic ranges is accounted for by the US Capitol version having the extra track. So if you have to choose between the two, you might as well pick the US version to get the extra track.
Winner (tie):
Capitol CDP 7 46675 2 (US Version) &
High resolution download 2010 (Unlimited Edition 24–96)
Runner-up:
DCC GZS 1030 Gold CD
First, let me address the new 2024 CD/Hi-Res 50th Anniversary Edition. The only difference between it and the 2010 mastering is that the original US configuration of the album (including “Helen Wheels”) is present on the 50th Anniversary Edition, while it is not on the main 2010 CD/Hi-Res (although it appears as a bonus track on CD 2). That is the only difference. They otherwise contain the same mastering, and the 50th Anniversary release is even labeled “2010 Remaster” on the download of each track on this release.
I felt conflicted and a little “guilty” about choosing the winners that I did because they both sound different enough that I feel like I should be able to pick one and not cop out by having a tie. My gut told me, as did the marketing, that the high-resolution unlimited download was taken directly from the master tape, which I have no reason to doubt.
I also feel nostalgic for the DCC CD, which still sounds excellent. But in being honest with myself, I had to choose the common, lowly Capitol CDP 7 46675 2 (US Version) as well as the High-resolution download 2010 (Unlimited Edition 24–96) as the winners. They both have their positives and negatives, but overall, they sound better than the others.
What I like about the sound of the Capitol CDP 7 46675 2 (and its clone for 9 of the songs, Parlophone-MPL CDP 7460552, black front Japan) — see the note above for details — is that it has a small amount more treble than the high-resolution download, resulting in a better-sounding “snap” of the drums and a more detailed sound. It doesn’t have so much high-end that it sounds harsh, though.
I like the high-resolution download equally, but it has a better low end. However, the drums don’t sound as punchy on it as they do on the Capitol US CD. Since the Capitol CD contains ten songs while the Parlophone Japan CD contains only 9, sharing the same mastering otherwise, the nod goes to the Capitol US CD.
The Columbia CD has a harsh sound, as if the high end was tweaked.
The Capitol 25th Anniversary Edition 2CD is unnecessarily compressed and has the lowest dynamic range. It sounds OK—not as good as some of the others—but perfectly fine. Apart from being overly compressed, there is nothing particularly objectionable.
Like the 1999 25th Anniversary Edition, the 2010 Remaster Deluxe Edition, Archive Collection is unnecessarily compressed, slightly less so than the 25th, but more so than the other CDs. The tone is good. Even though this was issued as part of the same remastering campaign as the high-resolution download, they are different masterings.
I included the DTS surround disc only to comment on it. The first five notes of the guitar lick on the first track are cut off on the version I own, but there was a corrected second pressing that restored them. It is not a fair comparison to the stereo releases since this one is in 4.0 quad surround, so it’s a different animal altogether.
As always, your ears and your mileage may vary (YMMV).
