In 2021, he engaged in a ritual that separates the casual listener from the obsessed. He used (Exact Audio Copy). This software doesn't just "play" the CD; it interrogates it. It reads every sector multiple times, looking for microscopic errors, dust, or scratches. It ensures the digital file is a bit-perfect clone of the silver disc.
While there have been numerous remasters—including the 2011 Discovery edition and hidden high-resolution mixes found on the Early Years box set —purists often prefer the 1988 Harvest CD. pink floyd meddle 1971 1988 eac flacoa 2021
: The specific mastering source used for this digital copy, likely the Japanese EMI/Toshiba pressing. Chasing the Echoes: Why Pink Floyd’s Meddle (1971)
Why specify “EAC”? In the lossless music community, is the gold standard for secure CD ripping on Windows. Unlike iTunes or Windows Media Player, EAC performs multiple passes and error-checking sectors to ensure that every single 1 and 0 is read correctly from the disc. This software doesn't just "play" the CD; it interrogates it
: A specialized tool used by collectors to "rip" a CD with bit-for-bit accuracy, ensuring no data is lost due to read errors.