I'm making a compilation for my Dad and I did some comparisons, and found some interesting, or not so interesting info.
First I compared the DCC Greatest Hits to the albums:
Your Song (DCC vs. WG DJM):
Pretty damn close. DCC has more dynamic range.
Daniel (DCC vs. DJM):
Very similar again, the DCC is a bit fuller.
Honky Cat (DCC vs. MFSL):
DCC and MFSL are very similar, I like the EQ a bit better on the MFSL.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (DCC vs. MFSL):
The MFSL is just a hair brighter, which I like.
Saturday Nights Alright (DCC vs. MFSL):
The DCC has more balls.
Rocket Man (DCC vs. MFSL):
The DCC is a bit meatier.
Bennie And A Jets (DCC vs. MFSL):
I can't tell the difference.
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (DCC vs. Polydor):
Still can't tell the difference!
Border Song (DCC vs. WG DJM):
DCC has more dynamic range, and smoother high end. Near identical again.
Crocodile Rock (DCC vs. DJM):
Can't tell the difference again.
Candle In The Wind (DCC vs. MFSL):
Barely any difference.
Conclusion:
The DJM's probably use the master tapes. They have the same hiss and tonality as the DCC...the same pops, clicks, and dropouts. The MFSLs and the Polydor "Caribou" are also very close to the DCC. So close, in fact, that it's barely even worth mentioning.
Then I compared Rare Masters to the DJM Lady Samantha:
Lady Samantha:
DJM is in mono.
Rare Masters is in stereo and has much better fidelity.
It's Me That You Need:
DJM sounds more natural.
The Rare Masters waveform looks a bit squashed.
Just Like Strange Rain:
They both sound very similar.
DJM is just a bit more pleasing.
The waveforms look identical.
Bad Side Of The Moon:
DJM is flat and dull. There is a crossfade at the beginning. The fadeout is helped along.
Rare Masters is goosed a bit but is much clearer and has much better fidelity. The fadeout is much higher in volume.
Rock And Roll Maddonna:
DJM sounds better, but it's folded in a bit and has a crossfade at the end.
Rare Masters looks squashed again, but it's in wider stereo.
Grey Seal:
DJM sounds a lot better, but is folded in a bit.
Rare Masters sounds muffled.
Friends:
DJM is a bit gritty.
Rare Masters is cleaner and a bit wider.
Honey Roll:
DJM is warmer and has the fadeout without crossfade. Was this ever a single?
Rare Masters is a bit more compressed.
Into The Old Mans Shoes:
DJM is warmer and clearer.
Rare Masters just sounds wrong in comparison.
Skyline Pigeon:
They sound very similar. The DJM is a bit brighter.
Jack Rabbit:
Same as Skyline Pigeon.
Whenever You're Ready:
DJM has a crossfade at the beginning.
Rare Masters sounds a lot better here.
Screw You:
Very similar, but Rare Masters has the edge.
Ho! Ho! Ho! (Turkey):
The DJM is clearly superior here.