The mastering choices are what matter most. I really like Analogue Productions because I like their mastering and overall product (keeps the cover and original label, tip on jacket, etc…). Sometimes a well done modern pressing is a better investment than searching out a clean original. Problem is that there are so many low quality labels right now.
To my ears, its all system dependent. On my SS office system, most of the MOFI digital stuff sounds good. On my all analog, all tube main system, the MOFI digital stuff sounds ok as long as you listen to it at the beginning of a session. Once you start spinning all analog stuff, going back to digital pressings doesn't work for me. IMHO, if you have a system that can show the true space and dynamics of all analog pressings, the same records with a digital step in the chain, sound closed, veiled and dull in comparison.
THANK YOU MAZZY! Finally a sane voice in the room. I don’t care about workflows of a particular record. What the hell does it sound like? That’s all that matters!! If it’s sound great all analog? Great! If it sounds great digital? Great! Get a grip people.
As always, I love the fact that you start with the idea of "if you spend the money, love the music." It is easy to fall into a completist trap, but do we need to? I agree the music should be the only thing that matters. Loved all your choices. I plan to compare my MOFI Davis (I named my black lab mix after Miles by the way) to the new VMP Electric Miles box set. I also look forward to comparing the Nilsson 33 1/3 VMP pressings to the MOFI 45rpms. I can not wait to compare my MOFI Kiko to the Black Friday release. But, that is kind of the point. Enjoy the music and see what new "elements" might be revealed based on mastering choices. I also agree that if you do not know of a band or artist, stream them first. It will never matter how great the mastering is if the music does not move you in the first place!
This is a needed video in the Mofigate discussion. Honestly, a lot of analogue zealots got caught with egg on their faces, and they're resentful. It is all about the music, as you say, Mazzy, and some people are getting snared in dogma. That said, probably most audiophile mastering and pressings of analogue do sound better than their digital counterpart, but MoFi knows what the hell it's doing. It also knew what it wasn't saying, but I'm not sure the VC was ready to hear the truth. The analogue fanaticism would've resulted in lower sales for many releases that, as you point out in this video, in fact sound at least as good as the originals - which upsets a lot of people.
I 100% agree. I love having AAA titles as much as the next guy but these people are forgetting what this hobby is about. It’s about the best sounding version we can get. If that means DSD then so be it. I’ve compared a few AAA albums to some of the mofi UD1S and they win more often than not. The most notable one that comes to mind is the SRV couldn’t stand the weather. The mofi UD1S blows the standard AP 45RPM version away. The analog purist fanboys are just cork sniffers and they wouldn’t know the difference between DAD and AAA unless they’re told.
@Ya Boi, show me the people who suddenly hate the MoFi recordings they once loved because they're now digital? I don't know one. And there are people who own both the AP and MoFi 45s of SRV and prefer the AP; and they tell you why it sounds better. Not because they say it's digital, but because of the mastering choices. They prefer the AP because they think it sounds better. I know several people like you who claim that those who previously liked their MoFi records now don't because they found out there's a digital step involved. But I follow the forums and I can't cite one.
Agreed. I would think a “Purists “ would be someone who seeks the ultimate transfer of the master for listening. Tape degradation and poor playback is low grade and not anything I would be interested in in
IMHO the vintage Silent Way and Bitches Brew beat the MoFi. I say this as somebody who expected the MoFi to be better, and they clearly are not. Again, just my preference. Quality of the package - the artwork on the MoFi is not nearly as good.
I won;t throw out my Mofi records. I will probably never spin the Kind of Blue again. I have the UHQR of it, and it is incredible.. I like the Dylan Mofis I have, I will never buy a new record from the company again though. They deceived me.
I agree with you mastering choices are hugely important in the quality of the sound, as well as the system and environment for listening to the music. I tend to believe that vinyl is better, but I acknowledge it isn’t always. I think for many people the vinyl vs digital comparison might be like the Pepsi challenge, you swore it was Pepsi until they showed you differently. My issue with Mofi was not they have a digital step, but rather their lack of transparency
It was not a lack of transparency. That is false. They outright lied and acted in bad faith with their customers. They knowingly misrepresented their products. If that were a single person selling records on discogs or on the street, you’d call them a lying fraud. It’s amazing how forgiving the public are toward corporations. They’re total frauds. I would never give then my money. And I actually always thought their records sounded terrible. They’re lifeless. Just hyper-detailed. No musicality. Older pressings are better 99% of the time. I’ve never heard a modern pressing I prefer to an older one, unless it was just a terrible older repress.
I have a lot of the ones you mentioned, though not the Dylan releases, not a fan. As for the DSD thing, which is just for transport, Krieg does all of the mastering in the analogue domain, apparently, so maybe this is why they don't have digital artifacts. I think when a lot of editing takes place in the digital domain then we get problems. I am actually really impressed by them and, of course, some of the masters are digital. The Miles David albums are fantastic.
Great video! I don’t have all of these, but the ones I do have, I agree with your assessment. I’d also throw in Tapestry and Music from Carole King. These two MoFi best the originals in my opinion. The One Step of Tapestry is a different animal all together.
I don't have the albums that came out before How Will The Wolf Survive, but I'm pretty sure adding Steve Berlin is the only cg=hange I can remember for Los Lobos. - I don't have any Mobile Fidelity albums. How do the Half Speed Master fit in to the discussion?
Great choices!! I'm pleased to agree and have a number of them. Jeff Beck, Dylan, Miles, and oh man! Boomer's Story is a GEM! I'm not down on MoFi, going case by case as always, DSD step isn't ideal, nor prohibitive, but also no 1-steps here.
I only have three Mofi records: Blood on the Tracks, A Salty Dog, and Lifes Rich Pageant. They all sound incredible. I too would love to hear an audiophile version of the stereo After Bathing at Baxter's. Great video, Mazzy!
ERC caters to limited runs that are so low, only the flippers make money other than ERC. Actually, do they make money releasing 350 pressings of The Doors? I have an original Electra Gold label (first reissue from 1967) that likely blows this ERC out the door. Regardless, even if somehow this ERC was really good or better than Analogue Productions 2LP stereo version, who cares. Again, only the resellers care and frankly why would someone want this $500 release? The flippers will be disappointed with this one. A 1970's reissue likely sounds way better.
Great choices, Mazzy. MoFi did a version of Ry Cooder‘s Jazz in 1984. I have it and it sounds great although it‘s not my favourite Ry album. They should re-issue some of their older stuff, especially the Kiko (for me at least😎). With or without DSD…
I agree with your comments re analog v digital question. In the last few months, I have managed to bring my turntable up to a level of sound quality where I can easily hear that some albums (eg Rio by Duran Duran) sound better on my original LP when compared with the digital version available in iTunes. In other cases (eg Tender Prey by Nick Cave and Bad seeds) the digital version is better. In both of my examples, better means they sound clearer and more alive in our room.
My copy of The times they are a-changin' is a new repress (not mo-fi) that is so poor I cannot bear to play it - it is so lo-fi I find it unlistenable. I will check out the mofi version, thanks!
to me Mazzy, I want good sounding music, and if there is a digital source somewhere in the line, oh well.. I could care less about OG copies (especially jazz) that sound like bacon frying, and Im too old to spend time searching and too cheap to spend $300 on an OG. The OJC's , Blue Note Tone Poet and Classics and Mofi's, are a good deal in my opinion.
I have a small selection of MoFi LPs, including "Koko," "In a Silent Way," the B-52s, and some Elvis Costellos -- all because I've loved them for years -- they were important parts of my life -- and they were all gloriously recorded to begin with. (I have the Ry Cooders, some Sinatras and a bunch more "Original Master" MoFi SACDs, stereo and multi-channel.) Your remarks reminded me of a friend from many years ago, when the hot new "high-end" home video format was the 12-inch LaserDisc -- better picture and sound than VHS could ever provide. He tried to tell me I should get the Olivia Newton-John/Gene Kelly roller-disco musical "Xanadu" (1980) because it had "great Dolby Surround sound." Yeah, but it was "Xanadu." Hi-Fi "Xanadu," but "Xanadu," nevertheless. I passed.
Thanks Mazzy - I really enjoyed this video. I’m on a boycott from MoFi, but totally agree re: the Dylan and the Miles - they generally sound great. I know you dislike Weezer, but I think the MoFi Pinkerton beats the OG in some respects. I totally agree re: FOMO. I fell for that on a couple of releases - both to my cost (I ended up regretting those purchases). Hopefully, now things are calming down, prices will begin to settle somewhat. The cost of some of these ‘audiophile’ pressings in the UK is really outrageous (£200 for a UHQR! - frankly, Chad can kiss my face).
I hate the term "all analog." I was hoping not to hear it anymore but some people can't stop. Does the pressing sound good or not? If it sounds good, than it does not matter how they got there. That is all that matters. Great video!
Just picked up Mobile Fidelity copy of Pat Benatar's In the Heat of the Night at an antique mall. $25. Score! And it sounds very good. She finally was inducted into the RRHoF with her husband Neil Giraldo. About time.
My Mofi screaming for vengeance Judas Priest sounds terrible. I have a sealed Mofi of dark side of the moon from 1979. Might open it one day but I’m afraid I’ll be disappointed
Mazzy taping a last minute video to hopefully get an invite to join Melinda for the Van Halen testing at the MOFI facility🤔🤔 I'm just joking....great video as usual....nice to bring a little civility to the suddenly extremely volatile VC community.....glass is always BOTH half full and half empty when collecting vinyl in this very addictive hobby.....cheers 🍺👍🍸
The only Dylan MoFi that I have grown to dislike is Blood On The Tracks one step. It’s strange - it feels too detailed - almost stretched or elastic. I think the ones you mentioned are fantastic too. I do agree with you that the Dylan mono box set has really held its own; it punches above its weight class lol So glad I own that.
@@mazzysmusicoh so that’s why? You stay away from one steps because of one issue a stranger on the internet has with ONE 1-step, a particular one step that in MOST cases is well regarded? Kinda ridiculous Mazzy, sorry.
@@Groover71 I have heard about 8 one steps. Two I liked the rest I did not. Even the ones I enjoyed didn’t seem worth the price up tick for me personally. The clarity style vinyl is usually not a plus to me and of course the packaging crazy. I do know people who feel otherwise.
@@mazzysmusic Similarly, I’ve heard 8 or 9. I actually really like Blood on the Tracks. It doesn’t sound like the OG - it’s almost hyper-real in comparison. But I love the shimmer that remaster brings. And I think Ah Um is transcendent (and, yes, I have compared with other pressings). The Monk sounds good - but it’s not worth the additional cost when I compare with my other pressings. I didn’t care for Thriller - and I don’t get why someone would spend £150 for an album which is readily available in solid to great pressings. The OneStep just sounded weird to my ears. BoTT does not sound good. Tapestry does not sound good. Folk Singer is more expensive and falls short of the AP cut. Pearl actively sounds bad. All imo, of course.
hey Mazzy, interesting video. I thought you might have an Elvis Costello or two on the list, but maybe the MoFis are not significantly better sounding than the originals? Those EC MoFis get good reviews but none of my OGs are bad sounding, either. It looks like I need that 45rpm mono Surrealistic Pillow, glad to hear your take on that.
Happy for a positive MOFI video. I still get some of their releases and am so glad we now get the whole truth about their process. For those that seem to think SACD versions should be purchased since they are DSD anyway I tested that by getting the Dire Straits "Love over Gold" MOFI SACD to compare to my MOFI vinyl and the vinyl on my system is way better.
SACDs stop at DSD64. A majority of the MoFis in the “mofigate era” are DSD256, so your summation makes a lot of sense. Not to mention the inherent advantage of the vinyl medium.
In a silent way: dear Sir, I've got 3 original 2 eye copies (nm condition, early matrix numbers on both sides), and each of them sounds considerably better than my MoFi version, and I mean in every respect. More dynamics, much more colors, more air between the players, much more realistic presentation, and so on. Ok, the vinyl is not as good as the MoFi disc presents.Therefore I would not recommend to purchase the audiophile issue.
Nice one Mazzy this is one video that needed to be discussed I agree with you all the way those Miles Mofi kills the OG 2 eyes I have about 45 Mofi I wish I could’ve tracked down that Beck Sea Change my buddy has it I was blown away with that one the price is way out of reach. I own Dylan Highway 61 Revisited OG minty mono and the Mofi when I pull that album I pull the Mofi everytime . Even the Bowie Ziggy sounds great I found a copy last year excellent picks “Cause Mazzy Love You” Lovellandrew
I would only consider a reissue if there was a problem with the original. You missed one that's important to me: the MoFi of *My Aim is True.* I bought the original on Columbia (it still has the "Who is Elvis Costello?" ad sticker on it). I tried to love it, but cleaning didn't remove the distortion and it always sounded a bit distant somehow. Instead of getting the CD I went for the MoFi LP remaster & it's quite nice sonically plus there's a new sleeve design too. Music-wise, I'll have to agree to disagree with you (& most critics) on Procol Harum. I like them (I have the live LP with Edmonton Symphony), but I just bought the Cherry Red deluxe version of *Salty Dog* last year and I only play it occasionally. I'm much more a fan of The Strawbs '70's albums!
hi Mazzy, Off topic here. There's a lot of issues with the latest Dylan box. Deep scratches and heavy warping. I checked mine and I have a scratch on one LP that looks like it was caused by a freaking railroad spike. And theres significant warping throughout.. I'm returning mine and they are replacing the whole box. I hope the new one is not worse. Check yours and replace while you can.. Just a heads up. Love you Mazzy!
FWIW I only had one issue on side “Q” which did indeed look like railroad spikes ran through it, but wasn’t that noisy considering the damage. I’m getting just that one replaced
Hi Mazzy, just wondering if you've purchased any of the Music On Vinyl releases? They do an excellent job mastering and their vinyl is flat and quiet. I have quite a few of those and only once had to return one because of a pressing glitch. I recently bought Bob Dylan -"Desire" MOV and it sounds incredible to my ears on my equipment. I have a modest Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Espirit turntable with a blue Ortofon cartridge. I don't have a pre-amp, but an Onkyo receiver with the phono input and vintage Radio Shack Optimus speakers that I've had since I was a much younger man. So, not at all expensive audiophile gear. I have Tone Poets, Classic Vinyl Series, Analogue Productions, etc. and they all sound incredible. The MOV are just as enjoyable and perhaps a cost effective alternative to MoFis. Any thoughts on MOV?
Problem with Mofi is not just their lack of transparency; it’s that they price their records as exclusive when in reality it’s digital and they can make infinite copies. For Analogue Productions, you know what the source is and it’s legitimately limited for a reason. If MOFI prices come down, I would consider buying again. If they keep the price as/is I remain out.
Well they are a premium product. The digital step doesn’t necessarily make the work cheaper. In fact it allows them more time to work on the music. And you can’t press unlimited quantities without expanding the licensing from the rights holder.
Ummm I think they’re a little busy right now. They’re not gonna press “unlimited” copies of an album when they have tons of other clients to please. And As Mazzy said, they also only have licenses for a certain period of time. They’re not printing CDs, cutting records takes time. Find another issue to cry about, that’s not the one.
@@Groover71 When you say they are "a little busy right now", what they are really busy doing is wining and dining RU-vidrs to try and repair their reputation. I think the crying is being done by them, not me.
cool video...i had a feeling dylan's desire would be here...the original press was so muddy....bathing at baxter's would definitely be interesting to hear....have they ever done warren zevon...maybe they should think about his catalog.......hope you are staying well...peace and good music to you always...rocky
Taken from Webster’s dictionary: “An audiophile is a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction.” That’s it. That’s the requirement. Nothing in that definition about “only analog”. Nothing about “only high resolution files”. All this to say, you can enjoy both and still consider yourself an “audiophile”. There are audiophiles out there who swear by high resolution digital files and spend literal thousands on the best of the best when it comes to components to stream those files. All this to say, it really is all about the music and the way it sounds.
Apple Music has both versions of Groovin’. It may be coincidental but whenever there is a MoFi or Analog Productions etc audiophile release, Apple Music updates that album with a hi res ALAC version. Groovin’ may confirm this. The stereo version 16/44.1 and the mono is 24/192 and an Apple Digital Master. This is one of the rare cases where the ADM version is not as good as the “CD quality” version. The stereo puts the mono to shame.
Thank you ! For being transparent on this review. I know I mess with ya a bit. But i will give credit where it is due. Right some MFSL are done well and others are not. Lets not forget MOFI back in the day on the inner sleeve told to play this lp on a regular stereo system. ERC I just do not get and living in NYC there are a lot of record stores that say WTF . Here a reissue is reissue. I always tell a young vinyl collector listen with your ears and not what other tell you. Yet this whole FOMO is really putting the young set out . Some of the MOFI gold discs were done well not many talk about those. Also not direct at you other guy that exposed Mofi is still selling them lol . Which why use a cancel culture tactic. Plus the guy in Germany is about selling stuff from Salinas . Have you ever seen the pressing prices do the math .
I'm mostly an "analogue" guy, but I agree not all digital is bad not all analog is great! 4×DSD 32 bit captures so much information, you'd be hard pressed to hear a difference, whereas 44.1 16 bit you can hear the difference easily even on an inexpensive setup!
Great video Mazzy. Special Do Da Vinyl, LOL! Curious, what are your thoughts on The Cars MOFI? I have the debut and Shake it Up. I think they sound great, but people have said they are analog.
Mazzy I feel like you and I think alike. I have a couple of audiophile showpieces to test equipment and wow friends with but only a few. When I buy hi fidelity recordings, I only buy recordings that have music that I enjoy listening to. I have a lot of older Mobile Fidelity records mostly half speed masters. I think many of them sound fantastic and way better than the originals. I've only recently bought newer ones and I'm very impressed with many of them. I think we're in the midst of some great releases with MoFi and Analog Productions putting out so many fine pressings. I'm also a fan of SACD which I think comes very close to analog many times. I missed out on Santana Abraxas from MoFi on vinyl. But guess what? The SACD is superb! I'd be interested in hearing someone compare them since I've never heard the vinyl. But if you like Sanatana don't shy away from the SACD. I'd guess it's the next best thing. Anyway, another fun video thanks!
My Mobile Fidelity Times They Are A Changin’ says “Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab” as opposed to “Original Master Recording”. What is the difference? Stereo vs Mono?
Very informative video. Good style honest approach to buying with years of experience. Going to purchase a few based on your recommendations...well done.
Mazzy, you say the David Crosby album kicks-ass over the original, then go on to say it's only slightly better. I find it hard to fault the original pressing of this - it is one of the best sounding records I own.
I have a MoFi Crown of Creation that I really like. I'm tempted to get Surrealistic Pillow. I was never crazy about the sound of it though the music is undeniably great.
Hey Dude, nobody is paying me a dime. I share records here that I bought for my collation over the past 50-plus years. In this case, these are versions I think sound better than the originals. Some of their records don't and others are not very good at all. IMHO When I do get free records from artists r labels (which is rare), I share that info with my viewers. Hope this answers your question. Dude.
I do love that Los Lobos record and the MOFI iteration. As I have said a number of times on the Steve Hoffman forum the MOFI mastering choices and maybe the DSD step, clean the sound up of the 60s Dylan and Miles Davis records at the expense of the presence the originals provide. I'll take the wolf notes please. But I do agree the MOFI versions sound very nice.
Agree with what you said about the Doors album. But for the rest you showed albums that already got a lot of attention and praise in several of your earlier video's.
The first MFSL I bought is my favorite album of all time: Chicago Transit Authority. I own numerous versions, OG and remasters/reissues of this great album and the Mobile Fidelity is by far the best. Thanks for a realistic and objective review of MOFI. Yes, they made a major PR blunder, but I am still a fan and keep buying the ones I want.
i have the DCC LP of surrealistic pillow. i like that its all on 1lp. it also sounds great. i know the mono is the preferred mix. but i think the dcc does a good job at making me enjoy the stereo version.
This was needed. I think you are spot on. It's your ears, your room, your taste and your setup. It seems like few talk about the enjoyment of the music anymore. I might even show a few of my favorite Mofi's. I have around 60. Cheers.
Great review! I love my MoFi of Hall & Oates Rock & Soul; so quiet and clean...I am in awe every time I hear it after seeing them live in the last few years.
You’ve convinced me that I need to own Groovin. But I think I’ll buy the MoFi mono SACD even after spending gobs of time shopping on eBay for a vinyl copy. Hope you can forgive me Norman.
I'm really surprised you did not put in one of their first Super disc that was critically acclaimed : Fleetwood Mac. It was as close to a master tape you could get
Thanks as always Mazzy. Have you heard the MFSL Forever Changes? It's always been on my radar, but I hear conflicting reviews. Also MFSL Dylan "Oh Mercy"? I'd be interested in your thoughts as I tend to agree with you a bunch. Love you Mazzy.