It's a SHAME! - Eagles "Hotel California" Mobile Fidelity One Step
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
- This video features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners.
The “featured” clips used in the video show opinions expressed in relation to the first two “Eagles” Mobile Fidelity One Step releases not the more recent Hotel California.
Enjoyed your video especially the m45 stuff I don't have big enough balls to try to pull that off on my channel enjoyed the hell out of this one thanks so much. 😅
Glad you enjoyed. Thank you for watching.
I was the same with Culture Club Greatest Hits on SACD. I was hearing things I never previosly heard on the radio, LP or CD. It was an amazing mix they did. It made appreciate their music even more
MoFi has been on fire recently with this release and also the Miles Davis stuff.
Indeed. I’ve purchased all the Miles Davis and love them.
I just picked up a copy of this album from Target. It sounds great. 🎉
It does! Didn’t know Target was selling it too.
@@fidelios_frequency yep, I have grabed , Sublime self-entitled, Dave Matthew's Band latest release, Rumors, Pearl Jams Vs., and Motown's 1, and they all rock in fairness.
I totally get you!!
I really enjoyed this review. The MOFI one steps do sound great. Unfortunately conscious bias as gotten in the way of enjoying them for some. Great vid. Keep them coming.
Not conscious bias, listening to their flaws. I was singing their praises and most of the time commenting on where the One Steps came up short a long time before the DSD tulip festival.
I just got the MoFi CD version... It sounds great...
It's a great sounding record, don't care about anything else. One of these Nights is also excellent.
Everyone spent two years at the beginning of the vinyl resurgence that digital was bad but now its fine make up your mind.
I think some people care more about appearances rather than what they really like. 🤔
The few that freaked out and sold their MoFi one steps are the ones I refer to as analog retentive. They have egg on their faces and have videos still on UA-cam extolling the great sound of those albums.
There are a growing number of analog recordings that are going to require DSD transfers or the plangent process to DSD to archive them, and to allow companies to do audiophile represses.
I for one grateful to the VC audiophiles because when a new MoFi, Analog Productions, or other audiophile company does a repress, I get a new hi res ALAC Apple digital master to add to my library.
I have quite a few hi rez files that I play occasionally. Neil Young is one that always offers those files whenever you buy from his store and in a lot of his retail releases.
Thanks for another nice review. I think that the original Hotel California sounds great and there is no need for MoFi.👍
Great video! You make a lot of good points. I'm glad Mike could help you out with that review. I agree completely with both of you. 😉 Lol.
Yes, it’s a bit tongue in cheek, but I was aiming to start a conversation on the topic. Actually it was your video about Thriller that helped me re-think my attitude towards MoFi. What matters is the enjoyment we get out of the listening experience. Thank you for watching!
You’re darn right on this whole thing. Analogphiles have infected the audiophiles. “It’s the music stupid”
Thank you for watching and showing support.
I picked up all the Eagles one steps so far. I enjoy each one. Linn turntable with a Soundsmith MC cartridge into McIntosh amp out to Harbeths. My system leans warm. These all sound great.
Glad you enjoy them as much as I do!
I have the one step and it's absolutely fantastic in my opinion the DSD step is the best way for protecting master tapes and it actually sounds better so people should enjoy the music ,I also have the mofi sacd version and the new vinyl sounds much better it's vinyl at the end of the day enjoy it.
I don't have a problem with MOFI using DSD for archival purposes. SDS transfers can be 100% transparent and honest to the source.
The chief problem with what MOFI seems to doing as of late is the over-the-top "smiley face: EQ'ing. So it comes right down to poor mastering choices. Still glad you dig your copy though. Honestly. At the end, that's what counts.
@LetThereBeSound1 yes the mastering choices are key. That can be said of every mastering engineer.
Thanks for your honest take. It’s not really the digital step so much as the lie. None of the MOFI apologists seem to get this in their rush to mock the audiophiles that “thought it sounded fine 2 weeks ago”. Because of that lie, I’ll focus my $$ on transparent labels and OGs. Since I love this album, I’ll pick up the one step once it’s discounted or from a non-MOFI / MD vendor. Tape sounds better anyway.
Thank you for watching and participating in the discussion. Best of luck in your quest to find this release discounted. 🍀
Hey Arnaldo! I really enjoyed this review and your perspective. Comments on and about the ‘scandal are in step with my own thoughts. 👍🏻👍🏻
I know other channels have done proper shoot outs on this release, but I’m glad you enjoyed my perspective. Thanks Tim!
Arnaldo I totally agree with everything you was stating about purist. I have a few One steps and some Mofi recordings about 2 weeks ago ones digging and ran across the a new One step Hotel California for $70 I’ve heard from some friends it sounds killer I took a gamble digital or not it blew me away the fidelity was crystal clear the highs were enormous I’m glad I picked it up it one of my favorites along with the upcoming A Long Run . It’s definitely all up to you if you enjoy it forget what everyone is saying take care . Lovellandrew
Hi Arnaldo, I am with you on your main argument here. As someone who enjoys analogue and digital sources, I can say that I get tremendous enjoyment from both. As far as digital sourcing on LP's are concerned, as long as it sounds good, I don't care. One interesting point, watching some other 45RPM videos, I see that Michael is ok with digitally sourced records (like the recent Neil Young box set) as long as they don't come from MoFi. It may be more an aversion to the specific company, rather than a purist argument of analogue only. Still a shame.
I believe the Neil Young box set you are referring to includes albums that were recorded digitally, so no analog option is available. Question is "Would he be averse to a digitally sourced vinyl where an analog source is a possibility?". And yes, I also feel there is an "aversion" to any MoFi release. Please keep in mind that Michael is one of many that have an aversion to "digitally sourced vinyl". Thank you for watching.
Almost all analog since 1980s are Digital mastered ,plus most older albums have be remastered in digital.If you got the money then and believe the sound is so great .Then spend your money.
Thoughtful post, thank you. I could never understand the severity of the backlash towards MOFI from self-confessed long-time MOFI fans: "I love my MOFI, they sound amazing!" ... "But wait, there's a digital step!" ... "I hate my MOFI! Boo, hiss!"
It is funny that when it comes to TV's, we seek out 4K and probably scoff at someone with "just" 720p. We are after the best definition....except for an album apparently! I have the DSD and One-Step of Hotel California and each one are different listening experiences. The vinyl, despite having a digital step, still provides an analog experience to the way a person hears something, and that is through a turntable, a cartridge, a stylus digging out sound from the grooves. Brothers in Arms, recorded digitally, sounds fantastic as a Mofi vinyl release! Great sound is great sound. I enjoy a good sounding album and don't concern myself with others making me feel inferior, because that is foolish in the end. Too many variables, and too much real world issues around us too. Cheers
I share the same thoughts on the Dire Straits Brothers MoFi. Compared it to an earlier SACD and the latter sounded compressed vs the MoFi. Indeed there are more important real world problems to worry about. Music is to be enjoyed not argued over.
Its a shame someone a bought an Eagles album 😉
😂
Happy you put Chad's pet in this video lol
The digital conversion mid step most likely makes the background more black so it also offers the listener more time to understand the details so the sound is less chaotic. Yes there might be 1-5% of the selected albums where it somehow wasn´t ideal and they should have used original master tapes. (I am thinking about the latest MJ release which might be one of them)
But it needs to be said that some albums are so well recorded and recent that you can easily improve the sound by using a digital mid step. I think where it might give problems is perhaps with the less popular artists that have a more edgy sound/dodgy type of recording.
The LP of Three Chords and the Truth by Van Morrison is from a digital source and it sounds great. The various live albums from the Grateful Dead that have used the Plangent system sound fantastic. I've pre-ordered a One Step and will not cancel it because of the DSD lie. While I dislike their recent mendacity, I won't get rid of the 4 Mofi albums I already own.
Interesting take. I have a digital rip of this and the DCC. I’ve had the DCC for a while and the One Step is new for me. Immediately I felt like something was off when I began listening. It seems to have a smiley face EQ applied. Scooped in the mids. Especially the title track. The vocals are so thin and have zero body. I’m not going to say I hate it or it’s awful, just an interesting approach the mastering. It couldn’t sound more different from the DCC.
Thanks for your insight. I’ve never had a chance to listen to the DCC other than a digital rip. ✌🏻
@@fidelios_frequency it’s really crazy how different they sound. It’s like one has a “V” shaped EQ and the other has an inverted “V” shaped EQ. I’m happy to have both. But I think the DCC will be my reference while the One Step will be a fun listen here and there.
Oh and I’m one that really couldn’t care less about a digital step in the chain (if done with care) as long as it sounds good.
I agree. I listened to a rip and I didn't understand the mastering choices compared with the DCC. The DCC is a lot better.
Most records today have a digital step! You fret to much about if it has a digital step you don’t want it! The important thing is how does it sound!
That’s exactly my point.
Great video and perspective! Glad you found it as enjoyable as many of us did. I too heard many new things that I always knew were there but suppressed in previous releases. And while it might not be as good as the DCC in some aspects, it certainly costs less :)
Thanks David. There was no point to try and match what you and Scott already did so well in your videos so I chose a different angle. I’m intrigued by the DCC after I heard the digital rip.
@@fidelios_frequencyeven the original MFSL (1984) will be surprising I promise you. Search for either. However, sadly, both are über expensive these days! (ugh!)
HILARIOUS Michael 45 cutaways! Great review & great takes. 2 good examples of your argument...Hall & Oates Rock n' Soul is analogue to digital and it sounds amazing but also consistent as comps draw from many sources (MoFi's method, in this case, solved this challenge) -- another is The Cars Heartbeat CIty...all analogue and again another amazing sounding record from MoFi (& I am not out playing the Discogs game trying to find an OG NM that sounds as good).
It is about the sound and enjoying the music for me - have plenty of other digitally sourced pressings that were properly mastered to vinyl. Digital is not the problem imho, its the mastering TO vinyl that can be the real problem (Gorillaz or QOTSA latest releases are excellent examples of this). MoFi simply does not have that challenge often enough for it to matter, though they should practice truth in advertising and it seems they do now.
I have that MoFi Hall & Oates as well and it sounds great. As for the Cars, I have Heartbeat OG (as well as the 2LP reissue) and I have to say I prefer the OG. The Rhino High Fidelity reissue of the self titled Cars sounds great, many have said better than the MoFi. But it all comes down to what you like and what sounds good on your system. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.
@@fidelios_frequency ty for heads up on the OG, will check...as always love your channel
Hey Arnaldo, thanks for your thoughts on this One Step. I totally agree on the DSD transfer controversy. It boils down to this for me: I did not notice, nor did anyone else notice that I spoke to all those years before Mofi-gate, that there was digital in the process. Therefore, where would be my justification in all the sudden saying “Oh it has a digital step? Then it must sound bad” after the fact. Didn’t sound bad before knowing, right? Then its illogical that the Mofi’s I praised would all the sudden sound bad. Thats the bottom line for me: How does the product actually sound. And in comparison to what? The methodology, equipment, mastering technique to get that great sound? As Tommy Lee Jones said in The Fugative…”I don’t care”. Does it sound the best to me or not? Does it beat all other versions or at least stand as a worthy different sounding version? Thats it.
Not buying or returning the One Steps on principle of them lying? Thats a different issue. That is completely justified in doing so if one is morally at odds with the dishonesty and cannot forgive Mofi for this. However, I find it rather curious to be up in arms about the dishonesty etc then returning lps or cashing in on a lawsuit and then also turning around and purchasing even more of the “liars” product. Hmmm. Yeah. That I do not get nor agree with. I also get the good humored joke with Michael, but at least he is sticking by his guns and principles now and apparently not purchasing any of those “liars” Mofi product! …….Right Michael?
Suffice it to say, I get what Mofi is doing and we would all be surprised just how many of our precious records have a digital transfer step. Listen with your ears and compare. Forget about digital steps. Because, folks, that is where we are at. DSD transfers. Stick to originals or older reissues if this is against your philosophy, principles or you think you can hear digital in the process in this day and age of high quality, hi-rez transfering methods.
Ok, enough of that rant. It has been done from both sides time and again. Old history and neither side will change the others mind.
More importanly to me, as for the Hotel California One Step, a couple of questions…
You mentioned you listened to Scott’s clips/download comparisons. How do you think the UHQR clips/downloads of Hotel California sound to you? Good, ok, bad?
Id also be interested in knowing how the clips compared to your listening experience when you got the One Step and listened to it on your system.
When played over like methods (headphones and/or stereo speakers) how did the two compare specifically?
PS: I have my own little defintion of an audiophile that is similar to Websters:
Audiophile: One who searches out the best sounding version of their favorite albums.
Keepin it simple.
Thanks again for the video!
John
Hey John! Thanks for taking the time to write such an insightful comment. You probably spent as much time to write it as it took me to edit the video! I appreciate that. The purpose of the video was to engage a conversation and I am glad to see you participate.
Scott posted the file rips in the description of his (excellent) video. I listened on my headphones through my phone since it was the easiest way. I still preferred the One Step, followed by the DCC, then MoFi, then OG. I will have to listen on my system next. I take these rip shootouts with a grain of salt, and I understand that there are too many variables that can influence the outcome. For example, when Patrick posted the Exodus challenge, I chose the Half Speed, yet when I did the comparison with both vinyls on my system the UHQR trumps the Half Speed. 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks again for watching! 🤟🏻
@@fidelios_frequency Thanks Arnaldo for the response! Ha, I think Ive talked about the Mofi controversy in posts so much now that what I wrote has nearly became instinct lol.
That is interesting what you mention concerning Patricks audiophile challenges. I have found just the opposite to be true. For everyone of the digital rips I havs listened to the same conclusion has applied when I have played the versions on my home system. There is no wrong, right or my ears are better than your ears in this. That is totally subjective and should be respected.
What I would offer is this..
1)When I do listen I am listening for specific obvious sound quality paramter aspects
2) If a sample does not pass those aspects then no need to move on to the smaller aspects
3)I have found, without fail, that these obvious sound quality parameter aspects are found in the digital rips and in like with when I am playing the said version at home.
Also related, I do wonder if there could be a lacking of like foundation concerning what to listen for and to concerning sound. In other words if one doesnt know what to listen for objectively then perhaps this affects the subjective. And how can we all get on the same page as to what the foundations of what we are hearing are?
Take for instance, noise reduction. I can describe this sound quality to a person, but until they actually hear it, then how would they know? And without knowing will a person know what is missing or negatively added? Etc etc on many other sound quality factors.
Basically what I am yammering on about is the objective vs the subjective and how, in my opinion, the cart is placed before the horse. An established foundational judgement first then peppered with our own subjective conclusion would seem to me to be the best approach.
What is a bass cloud? What does it sound like? What does overcompression sound like? Well, then we have a foundation when we know these things. Which then leade to common ground. Now, I may like that overcompression and you like less. That is subjective. But with a foundation of knowing what a bass cloud is and sounds like at least we can know what each other is talking about as we move on to the subjective.
The UHQRs are a curious product to me. For instance, the Hotel California cant even be compared in some ways imo because it is so different. Its like sitting down in the middle of the band compared to say the DCC that sounds like the band is more in front of you. The latter a more musical experience and the former more academic and analytical (a bit of hyperbole there I admit). As a musician I appreciate both. Its cool to hear all the detail in spite of maybe the frog being dissected a bit more and yet with the DCC I can just sit back and enjoy the musicality due to the balance and tonality.
Another thing that seems to be a phenomenon that others also have expressed is that the UHQRs can almost be a shock to the point of over stimulation. Then as we listen more our minds ear adjusts and we begin to like the UHQR more.
Ok, if youve read my rambling this far I appreciate your time! Ha. Thanks for the interaction and discussion thus far 👍🏻
John
@@FleagleSangria Yes it always comes down to the personal preference. If only we could have the luxury of being in the studio where the final mixing was done for every record. In the end isn’t that sound what the artist intended? Any product after that final mix is an interpretation or an adaptation to the format intended for reproduction.
I tend to enjoy the more analytical type of sound except when the details become too distracting from the whole musical experience. I like the feeling of being in the (middle of) room where the music had been recorded so I enjoy the wider and deeper type of sound stage. But it also depends on the type of music and recording. A record like MBV Loveless doesn’t need to be “analytical”, actually I think it would ruin it.
I appreciate your youtube posting - looks like a nice vinyl channel, all the best with it
I find the HC 1 Step doesn’t measure up to other HC releases. The Original Sterling, Grey RTi and especially the stellar DCC are more natural.
There’s a new kid in town (HC MF 1S)
I don’t want to hear it
This Mofi HC is clinical sounding - overly detailed, tonally off, too far forward in my neutral system
My comments have nothing to do with a digital DSD step - the Miles Davis 1960s DSD 64 are the definitive copies (I keep buying them) as are a few of the 1 steps. Mofi tends to placed an unnatural audio sheen on many of their One Steps but not other titles. Do they have to make them sound different to attract audiophiles?
Who was the guy saying the record was perfect?
Did I miss something?
The Steve Hoffman / Kevin Gray DCC is wonderful, natural, warm. everything in it’s place, relaxed, emotional
There is a good reason why it is highly sought after
The Eagles Debut One Step is great - I consider it the definitive release bar none
That success is why I bought One of these Nights and CSN even knowing they were DSD.
Both were terrible, etched, no midrange, sterile detail.
HC leans closer to the Eagles debut but it is a little fatiguing
On certain systems what I find bright might sound just right
Ymmv
Thank you for a nice review and channel
Agreed that the HC 1S Is very detailed but I don’t find it fatiguing on my system. I felt like a veil was lifted from my US OG. I’m intrigued by the digital rip of the DCC that I heard. I have to admit that I like it as well.
The guy in the clips I used is Michael Ludwigs from 45RPM channel. He considers himself an audiophile. He used to rave about MoFi (and One Steps) until he found out about DSD. Now he shuns them. The clips I inserted are from the first two Eagles 1S he reviewed.
Thank you for your comments and for your support.
The DCC is well worth hunting down if you love HC. Be prepared to open your wallet though.
That is the same guy who was inexperienced with original pressings, had disdain for them and wouldn’t consider listening to them a year ago.
@@fidelios_frequencywrote: "Agreed that the HC 1S Is very detailed but I don’t find it fatiguing on my system."
Which brings up an important question for some of us, could you list what your system consists of for those of us who are new to your channel?
Thanks in advance!
@LetThereBeSound1 My system set up is listed in the description of the “Stop Making Sense” video on my channel.
@@fidelios_frequencyThank you! 👍
I consider myself an audiophile, but do not let the digital step in MOFI records dissuade me from purchasing vinyl music I want. MOFI records are of much higher quality than the digital records you buy at Walmart, Target, or Barnes and Noble. I buy Analog Production, and Speakers Corner, as well. I let my ears determine good records from not so good records.
Exactly, it comes down to what your ears enjoy.
I would always wait for some reviews before dropping over a hundred dollars on a single album FOMO has a lot to do with people just blindly buying these albums without knowing what they’re actually getting!!
I buy music that moves my soul! That transports me to another time and place. Music has the ability to transcend generations. I love my vinyls and have every Eagles MoFi One Steps and they are all fantastic!!
I have to the Eagles debut as well on MoFi One Step. Both excellent!
The price is the problem, not the fact that it’s DSD.
That’s also true.
Remember when it was about enjoying the music? I do. Now? Depends on the day, the topic, and the channel. I used to think the stereotypical curmudgeon record store owner made collecting unfun (at times). But that ethos has sadly permeated to areas of this vinyl community. Jury is out on how that plays out. 🤷🏻♂️
It’s definitely about the music. However anyone wants to enjoy it. 🤷🏻♂️
Enjoyed the video and your comments, you’re right of course, it should be about whether you enjoy the pressing and not what process was, having said that, if budget allows I will always try and buy analogue over digital.
I have many Mofi’s and like Mike45rpm I was pretty disappointed when I found out they’d included a digital step over the last few years, but the pressings for the most start still sound fantastic and my enjoyment of them hasn’t lessened. I’ve no doubt the decision not to be transparent at the time didn’t come from the mastering room, but was made by a bunch of marketing executives sitting in a boardroom.
Where I have an issue with Mike is he seems to have embarked on a crusade to vilify Mobile Fidelity at any opportunity, even if it contradicts previous statements he’s made. We’re all entitled to change our minds sure, but for Mike it seems to have become personal. Unfortunately, for me anyway, it’s made what was a very enjoyable channel, something I watch very little now.
We share the same experience and opinions. M45rpm was one of the first VC channels I subscribed to and watched. I was part of the OBC up until a few months ago. Now I barely watch the channel. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.
I think you miss the point. The word is INTEGRITY.
Not sure I understand what you mean.
Just to be clear, @11:45 the @Michael45RPM clip(s) you "borrowed" for this video are opinions that Michael made over a year ago which applied to the first two Eagles MOFI One-Steps titles? Correct?
I wished you would be more clear about this because the way you've used the clips make it sound *as if* @Michael45RPM is endorsing the latest MOFI One-Step Hotel California title, which as far as I've been able to discern, he has not. At least, not yet.
Respectfully,
Oz
LTBS
That is correct. All of the clips are from his review of the first two Eagles MoFi. He holds them up in the end of the video. That is pretty clear also in light of the narrative I am making in the video. Nothing was implied. Your interpretation is subjective not objective.
All I am saying is that if the sound of DSD was “outstanding” for the first 2 releases why should he not even listen to the newest One Step releases? Especially because initially he stated in the clip that “oh I will then get them (all)”.
@@fidelios_frequencyI wouldn't have assumed that when Michael45RPM states “oh I will then get them (all)” that that’s the same as him saying: “oh I will then *like* them (all)”. But that's just me.
Please do not take my comment as a personal attack. It was more of a helpful suggestion.
Look, I can tell you did not mean any ill will and that this was done 'tongue in cheek' as you told someone else. But I can assure you those not paying *closer attention* will be left thinking that Michael45RPM did in fact endorse this MOFI Hotel California One-Step release and that ain't right. Let's allow Michael45RPM opine whenever he's good and ready.
Best regards!
@@LetThereBeSound1I added a note in the description to further address any concern regarding any misinterpretation regarding the “borrowed” clips. You’re the only person so far that has pointed that out. Thanks.
BTW, I meant to ask you, Are you the Oswaldo that Scott Wilson mentions often?
@@fidelios_frequency Yes
I wasn't impressed with this one. I like that DCC gold CD from back in the day best.
come on dude unsubscribing terrible
Bye Felicia 👋🏻