I don’t think you can really lose buying mofi or analogue productions releases. The sound is unbelievable and you are pretty much guaranteed at the very least to get your money back if you are buying them upon their release/rerelease 🙂
The Analogue Productions versions are pretty darn amazing and less pricey. Texas Flood is still available from Acoustic Sounds for normal retail. I have the AP 45rpms and one-steps of TF an CSTW, but can't give you a comparison as I haven't opened the MOFI's yet.... But it's har to imagine how the AP's could be improved upon.
This is amazing, I never knew about the one step process before. The only MOFI pressing I have is Dark Side of the Moon and it’s unbelievable. I can’t imagine how good it would sound with the one step process
In general, the high-end reissues are definitely worth the money in my experience. Don't have any Mofi records yet, but I have several from Analogue Productions and they have all been amazing. If you're into jazz, the Blue Note Tone Poet and Classic series records are outstanding as well. Great video, really digging your channel. Also located in Michigan!
I think the Impulse jazz reissues are worth a listen too. I have their new pressing of The Blues and The Abstract Truth and it's my best sounding record
Thanks for the review. I have the uhqr of axis bold as Love. The slight split on the inner sleeve/jacket and the scuffs though would personally cause me to consider sending the record back. For that price, it should all be perfect. But it is a hassle to send it back etc.
I've been informed that I can ask for a new sleeve (which is great) but I didn't even think about that originally as these albums are long gone. I didn't think any kind of replacement was available. I'll see what Mofi says.
Imperfections in vinyl are EXPECTED and as long as it is not detrimental to the sound, these marks are nothing to worry about and every vinyl manufacturer will tell you this. If you can't handle imperfections in vinyl... you are purchasing the wrong format.
@@Licoricedisc well there should be higher expectations at the premium price. That's all I'm saying. If you're gonna charge 4-5 times more and claim you are releasing a product that will be better than the multitude of 30 dollar copies, then your quality control should be higher.
Heard about your channel through 33 RPM Congrats on your channel. I can only imagine that the 1 steps must sound awesome. I'm Canadian and to purchase a 1 step comes to roughly $215.00 including shipping way to expensive. Then comes customs and taxes another $50.00 grand total of $265.00
My mum bought the original pressings from back in the day. I lost my mum the year before last so got her vinyl. The originals aren’t as good as the MOFI ones in my opinion
Well, you know, I have a 1989 Record Shop display for Queen's "The Miracle" album on my wall and it clearly says " CD £9.99. LP/Cass £5.99". That sounds about right to me! :-) Fascinating and informative video Chris. Thank You!
another excellent video. Love the Maiden t-shirt. I do not have any of the MoFi albums. Maybe I should check one out. You have piqued my interest. The SRV album was a great choice. Love that album! Thanks!
They are indeed fine albums, but there has been a lot of controversy after discovering Mofi has been using a digital source to make them. Their advertising said otherwise. Personally, I'd still pick one up I think but not at the price their asking. It's just too much for a digitally sourced record.
I came to the Mofi thing after this record sold out... paid a LOT more than a 'buck and a a quarter" lol. But having seen SRV live twice (or 3 times if you count the time we snuck into the auditorium and listened to the sound check the afternoon before the concert), those concerts being the most transformative musical experiences of my life, I was prepared to spend whatever I needed to, to get as close as I could to being transported back to those moments.
The most I have paid for a record was $100 for an original first pressing of Black Sabbath: Vol. 4. It was still sealed, with the original $3.94 K-Mart price tag on it. I could not resist having the chance to "first play" an original Metal record nearly as old as me. I even had a listening party so that many people could experience the virgin recording. Now...if only MoFi were to release an entire series of Metal albums!!! I have several of their $50 releases in my collection, and they never dissapoint.
Record Nerd Talk is music to my ears! I actually dug up a Dire Straits Quiex II “Brothers In Arms” and SRV “ Couldn’t Stand The Weather” last weekend. $3 each! SRV’s jacket was VG but the vinyl was NM, couldn’t believe it. Scored a Police “Synchronicity” Quiex II there as well, very random.
Hi Chris, Just subscribed to your channel thanks to a referral from Frank Landry/Channel 33RPM. I grew up in western Michigan & the Soo. Great channel you have here! Mofi is great, but I don’t like buying 45RPM versions when using a TT with a record clamp. Like other comments below, I too like Analog Productions and Blue Note/Tone Poet pressings. Recently, I’ve focused on buying used Japanese vinyl from Japan via Discogs. The supplier has quality LPs, the album jackets are in terrific shape and inner sleeves are not paper. Shipping with DHL adds to the cost, but to me it’s an investment. No pops or clicks just quiet surfaces. Obi strips too. Be well.
Hey, thanks for coming over. Frank has been very helpful to me. I've looked at Japanese pressings, but from what I hear they just don't have the punch and dynamics of other pressings. I'll be testing that theory before long.
finally a not teeanger AND well produced channel, great style, keep on with the mofi unboxings, dont make 30min videos and you will be fine, already subscribed :)
Another Michigander here! Nice work! I got back into vinyl a couple of years ago and have been hurting as the cost of vinyl is high. But I found quickly that not all vinyl is created equally. Getting into jazz, I have enjoyed the Blue Note Tone Poet series and have purchased a number of $50+ 45RPM reissues including the Mofi miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I sort of went through the same progression as you, and did buy the Charles Mingus, Ah um OneStep. I never thought I would spend that much on an album. But it’s the most dynamic and rich sounding album I own. Thanks for the video!!
I just bought a MoFi RIAA. So much better then the build in I had in my NAD C368. Sold the C368 and got a NAD C700..that have a better DAC and with the MoFi RIAA, the sound is now amazing. Finally :) So I'm a fan of MoFi..Will dig deeper into their stuff!
Love the channel. SE Michigan here. I have the same shirt. I have about 40 MoFis myself and a couple of the 1Steps. The Blood On The Tracks is amazing! It's like listening it to again for the first time. You can contact MoFi and they will send you a replacement sleeve at no cost.
I’ve been down the rabbit hole of audiophile labels for about two years now, they’re all fantastic and worth the money. Many are also great investments depending on the limited run - just check some of the eye watering secondary market pricing on Discogs. Great vid
I payed $40 for a double LP of mgmt's Congratulations. It's incredible. There's also a track all on it's own on side B because it's 12 minutes long but I love when records are printed with the ideal length in consideration
great channel, great production, just binge watched all your videos on Sunday Morning with coffee. Learned a lot, chuckled a few times, smiled a lot - was entertained. Keep it up, subbed and liked :)
Looks like much better presentation, quality and package for $125 than wasting $550 for an ERC premium collectable pressing. I bought a MoFi pressing of Elvis In Memphis 41 years ago. Still got it and it's still in excellent condition. I've only come back into vinyl collecting and i was surprised that MoFi still existed and has become a very big player since. Great video, very enjoyable, thanks. From Australia......(where nothing is available).....
I'm always curious, as to how one of these type of pressings compares to early, original pressings. Not so much on the quality of the vinyl or pressing itself, because these are surely better, but I'm concerned that after many years, sometimes as many as 40-50, that the original master tapes have worn in ways that can't be repaired in a fully analog process. Case in point, although my example isn't on "audiophile vinyl", is the recent Traffic 180g 6-LP box set. Yes, the packaging is lovely, the records look gorgeous, and even the mixes reveal more detail than my originals, but there is some noticeable distortion in some of the hotter elements that make me prefer the originals, even with their higher noise floor and play wear.
I've often wondered that as well. It almost seems like 6 in one half a dozen in the other in some ways. The originals have the better source material but noisy vinyl, the newer ones have the better vinyl but the degraded source material. The sacrifices we make for analog sound.
@@thevinylattack exactly, which is why I try my best to find really clean early pressings of my favorite records, but sometimes availability and or cost is just too prohibitive. For example, I've had several decent copies of Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection, even an early Uni, but VG+ to NM copies go for crazy money, so I opted for the recent 50th anniversary 180g reissue and its actually very good.
Had pink Floyd's "Dark side of the Moon"O.M.R. and sold it on eBay for $90. I probably picked it up for less than $20 at Second and Charles. Didn't realize it was worth so much. Was just selling off some of my duplicate records( the DSotM that I retained is not O.M.R.). I replace all the inner sleeves for records I plan to keep with O.M.R. inner sleeves. If I remember correctly, I paid more than $400 USD for the Laura Pausini best of Box set( I believe I had to purchase it from Amazon UK). Since than My enthusiasm for stuff like that has simmered down quite a bit and I probably wouldn't pay that much for a vinyl. Too be fair it was a four disc set.
I have some MOFI pressings. Bill Evans, Weezer (I have the standard black and marbled blue), Bob Dylan, Super Fly OST and just picked up Derek and the Dominos and Ry Cooter. I also pre-ordered Kind of Blue and the 1 Step of Janis Joplin - Pearl.
125 dollars for music on vinyl which will inevitably gather dust, static, and scratches unless you handle it like some holy relic all the time which comes with damage to the sleeve out of the box seems like a whole lot, coincidentally I bought 4 albums from HR Records last week, they cost me around 110 Euros including shipping which was 19 Euros, 125 Dollars is 113 Euros right now so that's about the same price, they each come with a big poster of the album art, antistatic sleeves, photos and a small booklet which tells you about the album and the band, and they're all limited editions, with no more than 1000 being made of each, they look and sound great. Having said that, if Mofi ever pressed any albums I'm really fond of, I'd probably buy them too, so I don't blame you. Excellent video by the way, a channel with production quality like this deserves more subscribers, I guess the intricacies of vinyl are a bit of a niche topic, so growth is a little slower.
@@thevinylattack Judging by all the old second hand records I own, common sense isn't very common, even after a thorough cleaning using the recommended methods they're still full of pop and cracks, they're mostly metal records from the 80's however, very thin, maybe that has something to do with it?
Great video, I sincerely hope that you love it, I have feeling that you will. I've bought quite a few MOFI 'Original Master Recordings" they are fantastic, whether or not the double 45s are that much better than the 33 is matter for debate, they are great but there are plenty of other fantastic audiophile pressings from the likes of Analogue Productions, Speakers Corner and ORG. The best sounding record that heard until recently was the ORG pressing of Jeff Buckley's Grace and a very honourable mention to the Neil Young Archive pressed at Pallas in Germany reissues of his first four solo LPs (Neil Young, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, After The Goldrush and Harvest). In early 2020 I decided to bite the bullet and bought the MOFI one step of Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks, having owned several Audiophile pressings previously including the MOFI OMR 33 from 2013, the one step was freaking amazing, simply the best record I've heard (in pure audio terms). I live in the UK and this cost me £150 which is very close to $200! However I was that impressed that I purchased the one step pressing of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, which is also mind-blowing, a couple of weeks later. I actually can't wait for more titles that I love to become available. Yes they are very expensive, but so is a decent MC cartridge, so is a decent phono stage, a pre-amp, power amps, speakers to me these things are worth the money.
I'm definitely a fan of the one steps now. I couldn't be happier with the SRV I have and I'm now looking up the back catalog. They get pricey, but I still think it's worth it.
@@thevinylattack they don’t seem to hang around for long, the Dylan Blood on the Tracks was sold out within a few months of issue and is fetching silly money from flippers. I wished I’d bought a few now 😁
Yes, I have some of MoFi's releases. I have a silver label LP pressing of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Street Survivors. Several of their Firesign Theatre releases on standard silver aluminum foil, and two of their Ultradisc UHR Gain 2 SACDs. One being They Only Come Out At Night, the other is Blood, Sweat & Tears 3. I do not have a proper SACD player, however they do sound superb through my BluRay player.
Thank you, very much for putting up your channel; the topics are great and the comments very insightful. My first MFSL purchase was a Crime of the Century; I have to admit I was a bit embarrassed to say that I spent USD 80 on eBay for an used album. However, it was worth it: the depth, the soundstage, and the sound are just stunning; from there, it’s been downstream with MFLS. I’ve purchased some out of print MFSL releases (e.g. Genesis, A Trick of the Tail) and some of the recent silver label and original masters ranging from B-52’s to Derek and the Dominos, Billy Joel and Dire Straits. Certainly worth the money, no question about that. I wanted Yes’ Fragile one-step so badly that I went to eBay and got it for a couple hundred bucks: some (very minor) details in the internal packaging, were forgotten after listening. I’ve also purchased some hybrid SACD Hybrids and they are fantastic. There’s a lot of CD vs vinyl snobbery these days, and while I love vinyl, the truth is that a vinyl (or a CD) is as good as the master recording. While some argue (with good reasons) that nothing equals vinyl, on MoFi hybrid SACDs you get the MoFi sound, period. After listening to MoFi’s Brother in Arms release on vinyl and CD, the case was closed . Hybrid SACDs and LPs are not the same thing, but these guys at MoFI have made every effort to ensure that, whatever the format you get the best experience. There’s actually an added advantage to having MoFi release Hybrid SACDs : if you came late to the party and couldn’t buy Ah-Um Mingus, Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks or Santana’s Abraxas, having them on MoFi’s SACDs is the next best thing (minus the gorgeous packaging) at a fraction of the price.
I'm certain I'll be looking at an SACD player at some point. I have a very large catalog of CD's and think it's silly to ignore a format because of snobbery. I listen to music to be happy, not argue with people. I'd imagine you're the same. Thanks for dropping by.
@@thevinylattack I am the same, indeed! I found the cost-benefit of SACD player is very low. I decided to put my money on a Rotel A11 after looking at a Primare and an Emotiva. Price points were different, but all had DACs (which in the end, is the core of the cd player).
I buy primarily audiophile pressings now. On my system the price is most certainly worth it for the sound quality. I have all but the first One-Step release. In addition to dozens of original MoFi pressings. To me these pressings are worth the price. I also recommend the UHQR from Analogue Productions, as well as all the AP 45 RPM pressings. But I also understand that these are not for everyone. Not everyone has the auditory acuity to hear the difference, or the system to reveal the differences.
My system: Rega RP-8 with Audiomods Series 6 arm and Hana Umami Red cartridge. Rothwell MCL step-up transformer into a Pro-ject Tube Box DS2 with Genelux Gold Lion gold pin tubes. Schiit Freya+ pre-amp with 60's vintage GE tubes. Balanced Mogami gold cables to a Schiit Lokius EQ. Same cabling to two Parasound A-23 amps in bridged mono mode, driving two B&W 706S2s, and an SVS PB-1000 sub to fill in that bottom end the B&Ws cannot quite hit. It is a very revealing and accurate sounding system.
Acoustic Sounds does have better packaging with their UHQR, one step process. Their last one was Jethro Tull's "Aqua Lung", which I missed out on, but I have the mofi pressing. I have a total of 6 onesteps, including that Stevie Ray Vaughan that you just showed. These sell out very quickly. Acoustic Sounds next offering will be by Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I have tons of mofi pressings. Do you remember the original white label mofi, then came the thicker black labeled one, which we no and love.
I've seen that label, but I've also only just really started paying attention to Mofi stuff. It was off my radar as my system just wouldn't have done it any good.
I've paid triple digits for 12" single releases more than once. Will I ever get that back on the open market? Highly unlikely. But I've also paid next to nothing for records worth the triple digit range. I'm not gonna claim "it evens out" because it clearly doesn't. But do you look upon your records as an investment vehicle, or a lifetime's interest and passion? Viewed as a whole & factoring the hours and years of pleasure, enjoyment & pride, our hobby is no more or less expensive than any other really. Great channel, by the way. I'm a newcomer now gonna look into possibly picking up a static meter if they arwn't too dear :) I have an old 1970s Zerostat equivalent & keen to see if it still works (or ever did). Love your channel & glad to be aboard. Full marks for the Trooper T- shirt too, how about Killers and/or Women in Uniform next? ;) Best wishes from the UK.
I buy records for me and the enjoyment of music so I don't worry about the second hand market very much. I'm glad you like the channel, welcome aboard!
Great video - I like your presentation style a lot. I own a lot of “audiophile” records from many different labels. I’m a jazz lover so when Mingus Ah Um came to One Step I bought it. Part of me was hoping that it was going to be snake oil - fancy clear vinyl in luxury packaging. But then I listened to it and MY GOD. I have never - NEVER - heard a record sound as good as that. You don’t just hear the music, you hear each individual player, and the room that they are in. Bearing in mind that it’s a 62 year old, 3 track recording, it’s like being there. I paid a huge amount of money for it (I live in the UK so there’s an import levy, so I paid just shy of £200), but it’s the best thing that I own and, I believe, the best that the record has ever sounded on any recording outside of the master tape. I hope your experience with SRV is similar.
I’m glad! They are stunning. Worth remembering that most records out there that are very pricey in their original form were never designed to be played on high end gear anyway - they were made to sound good on consumers’ gear. I believe that the rule of thumb is that classical records sound incredible, but jazz (as an example) rolled off a lot of top and bottom anyway. But the One Steps are something else. They’re crazy good. But it’s okay. We don’t really need two kidneys anyway.
Just Got SACD MOFI The SKY Is Crying. Love it. I have recently been buying DSD Albums. Bought The LP In your hand ON DSD and its wonderful. Hello From Michigan Brother...
Have you listened to any of the 45RPM reissued albums? They sound amazing, at least the ones I have, IMHO. All of these exceed your $30 ceiling unfortunately.
I don’t know about you guys, but living in EU, the cheapest new records in stores are $24-30. If you want something rare/specific you have to shop on discogs + delivery + customs. I don’t know if my music taste consists of what happens to be rare records, but it’s hard for me to find stuff I really want for cheaper than $60.
I have several LPs by Analogue Productions and MoFi. I've been very pleased with the overall quality and sound of most of them. I've only had a couple that left me going, eh. I'm a big fan of Linda Ronstadt. So I had to go for all the MoFis of hers, except I missed out on their "Simple Dream." I did get that by Analogue Productions (45 rpm). I knew her music inside and out. I have to say that these "audiophile" editions were great. While closing my eyes and listening to them I could feel the smile spreading across my face. Yeah, it was like having her in the room. I was hearing detail I hadn't heard before. That being said these recordings have to be albums I would play over and over in order to plunk down that kind of money. I've been enjoying your channel. Really like your forthright get right to it style. Keep up the good work.
Oh man, I'm such a sucker for really nice packaging like this. Very, very nice. I'm getting ready to head over to their site right now and see what they have... I bought Michael Jackson's Thriller back in the day on vinyl that was from their half-speed mastered line. That was pretty nice. I don't think I've had any of the other Mofi vinyl releases. I also picked up Queen's A Day At the Races on their Ultradisc CD. I actually wasn't that impressed with that release. I had Pink Floyd's The Wall on Ultradisc. Now, that one sounded nice. In fact, my only copy of that LP is a rip of that CD. One of the best-sounding albums I've ever had, though, was a non-Mofi, DVD-A of Wish You Were Here. Great sounding disc.
Just found your channel today, and love the content! You should talk about some of the acoustic sounds UHQRs as well. Would love to see a side by side comparison, considering they are similar prices to the one steps
As I get some of those in my collection I certainly will. I generally try to stick to things I have in hand or a good deal of experience with. I'm glad you like the channel!
Mofi are truly amazing!!! Granted you are paying more in most cases....most mofi hold value, and frequently increase rapidly, once the go out of print. Take care of it and at some point you will call it an "investment" lol. I have never noticed a significant difference with the Original compared to the Silver labels. I guess it is kind of hard to compare without having the same album on both labels. The SACDs are really cool as well. Been very happy with those. Just so darn expensive, but the same thing with holding value as the lps. Another very solid pressing if you are one on a budget, like myself, is Music On Vinyl pressings. I refer to those as the poor man's mofi. Consistently solid sounding pressing and usually at a $25-30 price point. Vinyl is great with them, always have amazing glossy sleeves that you have to even touch because your fingerprint show up, but other than that pretty plain packaging so you are not going to get extra goodies with MOV. Just a beautiful cover, great vinyl, and wonderful selection of titles that are in many cases hard to find.
Sony Blu-Ray players can play SACDs! I don't know if they're as good as a standalone SACD player, but mine is fantastic. I have a Sony BDP-S5100 and love how versatile it is.
For $125, that inner sleeve cracking and surface scuffing are unacceptable. I understand you being fine with it, but I doubt I would be. Great shirt btw. I was in junior high when Piece of Mind came out. Brings back a lot of memories!
I'm not thrilled with the crack, but I can't hold Mofi accountable for everything. Who knows how our wonderful post office handled that box once it left. On the plus side they are looking to see if they have another sleeve for me.
I have been by mofi for 35 years I like them all except for this silver label I have a video on that you might want to watch it This was very well done video congratulations
Perfect sound does exist. It's just almost impossible to get close to it. But, then you could argue, that if it then gets better after what you consider perfect. Then maybe it then wasn't perfect? Interesting.
Those scuffs you see, I wonder if they are present on the original lacquer. I see them often and they never seem to affect the sound, which makes me think they are present before the lathe cutting.
I got an email from MoFi yesterday saying Miles Smiles was back in stock. I was checking out and it sold out. Arrrrggghhhh! I still haven’t opened my Charles Mingus One Step. I won it for $20 in a raffle. This was after barely missing it for retail (the guy sold it while I was on my way to his shop) and passing on paying $250 for it. I also got the Run DMC. That was strictly as an investment and I haven’t opened it yet. I’m prob going to hold onto it for a few years till it gets real hard to find.
I worry a little that more and more people will buy the Mofi stuff just to re-sell later on. Ebay is flooded with the Run DMC right now which makes me wonder who's actually listening to it?
MoFi along with Analogue Productions along with a few others are really making high-quality products for us Vinyl freaks. Even if 125 dollars is pretty much for one record, but you get a product in the best possible way. It's like buying a fiat at the flea market, a Volkswagen Passat at the record store, a Porche at normal Mofi, and a Tesla or Rolls when we are talking One-Step :) I only got one so far but I will probably buy more in the future when the titles are in my valley. Thanks for a great video!
I'm pretty much in the same camp with you, the high end records are worth the money if you like the band and have a system that will help you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by!
I never think about Remaster ( means its been equalised ) I only buy Reissues { close to original as can be } period. If you have a modern stereo you can EQ your system how you think you like the sound anyway .
DBX beats 1/2 Speed mastering (tho' often, they were 1/2 speed as well.) •Have several Original Master Recordings, including the CD of Year of the cat. when I wrote them, about it just sounding like a CD...THEY SENT ME THE RCA standard release. wow! I ate crow. It was a night/day difference.
I had just obtained my mofi copy of THE SISTERS OF MERCY's "First, Last And Always" LP (silver stripe) and was definitely impressed! I also own an Abbey Road 45rpm half speed copy of ENO's "Here Come The Warm Jets" and am quite satisfied with that 2xLP as well! I also highly recommend/prefer mofi inners over a standard paper inner all day everyday. 👍
Just found you today. Subscribed. I have Yes Fragile and Texas Flood on one step. The Texas Flood was sent to me free by the retailer when I ordered the Fragile, yes I know, FREE!! They both sound great, But the Fragile is out - of - this - world . The bass? Oh my heavens it sends chills. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favour and give it a go.
Just bought "Live 2002" by Mika Vainio, Ryoji Ikeda and Alva Noto press by Noton German label. I paid way more I usually spend for one single record but man, what sound comes from that vinyl. As many things in life you get what you pay for. Great video. Thank you for sharing
I have the SRV Couldn't Stand The Weather and i would absolutely buy another, IF it were an album by an artist I love and would listen to often. So I prolly won't be pre ordering the Blood Sweet and Tears or Carol King (although I do have the MoFi numbered Original Master pressing from last year), but the Muddy Waters they have in the One Step queue. Enjoying your channel and looking forward to new content! GO WINGS!!!
I'm right there with you when it comes to buying an album I know I'll love. The Muddy Waters would be one for sure. As a season ticket holder, I'll always be a fan but the Wings sure are making it difficult these days lol.
We pretty much get ripped off here in Australia a bit on new releases.. the latest Lana Del Rey I've paid $65 AUD ($50 USD) as a pre order, and that is for a one record. Prior to covid, I bought more online to get records cheaper, but the longer delivery times (and risk of records arriving warped after taking two months) has meant I have been looking more locally. Have been supporting one particular local record shop where I can get new records as cheap as $35 AUD or averaging around $45 AUD (or $35 USD).
I got myself the standard Phonogram release of the Dire Straits album and that is already a pretty good-sounding record. I've got ro try to get my hands on one of the MoFi releases.
6/15/2021- Is there an update video? Would you pruchase the Mo-Fi One Step 45RPM again? How was the sound quality?Your viwers (me) want to know Thank you Vinyl Attack. I'm glad I subscribe to your channel. Very interesting topics. :)
Question, after you clean your vinyl ....specifically with something like this 45RPM Supervinyl - do you continue to use the original MOFI inner sleeve they provided or do you sleeve in a new sleeve? I would imagine a new sleeve, but lately I have received a bunch of records that have nice inner sleeves, but after I clean the record I dont want to continue using the original one thinking it was full of the original dust. Great stuff love the channel!
I don't have a MoFi vinyl but I have several of their SACDs (including lots of Dire Straits albums) SACD player can be very expensive or pretty darn cheap. I've bought several Sony SACD run of the mill 5 disc players as they were less than $10 bucks each. Yes, some might have issues switching to SACD layer when putting an hybrid disc (but 95% of SACD are hybrid so..). I'd recommend you check your local thrift stores or CL listings, you might find something cheap to get you started. I'd send you one but shipping is going to be outrageous. I recently "upgraded" to a Marantz single disc player which very nice and seems a step above (for $50) Now, finding cheap SACD discs is going to be another issue. BTW, they just re-issued PF - Wish you were here SACD, now is the time to get it for a reasonable price Now, if I could find the Dead Can Dance SACDs I'm missing for a reasonable price....
@@thevinylattack im the same really to ,scope in differences is hi fidelity ,insecurity in ourselves blocks hi fidelity to much anyway,its comforting to know how hi our systems can go but really content rules me over how good or bad my system is or the quality of recording ,just look at how slap dash the cables and set up let it be was created in ...the magic is there ,thats what i want and my system lets me experience it .
The average price of a record in 1977 was $6.99 it works out at about $31.00 in todays prices and you get better quality now so I would say they are cheaper.
I got back into record collecting just before the Bill Evans One-Step was released (I purchased my copy during the pre-order period). Since that time, I have added not only that One-Step to my collection, but also the Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks", Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", and Mingus's "Ah-Um". Each one of them is stellar. Top of the line sound reproduction, in my experience listening to them in comparison to an OG or reissue copy. They definitely set the standard for optimal sound quality, and so to me are definitely worth the $125 price tag. I own quite a number of other "standard" (Original Master Recording) MoFi records as well, and they too have been a step above the rest. The only exception, I would say, is MoFi's Billy Joel Greatest Hits Vol. I and II release, and that is only because they replaced the original live version of "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" with the less desirable studio version. Why they did that, I can't say. But yeah, all in all, MoFi is a consistently reputable resource for very high quality records.
I have invested in a ton of MOFI records in the last year . Great review the best I seen. You could get job with them in the future. I have had a similar issue with slight damage to the cover. I believe they will send out a replacement cover if you email Them. Be great if you might cover some of the Verve 45 rpm Jazz series?. Although might be a bit tame for your possible rocker taste. Keep up the great reviews
Let me start by stating I own 2800 (approximately) LP's. It was in the early 80's that someone played an LP for me on a relatively new to the market, LinnSondek LP12. I was hooked. Just for laughs, the bulk of my collection (about 65%) were garnered at garage sales in the 80's, 90's and first decade of 2000 for pennies on the dollar. But how much to spend on an LP? What a thought provoking question. How about a scenario. I own a Japanese pressing of In The Court of the Crimson King (bought new in 1981) that is mint. It sounds good but when I went on a forum that discussed the relative merits of this LP and the various pressings, the conclusion was that the only copy to own was an original Pink Label Island pressing. Trouble was, $800 in VG+ condition. Well that was until the ever diligent Mr. Fripp found the long lost Master Recording and remastered and remixed CORRECTLY! Apparently there had been a tape head alignment issue with all the U.S. pressings and then the Masters went mysteriously missing. As stated, Robert Fripp, after much searching, found them. It was reissued around 2012 or so and it is approximately $30. (I bought mine when they were still $22). Holy Merry Prankster Mr. Kesey. Unbelievable. And pressed on reasonably good vinyl at 180-200 grams. So I do not really know how much is too much. Any LP that is rare is invariably going to get rereleased and how far is one willing to go? Splitting single LP's into 2 and increasing the RPM speed to 45? So what is the most I have ever paid? I paid $68 in an EBay auction for a Mobile Fidelity pressing of Eat A Peach - Allman Brothers (now out of print). The fellow who sold it was not a seller who specialized in LP's and he described as "Mint" so I sent my bid with much fear and trepidation. Guess what? He was a great, honest seller. It was MINT.
You've had some good fortune with those LP's. Concerning how much is too much, I just go with what my Dad always told me: an item is only worth what someone will pay for it. Thanks for dropping by.
I spent $200 on the smashing pumpkins melancholy 2022 pressing today. It is spotless though and much better than the 2012 pressing. Sometimes the high cost is justified.
I guess if you're happy and can afford & justify the purchase, then cool. For me, a thrift store copy in decent condition is fine, and my original CD to me sounds stunningly good and cost me $2 :) great videos, many thanks.
Love the channel...love the reviews! I'm not sure if I would fork over $125 for a single album (double in the case of this SRV) I personally don't own any MoFi albums but I have acquired quite a few Music On Vinyl releases including SRV's Couldn't Stand The Weather and their pressings are excellent!
Some standard DVD and Blu Ray players in the past include SACD playback. I’m not sure about their sound quality but it’s worth a look. I got some of the Mobile Fidelity records in the 1980s. My equipment probably wasn’t good enough to reproduce what they had. Informative video on the current state of MoFi records.
@@thevinylattack Depending on your collection, you won't regret it. I've loved Arcam CD players for years (although they never seem to last long). When they released SACD/Streamer in a box a couple of years ago I bit. One of my most satisfying & rewarding gear purchases in 30 years at this game.
If you are thinking of buying any Mofi masters read the reviews first and check out the most recent official remasters of masters. Mofi were once the only source of premium quality recordings, but that has recently changed in some cases, the industry is finally catching up !! I own their catalogue releases from two well known bands (amongst a few others) along with original vinyl pressings and a ton of other reissues but some recently released official Hi-Res remasters blow them all out of the water !! I own a decent home recording studio and I have been arguing for years how bad official releases are even from sound producers who are supposed to be the best in the business !! MOfi put many to shame, they were the way albums should have sounded in the first place !!
I mean as an serious audiophile with an according system - I want them MoFi, Analogue Productions, Music Matters, etc. versions of the albums I love because their mastering and pressing is outstanding. Due to the principle of supply and demand lots of them are expensive, especially after they’re sold out and well, it certainly hurts but sometimes I need to spend up to 250€ on that. However, I am still always SUPER happy to buy from Pure Pleasure Records or Speakers Corner Records - those are 25€ and all analogue remastered from the original tapes with outstanding pressings. I hate that so many records are so expensive but in the end... if you can afford it... go for it as long as it’s still there.
Hey Chris great videos. I’ve got a couple different One Streps, Bob Dylan and Charles Mingus and really enjoy them. I really love MoFi OMR releases, especially the Billy Joel greatest hits in the Miles Davis kind of blue. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them! Well, maybe the INXS release, I’ve heard that sucked! LOL but that may have been the original recording that they couldn’t do anything with.
Its too bad the demand for this isnt there to make this truly profitable. That means only a handful of artists and albums we ever get this level of treatment. Though I suppose if you got deep enough pockets one could just walk up to Mofi and commision a private record.
How much is too much for a brand new record? I think it depends on one's gear. My gear is pretty average, so would I extract the amount of extra enjoyment one would expect for a buck and a quarter? Probably not. I'd be better served by buying a standard copy of a record and putting the extra dough into better gear that would make ALL of my records sound better, rather than just one pricey one. To each their own! It's a thought-provoking question. Cheers, Tom
Yeah, I'll pay $35 for a MoFi, Analogue Productions, or Speaker's Corner new record if it's an AAA production. What sucks is that Rhino often puts out albums that are as good quality and mastered by Kevin Grey who does some AP ones, but you're paying $20 for the Rhino vinyl instead of $35 for the AP one. I recently read a NYT article on the extent of the 2008 Universal fire, which said that their losses were severely underreported, and it's likely that almost all of the Chess original tapes are gone. That's how I justify paying $60 w/shipping from Europe for 2010-era Speaker's Corner AAA pressings of Chess records--though I'm only grabbing a handful of those. Many works from the 60s are entering the public domain in Europe, which I believe is how we've gotten an awful label like WaxTime selling so many classic records on Amazon. If labels only see the vinyl boom as a reason to collect more money from customers, they're not really any better than WaxTime. I'd argue labels really do need to make an effort to outdo themselves with repressing and repackaging the records. You're making people pay... probably the third or fourth time in their lives for the same albums on a different format. It better sound exceptional and be worth the trouble of shelling out $30 or more for a favorite record. Bjork did a similar thing with her catalogue in 2008 of one-step mastering 45rpm and I am kicking myself for not getting Homogenic, which goes for over $400 on Discogs now. I'd definitely recommend people getting 45rpm AAA versions of their favorite albums. There's not a lot that compares to relaxing and listening to the very best sounding version of your favorite album. It's a great, immersive experience.
I got the UHQR of Aqualung. The sound and packaging was worth the $150.00, but mine also arrived with a split along the top. It was more severe than yours so I sent it back and got a replacement. I'm willing to spend that kind of money for my top 25 albums of all-time. Not sure I would go beyond that.
I'm going to contact Mofi about the split, but if they don't have a replacement I'll just live with it. I think I'm with you as far as cost and albums. I can do $125 tp $150 for a high quality One Step for some of my absolute favorites, but it's not something I'd do every week.
The problem is the limited release. Yes, I have read about the process and understand the cost involved. But FOMO drives all the titles to be sold out probably during the preorder phase (simply a guess, I have no facts on this). And that rub on the jacket is not acceptable. I imagine they could simply send out a new jacket for that LP as the disc itself is fine. For that money I would hold their feet to the fire.
Mofi actually contacted me out of the blue after seeing the video and they're checking to see if they have any leftover jackets. I think that's a pretty class move.
Hey Chris, I do have a lot of mofi And pretty much you can’t go wrong there are a couple of titles that are not very good but that’s the case with pretty much every label. I’m sure I’ve got well over 100 mofis. I’ve been collecting vinyl since 2013 back then members of my audio group were getting rid of their vinyl collection I think streaming was just starting and of course digital files so these guys would bring boxes of records to the meats and they would sell them for like a dollar apiece I didn’t even have a turntable but I knew I wanted to get back in the vinyl having about 20 records from when I was little till CDs came to be. Lucky me I jumped back in just before the big vinyl resurgence I probably purchased 3or4 hundred records for a dollar or less apiece then some used some new I’ve got just about 700 entered into discogs if you’re not familiar with discogs definitely check that out it’s awesome anyways with all my vinyl categorized in discogs The site will tell you what your collection is worth at the high end it’s almost 10 times what I spent out-of-pocket. For instants I have all but two of the one steps unfortunately I’m missing the very first two which are now worth crazy money the very first one step Santana is now going for almost $2500 if you can believe that. If you have any questions feel free to ask me as I will be sure to ask you questions in the future have a good one🇺🇸👍
Took the leap for the one step Dylan blood on the tracks some minor issues with the packaging but the album is superb worth the bucks and also have a few of Elvis Costello's from a year and a half ago when they were on sale. Even the vintage mofi from 1978 Supertramp crime of the century and steely Dan's Asia / Alan Parsons iRobot and The Beatles Abbey road very awesome!
Have you seen the UHQR pressings from quality recordings and acoustic sounds? Same basic idea as they mofi one step but the vinyl has this glow in the dark vibe to it. If you can get your hands on the one step version of yes fragile I suggest you do, that sound on it is just amazing
I've heard of them, yes. Until recently I was putting all of my spare money in to my system. But now that I've heard what a top quality album can sound like, they're certainly on my radar.
Re the one-step, please ***throw away the foam insert***. I am a natural history museum curator, and have to deal with 30-40 year old "foam" in old shell collections, ranging from crumbly mess to sticky goo, depending on color. No foam is archival, so just get rid of it while it has not damaged anything yet. If you need a spacer, use archival, cotton rag mat board for picture framing. Can be obtained at art & crafts stores such Aaron's Brothers. Stay away from buffered boards (buffer capacity will eventually be exhausted) or foam boards (that foam is not archive either). I would consider trying one if they would ever release something that I am interested in. So far that has not happened. Additionally, they produce them in low editions, which is irritating. I think the most I've paid for a new record is ~$80, of which $55 was for shipping from Germany, itself rather outrageous. I wanted it, so I paid it. It's a free world. I mainly buy new releases (occasionally also pre-purchase) of new music on BandCamp, occasionally also directly from labels.
Back in the 80's, there was Quiex II vinyl pressings... I have a few. Slightly see through and very quiet. Well, worth seeking out. :)
I clicked because of your Trooper t shirt, I listened to the end because of your informative presentation. great video.
Thanks very much for that.
great song
You got me thinking about buying some MoFi releases again! That SRV looks amazing, but man... expensive!!! Great production on this vid, BTW.
Thanks Frank, I'm doing my best. The Mofi stuff is pricey, but if they come out with an absolute favorite I certainly think it's worth the cost.
I don’t think you can really lose buying mofi or analogue productions releases. The sound is unbelievable and you are pretty much guaranteed at the very least to get your money back if you are buying them upon their release/rerelease 🙂
Big fan of both of your channels!
The Analogue Productions versions are pretty darn amazing and less pricey. Texas Flood is still available from Acoustic Sounds for normal retail. I have the AP 45rpms and one-steps of TF an CSTW, but can't give you a comparison as I haven't opened the MOFI's yet.... But it's har to imagine how the AP's could be improved upon.
First time here. Love what you stand and speak of. Keep up the great work.
Much appreciated, thanks!
A friend of mine brought this over and hearing it helped me decide I would buy one if they release the right album (Aja or Court and Spark).
I definitely think the right album is a must for spending this kind of money.
This is amazing, I never knew about the one step process before. The only MOFI pressing I have is Dark Side of the Moon and it’s unbelievable. I can’t imagine how good it would sound with the one step process
I'm glad I was able to showcase something new for you. I'd love to hear that Floyd album, perhaps I'll start checking eBay and Discogs.
In general, the high-end reissues are definitely worth the money in my experience. Don't have any Mofi records yet, but I have several from Analogue Productions and they have all been amazing. If you're into jazz, the Blue Note Tone Poet and Classic series records are outstanding as well. Great video, really digging your channel. Also located in Michigan!
I have records for all the companies mentioned and they seem to be on my turntable more than most. Thanks for dropping by.
I think the Impulse jazz reissues are worth a listen too. I have their new pressing of The Blues and The Abstract Truth and it's my best sounding record
Whats a good store to find good pressing for dance and electronic music please?
@@kaynool8736 Thank you!
@@kaynool8736 Thanks, I will check them out
Just discovered your channel.....yeah you kick ass. Such high quality stuff. Love it
Thanks very much for that, I've been watching your stuff as well :-)
Hello from Ann Arbor, great video. Will be buying my first “One Step” next year.
I think you'll be quite impressed.
Thanks for the review. I have the uhqr of axis bold as Love. The slight split on the inner sleeve/jacket and the scuffs though would personally cause me to consider sending the record back. For that price, it should all be perfect. But it is a hassle to send it back etc.
I've been informed that I can ask for a new sleeve (which is great) but I didn't even think about that originally as these albums are long gone. I didn't think any kind of replacement was available. I'll see what Mofi says.
Imperfections in vinyl are EXPECTED and as long as it is not detrimental to the sound, these marks are nothing to worry about and every vinyl manufacturer will tell you this.
If you can't handle imperfections in vinyl... you are purchasing the wrong format.
@@Licoricedisc well there should be higher expectations at the premium price. That's all I'm saying. If you're gonna charge 4-5 times more and claim you are releasing a product that will be better than the multitude of 30 dollar copies, then your quality control should be higher.
@@murch13 Agreed 👍🏼
Heard about your channel through 33 RPM Congrats on your channel. I can only imagine that the 1 steps must sound awesome. I'm Canadian and to purchase a 1 step comes to roughly $215.00 including shipping way to expensive. Then comes customs and taxes another $50.00 grand total of $265.00
Hey, welcome aboard! The Canadian customers do get hit pretty hard with the prices for the one steps, it's a bummer.
I have 3 of the 45 rpm Mofi Dire Straits LPs. All sound fantastic, but the debut album is killer and Communique just blows me away.
I'll have to take a look at those and see what I can find. Thanks!
I need the first album and brothers in arms then I have them all
Buy the original pressings what you have are fakes
@@W12MODS I assure you, they're quite real and sound very, very good.
My mum bought the original pressings from back in the day. I lost my mum the year before last so got her vinyl. The originals aren’t as good as the MOFI ones in my opinion
Well, you know, I have a 1989 Record Shop display for Queen's "The Miracle" album on my wall and it clearly says " CD £9.99. LP/Cass £5.99".
That sounds about right to me! :-)
Fascinating and informative video Chris. Thank You!
Thanks for watching.
another excellent video. Love the Maiden t-shirt. I do not have any of the MoFi albums. Maybe I should check one out. You have piqued my interest. The SRV album was a great choice. Love that album! Thanks!
They are indeed fine albums, but there has been a lot of controversy after discovering Mofi has been using a digital source to make them. Their advertising said otherwise. Personally, I'd still pick one up I think but not at the price their asking. It's just too much for a digitally sourced record.
love your presentation style. keep up the good work.
Thanks so much!
I came to the Mofi thing after this record sold out... paid a LOT more than a 'buck and a a quarter" lol. But having seen SRV live twice (or 3 times if you count the time we snuck into the auditorium and listened to the sound check the afternoon before the concert), those concerts being the most transformative musical experiences of my life, I was prepared to spend whatever I needed to, to get as close as I could to being transported back to those moments.
I think these pressings are as likely as we're to get to the live thing anymore.
The most I have paid for a record was $100 for an original first pressing of Black Sabbath: Vol. 4. It was still sealed, with the original $3.94 K-Mart price tag on it. I could not resist having the chance to "first play" an original Metal record nearly as old as me. I even had a listening party so that many people could experience the virgin recording.
Now...if only MoFi were to release an entire series of Metal albums!!! I have several of their $50 releases in my collection, and they never dissapoint.
I wouldn't have hesitated to pick that up either. Nice one.
Record Nerd Talk is music to my ears! I actually dug up a Dire Straits Quiex II “Brothers In Arms” and SRV “ Couldn’t Stand The Weather” last weekend. $3 each! SRV’s jacket was VG but the vinyl was NM, couldn’t believe it. Scored a Police “Synchronicity” Quiex II there as well, very random.
Those are excellent pick ups.
Hi Chris,
Just subscribed to your channel thanks to a referral from Frank Landry/Channel 33RPM.
I grew up in western Michigan & the Soo. Great channel you have here!
Mofi is great, but I don’t like buying 45RPM versions when using a TT with a record clamp.
Like other comments below, I too like Analog Productions and Blue Note/Tone Poet pressings.
Recently, I’ve focused on buying used Japanese vinyl from Japan via Discogs. The supplier has quality LPs, the album jackets are in terrific shape and inner sleeves are not paper. Shipping with DHL adds to the cost, but to me it’s an investment. No pops or clicks just quiet surfaces. Obi strips too. Be well.
Hey, thanks for coming over. Frank has been very helpful to me. I've looked at Japanese pressings, but from what I hear they just don't have the punch and dynamics of other pressings. I'll be testing that theory before long.
@@thevinylattack - yes, less bass on their pressings.
@@VintageLuxmanStereoCollector I wouldn't be a fan of that.
finally a not teeanger AND well produced channel, great style, keep on with the mofi unboxings, dont make 30min videos and you will be fine, already subscribed :)
Thanks for the encouragement. I'll certainly do my best to keep quality content coming.
Another Michigander here! Nice work! I got back into vinyl a couple of years ago and have been hurting as the cost of vinyl is high. But I found quickly that not all vinyl is created equally. Getting into jazz, I have enjoyed the Blue Note Tone Poet series and have purchased a number of $50+ 45RPM reissues including the Mofi miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I sort of went through the same progression as you, and did buy the Charles Mingus, Ah um OneStep. I never thought I would spend that much on an album. But it’s the most dynamic and rich sounding album I own. Thanks for the video!!
Once you start to hear those differences, it's hard to not continue to try and find them. I'm glad you liked the video.
I just bought a MoFi RIAA. So much better then the build in I had in my NAD C368. Sold the C368 and got a NAD C700..that have a better DAC and with the MoFi RIAA, the sound is now amazing. Finally :) So I'm a fan of MoFi..Will dig deeper into their stuff!
Love the channel. SE Michigan here. I have the same shirt. I have about 40 MoFis myself and a couple of the 1Steps. The Blood On The Tracks is amazing! It's like listening it to again for the first time. You can contact MoFi and they will send you a replacement sleeve at no cost.
No kidding, I'll email them today. Thanks much for the info and for checking out the channel.
I’ve been down the rabbit hole of audiophile labels for about two years now, they’re all fantastic and worth the money. Many are also great investments depending on the limited run - just check some of the eye watering secondary market pricing on Discogs. Great vid
Unfortunately the second hand market also means people who don't really want the albums buy them up just to turn them around to make a buck.
I payed $40 for a double LP of mgmt's Congratulations. It's incredible. There's also a track all on it's own on side B because it's 12 minutes long but I love when records are printed with the ideal length in consideration
I feel like $40 for a double LP is a fair price.
great channel, great production, just binge watched all your videos on Sunday Morning with coffee. Learned a lot, chuckled a few times, smiled a lot - was entertained. Keep it up, subbed and liked :)
Thanks very much for that, I appreciate the encouragement.
Looks like much better presentation, quality and package for $125 than wasting $550 for an ERC premium collectable pressing. I bought a MoFi pressing of Elvis In Memphis 41 years ago. Still got it and it's still in excellent condition. I've only come back into vinyl collecting and i was surprised that MoFi still existed and has become a very big player since. Great video, very enjoyable, thanks. From Australia......(where nothing is available).....
I haven't had a chance to spend any time with an ERC pressing yet, but I sure would like to make the comparison.
Love how informative you were. I had no idea what one step meant. Lol
I'm glad you found it useful.
Checked out your channel after seeing a shout out on 33 RPM and you are a natural! Great stuff!
Hey, thanks for that. Frank set the bar pretty high so I'm doing my best.
I'm always curious, as to how one of these type of pressings compares to early, original pressings. Not so much on the quality of the vinyl or pressing itself, because these are surely better, but I'm concerned that after many years, sometimes as many as 40-50, that the original master tapes have worn in ways that can't be repaired in a fully analog process. Case in point, although my example isn't on "audiophile vinyl", is the recent Traffic 180g 6-LP box set. Yes, the packaging is lovely, the records look gorgeous, and even the mixes reveal more detail than my originals, but there is some noticeable distortion in some of the hotter elements that make me prefer the originals, even with their higher noise floor and play wear.
I've often wondered that as well. It almost seems like 6 in one half a dozen in the other in some ways. The originals have the better source material but noisy vinyl, the newer ones have the better vinyl but the degraded source material. The sacrifices we make for analog sound.
@@thevinylattack exactly, which is why I try my best to find really clean early pressings of my favorite records, but sometimes availability and or cost is just too prohibitive. For example, I've had several decent copies of Elton John's Tumbleweed Connection, even an early Uni, but VG+ to NM copies go for crazy money, so I opted for the recent 50th anniversary 180g reissue and its actually very good.
Had pink Floyd's "Dark side of the Moon"O.M.R. and sold it on eBay for $90. I probably picked it up for less than $20 at Second and Charles. Didn't realize it was worth so much. Was just selling off some of my duplicate records( the DSotM that I retained is not O.M.R.). I replace all the inner sleeves for records I plan to keep with O.M.R. inner sleeves. If I remember correctly, I paid more than $400 USD for the Laura Pausini best of Box set( I believe I had to purchase it from Amazon UK). Since than My enthusiasm for stuff like that has simmered down quite a bit and I probably wouldn't pay that much for a vinyl. Too be fair it was a four disc set.
I have some MOFI pressings. Bill Evans, Weezer (I have the standard black and marbled blue), Bob Dylan, Super Fly OST and just picked up Derek and the Dominos and Ry Cooter.
I also pre-ordered Kind of Blue and the 1 Step of Janis Joplin - Pearl.
Nice!
125 dollars for music on vinyl which will inevitably gather dust, static, and scratches unless you handle it like some holy relic all the time which comes with damage to the sleeve out of the box seems like a whole lot, coincidentally I bought 4 albums from HR Records last week, they cost me around 110 Euros including shipping which was 19 Euros, 125 Dollars is 113 Euros right now so that's about the same price, they each come with a big poster of the album art, antistatic sleeves, photos and a small booklet which tells you about the album and the band, and they're all limited editions, with no more than 1000 being made of each, they look and sound great.
Having said that, if Mofi ever pressed any albums I'm really fond of, I'd probably buy them too, so I don't blame you. Excellent video by the way, a channel with production quality like this deserves more subscribers, I guess the intricacies of vinyl are a bit of a niche topic, so growth is a little slower.
A record won't succumb to any of your mentioned ailments with just a little bit of common sense. Why do you think records last so long?
@@thevinylattack Judging by all the old second hand records I own, common sense isn't very common, even after a thorough cleaning using the recommended methods they're still full of pop and cracks, they're mostly metal records from the 80's however, very thin, maybe that has something to do with it?
@@R.Lennartz It very well might. The vast majority of used records I own play great so it obviously will vary from person to person.
I never dwelled this deep. Found a new shop to track, thanks 😁
I'm glad you found some useful info.
Great video, I sincerely hope that you love it, I have feeling that you will.
I've bought quite a few MOFI 'Original Master Recordings" they are fantastic, whether or not the double 45s are that much better than the 33 is matter for debate, they are great but there are plenty of other fantastic audiophile pressings from the likes of Analogue Productions, Speakers Corner and ORG. The best sounding record that heard until recently was the ORG pressing of Jeff Buckley's Grace and a very honourable mention to the Neil Young Archive pressed at Pallas in Germany reissues of his first four solo LPs (Neil Young, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, After The Goldrush and Harvest). In early 2020 I decided to bite the bullet and bought the MOFI one step of Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks, having owned several Audiophile pressings previously including the MOFI OMR 33 from 2013, the one step was freaking amazing, simply the best record I've heard (in pure audio terms). I live in the UK and this cost me £150 which is very close to $200! However I was that impressed that I purchased the one step pressing of Marvin Gaye's What's Going On, which is also mind-blowing, a couple of weeks later. I actually can't wait for more titles that I love to become available. Yes they are very expensive, but so is a decent MC cartridge, so is a decent phono stage, a pre-amp, power amps, speakers to me these things are worth the money.
I'm definitely a fan of the one steps now. I couldn't be happier with the SRV I have and I'm now looking up the back catalog. They get pricey, but I still think it's worth it.
@@thevinylattack they don’t seem to hang around for long, the Dylan Blood on the Tracks was sold out within a few months of issue and is fetching silly money from flippers. I wished I’d bought a few now 😁
@@Cynicalian You definitely need to keep an eye for them.
Yes, I have some of MoFi's releases. I have a silver label LP pressing of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Street Survivors. Several of their Firesign Theatre releases on standard silver aluminum foil, and two of their Ultradisc UHR Gain 2 SACDs. One being They Only Come Out At Night, the other is Blood, Sweat & Tears 3. I do not have a proper SACD player, however they do sound superb through my BluRay player.
I've heard blu ray players can be pretty good SACD players.
Thank you, very much for putting up your channel; the topics are great and the comments very insightful.
My first MFSL purchase was a Crime of the Century; I have to admit I was a bit embarrassed to say that I spent USD 80 on eBay for an used album. However, it was worth it: the depth, the soundstage, and the sound are just stunning; from there, it’s been downstream with MFLS. I’ve purchased some out of print MFSL releases (e.g. Genesis, A Trick of the Tail) and some of the recent silver label and original masters ranging from B-52’s to Derek and the Dominos, Billy Joel and Dire Straits. Certainly worth the money, no question about that.
I wanted Yes’ Fragile one-step so badly that I went to eBay and got it for a couple hundred bucks: some (very minor) details in the internal packaging, were forgotten after listening. I’ve also purchased some hybrid SACD Hybrids and they are fantastic. There’s a lot of CD vs vinyl snobbery these days, and while I love vinyl, the truth is that a vinyl (or a CD) is as good as the master recording. While some argue (with good reasons) that nothing equals vinyl, on MoFi hybrid SACDs you get the MoFi sound, period. After listening to MoFi’s Brother in Arms release on vinyl and CD, the case was closed . Hybrid SACDs and LPs are not the same thing, but these guys at MoFI have made every effort to ensure that, whatever the format you get the best experience.
There’s actually an added advantage to having MoFi release Hybrid SACDs : if you came late to the party and couldn’t buy Ah-Um Mingus, Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks or Santana’s Abraxas, having them on MoFi’s SACDs is the next best thing (minus the gorgeous packaging) at a fraction of the price.
I'm certain I'll be looking at an SACD player at some point. I have a very large catalog of CD's and think it's silly to ignore a format because of snobbery. I listen to music to be happy, not argue with people. I'd imagine you're the same.
Thanks for dropping by.
@@thevinylattack I am the same, indeed! I found the cost-benefit of SACD player is very low. I decided to put my money on a Rotel A11 after looking at a Primare and an Emotiva. Price points were different, but all had DACs (which in the end, is the core of the cd player).
You have stunning video and sound quality for such a young channel. I wish your channel all the best. Keep it up.
Also greetings from Russia)
Спасибо! I appreciate the kind words.
I buy primarily audiophile pressings now. On my system the price is most certainly worth it for the sound quality. I have all but the first One-Step release. In addition to dozens of original MoFi pressings. To me these pressings are worth the price. I also recommend the UHQR from Analogue Productions, as well as all the AP 45 RPM pressings. But I also understand that these are not for everyone. Not everyone has the auditory acuity to hear the difference, or the system to reveal the differences.
My system:
Rega RP-8 with Audiomods Series 6 arm and Hana Umami Red cartridge. Rothwell MCL step-up transformer into a Pro-ject Tube Box DS2 with Genelux Gold Lion gold pin tubes. Schiit Freya+ pre-amp with 60's vintage GE tubes. Balanced Mogami gold cables to a Schiit Lokius EQ. Same cabling to two Parasound A-23 amps in bridged mono mode, driving two B&W 706S2s, and an SVS PB-1000 sub to fill in that bottom end the B&Ws cannot quite hit. It is a very revealing and accurate sounding system.
Acoustic Sounds does have better packaging with their UHQR, one step process. Their last one was Jethro Tull's "Aqua Lung", which I missed out on, but I have the mofi pressing. I have a total of 6 onesteps, including that Stevie Ray Vaughan that you just showed. These sell out very quickly.
Acoustic Sounds next offering will be by Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I have tons of mofi pressings.
Do you remember the original white label mofi, then came the thicker black labeled one, which we no and love.
I've seen that label, but I've also only just really started paying attention to Mofi stuff. It was off my radar as my system just wouldn't have done it any good.
I've paid triple digits for 12" single releases more than once. Will I ever get that back on the open market? Highly unlikely. But I've also paid next to nothing for records worth the triple digit range. I'm not gonna claim "it evens out" because it clearly doesn't. But do you look upon your records as an investment vehicle, or a lifetime's interest and passion? Viewed as a whole & factoring the hours and years of pleasure, enjoyment & pride, our hobby is no more or less expensive than any other really.
Great channel, by the way. I'm a newcomer now gonna look into possibly picking up a static meter if they arwn't too dear :) I have an old 1970s Zerostat equivalent & keen to see if it still works (or ever did). Love your channel & glad to be aboard. Full marks for the Trooper T- shirt too, how about Killers and/or Women in Uniform next? ;) Best wishes from the UK.
I buy records for me and the enjoyment of music so I don't worry about the second hand market very much. I'm glad you like the channel, welcome aboard!
Great video - I like your presentation style a lot. I own a lot of “audiophile” records from many different labels. I’m a jazz lover so when Mingus Ah Um came to One Step I bought it. Part of me was hoping that it was going to be snake oil - fancy clear vinyl in luxury packaging. But then I listened to it and MY GOD. I have never - NEVER - heard a record sound as good as that. You don’t just hear the music, you hear each individual player, and the room that they are in. Bearing in mind that it’s a 62 year old, 3 track recording, it’s like being there. I paid a huge amount of money for it (I live in the UK so there’s an import levy, so I paid just shy of £200), but it’s the best thing that I own and, I believe, the best that the record has ever sounded on any recording outside of the master tape. I hope your experience with SRV is similar.
Unfortunately for my wallet, I'm sold on the high quality pressings. They're worth it to me.
I’m glad! They are stunning. Worth remembering that most records out there that are very pricey in their original form were never designed to be played on high end gear anyway - they were made to sound good on consumers’ gear. I believe that the rule of thumb is that classical records sound incredible, but jazz (as an example) rolled off a lot of top and bottom anyway. But the One Steps are something else. They’re crazy good. But it’s okay. We don’t really need two kidneys anyway.
Just Got SACD MOFI The SKY Is Crying. Love it. I have recently been buying DSD Albums. Bought The LP In your hand ON DSD and its wonderful. Hello From Michigan Brother...
I'm really going to have to look at an SACD player sometime soon...
I will never pay more than $30 for a brand new record, and $15 for a used record
Nothing wrong with having some hard and fast rules for ones self.
Because your system doesn´t know the value of inputing good audio source, sorry bro!!
Have you listened to any of the 45RPM reissued albums? They sound amazing, at least the ones I have, IMHO. All of these exceed your $30 ceiling unfortunately.
I don’t know about you guys, but living in EU, the cheapest new records in stores are $24-30. If you want something rare/specific you have to shop on discogs + delivery + customs. I don’t know if my music taste consists of what happens to be rare records, but it’s hard for me to find stuff I really want for cheaper than $60.
I’d never pay more than $5-$10 for a used record.
Really liking your well done channel. It’s hard to believe that you are a new channel. Where in Michigan? I’m in Grand Haven!!
I'm in the Metro Detroit area. Thanks for stopping by.
I have several LPs by Analogue Productions and MoFi. I've been very pleased with the overall quality and sound of most of them. I've only had a couple that left me going, eh. I'm a big fan of Linda Ronstadt. So I had to go for all the MoFis of hers, except I missed out on their "Simple Dream." I did get that by Analogue Productions (45 rpm). I knew her music inside and out. I have to say that these "audiophile" editions were great. While closing my eyes and listening to them I could feel the smile spreading across my face. Yeah, it was like having her in the room. I was hearing detail I hadn't heard before. That being said these recordings have to be albums I would play over and over in order to plunk down that kind of money. I've been enjoying your channel. Really like your forthright get right to it style. Keep up the good work.
Thanks much for the positive feedback!
Oh man, I'm such a sucker for really nice packaging like this. Very, very nice. I'm getting ready to head over to their site right now and see what they have...
I bought Michael Jackson's Thriller back in the day on vinyl that was from their half-speed mastered line. That was pretty nice. I don't think I've had any of the other Mofi vinyl releases. I also picked up Queen's A Day At the Races on their Ultradisc CD. I actually wasn't that impressed with that release. I had Pink Floyd's The Wall on Ultradisc. Now, that one sounded nice. In fact, my only copy of that LP is a rip of that CD. One of the best-sounding albums I've ever had, though, was a non-Mofi, DVD-A of Wish You Were Here. Great sounding disc.
Just found your channel today, and love the content! You should talk about some of the acoustic sounds UHQRs as well. Would love to see a side by side comparison, considering they are similar prices to the one steps
As I get some of those in my collection I certainly will. I generally try to stick to things I have in hand or a good deal of experience with. I'm glad you like the channel!
😂😂😂 I bought that last summer. Mines still in the plastic. It’s the first thing I’m going to play when I get set back up.
Mofi are truly amazing!!! Granted you are paying more in most cases....most mofi hold value, and frequently increase rapidly, once the go out of print. Take care of it and at some point you will call it an "investment" lol. I have never noticed a significant difference with the Original compared to the Silver labels. I guess it is kind of hard to compare without having the same album on both labels. The SACDs are really cool as well. Been very happy with those. Just so darn expensive, but the same thing with holding value as the lps. Another very solid pressing if you are one on a budget, like myself, is Music On Vinyl pressings. I refer to those as the poor man's mofi. Consistently solid sounding pressing and usually at a $25-30 price point. Vinyl is great with them, always have amazing glossy sleeves that you have to even touch because your fingerprint show up, but other than that pretty plain packaging so you are not going to get extra goodies with MOV. Just a beautiful cover, great vinyl, and wonderful selection of titles that are in many cases hard to find.
I don't have enough to compare silver labels to gold, but hopefully soon.
Sony Blu-Ray players can play SACDs! I don't know if they're as good as a standalone SACD player, but mine is fantastic. I have a Sony BDP-S5100 and love how versatile it is.
Definitely something for me to check out.
For $125, that inner sleeve cracking and surface scuffing are unacceptable. I understand you being fine with it, but I doubt I would be. Great shirt btw. I was in junior high when Piece of Mind came out. Brings back a lot of memories!
I'm not thrilled with the crack, but I can't hold Mofi accountable for everything. Who knows how our wonderful post office handled that box once it left. On the plus side they are looking to see if they have another sleeve for me.
I have been by mofi for 35 years I like them all except for this silver label I have a video on that you might want to watch it This was very well done video congratulations
I'll definitely check that out as I haven't had any interactions with a silver label yet. Thanks for dropping by.
Perfect sound does exist. It's just almost impossible to get close to it. But, then you could argue, that if it then gets better after what you consider perfect. Then maybe it then wasn't perfect? Interesting.
In the end, it's all about individual perception but I'd say these one step records are as close as we can get at the moment.
Nice buy, Chris. This is above my paygrade, but that that 45rpm pressing is going to sound great. Enjoy!!
It really does. If you find a band you love and you want a top quality pressing, I'd recommend trying to save your pennies. It's well worth it.
Those scuffs you see, I wonder if they are present on the original lacquer. I see them often and they never seem to affect the sound, which makes me think they are present before the lathe cutting.
I can assure you that they're not on the original lacquer. That happens during shipping usually.
I got an email from MoFi yesterday saying Miles Smiles was back in stock. I was checking out and it sold out. Arrrrggghhhh!
I still haven’t opened my Charles Mingus One Step. I won it for $20 in a raffle. This was after barely missing it for retail (the guy sold it while I was on my way to his shop) and passing on paying $250 for it.
I also got the Run DMC. That was strictly as an investment and I haven’t opened it yet. I’m prob going to hold onto it for a few years till it gets real hard to find.
I worry a little that more and more people will buy the Mofi stuff just to re-sell later on. Ebay is flooded with the Run DMC right now which makes me wonder who's actually listening to it?
MoFi along with Analogue Productions along with a few others are really making high-quality products for us Vinyl freaks. Even if 125 dollars is pretty much for one record, but you get a product in the best possible way. It's like buying a fiat at the flea market, a Volkswagen Passat at the record store, a Porche at normal Mofi, and a Tesla or Rolls when we are talking One-Step :) I only got one so far but I will probably buy more in the future when the titles are in my valley. Thanks for a great video!
I'm pretty much in the same camp with you, the high end records are worth the money if you like the band and have a system that will help you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by!
I never think about Remaster ( means its been equalised )
I only buy Reissues { close to original as can be } period.
If you have a modern stereo you can EQ your system how you think you like the sound anyway .
You might give remastered LP's a try. There are some fantastic results out there.
DBX beats 1/2 Speed mastering (tho' often, they were 1/2 speed as well.)
•Have several Original Master Recordings, including the CD of Year of the cat.
when I wrote them, about it just sounding like a CD...THEY SENT ME THE RCA standard release.
wow!
I ate crow. It was a night/day difference.
I had just obtained my mofi copy of THE SISTERS OF MERCY's "First, Last And Always" LP (silver stripe) and was definitely impressed! I also own an Abbey Road 45rpm half speed copy of ENO's "Here Come The Warm Jets" and am quite satisfied with that 2xLP as well! I also highly recommend/prefer mofi inners over a standard paper inner all day everyday. 👍
I have the SoM as well, a very solid album.
I'd love to find someone who has Twisted Sister's "Sta Hungry" MOFI to hear their view on how it sounds and whether it's worth it.
Just found you today. Subscribed. I have Yes Fragile and Texas Flood on one step. The Texas Flood was sent to me free by the retailer when I ordered the Fragile, yes I know, FREE!! They both sound great, But the Fragile is out - of - this - world . The bass? Oh my heavens it sends chills. If you haven't heard it, do yourself a favour and give it a go.
I'll have to take a look at that. Thanks for dropping by!
Great review! I am looking for full sets of MoFi dire straits albums
An admirable goal, best of luck with it.
Thanks Chris! But difficult to find here as I’m living in Portugal now.
@@jackgti Finding the online isn't too hard, but the shipping might kill you.
Just bought "Live 2002" by Mika Vainio, Ryoji Ikeda and Alva Noto press by Noton German label. I paid way more I usually spend for one single record but man, what sound comes from that vinyl. As many things in life you get what you pay for. Great video. Thank you for sharing
I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback!
I have the SRV Couldn't Stand The Weather and i would absolutely buy another, IF it were an album by an artist I love and would listen to often. So I prolly won't be pre ordering the Blood Sweet and Tears or Carol King (although I do have the MoFi numbered Original Master pressing from last year), but the Muddy Waters they have in the One Step queue. Enjoying your channel and looking forward to new content! GO WINGS!!!
I'm right there with you when it comes to buying an album I know I'll love. The Muddy Waters would be one for sure.
As a season ticket holder, I'll always be a fan but the Wings sure are making it difficult these days lol.
Congrats for the channel! The best quality. It will fly high as it deserves! Greetings from Italy!
Grazie! I appreciate the support.
I have all of those. Very High Quality products!
I tend to agree.
We pretty much get ripped off here in Australia a bit on new releases.. the latest Lana Del Rey I've paid $65 AUD ($50 USD) as a pre order, and that is for a one record. Prior to covid, I bought more online to get records cheaper, but the longer delivery times (and risk of records arriving warped after taking two months) has meant I have been looking more locally. Have been supporting one particular local record shop where I can get new records as cheap as $35 AUD or averaging around $45 AUD (or $35 USD).
I support local as much as possible. It's still a shame you guys down there have to pay so much though.
I got myself the standard Phonogram release of the Dire Straits album and that is already a pretty good-sounding record. I've got ro try to get my hands on one of the MoFi releases.
You won't be disappointed.
6/15/2021- Is there an update video? Would you pruchase the Mo-Fi One Step 45RPM again? How was the sound quality?Your viwers (me) want to know Thank you Vinyl Attack. I'm glad I subscribe to your channel. Very interesting topics. :)
I did review the SRV one step, yes. ua-cam.com/video/auNcnO3Fbwc/v-deo.html
Question, after you clean your vinyl ....specifically with something like this 45RPM Supervinyl - do you continue to use the original MOFI inner sleeve they provided or do you sleeve in a new sleeve? I would imagine a new sleeve, but lately I have received a bunch of records that have nice inner sleeves, but after I clean the record I dont want to continue using the original one thinking it was full of the original dust. Great stuff love the channel!
I've never found any issue using the same sleeve if it's a quality inner.
I don't have a MoFi vinyl but I have several of their SACDs (including lots of Dire Straits albums)
SACD player can be very expensive or pretty darn cheap. I've bought several Sony SACD run of the mill 5 disc players as they were less than $10 bucks each. Yes, some might have issues switching to SACD layer when putting an hybrid disc (but 95% of SACD are hybrid so..). I'd recommend you check your local thrift stores or CL listings, you might find something cheap to get you started.
I'd send you one but shipping is going to be outrageous.
I recently "upgraded" to a Marantz single disc player which very nice and seems a step above (for $50)
Now, finding cheap SACD discs is going to be another issue.
BTW, they just re-issued PF - Wish you were here SACD, now is the time to get it for a reasonable price
Now, if I could find the Dead Can Dance SACDs I'm missing for a reasonable price....
I'm sure I'll get there, but it's pretty far down my list of things to do right now. Good info for sure though, thank you.
you'll play them heaps more and love them more ,win win
Personally I don't seem to play them any more than any other record in my collection.
@@thevinylattack im the same really to ,scope in differences is hi fidelity ,insecurity in ourselves blocks hi fidelity to much anyway,its comforting to know how hi our systems can go but really content rules me over how good or bad my system is or the quality of recording ,just look at how slap dash the cables and set up let it be was created in ...the magic is there ,thats what i want and my system lets me experience it .
mine to ,ive just started playing joan armatradings new album not to far away god its good...
I tend to buy records from 60s, 70s and 80s. I find older analogue records sound really good (assuming you can get a clean record).
They certainly can.
The average price of a record in 1977 was $6.99 it works out at about $31.00 in todays prices and you get better quality now so I would say they are cheaper.
I would argue the quality was better then as far as fewer defects in the pressings.
I got back into record collecting just before the Bill Evans One-Step was released (I purchased my copy during the pre-order period). Since that time, I have added not only that One-Step to my collection, but also the Bob Dylan "Blood On The Tracks", Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", and Mingus's "Ah-Um". Each one of them is stellar. Top of the line sound reproduction, in my experience listening to them in comparison to an OG or reissue copy. They definitely set the standard for optimal sound quality, and so to me are definitely worth the $125 price tag. I own quite a number of other "standard" (Original Master Recording) MoFi records as well, and they too have been a step above the rest. The only exception, I would say, is MoFi's Billy Joel Greatest Hits Vol. I and II release, and that is only because they replaced the original live version of "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" with the less desirable studio version. Why they did that, I can't say. But yeah, all in all, MoFi is a consistently reputable resource for very high quality records.
I've been on the lookout for more and I'm sure it'll happen soon.
I have invested in a ton of MOFI records in the last year . Great review the best I seen. You could get job with them in the future. I have had a similar issue with slight damage to the cover. I believe they will send out a replacement cover if you email Them. Be great if you might cover some of the Verve 45 rpm Jazz series?. Although might be a bit tame for your possible rocker taste. Keep up the great reviews
I love jazz and have a pretty solid collection, but I don't collect 45's...
Let me start by stating I own 2800 (approximately) LP's. It was in the early 80's that someone played an LP for me on a relatively new to the market, LinnSondek LP12. I was hooked. Just for laughs, the bulk of my collection (about 65%) were garnered at garage sales in the 80's, 90's and first decade of 2000 for pennies on the dollar. But how much to spend on an LP? What a thought provoking question. How about a scenario. I own a Japanese pressing of In The Court of the Crimson King (bought new in 1981) that is mint. It sounds good but when I went on a forum that discussed the relative merits of this LP and the various pressings, the conclusion was that the only copy to own was an original Pink Label Island pressing. Trouble was, $800 in VG+ condition. Well that was until the ever diligent Mr. Fripp found the long lost Master Recording and remastered and remixed CORRECTLY! Apparently there had been a tape head alignment issue with all the U.S. pressings and then the Masters went mysteriously missing. As stated, Robert Fripp, after much searching, found them. It was reissued around 2012 or so and it is approximately $30. (I bought mine when they were still $22). Holy Merry Prankster Mr. Kesey. Unbelievable. And pressed on reasonably good vinyl at 180-200 grams. So I do not really know how much is too much. Any LP that is rare is invariably going to get rereleased and how far is one willing to go? Splitting single LP's into 2 and increasing the RPM speed to 45? So what is the most I have ever paid? I paid $68 in an EBay auction for a Mobile Fidelity pressing of Eat A Peach - Allman Brothers (now out of print). The fellow who sold it was not a seller who specialized in LP's and he described as "Mint" so I sent my bid with much fear and trepidation. Guess what? He was a great, honest seller. It was MINT.
You've had some good fortune with those LP's. Concerning how much is too much, I just go with what my Dad always told me: an item is only worth what someone will pay for it. Thanks for dropping by.
I spent $200 on the smashing pumpkins melancholy 2022 pressing today. It is spotless though and much better than the 2012 pressing. Sometimes the high cost is justified.
If it makes you happy...
I guess if you're happy and can afford & justify the purchase, then cool. For me, a thrift store copy in decent condition is fine, and my original CD to me sounds stunningly good and cost me $2 :) great videos, many thanks.
Fair enough.
Love the channel...love the reviews! I'm not sure if I would fork over $125 for a single album (double in the case of this SRV) I personally don't own any MoFi albums but I have acquired quite a few Music On Vinyl releases including SRV's Couldn't Stand The Weather and their pressings are excellent!
Thanks for the support. I've heard about the MoV stuff, but I don't think I own any. I'll have to look that up.
Some standard DVD and Blu Ray players in the past include SACD playback. I’m not sure about their sound quality but it’s worth a look. I got some of the Mobile Fidelity records in the 1980s. My equipment probably wasn’t good enough to reproduce what they had. Informative video on the current state of MoFi records.
I think at this point I'm just going to save for an SACD player but it's pretty low on my list. I have some other upgrades coming first.
@@thevinylattack Depending on your collection, you won't regret it. I've loved Arcam CD players for years (although they never seem to last long). When they released SACD/Streamer in a box a couple of years ago I bit. One of my most satisfying & rewarding gear purchases in 30 years at this game.
It's SRV so of course it's worth it. Subbed on the fact you have a trooper shirt. Nice video Chris.
Hey, thanks much. Glad to have you along.
I have a few mofi releases. Bill Evans and Weezer come to mind. I wish they would tackle more modern music.
I do as well. Or at least take a damn break from all the Bob Dylan, lol.
Mofi are fakes
If you are thinking of buying any Mofi masters read the reviews first and check out the most recent official remasters of masters. Mofi were once the only source of premium quality recordings, but that has recently changed in some cases, the industry is finally catching up !! I own their catalogue releases from two well known bands (amongst a few others) along with original vinyl pressings and a ton of other reissues but some recently released official Hi-Res remasters blow them all out of the water !! I own a decent home recording studio and I have been arguing for years how bad official releases are even from sound producers who are supposed to be the best in the business !! MOfi put many to shame, they were the way albums should have sounded in the first place !!
I mean as an serious audiophile with an according system - I want them MoFi, Analogue Productions, Music Matters, etc. versions of the albums I love because their mastering and pressing is outstanding. Due to the principle of supply and demand lots of them are expensive, especially after they’re sold out and well, it certainly hurts but sometimes I need to spend up to 250€ on that. However, I am still always SUPER happy to buy from Pure Pleasure Records or Speakers Corner Records - those are 25€ and all analogue remastered from the original tapes with outstanding pressings. I hate that so many records are so expensive but in the end... if you can afford it... go for it as long as it’s still there.
I'm in the very same boat.
Hey Chris great videos. I’ve got a couple different One Streps, Bob Dylan and Charles Mingus and really enjoy them. I really love MoFi OMR releases, especially the Billy Joel greatest hits in the Miles Davis kind of blue. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them! Well, maybe the INXS release, I’ve heard that sucked! LOL but that may have been the original recording that they couldn’t do anything with.
I'm certainly going to be expanding my collection of Mofi stuff.
Its too bad the demand for this isnt there to make this truly profitable. That means only a handful of artists and albums we ever get this level of treatment. Though I suppose if you got deep enough pockets one could just walk up to Mofi and commision a private record.
I think the demand is there for more than we're getting as far as selection goes, but the licensing is the killer.
How much is too much for a brand new record? I think it depends on one's gear. My gear is pretty average, so would I extract the amount of extra enjoyment one would expect for a buck and a quarter? Probably not. I'd be better served by buying a standard copy of a record and putting the extra dough into better gear that would make ALL of my records sound better, rather than just one pricey one. To each their own! It's a thought-provoking question.
Cheers, Tom
I think you're spot on.
Yeah, I'll pay $35 for a MoFi, Analogue Productions, or Speaker's Corner new record if it's an AAA production. What sucks is that Rhino often puts out albums that are as good quality and mastered by Kevin Grey who does some AP ones, but you're paying $20 for the Rhino vinyl instead of $35 for the AP one.
I recently read a NYT article on the extent of the 2008 Universal fire, which said that their losses were severely underreported, and it's likely that almost all of the Chess original tapes are gone. That's how I justify paying $60 w/shipping from Europe for 2010-era Speaker's Corner AAA pressings of Chess records--though I'm only grabbing a handful of those.
Many works from the 60s are entering the public domain in Europe, which I believe is how we've gotten an awful label like WaxTime selling so many classic records on Amazon. If labels only see the vinyl boom as a reason to collect more money from customers, they're not really any better than WaxTime. I'd argue labels really do need to make an effort to outdo themselves with repressing and repackaging the records. You're making people pay... probably the third or fourth time in their lives for the same albums on a different format. It better sound exceptional and be worth the trouble of shelling out $30 or more for a favorite record.
Bjork did a similar thing with her catalogue in 2008 of one-step mastering 45rpm and I am kicking myself for not getting Homogenic, which goes for over $400 on Discogs now. I'd definitely recommend people getting 45rpm AAA versions of their favorite albums. There's not a lot that compares to relaxing and listening to the very best sounding version of your favorite album. It's a great, immersive experience.
I have a couple of the Rhino albums and have quite liked them.
If it's more than the CD, I'll buy the CD instead. As a consequence I buy very few new records.
Same here
I cringed
Ew cd
I got the UHQR of Aqualung. The sound and packaging was worth the $150.00, but mine also arrived with a split along the top. It was more severe than yours so I sent it back and got a replacement. I'm willing to spend that kind of money for my top 25 albums of all-time. Not sure I would go beyond that.
I'm going to contact Mofi about the split, but if they don't have a replacement I'll just live with it. I think I'm with you as far as cost and albums. I can do $125 tp $150 for a high quality One Step for some of my absolute favorites, but it's not something I'd do every week.
The UHQR Jethro Tull is fantastic sounding.
The problem is the limited release. Yes, I have read about the process and understand the cost involved. But FOMO drives all the titles to be sold out probably during the preorder phase (simply a guess, I have no facts on this). And that rub on the jacket is not acceptable. I imagine they could simply send out a new jacket for that LP as the disc itself is fine. For that money I would hold their feet to the fire.
Mofi actually contacted me out of the blue after seeing the video and they're checking to see if they have any leftover jackets. I think that's a pretty class move.
Great video man
Thanks JC, glad to have you by for a visit.
Hey Chris, I do have a lot of mofi And pretty much you can’t go wrong there are a couple of titles that are not very good but that’s the case with pretty much every label. I’m sure I’ve got well over 100 mofis. I’ve been collecting vinyl since 2013 back then members of my audio group were getting rid of their vinyl collection I think streaming was just starting and of course digital files so these guys would bring boxes of records to the meats and they would sell them for like a dollar apiece I didn’t even have a turntable but I knew I wanted to get back in the vinyl having about 20 records from when I was little till CDs came to be. Lucky me I jumped back in just before the big vinyl resurgence I probably purchased 3or4 hundred records for a dollar or less apiece then some used some new I’ve got just about 700 entered into discogs if you’re not familiar with discogs definitely check that out it’s awesome anyways with all my vinyl categorized in discogs The site will tell you what your collection is worth at the high end it’s almost 10 times what I spent out-of-pocket. For instants I have all but two of the one steps unfortunately I’m missing the very first two which are now worth crazy money the very first one step Santana is now going for almost $2500 if you can believe that. If you have any questions feel free to ask me as I will be sure to ask you questions in the future have a good one🇺🇸👍
Sounds like you amassed quite a collection. Nice work.
Took the leap for the one step Dylan blood on the tracks some minor issues with the packaging but the album is superb worth the bucks and also have a few of Elvis Costello's from a year and a half ago when they were on sale. Even the vintage mofi from 1978 Supertramp crime of the century and steely Dan's Asia / Alan Parsons iRobot and The Beatles Abbey road very awesome!
That sounds like a pretty good collection of quality records.
Great Video. Like your channel!
Thank you very much!
Have you seen the UHQR pressings from quality recordings and acoustic sounds? Same basic idea as they mofi one step but the vinyl has this glow in the dark vibe to it. If you can get your hands on the one step version of yes fragile I suggest you do, that sound on it is just amazing
I've heard of them, yes. Until recently I was putting all of my spare money in to my system. But now that I've heard what a top quality album can sound like, they're certainly on my radar.
Re the one-step, please ***throw away the foam insert***. I am a natural history museum curator, and have to deal with 30-40 year old "foam" in old shell collections, ranging from crumbly mess to sticky goo, depending on color. No foam is archival, so just get rid of it while it has not damaged anything yet. If you need a spacer, use archival, cotton rag mat board for picture framing. Can be obtained at art & crafts stores such Aaron's Brothers. Stay away from buffered boards (buffer capacity will eventually be exhausted) or foam boards (that foam is not archive either).
I would consider trying one if they would ever release something that I am interested in. So far that has not happened. Additionally, they produce them in low editions, which is irritating.
I think the most I've paid for a new record is ~$80, of which $55 was for shipping from Germany, itself rather outrageous. I wanted it, so I paid it. It's a free world. I mainly buy new releases (occasionally also pre-purchase) of new music on BandCamp, occasionally also directly from labels.