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MoFi controversy

I see this hasn't been mentioned here yet, so I thought I'd put this out here.  Let me just say that I haven't yet joined the analog world, so I don't have a dog in this fight.

It was recently revealed that Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs one step LPs are being cut from digital masters (DSD) rather than being straight analog throughout the chain.

Here is one of the many Youtube videos that discusses it

 

To me, it seems that if MOFI is guilty of anything, it's "deception by omission."  That is, they were never open about the process and the use of digital in the chain. 

One thing to mention is that hardly anyone is criticizing the sound quality of these LPs, even after this revelation.  Me personally, I wouldn't spend over one hundred dollars for any recording regardless of the format.

 

ftran999
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,986 posts
 

IMO, the $125 price tag is ridiculous. Many complain about the "Hot Stampers" price. But I have seen no complaints about the absurd price on these albums. I realize that a business HAS to make a profit to survive. But this seems like gouging to me. However if they came with a 30 day trial, I would try one just to see how it compares. But quite honestly, most of my records sound excellent now. But I'm always willing to learn. I'm not sure I want to spend $125 on an album for that education. Besides, I can't afford them as a diet anyway

bstatmeister
537 posts
 

If I wanted DSD, I would have bought the SACD for $100 less.

sns
3,326 posts
 

I don't get using digital in analog chain, much prefer my vinyl analog mastered. To pay these prices for analog/digital hybrid doesn't make sense. Get a real nice streaming/cd setup and hear these recordings with both excellent sound quality and at reasonable cost.

coralkong's avatar
coralkong
682 posts
 

$125 for a vinyl pressing of a SACD you can buy for under $30. Ouch.

 

lewm
13,215 posts
 

What costs $125? You can by Mofi LPs for $35 and less, last time I looked, unless you’re referring to out of production re-issues which do sell for high prices owing only to the collector market. That’s not Mofi’s fault or intention. The vendor is up charging, not Mofi.

Please read Tre’s description of what’s going on; they are not selling “a vinyl pressing of an SACD”.

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