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MoFi v/s UHQR

I admit that I never doubted MoFi releases but also knew I was never fully satisfied.  I loved the packaging and it just feels good owning a limited release of a special album.  Since the uncovering of their digital step I have bought a few UHQR albums and really feel they are superior.  I had not owned one prior to the controversy.  What are other vinyl lovers doing?  Are you still ordering the UD1S releases?

dhite71
mikelavigne
2,216 posts
 

i think AP UHQR or Impex One Step are all analog, whereas MFSL Ultra Disc One Step has a digital step. which is a distinction with a REAL DIFFERENCE.

you don’t know if you are screwed with the first two, 40-60 year old tapes don't always = sublime. it’s one of those random things about vinyl, but you are absolutely sure you are screwed with the MFSL.

YMMV.

why spend mega bucks for a digital step, just buy the high rez file cuz that is all you are actually getting.

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,275 posts
 

A high-res file is going through a DAC; a vinyl LP is going through a cartridge, a turntable, and a phono preamp. I don't know how those are going to sound the same. 

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,631 posts
 

The reputation of the MFSL LPs took a big hit when it was discovered that they were making a digital copy of the tapes they weren’t allowed to remove from the record company’s vaults, which is about all of them now.  MFSL says that making a digital copy sounded better to them than making a tape copy. Prior to the scandal, Michael Fremer had some of the MFSL LPs with the digital step on his 100 best LPs list. They have since been removed.

Mike Levigne has a 7 figure system. He can easily tell the difference. You might try one or two to see if you can, if you trust your own ears.

 

mikelavigne
2,216 posts
 

A high-res file is going through a DAC; a vinyl LP is going through a cartridge, a turntable, and a phono preamp. I don't know how those are going to sound the same. 

@larsman 

sure, you can add on the colorations of the vinyl playback to the digital file and you might prefer it, but if you have a good dac the digital tape transfer will be on the same level and maybe better.

my point being that if you are starting out with a native analog recording, and you are contemplating spending over $100 on a digital step pressing, you are much better off (1) finding even a decent earlier all analog pressing of that recording, or (2) finding the best high rez tape transfer.....instead of the spendy digital step pressing. both (1) & (2) will be much cheaper and sound better. of course, some don't have high quality digital at all, so that is a different case.

the only justification of the digital step pressing is the packaging which is nice, and the convenience of it. and people are free to spend their money as they choose. 

dhite71 OP
366 posts
 

I have several of the MoFi releases variety with 'Original Master Recording' at the top of the jacket.  I find these are around 70/30 or maybe a bit better in their favor to be good releases.  Several of mine where I have a good copy of the original release I find that sounds better.  Often the MoFi has less gain which messes with my brain and also I have found several to have a somewhat thin presentation.  I haven't ever collected anything in my life and find a lot of joy in having special releases that often appreciate in value....and sound fantastic!  I have no plans of selling my records but it is comforting to know I could.  All the Analog Productions albums I have are fantastic.  I have not been disappointed in a single release from the $60 variety and definitely not on the few UHQR that I own.  They have a new sticker on their releases showing 100% analog! : )  

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