MFSL cd's vs. Redbook cd's

1. Most MSFL gold CDs are redbook CDs (excluding newer SACDs of course). I believe they've all been re-mastered. MFSL produced aluminum CDs as well as gold CDs.

2. There have been 2 MFSLs, the original and the current one owned by Music Direct in Chicago. The vast majority were manufactured by the original MFSL. I believe the original went out of business. A few titles have been released by both entities.

3. Generally, IMO they sounded better than standard releases of the same titles available at the time (I've owned many over the years). However, in many cases even better sounding versions have subsequently been released. I also own several newer MFSL gold CDs which sound excellent.
PS: I don't believe I would pay $500 for any CD.

They're both Redbook. Many do sound better than the standard CD because of superior mastering. On balance, the differences are more subtle than extreme. Worth it? Not to me.

Wendell

As Rja said Music Direct has started reissuing certain titles on gold cd under the Mobile Fidelity label within about the last year. You can see the titles on their web site.

You can buy one or two of these to see if they are worth the extra money to you.

As for older MF gold cds some may still be the best sounding, but cd sound quality is improving pretty quickly so a recent non MF remaster may sound better.

There are also Deluxe Edition and Legacy Edition aluminum cds that are remastered and are usually expanded 2 cd sets. These reissues usually offer live material or alternate takes on the second cd.

So I wouldn't spend a lot of money to get an older MF gold cd but if you can get one for a reasonable price check it out and see what you think.

Makes one really wonder---is it the 10 to 20k CD Players that make a diff, or is it the quality of the CD itself that makes most of the diff?

the mofi cd's are a hit and miss. some sound great, while others are flat and lifeless. as mentioned, some newer cd's do sound fantastic. it's great to hear that some musicians are putting time and effort (and $) into the production. in answer to Djones1915, the quality of the cd does make a huge difference, but you will realise more of that difference on a highly detailed cd player. whether that cost's $10-20k doesn't really matter, but you probably need to spend money to get the most out of the cd.