I really appreciate all the work you do Michael. Please continue to tell the truth about what sounds best without any fear.
@booboo3168 Жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis of the versions. Budget-conscious collectors, like myself, thank you for the work.
@AI_Surfer Жыл бұрын
Michael, I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I also greatly appreciate your taking the time, making the effort, and acquiring the originals at your own personal expense, and sharing with us your results. I have been a fan of original pressings for many years, for all the same reasons that you are now discovering. Again Michael, thank you.
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
thx for this E.L.O.
@sararibeiro4034 Жыл бұрын
Great vídeo Michael
@jeffwhitehead6268 Жыл бұрын
Michael, I agree with everything you have said. I compared my UK 1st “I Robot” to my MoFi and was shocked at the difference. I have done many similar comparisons of MoFis to originals the last few months, and the results are very similar across the board. The original always sounds much fresher, more organic, and more alive. I am not anti-digital and have many digitally sourced LPs I love, and a hundred SACDs and DVD-Audios I love. I think something in the modern MoFi mastering process leads to them sounding slightly veiled to me, much like many Japan pressings do (being cut from copy tapes). And the Speakers Corner “Eye In The Sky”? I didn’t need to compare that to anything. Just bad. Thanks as always for the great, honest videos!
@HTimm-gz9mk Жыл бұрын
I bought all Alan Parsons records in VG+ VG+ for 10€. Orig GER first pressings. They all sound beautiful. I have never had any intention of reaching for a MOFI or SC. So thanks Michael for confirming that first pressings are competitive with new releases.
@therevrockinrollin Жыл бұрын
This is one of your best videos with descriptive language used in comparison. Fantastic.
@reidsvinylrecords Жыл бұрын
Thanks Michael, great video, love these, please keep sharing these critical listening experiences, they are very helpful.
@joebloggs8636 Жыл бұрын
Michael hits it right again,I feel the same way with my originals VS these newer releases...stop and think,it's a GREAT way to save money. Great reviews,as always.
@jamjo2357 Жыл бұрын
Picked up an OG US pressing for $5. Sounds fantastic. Very clean.
@zundap100 Жыл бұрын
I have recently bought many originals editions of Bob Dylan (Columbia, CBS), Dire Straits (Vertigo), Carlos Santana (Columbia, CBS), Elvis Presley (RCA), The Doors (Electra) and all albums from the Alan Parson Project, and everything sounds really great.
@papabear1417 Жыл бұрын
Great episode. For all the resolution and sampling rates that digital has, the purity of analogue or early cd quality vinyl, made in an analogue way shines through.
@gahree Жыл бұрын
I bought the Tales of Mystery and Imagination box set from Alan Parsons Project and experienced the same deal with the 45rpm vinyl that it came with. An original I bought for 5 USD blew it out of the water.
@DelmarToad Жыл бұрын
Great video & comparo as usual, thanks Michael! Very interesting to hear MoFi is so much better than SpeakersCorner. I got the 35th anniversary BluRay of 👁️ Eye In The Sky with the original stereo mix HD version.
@adamhunt4462 Жыл бұрын
Honest question. Do you think you have a bias towards mofi now? Since the whole mofi gate you haven't said one good word about them when before the were "fantastic". Not a diss. I like your channel. I also have an original US of Eye in the Sky and I don't think it's better. Just my opinion. Both versions sound great though.
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
in a way it makes me more careful and overly aware to be not too much out there in a way... if that makes any sense .....
@adamhunt4462 Жыл бұрын
@@Michael45RPM Makes sense.
@Groover71 Жыл бұрын
Definitely a bias. And he’s feeding in to his “fans” who also hate MoFi as well. It’s sheep following the shepherd. Kinda funny to watch from the outside.
@myles7522 Жыл бұрын
I do love these comparisons videos….comes a bit of an eye opener…I’ll keep listening to my originals….
@nigelgauntlett582 Жыл бұрын
I’m not surprised! I’ve been seeking out first pressings for years and 9 times out of ten they beat reissues! Recently I acquired a UK 1st pressing of Sisters of Mercy “Flood Lands “ THIS completely wiped the MOFI reissue ! Absolutely no comparison!
@ericberger6966 Жыл бұрын
That is my experience too. The original releases of Eye In The Sky have been cut from the digital master tape at a Sony PCM1610. If this digital master has not been transfered digitally to a new system in time, it is lost or changed the sound in copy because of difference in the digi-format. Therefore only a remix brings better sound, which can only be done by AP himself because he owns the multitracks of his recordings. Other remasterings can only be done by a analog tape from a analog backup recorder or copy from digit-master.
@4-dman464 Жыл бұрын
0:53 I was reading Asimov's collection I, ROBOT and THE REST OF THE ROBOTS in 1975. Ah those Panther paperbacks, enthralling, but the LPs I was putting on the turntable to accompany my reading was Lalo Schifrin albums - - 2 Mission Impossibles and a Mannix, etc. Soundtracks were my go-to LPs. 2 years later we got this - - but I've never heard it. All these years later, I still hear Schifrin in my head when I think of Asimov's tales. So I'll check Parsons to see what his take was on those great stories. Anyone now discovering Parsons' I ROBOT could maybe read Asimov's stories as they listen, to cement their own associations. I wonder if Asimov heard Parsons and what he thought. And I wonder if Kraftwerk were issuing a direct response to Parsons with 'Die Roboter' one year later.
@dl4162 Жыл бұрын
There is an old uhqr version of IRobot that mobile fidelity made in the 1980’s and is very good by all accounts. Mobile fidelity are also about to drop a 33rpm one step of I Robot very soon. It will be very interesting to compare when that comes out.
@dl4162 Жыл бұрын
Forgot to add that abbey road studios have recently made half speed mastered versions of all the Alan Parsons albums and will be released as a box set very soon.
@darrens7040 Жыл бұрын
Well said on all fronts regarding Eye in the sky. Michael I haven't found any improvement on the the original release, it smoked the MOFI and my 35th Anniversary box set release kind of disappointing lol but I guess Mr Parsons did it right the first time around. Another excellent video Michael many thanks for your labours to bring us these opinions.
@marioalbertoceronromero7021 Жыл бұрын
Whaaaaat? This is nuts! I had I robot original UK for years, which I replaced for a classic records version a couple of years ago because it was pretty obvious that the classic records was more dynamic and had better imaging and soundstage. Later, I replaced my classic records with the MoFi because the classic records had a non-fill spot. THERE IS NO WAY THAT YOU PERCEIVED MORE DYNAMICS IN THE UK ORIGINAL THAN IN THE MOFI. Yes, the original is punchy and loud, but that's another thing. You might not totally understand what dynamic range is in the music. There are understandable reasons why you would prefer UK originals for these two albums, but these are definitely NOT the dynamic range, soundstage, or imaging.
@charlesgund4812 Жыл бұрын
Yes I don’t have much faith in this guys reviews now. I think to coin a phrase…he has a bee in his bonnet about originals 😂
@Caifo Жыл бұрын
Are rudeness and confrontational tone necessary? This are just opinions. Yours and Michael's. Can't you just say you don't agree and why, and avoid discrediting the person?
@rongreen1538 Жыл бұрын
As he continually states, it’s his opinion based on his listening on his ultra revealing system. Your experience may be different, that’s OK.
@jeffwhitehead6268 Жыл бұрын
Everyone prefers & dislikes different things than the next person. I can not speak for Michael, but agree with him. The imaging and soundstage improvements you hear and mention the MoFis possess come with a cost, Mario. It results in them sounding veiled and lifeless to me when compared with originals. If you don’t hear that or aren’t bothered by it, rock on and enjoy what you like! Everyone’s ears are as different as everyone’s systems. No need to put others down for what they hear and like.
@marioalbertoceronromero7021 Жыл бұрын
@@jeffwhitehead6268 1) My comment was about factual things like the dynamic range and soundstage, which it seems like Michael is confused about. Of course, the best for you is what you prefer to listen to. Of course, you can prefer a certain type of compression or certain equalization that make the album sound punchier, hotter, or that rocks more for you, but that wasn't my point. 2) "Put others down"? because I said that he might be confused about his definition of terms? come on we are talking about music here, not politics or religion. People should relax a little bit. At the end of the day, I think Michael appreciated my comment.
@TheRollingStoness Жыл бұрын
I lean towards the MFSL , just a hair line above the UK OG ..could be my system and my room and the stuff in my room on which the sounds get reflected upon...UHQR 1977..( pre DSD age)
@liammolyneuxmusic Жыл бұрын
Michael,Michael Thank you Thank you. I was was being polite on Rachel’s stream. The Mofi of Eye is like the jacket dull. Just looked at the Mofi what a embarrassing jacket compared to the original. Never been so disappointed when I done my comparison 3 months ago.Original has got everything,soundstage,that 3D image ,beautifully transparent.I will be selling my Mofi for sure. I made a comment on one of your videos months back Michael regarding this comparison.I made this comment before the Mofi scandal broke. My instinct told me something wasn’t right about this particular release. I haven’t got the Mofi I Robot,but have an original.That’s good enough for me. I keep saying you need to listen to an original for your first reference point. It makes you think twice spending a lot of money on Mofi reissues. I won’t be buying another one. Your calling it how it is the truth . Long live the OBC 😂 Great stuff M 🙌👍
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
✌️
@liammolyneuxmusic Жыл бұрын
Michael I recently did a comparison with 2 Analogue Productions records.Beach Boys Pet Sounds 45rpm stereo & the mono version.Everyone goes on about how great the 45 stereo sounds,but in my opinion the mono smokes the stereo.Only my opinion of course but an interesting comparison just the same 👍
@HoomanR17 Жыл бұрын
Michael, when going after the Miles Davis catalog, I hope you get the opportunity to include classic records versions in your comparison since they were the only "audiophile" label who did a reissue other than MOFI for some titles like Sketches of Spain.. except they were the last to do it AAA. iRobot is another example where classic did this title. Would be interesting to see/hear your take between the OG and the classic.
@juanluiszarzuela314 Жыл бұрын
I recently bought "Piramid" original Spanish edition 1978 and it sounds wonderful! (with clicks and pop but I don’t mind ). Now I'm waiting for I Robot UK first edition to arrive...
@stevendownes9151 Жыл бұрын
Great comparison Michael, I now know my next 2 titles for Dave!!!
@LifelongMusicJunkie Жыл бұрын
I think these comparison videos will have the same result, for the most part, with the exception of an occasional Analogue Productions release! I have a Canadian original of Eye in The Sky and the Mofi version. I think they were equal on my system, and the same goes for Eddie Money's S/T (AP + OG). I am not sure I need to see any more comparison videos, but I will always watch an unboxing of new releases and stuff like that you do. Cheers
@seamuscolgan7654 Жыл бұрын
I wonder if you could maybe compare a German first pressing of either record? They must have sold alot of albums in Germany, as I bought mine for €5 and they sound great!!!
@AudioGuyBrian Жыл бұрын
Thanks. You made my decision. I have the CD for I Robot and have been thinking about getting the MoFi but instead I found a NM- (Media) one online for $10 + $6 shipping for the 1977 first pressing by Arista. Can't wait to check it out.
@reedrobins170 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos and passion for music. I have never understood people paying more for represses (not audiophile ones) than you can buy very clean copies of the originals. Especially when it comes to a lot of 70's and 80's vinyl. The Mofi's from my experience go either way, some are better and some are worse. They have always been like rolling the dice on them, especially with factoring in the cost. Keep your great videos coming.
@VinylGourmetTV Жыл бұрын
Hi Michael, nice video as usual, but concerning I Robot, I'm sorry but I really think your are confusing "clarity, details, dynamic, room, air" with what is basically just a brighter and leaner mastering on the original. This is all subjective of course, but I do have a lot of experience with this album and in my opinion the MoFi is so much better than the original pressing there is no contest at all, so much more information in the grooves it really becomes silly to even compare to the original. There is scale, dynamic range and frequency extension on the MoFi that the original simply can't touch. The transient response of the original must be 50% less powerful and with less energy than the MoFi 45rpm. I fully understand how the original could be perceived as more cohesive, a more musical experience as some call it, and the reason for that is simple, it just presents less information and sound diversity, making it a simpler global experience for how the brain processes listening to music... is it good, or even better because of that? Sure it depends on personal taste and our expectations, but for me the MoFi is much better. ;)
@jeffbellin8224 Жыл бұрын
Is your original a US or UK (or something else)?
@mikehertling7858 Жыл бұрын
curious, wouldn't the MOFI be adding scale, dynamic range and frequency extension through artifical digital means. So the more information in the grooves is artificial. Perhaps the artificial sounds better? Perhaps some peoples musical gear is more geared to artificial sound while others is more geared towards analogue. We are born with analogue ears! Just a thought.
@VinylGourmetTV Жыл бұрын
@@mikehertling7858 the original pressing is also digital, in that regard all vinyl versions of this album are equally "artificial" ;) But this has nothing to to with analog/digital, it's all in the mastering, as usual. Not sure if the mofi is adding anything, or if the original was subtracting something. Who knows? I just know the mofi sounds much better to me, just an opinion of course.
@Bozlee22 Жыл бұрын
The quietness of the MOFI 45s and excellent sonics at the same time, are a better choice than the clicks and pops of the originals
@67Pepper Жыл бұрын
Perhaps you can expand your review process to include the date the album was first released, mastering engineer, recording studio, any trivia related to the pressing.
@ptbfrch Жыл бұрын
Very interesting. I had an original Australian copy and vastly preferred the MoFi. It was not even close in terms of dynamics, soundstage precision, depth, and width. MoFi has maybe a bit goofy EQ, but the punch is considerably better with MoFi. I also recall that the original used a melange of analog and PCM sources for the final mix, while MoFi used all analog tape in their transfer to DSD.
@jeffwhitehead6268 Жыл бұрын
I believe the album was originally mixed digitally, and both an analog and digital master made from that. So it was not a AAA source that was transferred to DSD for the MoFi. Not sure why Speakers Corner used the digital master. That was horrid.
@D4rkS4v4nt Жыл бұрын
I'm not suprised that the original pressings are the best as we know Alan Parsons was a mix engineer, so I would assume he was somehow making sure that the vinyl pressings and lacquer was produced to a high standard. I also love listening to my original pressing of I Robot and Eye in the Sky, also have a duplicate of the german production master tape "The Turn of a Friendly Card". The tape sounds amazing, amazing clarity and depth, there is a comparison video of the UK 1st pressing and german production master tape copy on my channel.
@JohnBrown-pu9ol Жыл бұрын
Great point. Didn't Alan Parsons work on The Beatles' "Abbey Road" and Pink Floyd's " The Dark Side of the Moon?" His ears in the studio are likely superior to anyone else handling his recordings.
@joebloggs8636 Жыл бұрын
@@JohnBrown-pu9ol Yes,if you read the London explanation under this heading you can see he did even more than that
@JohnBrown-pu9ol Жыл бұрын
@@joebloggs8636 Thanks for pointing it out.
@jameshogg11 Жыл бұрын
I picked up the UK original of Eye in the Sky last month for £5! I *almost* left it behind because it was only VG. So glad I didn't because it plays perfectly and sounds AMAZING! 🙂
@jimmccloskey4254 Жыл бұрын
You have listened to many (greater than 30 or so) originals to remaster, each of the OGs having come out on top. What can you summarize for your community, what are the common challenges among the remasters - less sound stage, presentation, instrumentation, depth - ??? Nice videos, enjoy them though it gives long-time viewers some 'hmmnn' moments already knowing the conclusions. In your library, why not have a remaster section - those surpassing the OGs - a way to know how much time, effort, and cost you have made in a Don Quixote quest. In NJ USA I have recently seen all the early Alan Parson's in VG for $1 - $5 in several record stores - LOL.
@Sonic_Rebellion Жыл бұрын
I am really looking forward to what you will say when you compare the Steely Dan UHQR’s to the OG’s now that you have had Kassem on a few times. I wonder if you are able to be objectionable and honest at that point. It’s a tough position to be in man, i dont envy you! Keep up the great work.
@kensileo8793 Жыл бұрын
Not surprising at all, especially these UK issues. They might be some outliers but I kind of ext this result. Glad you are getting introduced to the originals.
@stevealvanos6592 Жыл бұрын
Have you checked out the UHQR of I Robot? It's very good.
@revelry1969 Жыл бұрын
Michael, good work. It seems you are more and more preferring the OG. You may need to change your handle to “OG Audiophile” 😅😊. Good video man!
@fidelios_frequency Жыл бұрын
Insightful video. Your thoughts always very appreciated. Very interesting finding since the originals were cut from digital source and the MoFi supposedly uses the analog source (albeit through DSD step). I bought a US Promo original for $5 a few weeks ago. Curious thing is that it was pressed from German stampers (in the matrix). Do you have any insight to this?
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
no can not comment that fidelio
@ghostdancer58 Жыл бұрын
Unless i'm missing something can someone explain to me the need to keep multi copies of the same album, and this is not directed at Michael, because i was under the impression and understand the need for the best sounding copies of the music, but in this case would you not end up with just one copy until the next one comes along to test.
@jorgalbrecht4635 Жыл бұрын
I have the I Robot from MOFI, Classic Records, MOV with alternativ. The MOFI is like analytic the choir is silent, but it’s sounds good. But the MOV sounds with 33 Umin very good and the Bonus ist great and you hear the fantastic choir (not, so MOFI) MY favorit is the Classic Record, well done and AAA. Also i have the Speakers Corner and my own first german pressing from eye in the sky and I love the original, like you do. Thanks for your video…
@MAB_Audio_Nut Жыл бұрын
LOL you make me laugh.. "How is this it can't be" to funny.
@rhorto01 Жыл бұрын
So, this sent me scurrying to my Alan Parsons Project collection for a quick comparison. lol I just did Eye In The Sky as I have more versions for comparison. I looked at digital as well. The four copies I looked at were 1) Arista LP original US first pressing (probably VG-) purchased by me in late May, 1982, 2) 45 RPM version from the 35th Anniversary box set, 3) Arista CD, 2007 remaster, and 4) MoFi SACD 2021. Of these, in my system, it was the MoFi SACD that came out on top. It was, by far, the quietest of the copies, so I did need to turn it up to get everything out of it, but it had by far the greatest dynamic range. The "oomph" was present and it just sounded musically complete. The 45 RPM copy came in second, the 2007 CD came next, and my beloved 1982 original LP came in last. Now, it could very well be that my much loved original LP copy is just past it. The left channel could sound muted, almost muffled, from time to time, which is nothing the other copies had to deal with. It must be said, it did not sound bad, and I may not have noticed it if I was not listening with headphones. As for me I do have the box set on pre-order and I am looking forward to it. They may not wind up matching the originals, but that just shows how good sonically those albums always were.
@rhorto01 Жыл бұрын
I want to add, another reason I want to pick up the box set is it maybe the last time the original tapes for Vulture Culture will ever be used, and since they had access to Eric Woolfson's original copies of the source tapes there could be other sonic benefits (especially for Turn of a Friendly Card.)
@Luca-vg1wp Жыл бұрын
Awesome as usual! Would love a comparison between Dire Straits mofis vs the UK vertigo OGs!
@seansrecords Жыл бұрын
i have both ... originals are great ... the nofis are great too but sound more clinical and eqd
@seansrecords Жыл бұрын
get an original - theyre cheap and only need flipping once 😂
@Luca-vg1wp Жыл бұрын
@@seansrecords thank you very much! I only have the mofis and I’m already happy with those but want to know more.
@seansrecords Жыл бұрын
@@Luca-vg1wp well , unless you are in the uk and can get them cheap the mofis are great... they did a good job of the dire straits dire straits records are really common in record shops here , i see them regularly for £4-8 ... if i see clean ones that are original vertigos i have a compulsion to get them and then every now and again i clear them out and swap them i had the self titled album as a reissue - i think it was releases a few years after the original and i swore that sounded better than the OG but it may have just been my 2 specific pressings
@BowieorBolan Жыл бұрын
I have all the OG Dire Straits pressings & the first 4 on MOFI. IMO the MOFIs sound good & are dead quiet, however I feel that the first album & Making Movies MOFIs are disappointing compared to the originals. Communique & Love Over Gold MOFIs hold their own & are in my opinion up there with the OGs and much harder to say which I prefer. My best sounding versions of all of the first 4 albums though are the Super Bit Mapping remastered CDs which were released in 1996. All these were remastered by the great Robert Ludwig & can be picked up for a fraction of the MOFIs and a decent OG. Just my opinion though & I can understand anyone who prefers vinyl.
@paulranson6973 Жыл бұрын
Would be interesting to hear your opinion of some of the later, but still 'back in the day', pressings of records where the artist cares about quality, PF, Parsons etc. How paranoid do you have to be about 'first' pressings?
@jeffwhitehead6268 Жыл бұрын
I love my original UK “I Robot” and prefer it to the MoFi. Been on the lookout for an original UK “Eye In The Sky” for a while. Many turned out to actually be original German pressings. Turns out, the original UK and German were BOTH pressed in Germany, and the only difference is the country code at 3 o’clock on the label. This is easily verified at Discogs under ID and Notes for each pressing. Matching matrixes. I was able to find a German original for much less than a UK and even avoided shipping overseas. Hopefully this helps someone else looking for an original find a nice pressing and save some money.
@slidetek Жыл бұрын
The _only_ advantage I've heard with MoFi vs original pressings is quieter vinyl. The USA pressings in the 70's often had horrific vinyl, I always tried to get the British/German pressings back then. I have an original British (Charisma) Alan Parsons Tales of Mystery a friend brought me before it hit these shores, and it has always blown away the MoFi version (I have 3 of these including US pressing). All MoFi's have seemed _soft_ to my ears. Of course, the tapes from the 70's especially were awful as they experimented with new materials (remember metal tape?) - at least from what Frank Zappa had said. First thing to go is the bass. In fact, I can't think of _any_ instance where a new version trumps an original if we're talking non-jazz releases.
@jeraldaddison6376 Жыл бұрын
Juxtaposition is a fine exercise. Though my reference is live orchestral music that has a real soundstage, presence etc.., rather than a studio recording that is of course artificial, processed, no real soundstage, instruments can be recorded separately and added whilst mixing later. Let’s keep those differences in mind when speaking of soundstage, separation, other parameters that can only be real with acoustic instruments sans amplification or processing.
@murch13 Жыл бұрын
Keep up the great work. I think if you consider that these classics were recorded on magnetic tape, then it makes sense that with every play of the master it would lose some magnetism and fidelity...thus the 1st presses will generally sound better (unless they were overly compressed/limited). It may be impossible to get the same sound out of the master tape decades later, even at 45rpm, super vinyl etc etc, if it no longer exists on the master tape because it's lost its magnetic properties.
@markusberzborn6346 Жыл бұрын
Highly unlikely. Numerous really good reissues prove otherwise.
@Wpjs2112 Жыл бұрын
I don’t doubt the results, but are you adjusting the VTF? Perhaps your tone arm is not dialed in for 180g…? It does make a minor difference.
@markkopernicky3489 Жыл бұрын
Another great video Michael. But I'm not surprised in the slightest. ..I've always said the originals will always be better then reissues. The tapes are fresh , where as the reissues are using tapes that have been sitting on shelves for years or have been used several times already and have lost some of the original sonics.
@theheepster Жыл бұрын
APP - I robot: My MFSL from 1982 in 33 RPM is unbeatable. I have the uk first pressing too. My MFSL has an other Mastering as the 45 rpm from 2016. Eye in the sky: IMO the two best sounding versions are the UK and German first pressings.
@danielbdbe Жыл бұрын
hello , I enjoy very much your videos and subscibed since i discovered your channel . could you please when reviewing Original pressings ,let us know some key informations like : LP number , released year , label and pressing date , etc.. many thanks daniel
@user-yk4gd1fl4z Жыл бұрын
How about Crime of the Century Supertramp MoLi V OG?
@MarcoRistuccia Жыл бұрын
So, what do all this OG vs audiophile releases comparisons tell you in the end Mike? I did some comparisons myself and I'm not convinced anymore that I will put my money into an audiophile repress if I can find an original for a comparable price.
@latheofheaven Жыл бұрын
Well, I think I know now what my 1st British pressing order will be 😊 I am also quite surprised about I Robot because I also have the MFSL 2-45 pressing and thought it was very good! I don't personally care for Eye in the Sky (Way too boring for my taste) But, thank you Michael, because now I know what my first order will be 👍
@Mjwattsee Жыл бұрын
I'm pleased. I robot is one of my OG club orders.
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
very good choice Mark
@Mjwattsee Жыл бұрын
@@Michael45RPM will you review Thriller Mofi (if you still get), I cancelled mine
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
i will review it Mark
@pascalcollet3897 Жыл бұрын
Hi @michael45rpm i'm quite shocked that a 1 step mofi print ( given the work done, the price) can't beat a pretty standard pressing for 1982! Have they forgotten how to deal with analogue?. That being said i have a 1979 first pressing of The Wall that have less cracks and pops than the animals 2018 remix. I fell like they just sell us vinyl as a luxury product without giving it the care it needs . I ordered the amused to death 45rpm AP this morning i very much hope it'll be worth the price. Thanks for you're channel btw
@notenoughholidays Жыл бұрын
In New Zealand they went for the cheap cover, I have 2 pressings and neither have the raised symbol 😐
@dossierzoeker5539 Жыл бұрын
Compared my Arista 1982 version with the Mofi 2022 version and for me listening on headphone I definitely prefer the OG. On loudspeakers the OG has more detail, but I do like the sound color of the Mofi more. Overall I would say, this time the OG wins over the Mofi.
@viiinullviii3178 Жыл бұрын
My 2 Cents: When I first heard the Eye in the Sky album in 1982, it was immediately clear to me that Parson/Woolfson had finally run out of interesting ideas. What I heard was an extremely dull classic rock album. I don't think I've put the album back on since then. Until now. However, 40 years later, the verdict was the same as it was the first time. Maybe even more devastating. Of course, tastes differ. But here (as on the following albums) a once great horse is ridden to death. Wikipedia writes: „From contemporary reviews, Ken Tucker of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the album a one star rating out of five rating, calling it a "hopelessly banal album" with "Paul McCartney-as-manic-depressive melodies and whining vocals would be merely pathetic were it not for Parsons' lyric pretensions".“ Simply true.
@mikep8683 Жыл бұрын
You're not wrong.
@TheLarsonmanor Жыл бұрын
Agreed, the original UK I Robot pressing definitely sounds better, a more natural sound. I also compared it to the Classic Records reissue, still the original came on top.
@festersuncle6298 Жыл бұрын
USA 1st pressing Eye In The Sky with the foil cover and hype sticker is a flamethrower too
@davidcoulthard7449 Жыл бұрын
I'm not at all that surprised, I have been disappointed with many halfspeed masters. Perhaps it has to do with the mastering process, being that the original tapes have been digitized then remastered. Like yourself I have both copies and in many instances multiple pressing from other countries, well a least countries that are known for there pressings. New and improved does not always mean better, new but that is about. I enjoyed your analysis, cheers DC
@casperdowlen625 Жыл бұрын
Is the I Robot MFSL45rpm version digital vinyl? The UHQR MFSL and the MFSL first standard release were obviously analog from the early 1980s. That would have been more interesting as a comparison. And probably would have given better results. The original MFSL 33 1/3 sounded great.
@dbdigital57 Жыл бұрын
Agree 100% on how much I was disappointed with Speakers Corner Eye In The Sky. Is the MOFI quieter vinyl than OG?
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
yes it is db
@papabear1417 Жыл бұрын
Consider Jelly Cleaver 'Future Presence' EP. All analogue made in 2022. On my very modest system sounds 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@jamesoneil9757 Жыл бұрын
I have struggled with iRobot. When I was young, about 1983, iRobot was one of my favorite albums. I recorded on cassette and would listen while going asleep. I’ve bought a bunch of versions recently (not an original pressing) and none have impressed. Could just be that my memory of discovery cannot be equaled, but there’s something about the dynamics that feels missing.
@Big-J-8579 Жыл бұрын
I am not sure you have ever picked a remaster/release over the original when it comes to rock/pop albums. For Jazz (50s & 60s) I think the remasters seem to be better.
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
Stand Up AP was superior,
@johnmcl00 Жыл бұрын
I think you should only buy the original pressings
@mikecoffee100 Жыл бұрын
I Robot the British Version and suprisingly The Japanese version are the only versions you need and Eye in the Sky hmmm probably the British version.
@David-Ellis Жыл бұрын
Hi Michael. With so many 1st pressings from the UK sounding best of all - do you know which pressing plants were responsible?
@redgePro Жыл бұрын
Classic Records i robot is great….
@ivansbacon Жыл бұрын
I do not think it should be supersizing that a recording engineers (an engineers with the resume of Alan Parsons) music recorded to vinyl should be better than any subsequent attempts to try and make it "better".
@arnelarsen4379 Жыл бұрын
Agree - it's hard not to like Alan Parsons!
@ginntonic123 Жыл бұрын
I know this maybe is not the place to write about this but would be nice to get q OG vs Classic Records pressings for example the Led Zeppelin or another amazing title is Genesis selling England by the pound
@charlesgund4812 Жыл бұрын
Mike in groove said he liked the MFSL 45 the best. I wonder if you now just have that automatic feel that the original will always be best etched in your mind?
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
In my mind the MoFi has been the favorite in this case not the Original, especially after the first Comparison between the MoFi and the Speakers Corner
@RobJohnsonRules Жыл бұрын
Not accusing you of this Michael, but is there any chance (when evaluating Mofi) that people who are upset at the DSD step are letting that bias their evaluations? It would be hard to prevent. I considered buying Eye in the Sky and so I read about the Mofi release and listened to people's impressions, and it seemed everyone thought Mofi killed it. Now, after the bombshell, I'm seeing some reviews saying it's maybe not the best option. Makes me suspicious. I opted for the Mofi SACD simply because I think the record is too expensive. I have been doing that with most of the things I buy from Mofi and AP. Single albums for close to $100 (Canadian), or even more than that. It's nuts. When the same companies are releasing the same albums on SACD for $40, that makes my decision an easy one. But I will probably do a comparison between one of the Dire Straits albums from Mofi and an original British pressing. I already have all the albums on Mofi SACDs. This won't prove anything, but it will be fun. And I don't think I will have any bias, because the use of DSD doesn't bother me. I buy originals, AAA reissues, digital records, SACDs, and even CDs. I like all these formats, and if the recording and mastering are great then they can all shine (even CD). Whichever has the best sound is the version that I prefer. I personally don't think the use of DSD hurts Mofi records; I think ultimately their sound comes from their mastering choices. That's what we are really judging with Mofi.
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
The MoFi Eye still kills the Speakers Corner :-)
@jackiepuppet9289 Жыл бұрын
Can’t speak to iRobot but I have a US original Turn of a Friendly Card I bought for 4 US dollars a couple years ago. I think it sounds fantastic. There have been reissues of that but I’m not going for the bait. Just not big enough fan of Alan Parsons to start buying all these reissues to compare.
@Stonecutter334 Жыл бұрын
Michael I think at this point you only need to do this when the og loses. 😂 You still seem surprised! It’s a given. Now the challenge is to understand why this is always true. Is it the mastering equipment? Is it the people doing them? Why are the current remastered presses so disappointing ? What are the things that need to change. I think the very first thing that needs to change is no more remasters! Leave the master tapes alone and simply do the best you can do to capture whats there. No more remixes! You want a remix introduce an eq into your setup and play till your heart’s content! Stop trying to make old recordings sound modern. Its the exact opposite of what fans want in their represses. Etc etc etc….
@mcgjohn22 Жыл бұрын
Michael, really nice review. Concur with your conclusions. The MOFI sounds good until you hear the British original on I Robot. The only copy I have that sounds better than the British original is Mike Hobson's Classic Records release. The Classic Records copy is better than the British OG but does not blow it away. But if you compare the Classic Records 33 to the MOFI 45, not much of a comparison. The Classic Records copy blows away the MOFI. I sold off the MOFI 45 copy.
@touristas9798 Жыл бұрын
Funny.Just bought Eye in the sky in a thrift shop today
@spaceman3793 Жыл бұрын
I had the chance to compare "I Robot" on CD. First the original German Pressing (Arista Records) from 1984, second the MoFi 1986 CD and third the 2016 MoFi CD. The conclusion is that the original Arista CD is not beaten by the MoFi ones, they sound for the most part sonically the same, but the Arista has a very slightly better pronounced bass than the Mofi CDs. The older Mofi is a little lower in volume than the Arista, the 2016 one is the loudest of the three. So safe your money here and buy the cheap Arista CD and stay away from the 2007 remaster, because here Alan Parsons mastered it much too loud.
@dietchapstick7890 Жыл бұрын
I agree the 2007 remaster of I Robot is too compressed. Strangely enough, the Pyramid remaster is far more dynamic. I can say that the common U.S. pressing of I Robot you can find in used bins on LP sounds great, and for a digital version the Classic Records HDAD sounds very good. Too bad Analog Productions doesn't reissue that HDAD disc on a regular CD+DVD or CD+BluRay set. I hate those double sided discs.
@leonsam12 Жыл бұрын
Please review the new Taylor Swift album!!😎🤘
@anonymex22 Жыл бұрын
i'm very surprised about the mofi 45 rpm edition, normally it should sound more punchy and cleaner due to more rotation speed! Anyway if it's dsd sources, or trought digital equipment that can produce these effect, the speed isn't hiding the mastering skill the equipment used and the input sources. i have a 45 rpm edition of video game music which is digitally mastered , and it sound poorer than all 33 rpm analog mastered! My reference is the beattle limited ugroove 78 rpm edition which sound fantastic (wasn't able to listen normally to it with my equipment to much power in the cartridge) I don't thing you can beat this one with any 33 or 45 rpm...unfortunately it's a uFO! As for the jacket, reissue should have as good or better jacket than the original especially considering the price of the mofi edition! it seems that you re in a dead end, you should endlessly confirm that the original are better from these decade, again equipment were tubes, and full analog ones of their times! plus the reel were fresh, and probably the first copy if not the original reel! I thinks it's not your cup of tea, but it should be interesting the compare an original album from after 1990 , and their 20xx reissue more closer equipment times, but that's mean no audiophile band and or newer style of music, should try the muse uprising original with their different reissue! it would produce perhaps different result! but again not sure because the quipment are degrading over time, the golden age of musical equipment for vinyle is in the 70ties
@First-gd7ci Жыл бұрын
Interesting comparison but I have to say I never liked the Mofi Eye in the sky. Maybe because I already had the original and then got the Mofi. The bass in the Mofi is terrible and overdone.
@Vinylfromtheunderground Жыл бұрын
No one thinks you don’t like mofi. Bottom line is the original is 95% of the time a better sounding press than any modern repress. Add to that the original is 100% of the time more collectible. People, please stop buying OVERPRICED modern repressed crap. The originals are even cheaper in many cases. Stop the madness.
@ergloo6660 Жыл бұрын
Don't feel guilty for decades I have clearly stated that originals sound better than MOFI and many other reissues. Why do you think I have many thousands of country of origin 1st pressings. I was consistently told I was wrong. The majority of MOFI's etc sound muffled. Believe in yourself you are right. The only BUT is you have to have an ultrasonic cleaner. I have the MOFI and 1st press and the original is miles ahead exactly as you have described. Try comparing the Santana 1st album with an original. the claim is that the MOFI sounds the best that there is wrong, both the UK and US 1st presses blow the MOFI out of the water
@ericlubow4354 Жыл бұрын
Once you have decided that you vastly prefer the originals, how likely is it that you will pick other reissues like Mofi when you just want to sit down and listen for pleasure? Why bother even keeping those? Seems like a waste just to fill your shelves and say you have it. It might be time to start clearing your shelves of the “dead weight”!
@Michael45RPM Жыл бұрын
good points Eric
@Groover71 Жыл бұрын
“What do I do?” I know. What you do is you stop reviewing MoFi albums because you have lost all subjectivity, all credibility. I’m not going so far as to call you a fraud, but you obviously have a horse in this race. And no matter what MoFi does, they could make the most incredible sounding record in the history of records, and you’d still say they weren’t any good. It’s pretty sad actually.
@Groover71 Жыл бұрын
So many sheep in this comments 😂
@paulspanbauer4125 Жыл бұрын
Once credibility is lost it’s very hard to get it back…
@ndrsnvrz Жыл бұрын
I know the answer before I watch the video... 😁
@jptabja Жыл бұрын
The best version that I have listened to of Eye in The Sky is the 35th Anniversary Box Set with 2 x 45 RPM LPs (2017). Unbeatable in all sense including the box set and extras.