Eric Clapton Unplugged MoFi UD1S thoughts

@dhite71 It is nice to see someone come here and rebut their OP. I think with a lot of these ’audiophile’ releases, the better your system, the easier you are going to be able to hear the differences.

The new MoFi ’One Step’ is clearly a lot better than my already excellent prior releases. This is what I always find when listening to these ’One Step’s...they are going to be typically better than any other release of the same title (as they should be for the price asked, IMO).

One thing to remember though, and I think why a lot of folk have been severely disappointed in these releases, is this: The ’One Step’ is only going to sound as great as the original master recording! If that master was lacking in some way, the ’One Step’ is not going to fix that issue. This is why I was so excited to acquire the EC ’Unplugged’ as the master was very good, and why I was not really interested in the ’One Step’ Simon and Garfunkel ’BOTW’ release...as I knew the master of this one is a mess!

This is a classic case of how I get a little too excited over highly anticipated results. I expect so much immediately and then start getting frustrated.  We say over and over to try and not be so critical of a new component or really anything the first couple days, but damn it is so hard!  Now that a month has passed and I am relaxed this evening I have listened to each side from the former copy to the MoFi and while it still doesn't just blow me away there are these subtle improvements that are starting to show themselves.  I suppose at this level, subtleties are often all we can expect.  Glad to at least get people talking about such a wonderful album.  With either release, you really can close your eyes and put yourself into that audience.  It will go down as one of my favorite records of all time.

To me, the 2LP Bellman is like pushing a loudness button. It still sounds great though. The 1 Step is so natural sounding, the tone is perfect. Also, the Bellman is much louder so you need to listen to both at the same level.

Yeah, I'm surprised when I read from those who hear no difference. It makes me think either their ears or equipment are less resolved.

@analogj  +1

My copy of the MoFi 'One Step' EC Unplugged is superior in all areas to the other versions that i own, including the Bellman release. Superb album that really allows the soundstage to expand and bring in more information of the audience etc.,

Highly recommended.

Thanks for your thorough assessment analogj

I will definitely be listening to the album more and will try and focus on the points you mentioned.  While I know my system sounds great it may have limitations in revealing these subtle differences.  

I have the original CD, single disc LP, the 2LP Rhino mastered and cut by Chris Bellman, and the MoFi OneStep. 

While the CB 2LP set is an improvement on the originals in that it's bigger and more spacious, it's also tonally bright and the midrange a bit recessed. The sound stresses the strum of the guitar strings and robs the guitar and Clapton's voice of some resonance, making the sound tonally a bit pinched.

In contrast, the MoFi 45rpm sounds fuller, more natural, and more at ease. There's greater spaciousness in the midrange, and the top end is less tipped up, The whole presentation seems more real, and it's easier to listen to, to sit back, relax and appreciate. 

I love the album, but as relatively good as the Rhino 2LP set is, I have always had a hard time relaxing while listening because of the tonal imbalance. The MoFi is vastly improved in that area

Is the MoFi revelatory in that you'll hear new aspects to the music you've never heard before? Not really. It just gives you a better sense of being there when it happened. For me, it's a more enjoyable experience, and worth the extra dough. 

I’ve had two copies of "Higher" on vinyl that were defective. Returned them, moving on.....

Exactly!  I had read that too recently and it fueled my excitement.  As much as I love to read reviews I know we have to accept that these are reviewers.  Definitely looking forward to some genuine feedback from Audiogoners as people start receiving these and get a chance to listen!

Just saw this ...

I'll play mine, I've only ever owned it in CD.

I'm not in any hurry to play mine.  I might even leave it sealed and in a year or two it will be worth $200-$300.  Or I may just go ahead and enjoy it.

My original EU pressing sounds great. That's why I'm not ordering.

Do you have the original EU (German) pressing?

I wonder if any reissue could be better.