MOFI's new UD1S Santana "Abraxas" LP


Have now listened to this new LP from MOFI several times.

While not  one of my favorite albums, and the music is just okay, the recording is spectacular.

Mobile Fidelity's new Ultra Disc One Step (UD1S) process seems to extract a lot of information from the grooves. This LP is open, spacious and has ambiance out the butt.

The packaging is superb.  Very nice box reminiscent of the old UHQR, with much nicer artwork and inserts.

I compared it my regular MOFI LP and to the US original and the German pressing.  This is indeed the best sounding of the bunch.

Is it worth a hundred bucks?  Well, it is to me, but maybe not everyone.
128x128mofimadness
mofi,

My last question wasn't for a possible purchase. It was just a question to help me understand the sonics of this process going forward. I'm sorry you could not understand this.

Cheers!
Hey guys....thanks for all the comments!  Unfortunately, this title is sold out everywhere.

I wish everyone had a chance to hear this particular release.  The more I listen to it, the more I realize just how special this is.  I am also getting into the music much more than I have before.  It still isn't my favorite, but I do have a renewed appreciation of it.

Mofimadness, Santana's "Abraxas" is one of my favorite albums, and I find the music both fascinating, and spectacular. I lost count of the LP's I've bought since it came out, and a few CD's as well; however, I'm not sure if I'll ever get that one; just how high can the level of sonics get on one LP? It's kind of like comparing Class "A" to Class "A+"; if you're that intent on hearing the sonics, how can you hear the music? But the bottom line is whether or not you got a loose $100. dollar bill in your pocket.

I appreciate this information, and it's a joy to know that so many people are interested enough in one of my favorite LP's, that they are willing to plunk down that much for a copy. I will have to give it careful consideration.


Enjoy the music.
mofimadness,

I have read the Fremer review (he gave it an "11" for sonics) and was wondering...

Can you compare, in any way, the superlative sonics of this lp with a direct-to-disc pressing?  For instance, the immediacy or the extra snappy transient response and so on?

Thanks
I'm on vacation now but when I get home in 10 days, I'll compare my UD1S to my original first pressing. Fortunately, I thought the album was great in 1970 and I still feel the same way now. Outside of the usual hits--Samba Pa Ti--. There's a lot to like.
I hope I come to agree with Mofimadness re the fidelity.
mofimadness

Thanks for the info. If I should come across info regarding if the matrix is coded to identify the convergent and stamper number in the run, I will let you know

Thnx
Brad
I'm thinking of starting a "go fund me" in order to experience this new process!

..yes, I'm still laughing! Thanks for that.  Cheers!
I am curious how many times they use the convergent disc as a stamper or how many vinyl disc they produce from one convergent/stamper.
I was told that the convert/stamper can be used for 400-700 copies. They claim to make only 2500 copies, so 4-5 converts must be made. That gets kind of expensive to create.

"While not one of my favorite albums, and the music is just okay, the recording is spectacular." Being a vinyl guy, I can still somehow understand that it is worth $100 to you even though it’s not one of your favorite lps. (I think we have a serious illness at times?).... laughing...
LOL, yes I have a serious vinyl problem. I have a massive LP collection and am always looking to add to it. In this case, I was so curious as to this new pressing scheme that the music played second fiddle (pun intended). I got to hear this release several times at shows and was totally impressed, but having it at home, on my system, in my room, was the only way to know for sure. It is a spectacular pressing...
mofimadness,

Thanks for the info. I was curious.

"While not one of my favorite albums, and the music is just okay, the recording is spectacular." Being a vinyl guy, I can still somehow understand that it is worth $100 to you even though it's not one of your favorite lps. (I think we have a serious illness at times?).... laughing...

I point your quote out to make the point that (we) are slaves to the hope of a better outcome. Is 'Abraxas" the most re-issued/re-mastered lp of all time? If not, very close, like you, was still interested.

I own the original domestic, the CBS, and the MFSL 33rpm. I also have the S/T in original & domestic re-issue and the MFSL 45rpm.

Although I'm still curious, I'll choose to live through you.
I am curious how many times  they use the convergent disc as a stamper or how many vinyl disc they produce from one convergent/stamper. Also, is there a code in the matrix denoting which stamping the record is
Any one know?.

Thnx
Brad
mofimadness,

Thanks for the information. I bought a copy, but have not played it yet.

It is one of my favorites, so exciting to hear the recording is spectacular.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry