MoFi v/s UHQR

I think a lot of people fail to realize or just ignore, the vast majority of recordings made since the 80s go through a digital processor of one type or another (limiers, compressors, reverb, etc). So regardless of the master multi track being analog or digital, it has at least one step in the digital domain anyway. So, for those who say "but it's not analog anymore" it never was in the first place.

I think a lot of people fail to realize or just ignore, the vast majority of recordings made since the 80s go through a digital processor of one type or another (limiers, compressors, reverb, etc). So regardless of the master multi track being analog or digital, it has at least one step in the digital domain anyway. So, for those who say "but it’s not analog anymore" it never was in the first place.

@roadwhorerecords

purchasing any of these one step expensive pressings, whether with a digital step or not, are 100% pre-1980’s. so there is always an all analog alternative to any of them. which is the main issue.

digitally sourced post-1980 pressings don’t have that alternative, it’s simply a matter of preference for the Lp or file/disc version according to taste. there is never an all analog alternative. so you just follow your ear to the way you prefer your music. and don’t worry about it.

so you cannot really compare the choices, they are fundamentally different. the only question is whether you like the music enough to acquire it.

I have records from both MoFi and AP and, while they’re both good, I’ve come to prefer the AP UHQR recordings. To my ear, they sound richer, fuller, and with more depth.  And Acoustic Sounds customer service is excellent. 

What I’ve “almost” totally stopped buying are records from any number of the other producers. I’ve had several that the quality wasn’t even bad — it was horrible. Case in point was “Natalie Cole - Unforgettable 30th Anniversary Edition from Craft/Concord Records. More skips and pops than a popcorn popper. I’ll be sticking to the better quality production plants going forward.

If anyone is interested in exploring a completely different track, check out Supersense from Vienna, Austria. They’re outrageously expensive (especially with the shipping charge) but I’ve heard a couple of their recordings and I have to admit — they were like nothing I’ve ever heard before or since. I finally broke down and bought one — BUT THAT”S THE LAST ONE! Anymore of those get delivered to the house and the WF is going to erupt!  

@whart 

Very well said!  I agree with you that the focus should be on finding those gems and new music to enjoy.  It takes more effort too...it's much easier to replace an album you have or simply buy the latest audiophile of an album you don't have on vinyl but already know.  I do both and definitely enjoy both!

@mikempls 

You made me remember my success with Rhino records' audiophile releases.  If I recall correctly, they are only $40 and are excellent quality and sound.  I recently bought a Devo Van Morrison and Black Sabbath and they were all great pressings, flat, quiet, great sonics and packaging.

I've owned perhaps 75 different MFSL LPs over the past 35 years.  Regardless of whether they were from back in the day (mastered by Stan Ricker and pressed on JVC Super vinyl, with the smiley EQ curve), or modern releases within the past five years or so, I now own ZERO MFSL pressings.  The last through the door, the 45 RPM 'Making Movies' from Dire Straits was indeed dire, and screamed its digital-ness; it was a lifeless, soulless abomination.  I've probably profited more than I've lost over the years with the liquidation of those LPs.

I've had nothing but joy from Analogue Productions' efforts over the years.  Not everything is (or can be) perfect, but there are some real gems that Chad and company have released, and that I'm happy to own.  The recent Atlantic 75 series is a case in point - some amazing sonics on several of them that easily better the original releases.  Can't say that ever occurred with a MFSL release (disclaimer:  I've never heard the Santana Abraxas 1-step, some people say it's special).  Just my 2¢.