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Post by bsmooth on Jul 14, 2011 13:53:21 GMT
I have to start somewhere, so I take it the MFSL is the best version, what would be close that is actually available. Are the MFSL versions of the albums easier to get in the UK? If I wanted to get the best versions of his albums, what would they be and what would be a less expensive version thats almost as good, say starting with the Song from the Woods album, which I must say has always been a favorite.
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Post by maddogfagin on Jul 14, 2011 18:11:52 GMT
I have to start somewhere, so I take it the MFSL is the best version, what would be close that is actually available. Are the MFSL versions of the albums easier to get in the UK? If I wanted to get the best versions of his albums, what would they be and what would be a less expensive version thats almost as good, say starting with the Song from the Woods album, which I must say has always been a favorite. I think the general concensus of opinion is that the MFSL versions at the best. However to my ears many of the UK pressings are fine as well. I say many - there are a few duff ones as well which the later Japanese/MFSL version improved on. One of the highlights for me was the mono "This Was" remaster which is outstanding. If you haven't got that re-release it's worth purchasing. Tootull did post his thoughts of a definitive list of the best versions here on the Forum a while back though it eludes me for the moment.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2011 21:30:16 GMT
The MFSL is great. The first USA CD is very close.
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Post by bsmooth on Jul 15, 2011 0:08:12 GMT
Well I've found a small place called the Record Exchange . They have used records and used CD's. I called tonight and was told they don't have Songs from the Woods, but did have the MFSL Benfit and Stand UP. So what albums (CD's) did MFSL do over? I'm going there tomorrow, so what are some good prices for MFSL CD's these days?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 15, 2011 1:24:59 GMT
No MFSL Benefit. Although someone (name is around here, there, somewhere) from MFSL is responsible for some early Tull CD's. Example of how it usually goes through the years: UK Benefit/Stand Up CD is usually panned, while the USA CD's are usually approved of, with the exception of (strangely enough) Teacher. Teacher sounds about right on the first Japan MCA for Canada Best of M. U. CD to me. Flat sound. Some might like the sparkle on the Benefit remaster. Stand Up - MFSL UD - Recommended (Original USA CD is close, sounds a tape generation removed compared with the MFSL - same mastering idea) Living In The Past - MFSL UD II Recommended (single disc USA CD is similar-(first secret) some tracks might be preferred on the USA disc) Thick As A Brick - MFSL UD - some don't like this rather flat presentation - the DCC edit is more flat haha - sounds like remastering for Harry Chapin rather than Jethro Tull. The remaster rocks out. Your choice LOL I like the MFSL for stereo and the remastered Brick in Dolby II surround music mode. A Passion Play - MFSL UD II Highly Recommended (Original USA CD is close, the boosted remaster is certainly passable here) WarChild - MFSL UD II Highly Recommended (The remaster is similar, just turned up loud) Songs From The Wood - MFSL UD II Highly Recommended (Original USA CD is OK, Aqualung & the waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy too bright remaster of Songs From the Wood are the worst remasters) Benefit needs some loving care, hopefully a gold CD is in the future. The remaster is too bright for my taste. (Oh, no, I own two remasters, EU & Japan) Don't tell anyone. Best sounding UK Benefit is found in the Originals' box, the other two albums are not the best in sound.
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hipflaskandy
Journeyman
OK - this was a while back!
Posts: 223
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Post by hipflaskandy on Jul 15, 2011 17:48:27 GMT
Erm - me numpty, here. I have no idea what this all means. Please explain MFSL to this idiot - thanks.
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Post by maddogfagin on Jul 15, 2011 17:59:12 GMT
Erm - me numpty, here. I have no idea what this all means. Please explain MFSL to this idiot - thanks. From wikipedia: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL or MoFi) is a company known as an innovator in the production of audiophile-quality sound recordings. All releases are advertised as being produced from the first-generation analog master recordings, and using proprietary technology, which MFSL claims allows for improved sound quality. MFSL has produced LP,[1] CD, DVD and cassette tape releases. Each title is licensed from the original record company as a limited edition item. It is manufactured and sold only within a specific period of time.
From its beginning in 1977 MFSL gained a reputation for emphasizing quality at all points in the sound duplication and manufacturing process. At this time MFSL was very unusual in the record industry by offering a premium quality product at a premium price. Simultaneously, most large record labels were forced to lower costs and reduce quality standards. The decline in quality at the major labels was brought on by uncertain economic conditions and high inflation, declining record sales and increasing vinyl costs. In 1977 most major labels were using relatively poor quality disc mastering and duplication methods and had begun pressing their product on thin and often recycled vinyl. These low cost methods led to an unnecessary increase in surface noise and other audio distortions.
The emphasis on quality at MFSL has been praised by critics and music fans. The success of MFSL proved that there was a significant market for premium product and encouraged others to emphasize quality also. Many other "audiophile" labels soon sprouted up to compete with MFSL, some of these begun by the major record labels themselves.More, much more, at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Fidelity_Sound_Lab
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Post by bsmooth on Jul 16, 2011 0:20:02 GMT
Well I made it over to the Record Exchange place I spoke of today, and I looked quite awhile, this place has everything, especially old records. I looked about for awhile then asked why I hadn't found any of the Mobile Fidelity CD's. he said he kept them separate out back. he pulled out about 15-20 CD's, everything ranging from the Who and quite a few others. I found a Cat Stevens Tea for the Tillerman, and was just about to pay when he said he had some others that someone gave him with CD covers. From thos i picked out Rush-moving Pictures and The Honky Chateau by Elton John, all 3 fro $41 plus Tax. The Cd's don't have a mark on them and the sound is amazing. He said to check back but he hadn't seen too many Songs from the Wood Mobile Fidelity ones though
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hipflaskandy
Journeyman
OK - this was a while back!
Posts: 223
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Post by hipflaskandy on Jul 17, 2011 8:38:53 GMT
Cheers Maddog - thanks for the heads-up. Got the picture now - Ta.
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