Welcome to the Mobile Fidelity One-Step Ultradisc - Eagles - 'Hotel California' - compared to UK OG
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2023
- Featuring the superb MFSL One-Step Ultradisc pressing of the Eagles' magnum opus, Hotel California.
Many thanks to David Brook of www.thevinyladventure.com
Excellent review and generally agree with everything you said. The bass on the opening track is outstanding on my speakers and I get this incredible tight snacking sound that right off makes the album wort it. My speakers go down to 32Hz so I don’t say that lightly. Next the album does have a bit of forwardness to it or brightness but it’s not distracting and gives the album a level of clarity . Love your channel thanks for your great work!
I agree, and I think this is why I wasn't so keen on it initially. I do still think someone (Analogue Productions, Ryan K. Smith?) could do a better job.
Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks for this video. It took me a long time to figure out whether you liked the one step or not. You eventually revealed that you did, but for much of the video, my impression was that your brain was very impressed by the clarity and instrument separation, in an analytical way, but it didn’t seem like your heart was moved so much by the one step. That’s exactly how I felt about the Thriller one step. So it didn’t seem like you were giving it a strong recommendation.
But finally, later in the video, it was clear that you really do enjoy the One Step, not just in an analytical way.
Hi Ron, you’ve hit the nail on the head there: I do really like the clarity, resolution etc. of the One-Step but don’t “love” it. I do feel MOFI has a tendency to boost low and high frequencies in their remastering, which can sometimes leave the mid a bit ‘scooped out’ and hollow.
What I tried to get across is: if you liked Hell Freezes Over, you’ll probably love the One-Step.
Thanks for your feedback.
Agree with your assessment. What a great version of Hotel CA. I find myself drawn into the music a lot more than the original. The shimmer of the guitars and cymbals is incredible!
Glad you’re enjoying it. Thanks for your feedback.
How much we love or dislike this disc depends on how our systems sound and our individual sound preferences
Wise wise words!
Hi Dave. I found that I enjoyed the detail and transparency of the One-Step on my first two listens, almost "a wow" type vibe. But when I listened the 3rd time, every bit of additional detail, like cymbal strikes, grated on my nerves! I think a lot of listening to music also requires the interest to listen to the title. I was probably burnt out on Hotel California after listening to it in advance of the One-Step arriving, then with 2 back-to-back listens, I became sick of it. I think you have to be in the mood to listen to The Eagles, and when I am in that mood, I enjoy all Eagles One-Steps, especially On The Border which I rank the best of the 5 Eagles One-Step titles so far.
I certainly agree you need to be in the mood. I do anyway.
As I said the first 2 or 3 listens I found the MOFI bright, and the frequency response a bit 'scooped', which I still think it is, but I'm currently enjoying listening into all that extra clarity more than the far more 'homogenous' original.
Thank you for the review. I just purchased my one-step but have not listen to it yet. I had the 1980s release but not the first or original pressing and it’s sound ok in my Tube system. I can wait to listen to the mofi, just need the right time and mood 🤣👍🏽🤟🏽
Hope you enjoy it!
Um dia realizo o sonho de possuir um disco desse, pois custa uma fortuna para chegar um desse no Brasil...!!forte abraço..
I hope that you do get a copy one day! Thanks for commenting!
Your review made me play my vinyl copy which appears to be a first / early press given the matrix numbers. As always there are differences - no printed inner sleeve and it has the normal Asylum Records label rather than 'Hotel California'. It does have the poster which has a creamy / yellow tinge, although it won't have been out of the sleeve since I purchased it. I was glad that it still played very well. Not an album that I would spend the extra money on though with the Acoustic releases coming up.
Glad it inspired you to play your copy. Thanks for the feedback.
Interesting review Dave! I think maybe I’m over UD1S and I only ever had one (FOLK SINGER by Muddy Waters), which is beat by the AP-45rpm. They’re insanely expensive and the bottom line value is questionable. If ABRAXAS ever gets a repress, I might get it to satisfy my curiosity. It is great to hear that so many fans of this record were so happy with this reissue.
On another note, Dave, it would be fun to see you on one of the VC panel live streams. I could see you getting along well with George Borden on one of his seven hour binge streams.
Thanks Austin. I’ve gotta say I’m a lot more impressed with AP than with MOFI. I agree that Folk Singer is a good one, but I’ve now got the AP Ultra Tape, so, similarly, the MOFI won’t get played again.
Joining in a VC panel might be fun. I’m only in conversation with a couple of guys so might try and sort something out.
@@DaveDenyer ruclips.net/video/Psx32aBmJtE/видео.html We're starting a petition to draft you onto the stream.
Gave this one step a first listen and yup you are spot on sir! For me it's way better than the original way more open but it feels different and i dont think its just the digital step. I think it was the mastering. They gave it a clean fresh modern sound to it, the bass is big and deep but their is a tipped up brightness that bothered me at times. I has this hi fi sound they they were going for which is fine but I think they went too far for certain tracks it works but for say the track- life in the fast lane, I had to turn the volume down because it was too bright but once I got the volume level down it was okay. I enjoyed it and they did a great job but I guess that is their " housed sound" I don't know not sure that was my first experience with a mofi 1 step I usually buy analogue productions records and will stick with ap but of course keep an open mind to what mofi is doing if they put out a great album like this I'll definitely buy it.
Thanks for the feedback Robert. I agree with you regarding the mastering: I'm sure that's where the major differences lie.
I have heard that album so many times and all the radio plays it got if I never heard it again it’s too soon. No 120 dollar one step for me but other people may enjoy it!!!
LOL that’s kind of how I’ve felt since Hell Freezes Over. 😉
@@DaveDenyer 👍
I have been very happy with the 2011 SACD release by Wea Japan, but it seems that I need to give this one step a try!
Thanks for the feedback DJGD
Hi Dave thanks for the review. My original HC is about the same vintage as yours and agree that it’s an excellent listen after not playing it for a very long time before getting the MoFi. After 3/4 listening sessions of UHQR it sounds a little bit HI Fi to my ears and gave me a bit of listening fatigue.
I'd agree it leans in that direction. I hope my video got that across. Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for review. This shows, in my point of view, the audiophile "dilemna": a newly remastered record usually shows "more of everything" as far as sound is concerned....
But it does not mean it sounds better overall, and especially it does not mean you want to listen to it more than - let's say - a good condition OG. Same with some jazz releases we have these days. My thoughts. J from Paris
Hi Julien, I completely agree that 'more of everything' doesn't always equal better sound, to me at least...
I think this is due to more than just familiarity. I recall Miles Davis - Birth Of The Cool. I really didn't like it when I first heard it on a 1980s reissue, then heard an early 70s reissue, that was a bit better, then on a very early re-issue (second issue) that was very very much better, and finally the US original which was slightly better still. So, in this case, and very many others, I'd not heard the original, so it isn't down to familiarity at all. I genuinely think that many reissues are missing the creative 'point' of the original and hence end up sounding a bit of a "hifi" mess.
Thanks for commenting.
Hi Dave, just wonder if you are planning to get MoFi 45RPM Dire Straits On Every Street and do you have any other pressing to compare with? Thx for sharing!
Hi, I don’t have a copy of that album, not on vinyl anyway, so probably won’t get the MOFI.
Interesting review! I might get the SACD, but for the longest time I've felt that if I never hear the record again, that will be just fine. I played it so much growing up that I'd rather spend my time discovering new music. I think MoFi is trying a bit too hard with the Classic Classics, and I think AP will supplant them with things like the White Stripes. I think my favorite One Steps are Ah Um and The Nightfly. Anyway, keep up the great work!
The SACD is so good, for me it is enough and here in Germany an 1/4 of the Vinyl price. 38 Euro against 160 Euro.
If you're into SACDs then I can't argue with that!
Hi Dave, thanks for the review. Did your copy have splits on the inners? That really drives me crazy! I wish they would package them in a way to avoid it…ie not placing them in the sleeve and securing the records in something. Like you say…for £150-£200 Uk price, it needs to be better!
Hi Charles, very good question: I forgot to mention that, but yes, disc two’s cover has a top seam split. I agree entirely, it’s really annoying on any LP let alone one at this price and ‘fussiness of packaging’…
Couldn't agree more regarding the sound quality, what let's it down a wee bit is the packaging. I bought Steely Dan's can't buy a thrill UHQR recently, again fantastic sound, but the packaging is exceptional.
Thanks for the feedback Gary.
Nice review Dave. I would have loved if you'd had a newer version to compare the MoFi with such as the 2009 KG cut (all analogue?) or the 2014 BG cut (from digital file?) because the original is a bit like a warm blanket that just came out of the tumble dryer.
Thanks Ian. To be honest I think I really need to hear that Kevin Gray cut.
Yes indeed I feel certain there is a third way to be explored. I only have my early 70s pressing but I wouldn't want to invest £170 in a new one, but if there was an almost as good version for £35 then I'm all in.
As I listen more and more, I do think this one is a bit too "hifi" for my long-term satisfaction. Although I am still hooked at the moment (enjoying hearing beyond the original's fog). I would imagine Analogue Productions or similar could do a superb job of this...
Ha ha, you see this is one major reason why I like your reviews as you tell folks what you actually think and not what the record companies want you to spout. I like HC, but I think if I wanted to replace my early copy I suspect it would be just the newish one that Rhino did which Bernie cut. I'd guess it is from a digital file, but that's ok and will cost a fraction of the one step.
There comes a time in every listeners life if they decide they like the "hi-fi" mastertape sound or the veiled original pressings that they've been listening to for decades. The One Step sounds like the recording, the original pressing sounds like the original pressing. Make no mistake, there was more stuff done to the original pressing than the MOFI.
For me this is a case-by-case basis and is primarily governed by the mastering. That said, I generally find masters sound less “hifi” and much more real than “hifi”.
I think this is pretty much exactly how the master tape sounds. The DSD is quite good at capturing the tape especially at DSD256. New Kid In Town blew my mind. The older original pressings and DCC are just good older pressings. The mofi is incredibly transparent. No colorization of the pass thru. I saw somebody say they think they are doing digital processing. DSD can’t be digital processed without going into PCM world. Bravo MoFI. Thanks for giving us exactly what the tape gives us. The clarity of this recording is startling! People are so used to hearing it the way it has been processed over the years…to hear it exactly the way it is on the tape is crazy. We aren’t used to hearing it that hi-fi. Don’t buy the DCC. Waste. The few who have them want you to think they are better so they can get $1000 for em
Thanks for your feedback. I would be keen to hear a different mastering engineer's (ie. not MOFI's) take on this.
@@DaveDenyer thanks Dave. Really appreciate your content. I like that you are very fair and balanced. It’s definitely about the music. Have you invested in a way to play back DSD? I archive my vinyl with DSD256 and have been pretty impressed with how well it captures the vinyl. No artifacting. The “air” of your turntable and vinyl playback is maintained. PCM digital flattens the image and sucks some air out of the room. I am not a digital head. I just want a way to keep these albums convenient for play back. If A/B vinyl and DSD playback very very very difficult to hear the difference. People complain about the “noise” in DSD but at DSD256 that noise is pushed above 150k and is easily filtered out. The file sizes are large. But well worth it to me! I am curious if I recorded the ultra tape of the white stripes how close it would sound. I was thinking of investing in a good tape playback machine. Cheers! Thanks for the great content
@@revelry1969 I can play back DSD and do agree that particularly DSD256 sounds incredible. However, I'd still contest that tape often sounds superior, assuming that the original was recorded onto tape of course.
Over the course of thirty years or so I've heard many dozens of DACs and found they sound very different. The fact that DACs sound so different proves (to me at least) that digital to analogue conversation is not a transparent process (and presumably neither is analogue to digital).
However I'm not an analogue die-hard. I have several CDs where the analogue version (if indeed there is an analogue version) sounds awful. Also, for convenience and in the car etc., I use digital.
Also, I have heard many digital recordings that are released on vinyl and a couple, even on tape. Many of these sound superb.
@@DaveDenyer thanks Dave…yes agree with all points. DACs do sound different. So do turntables and cutting lathes. 👍🏼 for instance I was using a cork Mat for years then went to an acrylic one. It was a big difference. Unfortunately all playback is subject to this. I think a lot of this all stems back to the variability of all these processes. So to me I just trust my ears on what feels and sounds good to me. I archive most of my records to DSD256. When I A/B I cannot detect any difference. I am using a RME ADC and I think it sounds pretty amazing. I am intrigued by tape. But it’s a lot to invest in. To me…DSD is mostly the way forward. I love my vinyl but it is a terrible medium. Heavy, oil…subject to fragile styli, vibrations etc. I am always amazed by those old Telarc CDs. They sound very good to me. That soundstream system was good. Most of these modern DACs are chip based DACs. The old discrete stuff sounded more like vinyl to me. But what do I know. It all variable. I am reminded of guys like Hugh Padghem… mixed all those great albums using AR18 speakers. His stuff all sounds great. He said the mastering didn’t need anything to sound good on any system. So I think what was done in the studio greatly affects the playback. I think he is still using those AR18s. So, yes agree dacs sound different….but they are less prone to the mess of the turntable playback (or tape for that matter). If you can get a great sound DAC these days then I say great! For me I will be parting with a lot of my vinyl as it is alot of cash there and DSD provides me what I am interested in. When I die my wife or son won’t be reading the dead wax to say ooh. This is a RL SS and worth $500. 😀. Have a great day! Love your stuff
Do you remember the HMV classic collection of vinyls they brought out . one of which was Hotel California. Only a few titles were brought out and each run was 2,500. Came in a numbered white box with a 12 page booklet about the making of the album and a couple of original reviews. I got my copy on ebay for £5 a couple of years ago. It is even better than my original UK and US pressings. i cancelled my order for the One step. after I watched your review i dug out my One step of Yes " Fragile" and compared to my 1st plum pressing and realised that I reach for the latter
Hi Roger, I don't have any of the HMV Classic Collection...
Regarding Fragile: I'll probably buy the new Atlantic 75 45rpm edition, but, as I still do now, I suspect I'll still return to the original UK red&plum... In retrospect the One-Step was interesting, but as with most of the MOFI One-Steps, I still go back to the originals...
I am interested in how the Atlantic 75 emerges. Like you said in your review, I have a row of One Step in rack, and its a case of "Play once then File". There is something about a very first pressing that is hard to recapture. In my mind its because the first press was made soon after the music was created,in that space and it captures the essence which cant be recaptured. It might be psychological but I always find that a first press takes me back to that time, that place! In my constant search for hi-fi highs and musical nirvana i get sucked into buying the audiophile pressings on the promise of reaching a higher plane, but they never quite deliver. i have decided to save that money and pay more for my new cartridge which is due a replacement@@DaveDenyer
I have read that this record is made from the original tape.
But you said that it is made from a DSD file.
Apparently they make an exact 1:1 DSD transfer (256 I believe) of the original master and then work from that.
O sorry that I didn't know. My apologies for my ignorance.
I got this too, it was the last must have from the upcoming UD1S, my vinyl doesn’t sound great, lot of background noise, very unlike a UD1S. I’ve never had to clean one out of the box before, maybe this is the first.
That's interesting, this was one of the first UD1S's I've had which was perfectly flat and silent.
@@DaveDenyer after watching this I played it through again, didn’t wash it, I think it is just dirty out of the factory, which is unusual, I’ve never had to clean a UD1S before. But I love the record, it’s definitely one of the better UD1S copies
Dave
The MoFi One Step has audiophile sheen compared to the original which is really overly pumped up details and tonal imbalances. It may sound attractive at first - “wow, never hear that part before” but I found it brings on listener fatigue quickly and doesn’t sound natural. I don’t want to hear a repetitive simple hi hat tap over top of the main music - the original mix did not focus on it at all. The mids are etched - Henley’s voice, cymbal shimmer, lack of natural warmth. Many of the One Step’s have this Signature sound. They don’t do this on the MoFi Miles 45s
I swear it is not just DSD but MoFi are doing some digital processing in the mastering - they haven’t came clear on their process before. THe only One Steps I find sound natural and fully balanced are Mingus, Monk, Dylan and the Eagles debut (great vocal harmony detail) - some say Desperado too - out of 14. Nightfly and Evans SATVV are okay.
It’s a mofi sound. The Eagles debut sounds natural, One of These Nights badly etched and HC leaning more toward the original.
Do yourself a favor - purchase a copy of the 1992 DCC Classic HC fully analog from the master tapes
Mastered by Steve Hoffman and cut by Kevin Gray. Steve feels this is one of his crowning achievements.
Steve said he worked on the opening to HC over 6 times to get it right. Well worth researching
The is a reason why this record is NOT cheap - but the detail, tonal balance, emotion, warmth all come through in spades
By the end of The Last Resort - this is the only version where the climax does not break down audibly and the emotion is incredible. I think you will find in comparison it is like having a low generation copy from the reel to reel master tape. If you love this album it is well worth seeking it out.
I won’t go into details on the sonic qualities
Looking forward to hearing your comments when you do
Thanks for your considered response, you describe pretty much what I think: It does have that typical MOFI sound. I will try and get hold of one of the 1992 copies you mention. To be honest I wondered what Kevin Gray (or Ryan Smith) would be able to do with it.
I suspect MOFI mastering is more what I'm hearing than DSD stage...
Dave is being too kind or something. The original is DULL!! The One Step is BRIGHT!! And yes, I have a high end system that is well balanced.
You sum it up far more succinctly than me! Thanks for the feedback.
@@DaveDenyer Thanks Dave, you know I enjoy your vids. I splurged for the DCC which is thought to be the best HC., I will compare it to my other two. BTW, thanks to your my Hemiola Getz/Gilberto is being delivered today.
@@inforobob I'm rather jealous of your DCC Hotel California. I would very much like to hear that... Enjoy the Getz / Gilberto!
@@DaveDenyerThe dynamics on the Getz/Gilberto tape startled me. Another reason for tape over LP. As far as HC, The DCC is the best. Full but not dull. Plenty of detail but it doesn't scream at one. Hope you and yours are well and good🙂
Was not my favorite eagles album and tired of hotel california ,too much heard ……I have the first album one step and It’s great …more innocence, more first intentions …thanks for the review…and I m getting tired of giving so much money for just an album
Thanks for your feedback Michael.
I sold my copy. Way too bright and hyper detailed for my taste. I found it to be too clean and lacking warmth.
Thanks for the feedback Julio. I can certainly understand that. however personally, for now at least, I'm enjoying the extra insight into the recording. I wouldn't be surprised if I get tried of it in the same way i got tried of Hell Freezes Over...
Funny. I call it just brighter, a more bleached out presentation. MOFI sucked the soul out of the recording. I am actually surprised you kept throwing it that bone when referring to it as "superb" - yet you were clearly puzzled (bothered) by the wonky sonic presentation at least through the first two thirds of the video. Just to be clear, I think this One-Step is one of the absolute worst in the series.
Do yourself a favor and get yourself Lee Hulko US original. Or better yet, get an original (all analog) Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab from 1984. You will not believe how much better it is. And if you are feeling dangerous seek out the Steve Hoffman vacuum-tube mastered DCC from 1992. That's far and away the finest version of this fantastic album.
Thanks for the feedback. You're right. I was really thrown by this one. I don't think I can justify the price of what the DCC is going for although would really love to hear it.
@@DaveDenyer Yup. Sadly, Affordable, it isn’t. Boo! 😢
Sounds mid-scooped to me...
I think this is why I didn't initially like it as much as the original. I still think it is, raised and extended high and low frequencies, but the overall effect I do (currently) prefer.
I personally think that the Eagles are the most overrated band of all times, specially in the USA where those birds are from ...
You're not an ornithologist then? ;-)
Nah, I like Byrds^@@DaveDenyer
@@lucaloneme too
For me the One-Step sounds over processed especially the guitars.
That was certainly my initial impression but I did warm to it after a few plays. Although I still think it sounds like you say (and a bit like Hell Freezes Over)...
I don’t think over processed.