Crosby Stills & Nash - MOFI One Step Review and Comparison to the Classic Records 33rpm

#audiophile #vinyl #classicrock
Welcome back to The Pressing Matters! I wish all of you a happy and healthy year ahead! I took a few weeks off from the channel to rest and focus on the holidays. Glad to be back with a review of the latest One Step release of the Crosby Stills & Nash debut record. This is my first MOFI product purchased since the scandal, and I was very excited to hear the results. Its one of the few preorders I kept, and in this video I compare to my trusty Classic Records 33 cut by Bernie Grundman
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[@pixbyalan]

Thanks for the review. I sent mine back unopened as I have the Classic pressing. I felt the same way as you describe about Tapestry and ended up selling that one. I will no longer pre-order One-Steps and wait for the reviews. If I miss out, I miss out. For $150 after taxes and shipping, I should get perfection.

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome Alan. Just not worth it to me. Many of these are and I have no trouble spending 125-150 for a record but it better be spectacular. For me this wasn't close. You'll have plenty of time to think it over. Perhaps try to hear it somewhere if you can. Glad you caught the review and commented.

[@sidesup8286]

Re: CSN. If you have a good open reel tape deck, or even a spectacular cassette deck like an upper model Tandberg, try taping the CSN album, no matter what pressing you have. The warmth that tape adds and the slight dulling, rounding and adding of body suits the music well. It's almost a religious experience to hear this music with a perfectly ideal balance and sense of body. Another artist to try this with is The Allman Brothers. Their music with enough warmth and the rough edges smoothed to perfection, becomes all the more likeable. In my opinion CSN is one of the best albums of all time. It would be in my top 15 easily. Deja Vu would be in my top 60. I once thoroughly compared 2 old MOFI Deja Vu pressings. The one Mofi had Neumann in the clear wax, (referring to the cutting system) and the clear wax of the other revealed it was cut with the Ortofon cutting system. It was not even close; the Mofi Ortofon cut record was head and shoulders superior. It made the Mofi Neumann pressing sound so veiled and lacking in life that it was mind boggling. CSN & CSN&Y have always been a popular group with Audiophiles. Some old Acoustic Sounds catalogs and literature I have laying about, circa around 1990, offers for sale a still sealed Deja Vu Mofi for $200. Assuming it sold, as that would be the equivelent of well over $500 today, I hope the buyer didn't open it to find it was the Neumann pressing. A used but good condition Ortofon pressing in the used bins for $40 would have been a heck of a lot better. Even 6 or 7 years out of print, many titles like that were already getting hard to find. Back when Audio magazine and others started reviewing the relative merits of audiophile pressings back in the 1980s, often someone mentioned that the added clarity of audiophile pressings were not complimentary to certain singers; Carole King and James Taylor to mention a few. I don't know about their mentioning James Taylor though, great voice or not, he's a great singer, and a great artist. Quobuz several weeks ago, named James Taylor as its most requested artist. Carole King's Tapestry album won every award imaginable in the early 1970s. It was big. But can you name some other Carole King albums? Many can't. A record has its own frequency response just like anything else in the chain. Do any of these people complaining about a record being too bright, don't they know that you can make a record as dull as you want by increasing your tracking force? Does it every time.

[@primeanalogrecords]

Wow! Some really great points here! I’ve got a beautiful 3 head Nakamichi so I’m going to try your trick! We all grew up with tape and got spoiled with the results! Too many recordings, these days, sound cold, and overprocessed!

[@primeanalogrecords]

I totally agree with you, and I haven’t even heard this! I know the original because I have it, but I also know as you said, MOFIs are trying to set themselves apart and what they’re doing is, they’re changing the record, and the way that it was meant to sound from the artist! oh yes, I understand that technology has improved however, it was the best of the best at the time, and I still believe OG is the way to go!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes,it's true technology has improved and given a usable master tape, a tasteful, faithful to the original improvement CSN be made. This is more a case of the taste of the mastering engineer and trying to create something different. I would stand by originals and the Classic, particularly the best first pressings because if this is what the tape sounds like now, it's had some degradation. I know you are not particularly into high price releases, but if Chad is really going to do this title, whether a new mastering or a repress, this MOFI will be shown to be an interpretation, and not a flattering one.

[@Claus-CaptainPhoenixCorner]

"Honest" is more important than "Positive" when reviewing something. Thanks for your honest review 🙂

[@ThePressingMatters]

Absolutely agree. Thank you for watching Captain!

[@jodygoeler586]

Thanks, Scott. I did listen to the CS&N once and enjoyed it. I found my pressing to be very quiet and loved the guitars, especially. I agree that the vocals seemed over modulated at times, but overall, I was satisfied with this release. As an aside, I did buy Thriller and like it quite a bit. I agree with those who say owning the original and the mofi gives you everything you’d want in Thriller. I always enjoy and appreciate your reviews. Happy new year!!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jody, welcome back and Happy New Year. I think our different reactions could just be differing systems or perhaps exposure to other pressings. That why I always say 'on my system with my ears.' Sound quality impressions can't be measured, it's subjective. I am so glad you are finding the release satisfactory and your post encourages me to listen again.

[@timkimware3537]

I agree re Thriller. Yes, it's a different experience than the OG and both are fantastic. But I love the lack of compression, the detail, the space, and the quiet vinyl in the MoFi version. Like you, I feel both versions are excellent and offer two different takes on the music.

[@ergloo6660]

Good for you your honesty is refreshing

[@ThePressingMatters]

It's the best policy if I'm reviewing something :-) Have a great New Year and thanks for tuning in!

[@merv5488]

Thanks Scott for this video comparison! I have the classic records version of this album and love it. I too was planning on picking this up but was hesitant because I was very satisfied with the classic records version. I will pass on this mofi one step. Thanks again Scott for a great video on this wonderful album.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and that I could share my opinion on this for those that may have had reservations about another expensive release. You really have one of the best, and this "alternate take" on the album is really just a curiosity, not close to definitive in my opinion. Thank you for watching and commenting. Have a great New Year!

[@cameronevanstheanalogueall7729]

I had this on pre-order for nearly two years and cancelled it post-scandal. The one-step treatment would not be beneficial because the recording is a little muddy and very blended, making the harmonies sound magical. Adding more separation or artificial enhancement would make it weird. Excellent review as always, my friend! Happy new year! Check out a Canadian Red Label pressing of this album and the Classic Records if you really love it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Cameron, you nailed it. The One Step treatment reveals more than need be, robbing it of that magical sound. I do have the Classic and love it. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year!

[@jasonhoffer9017]

Thanks for helping us save our money on your dime. 😄 It's funny hearing you talk about you questioning things now that you have upgraded your system. I think that would possibly make a great video - you reevaluating some of you old reviews now that you have a more revealing system - even if the end result is the same. Part of the "fun" of getting some major component upgrade for me is how it can make you listen to recordings that you have heard hundreds of times like it was the first time you hear them. Happy New Year

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jason! Wishing you a great new year, and appreciate your comment. Your idea is a good one and something I'll try to develop. I can assure you I am getting better sound quality over my favorite records, which really made this record all the more surprising. It wouldn't be the first time, I've heard of someone upgrading their system only to find some of the Mobile Fidelity records to sound less good. I think it's a case of poor source, questionable objectives and mastering moves. I will of course take some more chances with MOFI, and will get the info out there for my viewers. I'm hoping for a great one soon!

[@thevinylmuseum2958]

Happy New Year Scott!. You just save me $ 125.00, I have been on the fence with this release from Mofi. I was waiting for the Video reviews to come out. I have the B.G. cut and A FIRST PRESS looks like from watching your post I am all set with what I already own. Hotel California is on my list but I am going to waittttttttttttttttttttt before I spend this kind of cash on the "One Steps".

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, thanks for watching! I think if you felt a need to upgrade, the money is better spent on a Classic 45, if it's anywhere near the price of the One Step. You really are good with the pressings you have. If you ever do get to hear the One Step CSN, I would love to hear what you think on your system. I would borrow it though!

[@Groover71]

If he told you to jump off a bridge, would you do that too?

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@Groover71 Perhaps it's just that our impressions have aligned over multiple reviews? By the way have you heard the release, and like to add your comments?

[@davidpetersen7091]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. Mr. Pete---------> aging hippie

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you for watching, David (Mr. Pete)

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, David (Mr. Pete)

[@1770Vinyl]

Thanks for the review Scott. My copy just came in today and I was able to do a mini shoot-out with my OG Canadian Red Label pressing. Like the classic records, this pressing seems to have a more "muffled" bass as some of the reviewers on the SH forums and the discogs release page of the one-step have mentioned. Overall, I think this may contribute to the nicer vocal presentation of the classic records, since the bass can somewhat cover up the harsh and poorly recorded vocals on this album. When MoFi cleaned that bass up, it left the harshness of the vocals to be exposed and heard to its fullest. I definitely agree that the release doesn't sound great, particularly when comparing to MoFis previous one-step releases. Also, I found side 4 to be the best sounding, so I'm curious to see if you thought the same. I'm overall satisfied with the release as it is an upgrade to my OG Canadian, and the Classic Records release is quite expensive nowadays as well.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Great info here and I think you are right - taming that bass just may have robbed the vocals of the warmth they need to sound appealing. I'm glad you are finding it an upgrade overall to the Canadian pressing you have. I wish I could say the same, as I really hoped for a definitive edition of this. I'm going to see if I can play this on some other set ups and if my opinion changes. Thank you for your comments and I wish you a Happy New Year!

[@-elijahriggs-]

It’s amazing the run out groove can manage such amazing sounding, high quality, all analog records for 35 bucks. Thanks for the honest review. I wasn’t gonna but it anyway. If I hadn’t ordered “blonde on blonde” the day before the news broke I would’ve cancelled it. I bought it from Mike e so I didn’t. I already had a digital copy that was fine. I’m not an analog purist, MOV does a great job. Their Morphine was the best until ROG. It’s just that fact that the only vote in America that matters is with a dollar.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I know! Craft can put out some great reissues too, all analog for $30. I don't mind paying for a high end pressing, like the Bob Marley, because it sounds amazing. I just can't say this about this release.

[@BradVinylRush]

Thanks Scott for a thorough review as always! I guess I’ll be the lone voice of dissent - when I compared to me George Piros master OG, I agree the One Step is more analytical but it brought things out of the recording I haven’t heard before. I agree the OG is definitely warmer - I think it depends on what you want. I also found it’s critical to volume match as I had to turn the One Step up quite a bit to match. I had a nearly identical experience with Thriller vs my Japanese OG. I’m happy to own both for different reasons

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Brad Hope you had a nice New Year! I do try to be careful to remind people, what we hear is system dependent and your results may differ from mine. I'm glad you are finding things to like about this. Certainly there is more to hear. For some reason, perhaps just my expectations were unrealistic. I'll be giving it another listen for sure, and approach it with more realistic expectations. Some of these title choices (Pearl, Tapestry and this) just aren't going to be turned into gold. They are what they are. I love to hear differing opinions and yours is very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've been playing it some more without doing comparisons and in isolation, I am finding things to enjoy in some of the detail and clarity in the instruments. I still feel the vocals are often thin and lacking body. Turning it up does help it sound more compelling and of course volume matching is important if comparing directly. I still feel someone could do a better job with this album. The original recording must be really difficult to work with.

[@BradVinylRush]

@@ThePressingMatters agree Scott - sometimes it’s still like putting lipstick on a pig. I’ve heard the Classic Records 45rpm by Bernie Grundman is about the best it’s ever going to get but it goes for unobtainium $$ so I think I’ll just be happy with my One Step and GP OG for different reasons

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@BradVinylRush Yes the Classic 45 would seem to be the best from what I have gathered. Unfortunately it one Classic 45 I missed, but I will hold on to both of my copies and enjoy them for the differing strengths.

[@cave70]

Hi Scott, Happy 2023! I like CSN very much, but never thought about buying this one. So glad I didn't. On a happier note, I'm looking forward to your review on the 45 rpm Lady in Satin. I pre-ordered it the minute I read the email saying it was being released. A great thing about this release is a Jan. 6th release date, so no waiting months or years. It's one of my top 10 albums ever. I just love her. Wishing you and all of us a healthy new year with lots of great new music coming. Best, Johnny K.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Johnny, thank you so much and I wish the best for you in 2023. And Lady Jn Satin is the best! I believe this is a repress from the Classic plates. If so, you are in for a treat because I recently played the Classic and it's stunning. I don't really need a new copy but that gatefold is very tempting. As you probably know the Classics were four discs in separate jackets, three of them blank.

[@cave70]

Hi Scott, I wasn't aware of the four discs being in separate jackets. I wasn't aware the upcoming release is a repress of the Classic LP. I don't have that one. The gatefold pictures of Lady Day are so beautiful. I'll let you know what I feel about the album when I give it a spin. JK

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@cave70 Actually it could be a new mastering by Bernie. The ad copy doesn't say it was the Classic mastering. I may have to order this and see. Such a gorgeous album.

[@BilboFromTG]

Thanks for sharing your honest views!😎👍

[@ThePressingMatters]

Absolutely, I always am honest and have to let the chips fall where they may. I raved about many Mofis, and probably will again at some point. Just can't do it on this one. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sidesup8286]

It could be near impossible to find on the used market, but The Mod Squad back in the 1980s came out with something called The Cartridge Coupler. It was like Tiptoes for your cartridge. If fit between cartridge and Headshell and instead of a tripod of metal cones under your speakers, there was a tripod of near BB size plastic balls on the side of the coupler that touched the underside of the headshell. It made one of the single most biggest improvemnts in sound quality of any tweek item I ever bought. There were tweak items galore in the 1980s. Most worked, and they were usuall cheap. The BIG GREED had not settled in yet. One day I tightened my cartridge screws too tight and it collapsed one of the 3 BB size balls. That was it for that. The fact that it had some thickness made it the equivelent of lowering the back of the tonearm by a bit. There was a cartridge in the 1980s made by AKG in Austria. I think it was called the LE (something). Only 50 were made. It had a way to adjust VTA and maybe stylus rake angle too on the cartridge, with a screwdriver. It was a dream cartridge and for all anyone knows, still might be one of the best or best cartridge ever. It cost $1400 back in 1983 and I'm sure that would be near $6,000 today. The upper model DS Audio light beam cartridge would be the one cartridge I'd most like to hear; but couldn't afford. Each time a new cartridge comes out that advances the state of the art, our estimate of how good lps are inherently, goes up a notch. Tonearm cables are of utmost importance. Probably the most important cable, since they transport the tiniest minutest signal. What sound quality is lost at that point is lost forever. The rest of your system can never retrieve information lost, no matter how good.

[@americana1544]

Hi Scott, thanks for your excellent review. I've not listened to this pressing yet, but I had a similar impression after hearing the Rhino remaster. I purchased the original LP in 1969 when it was released, and played it alot on my then hand built mono hi-fi system, and it sounded perfectly balanced warm and beautiful on that system back then.. and so did most records I played on that system. Later I worked professionally as an audio engineer/mastering engineer for 40 years - and often on vocal based music I would have to pan the left and right channels of a stereo master tape to the center just a little bit, to push vocals a little higher in the mix - smoothing out harshness. Just sharing one mastering trick from back in the day --- I'm a subscriber here, and enjoy your very nice channel.. kind regards, John Jungklaus

[@ThePressingMatters]

John, thank you so much for your comment. The more I listen to this it does seem the tape has seen better days. The Classic was probably over 20 years ago. I don't recall how the original pressing sounds, but I would imagine it's much better than this. I just had an opportunity to hear the One Step today at a high end dealer and we both had the same reaction. It didn't stay on the turntable very long. You mention your system back then, and it made me think how everything seemed to sound great on my system back in the "70s. I wonder it it just was so colored it covered up poor recordings or that I was not a critical listener. I sometimes wish I could shift out of critical listening. I find when I do manage to that I enjoy music so much more. I'm getting closer to forgetting about the equipment as I improve my set up more and more. I'm testing out my first experience with a tube amp today. It's pretty ear opening! I'll have more to say in that in a future video. I'm so glad you are enjoying the channel and thank you for the encouragement. Hope to hear from you more often!

[@MrLovell1971]

Great review Scott I have the Classic Records version I’ve been happy with thanks for the heads up I was going to buy the Mofi and other day another guy I follow told me don’t pick it the sound is off. Happy New Year Scott

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, welcome back and Happy New Year. I think your other source is right. On a well balanced system this will not sound right. The Classics are just right. Have a great New Year!

[@MrLovell1971]

@@ThePressingMatters thanks Scott I’ve been waiting to see if they would of came out with better pressing hopefully Chad at acoustic sounds will get a hold of the tapes in the future.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@MrLovell1971 It's possible as I think the Atlantic tapes are still being lent out to certain parties, namely Bernie Grundman or Kevin Gray, or Ryan Smith at Sterling. Any one of them could do an incredible job. Even a repress of the Classic 45 is on the table as Chad must have those parts from when he aquired Classic Records. One can dream!

[@fidelios_frequency]

Thanks for the review Scott. I guess I stick with my OG copy. 😊

[@ThePressingMatters]

You're welcome! Sounds like a good idea. Hey if this was a $30-40 release, then yeah, maybe check it out for curiosity. But $125 to find out it might not be all that great is a big gamble. Hope their next one is a hit!

[@fidelios_frequency]

@@ThePressingMatters I just ordered the regular Miles Davis MoFi’s which I hear are great. Let’s wait to see if the One Steps surpass them. I got the Thriller One Step and it sounds pretty good. Still have to compare to my OG first pressing though.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@fidelios_frequency I'm going to order Sketches of Spain and In A Silent Way. Heard good things too.

[@zundap100]

Thanks for info man, well done👍🙂

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you, Dan! I appreciate the encouragement! Have a great New Year, and hope to hear from you again.

[@tonynewman1694]

Happy new year Scott 😁. Hope 2023 will bring some lovely new releases .

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think we're in for a great year Tony. Great releases in all price ranges. This 'luxury reissue' market may take a hit. We'll see. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@tonynewman1694]

@@ThePressingMatters I think the price of the one steps and the fact that they are not special as some had thought . Analogue Production are raising the prices are going up a fair bit . The amount people are willing to spend on these releases may drop . I have been buying records for 40 years in 10 years ap 45rpms have gone from 30 UK pounds to 84 for Billie Holiday new release .

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@tonynewman1694 I just received the Billie Holiday, and if you have the Classic 45 you are all set. Nice package but the sound is the same, perhaps a touch quieter vinyl. I'll be covering it this weekend.

[@timkimware3537]

Nice & thoughtful review, Scott. I too have the Classic Records version of CSN and recently received the MoFi One-Step. I have to say I love the sound of the MoFi. You're right that it's not like the Classic and it's definitely not like the OG, but I really like the clarity and spaciousness of this new MoFi version and didn't at all feel it was "cold" ... to me, in comparing it to the OG and Classic versions, I feel a veil is lifted and I can more clearly hear the individual voices and instruments which is great even if, as you mention, it was never an "audiophile" recording. In cranking up the volume, the OG and the Classic sound muted and compressed whereas the MoFi sounds a bit shrill on the high end with some sibilance. But for me, it's an acceptable tradeoff to get that much-needed clarity, and the feeling of being "in the room" with the group. And, of course, the dead-quiet vinyl is a pleasure. (My system: ClearAudio Ovation (with Magnify tonearm) TT, Hana Umami Red MC cartridge, PHO-701 phono preamp, Hegel H190 power amp, Paradigm Persona 3F speakers + Paradigm X12 subwoofers). Of course, one person's clarity is another's coldness/clinical :-)

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi, Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experience with this One Step compared to your other pressings. It seems to be a case where some will prefer the tradeoff in achieving that 'in the room presence." I've heard from viewers with both viewpoints and really want to hear and appreciate the aspects you and others are enjoying. I haven't written this one off, and continue to spin it daily. I've been playing with settings, adjustments just to be sure I am getting a fair read on things. Perhaps I had somewhat forgotten the limitations of the recording and had my expectations too high. We'll see if i warm up to it. Thanks for taking the time to comment and I wish you the best in this new year!

[@michaellourie4252]

Sorry to say, but the plum label UK original does not sound muffled in any way!! It is the best pressing of CSN I have ever heard.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@michaellourie4252 I've always heard that it's the best pressing. I suppose there are variations among different stampers?

[@michaellourie4252]

@@ThePressingMatters There must be, but I am not knowledgeable about that. I was lucky enough to purchase my copy which was purchased in Liverpool when it first came out! I just lucked into it. It is one of my most treasured lps! You can really feel their energy in this pressing. It is truly remarkable. Happy hunting.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@michaellourie4252 I always wondered how the clarity is in the way the vocals are recorded. Is there any grain or distortion in the harmonies in that pressing?

[@SpyderTracks]

I bought the Thriller and before that the Clapton Unplugged UD1S, both quite frankly we’re not up to my expectations. I’m expecting this 3d soundstage that was ever present on the Bridge Over Troubled Water, that’s was so so different to any standard copy I had before it. But now these new releases seem to be becoming a general trend on OneSteps. I like you think I may be skipping them, although I may give the Eagles - Hotel California a go as I love that album.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I still have that Eagles on preorder - we'll have to see what transpires over the next few.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Glad you skipped Thriller Scott! I listened to Side A last week after getting my copy and it was SO AWFUL!!! This reminds me I have to get on Mike Esposito's KZbin channel and bring this up because he's one of the reasons I got this. He's been trumpeting it as the greatest version of MJ's Thriller since sliced bread and...NO. A hard NO in fact.

[@derekroussy9078]

I don't know what you're listening to but Thriller sounded incredible

[@LetThereBeSound1]

@@derekroussy9078 the system is not at fault, I promise you. Click on my name and visit my KZbin channel so you can get an idea of the level gear I play with. But your inquiry does beg the question, what is your setup like? All I can think of is if your system leans towards the overly ripe or mellow, dark, slow, and/or it simply lacks resolution - then yeah - I can understand your enthusiasm for MOFI’s Thriller

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yes, I'm curious to hear it next time I'm over. Maybe we'll hear it as a demo at the Tampa show, lol.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@derekroussy9078 It would be hard to fault Let There Be Sound's systems. I've been there. I haven't heard Thriller personally but I will hear it soon.

[@derekroussy9078]

@@LetThereBeSound1 I like hearing all the little bells and whistles in the recordings and they really pop on this thriller. I have the original as well and if I'm going to have a party the original is going to go on cuz the base bumps a lot harder 😁 but really you can't compare the two pressings they're vastly different

[@daniannaci3258]

I have been looking forward to MoFi releasing SACDs of their latest releases since we all now know that the “master” is actually a DSD copy. My impression of the CS&N SACD is akin to a restored Technicolor movie, especially after listening to the original release I bought back in the 60’s. Your impressions seemed to reflect mine in some ways, but I found that a slight counterclockwise turn of the treble control on my Luxman integrated, like backing off a bit on your TV’s color control, relaxed the sound, balanced it out and became more natural, without all the grunge and grain of my antique pressing. Too bad tone controls are taboo for most manufacturers save for McIntosh, Luxman, Accuphase, Yamaha, and Schiit (who makes an astounding range of EQ’s).

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Dan, I've gone back a couple of times to listen again, and I have changed some equipment since then. I understand your analogy and a little eq change does help this one out. For me, I have no tone control, but I do have loading on the fly with the Modwright which is very helpful in the case of this One Step, backing it to 100 or even 50 from its normal loading takes the edge off. Really, the Classic is like a clean but better sounding original. The One Step has a few strengths but on my system at the time had an artificial sheen I did not care for. I wonder if the SACD is better. Thanks for your comments and for checking out my channel.

[@chrisbarnhart7944]

I get it.. it is a LIVE in the studio type recording , that has been messed with too much with new technology rendering it inorganic... it happens alot with new reissues i have found. I will just stick with my Audio Fidelity Steve Hoffman disc... THANK YOU Scott..

[@ThePressingMatters]

That one should be awesome. In almost every case, I enjoy Steve Hoffmann's take on these classic albums. I'm looking forward to hear the new 45, and will be comparing it. If they use the Classic plates or cut it again will be interesting. I kind of hope they use the Classic plates. I think this tape has seen better days, and I've heard good things about that 45.

[@ccarney9019]

If you haven’t done one already, I Would love to see a video of your complete audio system set up.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I will do that at some point, probably shortly.

[@dank.6942]

I had pre-ordered it for months, and just after the big controversy, but before it came out, I found an original pressing in the wild, in great shape. So I went home and canceled my order. In a weird coincidence, I found the same original pressings of Alan Parsons and Nilsson recently, and justified not buying the mobile fidelity, for the same reason. However I will still consider mobile fidelity, I just ordered the 33 RPM of Miles' Sketches of Spain

[@ThePressingMatters]

I too am going to order that Miles Davis title. From all I gather, the Miles Davis titles came out great. I have no problem picking up titles from MOFI. Just have been disappointed with a couple of the One Steps for the price asked. Hopefully they can surprise us all with one of the announced titles!

[@dank.6942]

@@ThePressingMatters Agree 100%. Happy New Year!

[@michaellord9745]

Ahhh...and the Mobile Fidelity bashing continues unabated like a stampeding herd. It's what all the "cool kids" do, right? Too risky to go against the cancel culture grain and risk not getting likes and more subscriptions, perhaps? Anyways, my thoughts on this release are quite different than yours, Scott. You yourself admitted that this album was never an audiophile record, and you are quite correct in that assessment. What it has always been is a great collection of beautiful songs with so-so engineering at best. I think sometimes we get so comfortable and used to hearing it "that way" it becomes the only way. I think what Mobile Fidelity has done here is exactly the same thing they did with David Crosby's "If I Could Only Remember My Name..." which is a lifting of a veil and the removal of the muddiness that has always been present. It's like a masterpiece painting that has been cleaned up and fully restored to my ears. But this isn't a climate where any praise of a Mobile Fidelity release can be tolerated, now is it? Still Crazy about One Steps? I guess not. And the herd stampedes on....

[@ThePressingMatters]

I really think you are off base here, not with your opinions on the record but with the idea that I am jumping on some bandwagon to bash MOFI for no reason. Look back at my videos and I've praised MOFI on many occasions and only had a negative word about two releases. My opinion hasn't changed on any of those records. I was not hurt by the revelations as some people were. I approached this with excitement and anticipation. I wanted to have it be great. I'd have loved to give it a glowing review as I did many One Steps. It just was not for me, for my ears my system my expectations. I think it's really misguided to lump me into a class of MOFI bashers. I haven't changed colors. Just being honest here, sorry you took it as something else.

[@michaellord9745]

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks for your reply and I'm glad to know that you aren't on the Mo-Fi bashing bandwagon because it's the "in-thing" to do - which is a very crowded bandwagon as you may know. But when I heard you say that it was the first Mo-Fi since the "scandal" (which isn't much of a scandal to me) I thought "Ohhh...here it comes..." and I was instantly reminded of Michael @ 45 RPM Audiophile who would consistently fall over himself gushing praise for every single Mo-Fi record he heard until it was revealed that as DSD file was employed in the mastering process as a 'suitcase' to carry the analogue tape back to California, with no E-Q manipulation, since they weren't allowed access to the original master tape at their own lab. Well, when he learned of that everything he had heard from Mo-Fi was now dumpster bound and he was done with Mo-Fi. Watching your video I got the impression you were heading down the same road. I apologize for selling you short. By the way, with every Jazz review you've posted about releases that I also have purchased I agree with you 100% of the time.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@michaellord9745 Of course I was aware of Micheal 45's abrupt turnaround, and some people (mostly in forums) being very upset with MOFI, but honestly I wasn't all that affected by it. Sure I had spent a lot on One Steps, and I think the last one I covered was Folk Singer and found it a viable option vs Chad's version. I really don't hate MOFI, and I'm concerned that I may have come across that way. I genuinely felt the way I described and described what I heard. I did try to point out I didn't have anything against MOFI and that I was very excited for this release both before and after I knew it was DSD. It's one I was most looking forward to. I'm glad you understand now where I'm coming from, and that we just had differing opinions on this release. I really do look forward to that one One Step that will be blow us all away. Maybe it will be Van Halen 1 or Hotel California or one I'm really excited about which is Hejira. I'm still a fan. These are all better recordings that could produce a spectacular One Step!

[@michaellord9745]

@@ThePressingMatters I've got the Van Halen and Hotel California pre-ordered and intend to get Hejira as well - my favorite, by quite a bit, Joni album.

[@davidmorgen4558]

I believe theres & audiophile version of Richard & Linda Thompsons classic Shoot out the Lights) ..try Finding that one!!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I've heard about the album for decades. I really do need to seek it out.

[@jamesdowdy2861]

I really enjoy your channel, Scott - but, jeez, I wonder if we were listening to two entirely different LPs. I agree that the bass was weird on much of the album (but, not that all different from all of the other pressings I've heard). Furthermore: I the believe the One Step pressing emphasizes many of the flaws of the layers upon layers of multi-tracking. But, 'Wooden Ships' and 'Helplessly Hoping' have never sounded better...and, if you can ignore some of the multi-tracking issues, the same goes for 'Suite Judy Blue Eyes.'

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi James, Thank you for your comment. It could be our systems being different but I think we can agree that the recording is flawed in many ways, and that the extra clarity of the One Step exposes that over the better earlier pressings. I just do not feel that on an album where the vocals are so important that they could manipulate them in a way that was not flattering. Perhaps there are more improvements than the bass cleanup I mentioned but the vocal tone is just a non starter for me. Take for instance Guinnevere. On the Classic it has the appropriate dreamy quality and emotional impact. The One Step strips it bare and adds an unnatural edge. I guess we all hear things differently.

[@MrJasonMeans]

I have the classic, one step, and also love this album. My setup is decent (Manley phono, primaluna, Purple Heart) and I love this one step…on headphones (lcd4). I much prefer the classic record version on the loud speakers. Like you said just so much…musicality. I just think the one steps have good synergy with the Lcd4 dark sound profile. The detail toned back just works for my ears. My $.02 anyways.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Jason, thank you for your comment. I've heard from a couple of people that the one step sounds better through headphones. I wonder why that is. I'm glad you can enjoy both versions. You've got some nice equipment there and the synergy must just complement this mastering. I'll be holding on to the One Step and try it again when I make some system changes, and perhaps I'll warm up to it too.

[@777jones]

I can't believe people thought MoFi was not digital. The whole point was it is a digital copy of the original master recording. That was always the whole point.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Why would anyone not inside the company or the record label have known? There is no mention of digital anywhere in the literature or on the albums until last year. Sure it was suspected by some because of access to titles that are under lock and key so to speak. I'm not quite sure what you're getting at.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Agreed, that comment had me scratching my head. There is nothing in any official promotional literature that stated any digital step. Some may have assumed or claimed they heard it, but it was deliberately not mentioned to not drive away analog purists who rightly had an expectation of an AAA process. To say otherwise is questionable. I don't think the lawsuits would have made it to this stage if it were 'common knowledge'

[@777jones]

@@ThePressingMatters did you honestly have it in your mind that they were spinning the ORIGINAL analog master for each pressing and each CD run?! Can you understand how totally irresponsible that would be? The point is that MoFi’s lineage begins with the master source, but does not necessarily end there. In fact, that would be extremely wasteful and dangerous to the master.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@777jones I guess you're referring to the One Steps here. Of course that would be irresponsible if not prohibited by the label. When the numbers were low, I assumed the used the original tape to make what was it, 2500-3000 of the first two. I assumed as numbers progressed upwards that either a copy tape or multiple lathes were used. It was Thriller at 40,000 when it was obvious something was up. My initial comment was referring to their releases overall. Back before One Steps, I didn't give any of this a second thought. I did question if the definition of 'original master tape' was stretched somewhat to include copy tapes (US 'master' vs UK master') In the end I care less than others regarding how they get to the result, as long as it's a great sounding record. Many are and I'm keeping them all. Just that some of the choices for the premium One Step series leave me puzzled. I wish they would reserve it for superb recordings. I don't think CSN and Tapestry or Pearl really meet the that criteria, much as we might love the music.

[@whitey7998]

I’ve decided to leave the “One Steps” behind from now on. I’m a bit fed up by the constant turning of sides and my experience shows little improvement in sound over their 33rpm counterparts. That’s not to say I don’t buy any MOFI albums though. Personally, I find the Miles Davis catalogue in particular fantastic sounding and I would say the definitive versions, either in 45 or 33rpm. I had Milestones, Sketches, In A Silent Way and Jack Johnson 33rpm LPs delivered today, all of which sound superb.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Welcome back and a Happy New Year to you! It's becoming more and more apparent to me that these One Steps are rarely better than the best originals or reissues. Occasionally the will hit it right, but it's an expensive gamble each time. At least now they are hanging around longer so FOMO is no longer a factor. I prefer to pick from their 40 dollar titles and as you say, the Miles ones are constantly rated highly. I will review an occasional One Step if interest is high. Thanks for watching!

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm very interested in Sketches of Spain. You got the 33, I assume. I'll probably go ahead and get that one to start.

[@mpw116]

Thanks for the review! I wonder if there’s any chance AP will reissue CSN in the next few years now that Mofi is done.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I'm thinking the answer is yes, as a UHQR. Bernie's 45 is highly regarded.

[@mpw116]

@@ThePressingMatters that would be incredible. I’ll forego the mofi given your review and some of the others I’ve heard. Too bad.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@mpw116 It is too bad, a great release would have redeemed them in the eyes of many. I'll absolutely get a UHQR of this. I've hear from those who have it that Bernie's 45 is even better than the 33. Have a great New Year, Micheal, and thanks for tuning in!

[@mpw116]

@@ThePressingMatters you too, Scott! Always a fan of your content.

[@danielwalsh7538]

I have the Atlantic plum uk 1st press that sounds good to me ,was considering getting this but due to your review I will pass ,keep up the good work

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Daniel, I keep hearing about the UK Plum as being a great pressing. You're probably all set with this title. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@mrjamescurry]

Have the UK Plum and its always been the go to for me👍🏻

[@JeffersonDD]

“Actively annoying”😜 I don’t have the Classic Records, but have a German OG and 77 repress. In general I agree with your assessments. The Earlier presses smoked the Mofi. I blame the age of the tape more than the mastering, but I’m shocked this passed their QC to actually release it.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I hadn't noticed earlier, but there is a disclaimer about the sound on the inner gatefold of the One Step. Sort of like those ones that graced early CDs of analog material. It really shouldn't have been released in the One Step series.

[@JeffersonDD]

@@ThePressingMatters FWIW, that disclaimer is always there, but 100% agree this shouldn't have been released as a one-step. Or at all for that matter. I guess since it had been announced for 2+ years they felt obligated. Its not like they can pull the plug on stuff though, like Warren Zevon's first album they canceled. :/

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@JeffersonDD Oh I didn't know that - is the disclaimer on your earlier pressings? I do wonder if the Warren Zevon had a similar issue and was scrapped because the source wasn't going to produce an acceptable result.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@JeffersonDD Oh I didn't know that - is the disclaimer on your earlier pressings? I do wonder if the Warren Zevon had a similar issue and was scrapped because the source wasn't going to produce an acceptable result.

[@sidesup8286]

That's one of my favorite albums. It's very well recorded. Imo a better album and more natural sounding than Deja Vu. The Nautilus half speed master sounded great with tubes. Especially a good tube integrated which had a way to boost treble a bit. I haven't tried the Classic Records, which I think they came out with both a 180g and 200g version.When I used Ohm Walsh as my main speakers, this was the album that convinced me that I could definitely hear something different and better about the depth imaging, with that organ in the background. One of the few records that would tempt me to go a premium price.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I do agree that it is a more natural recording than Deja Vu, but neither one I would consider a great recording. And that is an issue here - is more detail always a good thing if it's at the expense of some other part of the sonic picture?

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters I thought the Nautilus, for a multi track recording sounded well above average. The Nautilus, unlike most Nautilus lps, was considered to be slightly dull, not bright at all, like their The Captain & Me by the Doobie Brothers. I found it very good resolution wise, and spatially; the organ subtleties in the background were a constant delight, as was the deep tone colors. It impressed me for an old milti track rock recording. It wasn't up there in sound quality like the better Steely Dan albums, but maybe in my system it was a case of tonal synergy. I was using a (then) top of the line Audio Technica moving coil cartridge with a Premier MMT tonearm,(which had the same bearings as their $1,200 Arm called "The Arm".That was a1983.. $1,200. I was bypassing most of the preamp circuitry by going directly from Record Out (instead of the outputs) directly to the power amp, which had level controls and was Class A. I also liked it with a tube integrated. I was also using Last Record Preservative on my records. Last says their preservative decreases distortion by 300 to 400%.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@sidesup8286 I really enjoyed the organ parts in this recording. It is subtle, but it really caught my attention in these listening sessions. I did prefer it on the Classic. It's surprising to hear about a Nautilus that wasn't bright. I never had much luck with that label.

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters I don't know that Nautilus boosted the highs, although I do know they lessened the bass to enable them to have wider grooves. Maybe they did increase the highs somewhat.A lot of them sounded bright because of the bass lessening. When you lessen the bass you have less warmth too.. Like bookshelf speakers often sound bright because there is not enough bass. I don't ever recall Nautilus mentioning what cutting and mastering amps they used, like Mofi, which was using Threshold and another amp according to their literature. Straight From The Heart by John Klemmer on Nautilus, Direct to disc is their greatest sound quality recording by far, and one of the best recordings ever IMO.

[@sidesup8286]

If you compare any Nautilus with the org lp, you will notice Nautilus cut the bass, which lessens the warmth, and that can make the presentation sound bright and thin. I recorded some Nautilus recordings and often thought I liked the recordings better tonally than playing the lps. Tape decks usually add warmth to the sound and dull it a bit, which is what some of the Nautilus lps needed. I would have put them a bit below early Mofis for sound quality usually, but above the CBS Mastersound half speed lps.

[@brentpietrok4758]

Thanks for the honest review Scott. So glad I cancelled this one.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Brent, I do think you can find something better. Perhaps keep an eye out for a good price on the Classic 45. I've heard from several trusted people it is the way to go. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@brentpietrok4758]

@@ThePressingMatters yeah I will keep a look out for the classic. However, since I don’t owe any pressing, I may just get the George Piros cut.

[@rc2257]

So disappointing. I really appreciate your honest and detailed review (here, and with all your other videos). I was on the fence. As you say, the source tape doesn’t have great sound, so I was skeptical about how much it could be improved by the one step treatment. Yet I absolutely love the music and was tempted to give it a try. You saved me not only the money but the disappointment. Thanks. I’ll look for a copy of Bernie’s version and call it a day. Warmest wishes, Ron Kenosha WI

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thank you Ron, and Happy New Year! This is a record that was already done well, and at 45 if you like. Bernie's Classics or a good original is all you need. This in my opinion doesn't add anything of musical value. I'll be curious how other reviews are. Thank you for your comment and for watching.

[@rc2257]

@@ThePressingMatters Thanks also for engaging with your subscribers/commenters. Most KZbinrs don't. It makes it feel more like a community here. Best, R.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@rc2257 That's exactly the spirit I want to foster here in the comments. We can all discuss our viewpoints. It's actually my favorite part of doing this. Maybe eventually we can have a discussion forum.

[@sidesup8286]

Is Everyone Playing LP's Wrong? The way I understand it, in the actual transferring of the Master or Session Tape sound to what is called the mother, which is used to make something that can stamp grooves in the vinyl, the way I understand it is when they are cutting the grooves in the pre stamping process, the grooves have to be cut at a slanted angle. Otherwise the debris material that the cutter displaces when making the grooves would get in the direct path of the cutter, in front of it, where it would wreak havoc. So I understand that the grooves have to be cut at a slight slant, so the shavings go off to the side of the cutter and out of the way of its cutting path, where it is cutting the groove. Now not many people set up their cartridge at a slight slant that conforms to the slant of the record groove. So what I think you get is this. Make a V or peace sign with your left hand. The index finger of your right hand placed in the V from above fits all the way down to the bottom with no problem. Now remove your right index finger and slant the V of your other hand to the left or right. The V made with your fingers represents the record groove. Now with your right index finger which represents the stylus, come "straight" down into the slanted V, it will no longer go straight down to the bottom of the V, unless your index finger is angled at the same amount of slant as the V. So people are playing a slanted V record groove, with a straight up and down cartridge. Slanting the cartridge slightly by using a thin spacer on one side between it and the headshell, improves the interface. The highs in particular, get really sweeter, purer and more natural sounding. Real tonal beauty Use too thick of a spacer and it throws the image focus off by a bit. There was a guy who worked at a high end stereo store for many years, and he told me he never heard massed violin reproduction that sounded right to him. Until he heard my turntable set up with the proper cartridge slant.

[@ThePressingMatters]

This is the first I've ever heard of this. Why has this not been mentioned in any setup guide, or audio journal I've ever read? Why is it not common knowledge?

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters You'd be surprised how many things are not common knowledge. Some other things that rarely get talked about are how your sound quality improves if you get your interconnects really tight. I use WBT interconnect ends, made in Germany, which tighten against the input terminal. You can turn the collar and get them so tight that even an arm wrestling champion could not pull them off; without untightening the collars first. Phono cartridge tightening is another thing that rarely gets mentioned. Big improvements there. If your cartridge has a plastic body; watch the torque or the plastic can break. The part where the screw holes are. Another thing rarely talked about that does wonders is stacking speakers. Two alike per channel. Not just a bigger soundstage and more power handling, but way deeper bass and depth of soundstage etc. Harry Pearson used to do that early on with the original Advent loudspeakers Another thing is removing original drivers from speakers and replacing them with premium drivers. You almost never get a mismatch if impedence and how efficient are taken into consideration. Wooden headshells, premium cartridge wires; those are just some of the things I can think of which rarely if ever get mentioned. The people with the best sound quality think outside the box.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@sidesup8286 Which way is the stylus supposed to angle if viewed from the front?

[@sidesup8286]

@@ThePressingMatters Scott, viewed from the front of the cartridge the left side should be slightly tilted upward. By spacers, I mean something really thin. Not metal which will rattle, or something heavy where you'll have to re-balance your arm. I used a thin, almost paper thin piece of plastic which was sandpapery on one side, which Linn dealers sometimes would cut you off a piece for free. Make sure you re-tighten your cartridge screws as tight as ever, and make sure your cartridge doesn't come out of alignment. I think you would only have to loosen the right screw as viewed head on to slip a little something in between there. Listen to massed strings before doing that and then after. Take your time and be careful, if you try it.

[@sidesup8286]

I would try something about as thick as 4 pieces of colored construction paper.

[@audiophilear698]

is there a difference between getting this and a SACD honestly? I mean apart from the extra dollar paid.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I can't say in actually listening experience, but the vinyl and the SACD are mastered by different people. I wouldn't spend for the vinyl. The SACD should be better.

[@Groover71]

I’ll never get people who take an opinion and make it the final say on decisions they make in their own lives. It’s so weird to me to not experience something on your own based on what a stranger says. That goes for movies, tv, music, everything. Anyway. Rant over. I enjoyed this one step immensely. Please don’t become another Michael 45 and make reviews based on personal animosity which then eventually leads to ending reviews for a huge segment of audiophile records ie MoFi because you stopped buying them. I unsubscribed from him for that and I don’t want to do the same here. Be FAIR.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Rod, I felt I was pretty clear I have no issue with MOFI, DSD or a grudge of any kind. I really wanted to like this, was really anticipating it, and my comments are honestly what I heard.

[@ThePressingMatters]

For sure, I will be covering more MOFI releases in a fair and balanced manner. I'm actually ordering some of the Miles Davis titles this week.

[@billashline142]

I just played this record after recently cleaning it. It's flat and two-dimensional. The third side is noisy. My early pressing is considerably better. I wonder who did the mastering here. Krieg Wunderlich does an excellent job. The others, not always so. I also listened to the Elvis in Memphis and Carole King one steps today and found them considerably better.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I think Krieg did do this one, but something went wrong in my opinion. The recording always had a few issues but if the tape sounds like this, I don't see the point in trying to EQ some life into it. It comes off poorly. And to think ERC is going to do a $$$ cut of this same tape!

[@Wreckords-Marcel]

I honestly thought this release sounded awful. I really want to return it an my money back. It sounded so bright and maybe too much detail that I though it was fatiguing. I did a blind shootout with suite Judy blue and she hated the one step and told me not to play it again. She though it sounded like grown men screaming as high as the could. The other version I have is just more relaxed and easier to listen to

[@ThePressingMatters]

Marcel, I agree with all your observations. It's hard to imagine some people are finding it a great listen. Different systems and expectations I imagine.

[@thomaslytle5519]

There’s no point to Mofis One Steps for me either. The reason I listen to vinyl is Specifically for its warm Analog sound. My Opinion!: is that a digitally remastered album defeats the whole point in listening to vinyl. I might as well buy a cd or sacd. Not interested. And from the very first time I heard about the Thriller One Step, I Knew it wasn’t going to beat the original press!! That record sounded Amazing to begin with! Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones went to great lengths to make Thriller sound the way it does. If I’m gonna buy expensive “audiophile” pressings of my favorite albums, it’s going to be the all analog UHQR’s from Analogue Productions. Otherwise I stick with near mint or better Original pressings or the best sounding Early pressings. By the way I have a mint Presswell pressing of Crosby Stills and Nash and it sounds fantastic

[@michaellourie4252]

Am I the only one here that thinks the UK original plum colored pressing blows the one step and the classic records to shreds?

[@ThePressingMatters]

Hi Micheal, No, you're not the first person to mention the UK Plum as being the best. I wish I had one! I have no problem believing it bests the One Step. Not much of a challenge there!

[@sidesup8286]

If Scott says the reviewed CSN album has grain on vocals, but the grain is slight, if you have equipment good enough, chances are that you can get it to sound like it has no grain. The amount of distortion (which causes grain) that we hear is the added up sum of how much distortion the lp has, + what's playing the lp, + amps distortion +cables distortion, +speakers distortion, +AC power distortion. The distortion of all those added up is the sound quality we hear. Lessen the distortion by substituting something better in any one of those things and the grain will lessen. The fact that he hears enough grain to make note of it , and he has lps where he hears no grain, means in all likelihood that there are records that are "relatively" smoother sounding. Just last night I unplugged my equipment from the wall and plugged it into a power strip that I know has great sound quality. I have two of them and recently received shipment on the second one. Much grain disappeared and the the sound got cleaner, bigger and airier by an an easily discernible degree. In fact it was quite obvious and sort of a whole new experience. For those of you who have lesser equipment than Scott; (I'm guessing most of you), unless your system is euphonic, you will probably hear more than slight grain, if there is graininess. For those of you with better equipment than him, especially those who've gone to great lengths to have great power conditioning and cables, you will likely hear less or no grain. I think that Scott has really good equipment with his Modwright and Hana SL and his other equipment, but there is always room for improvement. When I hear any review of an lp from anyone, I alway take it as; "That's how it sounds with his system." If a recording would be so bad that you'd have to have a $30,000+ system for it to sound listenable, chances are it isn't a good example of the recording art; or the pressing art. I remember the old Monster Cable Alpha Genesis 1000 phono cartridge. Ranked in Stereophile Class A. Highly resolving but it seperated and resolved to the point where you often lost the blend of the recording. Instead of sounding like a group playing together at the same time, it sounded like individual instruments each recorded in an isolation booth. I think that is what Scott is describing with this pressing. There is a company called DS Audio which makes phono cartridges that play vinyl records using a light beam. It's not a laser and there's nothing digital going on with it. The light beam is used as a transducer. They have at least 3 models; the cheapest model costing $2,750. They are supposed to be really good;. They reportedly have an amazing ability to suppress, but not totally eliminate record noise, along with the usual audible artifacts of playing a vinyl record. Great news for those with lots of noisy used records. It would be great to compare how the different pressings of CSN sound using one of the light beam cartridges. Their upper models are much more expensive, but could be a revelation. Since most people can't afford them, reviewing with a conventional cartridge at this point in time is the relevant way to do things.

[@taralewis9916]

One Step after my purchase of Tapestry; one step never again.

[@ThePressingMatters]

Yeah, I get it. That wasn't one of the better efforts. A lot of this has to do with 50 year old tapes that were never great recordings to begin with. Add a little questionable mastering choices and this is the result unfortunately.

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters I have a OMG recording with a bit of surface I purchased on eBay for $12 which sounds great. Their is a current reissue done by Bernie Grundman but it might be from a digital source. So I will pass on that one.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@taralewis9916 I'm thinking and have heard that the Classic 45 is the best reissue of this album, if you are into 45. I think we may see a repress of that AAA cut from Chad at some point. At $150 of course! Ugh

[@taralewis9916]

@@ThePressingMatters I would purchase it immediately if AP reissues it in 45RPM. I'm waiting for Aja

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@taralewis9916 Me too!

[@audiotomb]

A mid 70s George Piros is better than a first press AP Atlantic 45 rom and Electric Recording Company are doing CSN

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks for the tip! I really need to hunt down a Piros. I imagine it must sound fresher than these various reissues. ERC is a little rich for my blood, but I'm signed up for the new edition in the Atlantic Series. Have you heard any confirmation if it's a new mastering or if it will be using the Classic metalwork. This is one area I'm not clear on regarding the various AP Atlantic titles that are listing Bernie for the mastering. Any light you can shed on this is much appreciated. For instance with the Genesis titles, he's listed for only two - Selling England and Lamb Lies Down. I'm thinking unreleased 45 cuts were done at the Classic remastering sessions? Of course we got a Classic 45 of CSN. I've never heard it, so this might be my chance!

[@mjm5081]

🙏 ✌ ❤ 🎶 🌎 👏 David

[@ThePressingMatters]

Thanks!

[@mjm5081]

@@ThePressingMatters Thank you for sharing 😃

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@mjm5081 You're welcome. Thank you for watching

[@mjm5081]

@@ThePressingMatters 😃 👍 👊

[@dl4162]

I have the one step and I thought it was me being critical but I feel exactly the same. My U.K. Atlantic sounds better than this. I am very disappointed with this, I have 11 one steps and this is a big letdown, it doesn’t bring anything new that an original Atlantic plum label offers. Part of me wonders whether the whole dsd transfer revelation has subliminally affected my experience.

[@ThePressingMatters]

I don't think it has anything to do with the DSD transfer. Don't second guess yourself on this. I really wanted to love it and have 'forgiven' MOFI and their process. I wanted a spectacular mastering. It's just not a great One Step. Someone in a forum said you have to get used to it to enjoy it?!? Maybe? I'll be playing it some more I suppose but I don't see my impression changing. You've got a great copy there! I bet it sounds splendid.

[@dl4162]

Agreed it’s not a great one step. Yes my Atlantic plum sounds great, not hard to get a hold of in the U.K. to be honest and not that expensive. Highly recommended.

[@ThePressingMatters]

@@dl4162 I may search that out on your recommendation. Another person also mentioned that pressing to me. Great info, thank you so much!