Mucho Macho Matchup: MOFI Santana Abraxas Shootout 2024 33RPM Super Vinyl vs. 2x45RPM 2016 One-Step

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

*CORRECTION* The One-Step was $100, not $125 as was indicted in Discogs.

[@greenebear2267]

well this is your opinion, 1 human , that does not mean it is fact what ur saying.

[@lucullus6127]

I was lucky enough to grab the ONE-STEP at preorder in 2016. A friend of mine has a Better-record HOT STAMPER (Tom Port) and, after comparing both, the Hot Stamper ( a vintage US 1st Pressing) was the winner. I would no longer describe the choice between the onestep and the hot stamper as a toss-up. That implies they are similar, and they aren’t. They are two fundamentally different sounds, which is all the more baffling to witness since the music is clearly the same. I think it is fair to say this - as my system changed (“improved” would be a debatable term for it - the gear I use now sells for 1/4 what my old gear sells for!), and as my tastes evolved, and perhaps, as my listening skills developed, I now far prefer the Abraxas Hot Stamper for listening. I’ll break out the OneStep when I want to show off my stereo, but it won’t be what I reach for when I want to enjoy listening to music. Show it off to whom? Somebody who doesn’t know much about sound? Some clueless audiophile who’s impressed by phony, boosted bass and treble? Someone who knows what the MoFi One-Step of Abraxas is selling for these days? Yes, I can see that such a person might be impressed. People were impressed with the Bose 901 back in the day. “The sound is coming from everywhere!” they exclaimed. If only live music could be more like the Bose 901. If only every copy of Abraxas had all the extra bass and top end that the MoFi has, wouldn’t that be wonderful? Leaping cymbals and chimes? Are they supposed to do that? No, it would not be wonderful. MoFi didn’t “restore” or “improve” the sound of Abraxas. They ruined it. Any Columbia engineer who wanted to release Abraxas with that kind of sound in 1969 would have been escorted to the parking lot and told to take his loopy ideas elsewhere. Anybody with a cheap ten band equalizer can produce that sound. Did Carlos Santana want to make music or produce fireworks? If you have a good copy of the album, you know that he could actually do both. (of course you need at least six or seven NM OG copies in order to do a SERIOUS comparison; different pressing plants, different STAMPERS, different lacquer mastering, reversed channels ?!......) Not easy task !! A great review indeed David. Cheers from switzerland, Luca

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@lucullus6127 enjoyed your comments. Do you recall any details on the Hot Stamper? Pressing plant, matrix, etc? They are very controversial, but many swear by them as THE best.

[@lucullus6127]

@@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion : not sure about the pressing plant; stampers (hand-etched) are : PAL 30130-1E /PBL 30130-1D ; audio channels (left/right) are reversed: on the opening track side 1 the guitar is on the left, and moves to the right. On track B4 (Hope You're Feeling Better) the keyboard at the beginning is on the right channel. Hope it helps !

[@jaycoleman8062]

I bought 5 Santana albums for $20.00 in 1980. I do a 2 machine cleaning after falling down the rabbit hole of quiet. 😊 Those albums, including this one, sound great.

[@anthonysmith4449]

Don't have the 1-Step but I did purchase 33rpm Super vinyl. My go to is still the Half Speed Master.

[@Claus-CaptainPhoenixCorner]

Good and very informative video - thanks David. I didn’t get the new 33 SV before it sold out (and don’t have the one-step…) - so I hope it’ll be back in print again.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

I think it will be given MOFI having Fidelity Pressing Plant at their whim…. :)

[@randyg9256]

Great and fun review David! A buddy and I did the same comparison with the same 3 releases a couple weeks ago. I don't personally own the One Step, but my buddy has it and I had just recently bought the 2024 SV, so it made sense to do the comparison. We also added the 2008 Mofi release in our shootout. Our results were very similar to yours, but we felt the One-Step won out by a little bigger margin than in your review. The 2024 SV 33 RPM was 2nd, the 2008 Mofi was 3rd, with the OG coming in 4th place. However, we did feel the OG was very close to the 2008 Mofi. The One Step is a phenomenal sounding record and probably in my top 10 of best sounding albums I've ever heard. With that being said, the 2024 SV 33 RPM version is a tremendous sounding record and great value to boot. I'm happy to have it, especially since I don't envision shelling out $1000+ to get the One Step. Cheers!

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@randyg9256 ironically, the 2008 MOFI did not have a DSD step….pure analogue

[@MikesVinylExperience]

Couldn't agree with your review more David! My conclusions was the same. The 33rpm for $60 and currently available is a great way to go. Thanks David!

[@crBudgetWatches]

Already out of stock

[@novisnick6928]

That OG is no slouch, nor is the newest offering. For the price and the fact that most folks don’t care for 45’s at all the latest offering is a super deal. I personally enjoy the extra whatever of the 45’s but for scores so close I’ll suffer through the latest 33 1/3. Thanks so much David, always a fair honest review with good insights.

[@TheRecordKeeper33rpm]

Thank you for the great shootout. As I suspected there is only a small gap between the two and I figured it wasn't going to be a 3k gap. I'm happy with my sv copy.

[@dimebagdave77]

Many thanks as always Mr Bianco ✌️🤘

[@fidelios_frequency]

Thanks David. I was waiting for someone to finally do this shootout. I think I will pick up the SV. The 33, price point and presentation (no unnecessary box!) all make it a justifiable purchase.

[@crBudgetWatches]

It’s now out of stock

[@joseantonioarriolaarriola2349]

A comparison with the 2008 Mofi would have been nice, by the way,does anyone know if this was analog?

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@joseantonioarriolaarriola2349 I believe the 2008 had no DSD so yes, analogue. Another commenter did compare the 2008 vs the 2024 and One-Step

[@joseantonioarriolaarriola2349]

Thanks you very much David

[@LPS-R-US]

Great video...keep rockN

[@gerry1970may3]

Fantastic review, have a question do you might have the 2020 reissue remastered by Kevin Gray? the 50th Anniversary. Should be a fantastic way to make a comparison between the 2 33rpm, easy to find in the DISCOGS market from $20 to $50 bucks in a Mint condition

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@gerry1970may3 my Discogs says I do and I recall buying it, but since my move,‘I can’t find it…yet. Will do it against the 2024 MOFI

[@randyg9256]

I own the 50th anniversary Kevin Gray version of Abraxas, and it's a decent pressing. However, IMHO, I don't think it compares to the 2024 Mofi Super Vinyl version. I feel the Mofi SV is definitely a step above with much quieter vinyl, more bass impact and better clarity.

[@gerry1970may3]

@@randyg9256 thanks for that feedback, I’ll try to get the MOFI to give it a try based on your input 🤝🏻

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the 33rpm. Thanks for the review. Mofi should give you a commission 😂😂😂

[@johncarsell1205]

Thanks for the review. Think I'll stick with my Mo-Fi SACD, I'm happy with that.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@johncarsell1205 I’m sure it’s direct DSD so should be amazingly accurate as well!

[@nwjazz]

That's an interesting conclusion in which I don't necessarily disagree. In addition to the pressings mentioned, I also have a limited edition by Simply Vinyl which is also very good and I rate slightly better than the original.. I think that the new Mo Fi checks all the boxes and I prefer the 33 1/3 format, but the One Step is undoubtedly better and will show as much on better playback equipment

[@thomashertl3037]

Many thanks for the effort of comparing. Not sold on MoFi. Digital rather than analog. Overstickered source information. Deceiving, confusing or false information - to me it seems that the company is still not trustworthy enough to earn any portion of my wallet. Hopefully someone else will do an honest decent reissue some time in future. In the interim, the OG does a good job for me.

[@automatedelectronics6062]

Glad you realize the superiority of the Columbia, Santa Maria pressings. As near as I could tell, CSM used a higher quality vinyl mix than other pressing plants used. In today's terminology, I would call the CSM pressings on virgin vinyl. To me, the sound quality of this album was inferior from day one. During the period that this album was recorded, Columbia had been re-using their master session tapes, rather than using virgin tapes. Being bulk-erased and re-used, this added hiss to the recordings. Back then, I could hear this hiss when playing those records and it drove me up the wall. Another hissy album was "Chicago III". The SQ Quadraphonic LP of "Abraxas" sounded better to me, but they used a different take of "Black Magic Woman" on that LP and I didn't care for it.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@automatedelectronics6062 thanks for the reflection. I also have the quad of this and their greatest hits, both which sound very good with some mix variations as you noted. Black Magic Woman has some very left-right surround in the instrumental mix and some shrill screams as I recall.

[@tubinonyou]

I have a '72 Quadrophonic that sounds excellent.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@tubinonyou I have that too! Mix is a bit different but sounds great

[@R3TR0R4V3]

They better repress more of those.. I didn't feel like pre-ordering anything, then when it went on sale, it sold out pretty quick. :/ Anyway, Pbthal said the OG UK pressing is his favorite, and preferred it over the Mofi, so I may just grab one of those.. He's never steered me wrong. ;)

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@R3TR0R4V3 I’ve heard Patrick say that and I will look for one when in the EU in November

[@revelry1969]

My Japan first press sounds pretty darn great. The mofi 33 has great clarity. But I do feel there is a “sheen” like all Mofi cuts. Wish I had that one step. Maybe I need to invest. I don’t see it going down in price any time soon. David, I like your channel and follow since the beginning. I do feel like we are splitting hairs a little bit with your numbering system. Also, I think you are doing quick A/B swaps. I have found that is the only way to evaluate differences. Our brains are not good at discerning sounds we heard 30 seconds ago or more. Often I need even closer…like near instance changes

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@revelry1969 thanks! My A/B comparisons are in 5-10 Second chunks with one turntable lagging the other.

[@revelry1969]

@@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion excellent. So which one if you were gonna keep?

[@davidpetersen7091]

Great review. Mr. Pete-----------> aging hippie

[@surf01er66]

Do you think that the sound was better because it was at 45 rpm ? The supervinal is excellent !!! I have quite a few one-steps but not the Santana. I also think some records are meant to be at 33 rpm , and definitely, this is one of them. Great watch, Aloha

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@surf01er66 aloha! I think an LP with this much “action” in percussion is an intense activity for the cutter head (and heating up of the lacquer) so the speed provides for less cramming of information for lateral square inch. This benefits in the lacquer creation and in our stylus and cartridge having a smoother trip during the cut and playback. Just physics…

[@rixvspinner]

I have the CBS UK Abraxas, 2 Eye Columbia-prob Santa Maria pressing, and the 2008 MOFI reissue. Firstly, they all sound great. The UK actually has the edge on the others although the MOFI does sound better in some ways. I would be curious how the new Mofi 33 RPM reissue sounds but won't be buying it. Either way, this album is a must have in my opinion along with Caravanserai. Good review David, they were all pretty close but the One Step still seems to have the overall edge. I wonder if the resale value of the One Step will drop due to the new 33 RPM Super Vinyl reissue.Partly since the 33 RPM maintains the original flow of the album compared to 2 LP 45 RPM obv.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@rixvspinner the one-step median price has fallen from $1700 to $1100 in 18 months.

[@bartbrodsky7190]

I wish you'd compared your favorite vinyl with a high-res digital sample from HDracks: $25 for DSD or $23 for 176/24.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

That’s an interesting challenge! Now to fit it into my paltry channel budget :)

[@Daydream-Vinyl]

Cool shirt 😎

[@קוביבכר-פ7ת]

Great shoot up but I think 10 it’s too much I wonder what will be if Kevin Grey will work on the original master tape - is it going to be 11 😊

[@ConnorBright]

I did buy the 33 but I REALLY think they should have repressed the 45. Exclusivity, especially when they use DSD and are not wearing other materials for subsequent presses, SUCKS. Also, they should have put that sticker on the actual jacket.. and just weird how it was missed

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@ConnorBright I doubt they will re-do a One-Step of it and a double LP on SV would likely be $100 or $125.

[@buzzhughes2889]

I have no intrest in this album…but well done on the analysis

[@512bb]

They were actually 100.00 when they came out. I actually bought 2 copies. Really not a hugh Santana fan, sold both of them when they were going for 800.00...who would of ever dreamed 4k, I won't even bother buying the new 33 as I've had it with Jim & his dishonest business practice's, no interest in supporting MoFi / Music Direct any longer.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@512bb correct, I trusted Discogs saying $125 vs my own memory recalling that it was $100

[@preservedmoose]

So you are a flipper or scalper? What a dick. *would have

[@ricknorris1466]

Getting up just once to flip the record is a bad enough interruption of the experience that is Abraxas. Getting up 3 times would definitely kill the buzz.

[@jcbrooklyn4800]

To be exact $ 99 I bought one

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

@@jcbrooklyn4800 even $1 less :) quite the investment. Many wish they’d bought multiples, or were they limited to one per household? MOFI probably didn’t know if the concept would take off….

[@alsodoma8106]

The one step was $100.

[@davidbianco4147]

The discogs entry was wrong and I should have relied on my memory as I recall those first few were $100. Which makes the pain even worse.

[@bobburroughs6241]

More hi-tec nonense - it's the album, always was since I bought it first time on import.

[@robertbyington7715]

Obviously you don’t understand the comparisons he was making or the advances in technology since this album came out some 50 years ago. These numbers are data driven they are not his opinion even if played on different equipment. His comparisons are some of the best out there

[@audiotomb]

Cloth gloves - lol - these covers mark up. I bought the 2nd One Step Bill Evans SATVV. The British 1st press Abraxas is in the room for me. No need to listen to these tweaked releases that throw in detail and rely on odd eq choices

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

I need to hear that UK OG!