Special Live Audiophile Roundtable: Ranking the best to worst sounding One-Steps and UHQRs’!

[@jeffbellin8224]

Some notes from me (AnalogJ): 1) The Bellman 33 of Clapton Unplugged is more dynamic and musical than the OneStep (I had both in the system). The OneStep sounds tonally grayer and less dynamic. 2 } I really like the OneStep Tapestry. It does show that this was, intentionally, that it was recorded in a rehearsal studio rather than a normal recording studio. It was essentially a practice room, and her piano was an upright. The engineer wanted to make it sound more like the loose vibe of a rehearsal. And the OneStep sounds more like it, and it has more life than any other version I've heard including the Classic. 3) Bridge Over Troubled Water has flaws in the recording process that were more exposed in the OneStep. There's far greater bloom and depth on the OneStep than on an original or the Classic 33. Tonally, it's not quite as warm as the other copies, but there's a lot more life. Roy Halee, though, just overproduced this record, with too much reverb and echo. The simpler cuts come across better, but I'll say that "The Only Living Boy In New York" sounds breathtaking. 4) Regarding Fragile, I had a Rhino reissue from a number of years ago and I thought it was TOO bright. I think the midrange of the OneStep is richer, more tactile. 5) I have a Robert Ludwig original of The Nightfly. I prefer it. I think the OneStep is an example where it brought out TOO much of the aspects of the album that sound "digital" or clinical. The RL is warmer and has better flow. There ARE a couple of cuts which sound really good, generally those on what would be the end of each of the 33, with the greater real estate and ease of cutting at 45. 6) I haven't heard the Blood, Sweat & Tears OneStep, but the original 2-eye I got sounds fresh and present. It doesn't have the greatest weight in the low end, but boy, the vocals, guitar, and brass sound terrific. 7) The OneStep Abraxas is spectacular, far better than the original I have. 8) The Evans SATTV is spectacular. I have the Alto 33, the AP 45, and the OneStep. The OneStep is more musically/sonically alive than any of the others. 8) Evans' Portrait In Jazz OneStep is not appreciably better than the AP 45. I might even prefer the AP a bit. 9) The Mingus Ah Um OneStep is significantly the best stereo I have ever heard (I have a 6-eye). The 6-eye mono I have, interestingly, is almost as sonically as good as the OneStep. The 6-eye stereo pales, though. 10) KOB. I have the Classic 33 and the UHQR 45. The Classic 33 is really good, but the UHQR is eye-opening, as there's a 'thereness' to the 45 that isn't there as much on the 33. There's just a greater ease to the playing. It sounds more like live music.

[@ghn5ue336]

These are very inciteful notes. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

[@andysmusicden]

Great notes.

[@revelry1969]

I just got my Hotel Cali today. It is breathtaking how good it is. Details details details come out. I am hearing so many new things. Stunning

[@stevewestman7774]

Yessss. One the best one steps MOFI has ever cut. Enjoy.

[@fts81]

One more great video, gents, really nice watch

[@jeffstockton534]

Loved this one. Guys with useful knowledge, well presented. Thank you, men.

[@stevewestman7774]

Much appreciated thank you.

[@xentakis]

It’s nice to hear Nathan say the Abraxas SACD sounds “just as stunning” as the one step.

[@thomashertl3037]

Probably the same digital source and mastering:-)

[@fhuetter]

Great video, guys! It's a tough task to rank the releases because ultimately it's a combination of sonics and artistic merit. But I appreciated your opinions.

[@audiotomb]

Thanks for the well done review Thank God I don’t own those 24 One Steps My take UHQR have all but Hendrix Mono Pretzel Logic is terrible I would rank Aqualung higher - the UHQR gives it that warm airy medieval fleshed out acoustic feel The Steve Wilson rocks out hard. Love both Mobile Fidelity One Steps was very vocal about how these sounded when they came out So glad I can return these for a full refund Definitive sounding MoFi’s Blood on the Tracks, Monk’s Dream, Eagles Debut, Mingus Ah Um Nice sounding except on steroids and a little too pumped up - particularly the bass BE SATVV & PIJ, The Nightfly Not listenable category Slightly congested, tonally off, overemphasis on detail - audiophile sheen, less air, too much detail Fragile, Hotel California, Murky mid range - too much detail, off eq Simon Garfunkel BOTW, Tapestry, Marvin, CSN, One of These Nights

[@Groover71]

“Too much detail” hotel california. You sound like a complete m*ron. Go kick rox.

[@Groover71]

Awful takes.

[@rixvspinner]

I have the Abraxas 33 RPM Mofi from 2011 I think, not sure. It sounds really good but that One Step really is a stunner. One of my fav MOFI 33RPM is Los Lobos Kiko., another Nils LofgrenLive . I have heard many, own a few, and know the compnay well since their inception. The AP UHQR is overall the best quality out there and their 45RPM titles offer many great choices that sound great. Roger Waters Amused To Death, the original AP reissue, not the box set, is one of the best sounding records I have heard period. I would love to see what AP could do with Pete Townshend/Ronnie Lane's Rough Mix and Joe Walsh Barnstorm. Why did Nathan choose Pretzel Logic for the UHQR #10? Why was it on the list? The AP Can't Buy A Thrill and Countdown are winners. We know Pretzel Logic is not well regarded so if Chad gives us a Katy Lied we never heard before, that blows us away.. He can raise his middle finger at the naysayers and say F you like Johnny Cash.

[@davidpetersen7091]

Great discussion! Mr. Pete---------> aging hippie

[@louisperlman8030]

My wife’s favorite album of all time is Tapestry. I played my Classic Records reissue recently, and my ears hurt. Beyond the overloaded vocals, it sounded in some songs that someone was just pounding away on a crappy piano. My system is very smooth in that area, so it was definitely the LP. I had Vandersteen speakers when I bought the Classic reissue, probably why I didn’t notice it back then. There was a review on the Tapestry One Step on the 45 RPM Audiophile channel, and Michael Ludwig liked it, and found it superior to the 33.3 version. I actually found the One Step for list price, and it sounds decent. Worth is different for each person. For my wife’s favorite record, it was worth the $125.

[@jeffbellin8224]

It WAS a crappy piano. Intentionally. The OneStep (and I used to have the Classic) reveals the ambience and artifacts of the room in which it was recorded. It was done in a small practice studio, with a studio upright. The engineer's original intent was to have the recording sound more like a rehearsal situation, so it was meant to sound sort of raw.

[@love2spinvinyl]

Have over half these. I would agree with all the Rankings. Only one for me I’d have different is Thriller. But to me it’s almost like a remix. I’m so use to the original that it frustrated me. It’s a bit like when I watched Ready Player One at the movies. I nearly walked out as it was nothing like the book and really annoyed me, but I have since watched it again and knowing it is its own thing and I enjoyed it more. Maybe I’ll get to that stage with Thriller - it sounds great but it is its own thing.

[@LetThereBeSound1]

Suggestion: It would be helpful for those of us that may be new to your channel if you list each contributor's audio system. Thanks.

[@preservedmoose]

Nice work guys!

[@stevewestman7774]

Thanks so much. That was fun. The hour felt like 10 minutes. May need a sequel vid of it now.

[@surf01er66]

I loved One of these Nights, Hotel California was phenomenal. UHQR Kind of Blue, phenomenal, Coltrane , Love Supreme, excellent.

[@stevewestman7774]

Some very good stuff.

[@SafeAndSoundTXAudioExcursion]

Good topic! Of course we all have our impressions from these recordings. Certainly I don’t own them all. But I wasn’t shocked at Eagles self-titled at 14. I agree Most of Us Are Sad sounds amazing, but find me a version that comes close to the guitar/banjo/vocals of Take it Easy? I have a white asylum first press and it is beat by the One-Step. That was really the biggest surprise for me on this list as Nathan and I often have similar experiences. Only 1 out of 24 is pretty solid!

[@nicholassheffo5723]

So, for the lower-ranking titles like all those EAGLES releases, would 4-channel, 5.1,. 6.1, 71. or Dolby Atmos/DTS: X versions help or hurt any of them? FRAGILE has a 5.1 mix far superior to its old DVD-Audio 5.1 mix (both are on the same Steve Wilson Blu-ray Audio with his stereo mix) and both NIGHTFLY and HOTEL CALIFORNIA (the same sound master on DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD) have 5.1 mixes so far. I like the 5.1 NIGHTFLY, 5.1 HOTEL CALIFORNIA and newer 5.1 FRAGILE. Is Nathan saying the new One Step is better than the SA-CD or DVD-Audio of HOTEL CALIFORNIA? Thanks for another excellent video guys!

[@stevewestman7774]

Thanks for watching. We were strictly comparing LP One Steps and UHQRs.

[@nicholassheffo5723]

Fair enough, so unless they start doing $150 quad boxes, that makes sense. Still, it is odd that there are issues and limits sonically with so many of these pricey vinyl releases. Glad the vinyl community at large is on it in detail. Hope AJA and ELEPHANt goes to the top of everyone's list.

[@latheofheaven]

I don't know if Nathan checks the comments here (probably not 😊) but, I have the Acoustic Sounds pressing of A Love Supreme. I wonder what Nathan thinks comparing that pressing with the UHQR? Thanks!

[@andysmusicden]

Thanks for this overview. Considering how critical you are to many of the one steps, I’m a bit surprised that you have continued to buy all the releases in the series.

[@hooville9059]

Steve C,S, & N no Young, let Nathan do the reviews and ranking!

[@kristisherman3506]

Yup. Steve can’t help himself talking over people

[@hooville9059]

He just can't help himself, insecurity, always interjecting to justify his worthiness.@@kristisherman3506

[@JL-vo7dm]

Wish he'd list his favorite remaster with each title.

[@Dbriskit]

"And here is our wall of automatic weapons..." 😧 You skipped over that part of the film school tour Steve.

[@stevewestman7774]

Good one.

[@Dbriskit]

I assume they're props? Think I recognise them from PUBG video game.@@stevewestman7774

[@michaeledwards7668]

The Speakers Corner Elvis in Memphis smokes the DSD one step, also for like $80 cheaper.

[@stevewestman7774]

I like the sound of my MFSL version.

[@michaeledwards7668]

@@stevewestman7774 have you had a chance to listen to the speakers corner yet? The one step is way too polished imo

[@Groover71]

Wrong. That’s your MoFi hate talking. Just accept the fact that a DSD256 of the analog master put to vinyl is superior. It’s ok, nobody’s gonna ask for your audiophile card.

[@bigsweetc6]

@@Groover71He’s not wrong. It’s preferential. Sound is subjective.

[@thomashertl3037]

… quite shocking to hear how many mediocre to poor tape selection and treatment choices Mod Fid made for the enormous prices they are charging. Must by living of their dying fame. Impo, these records are unlikely to keep at the least the buying price value. The Acoustic Sounds group impo is the opposite. High prices but mostly outstanding value, consistent performance delivery, and their records keep or even gain in value in case one wants to sell off one or the other. Hats off to Mr. Kassem and his business solidity.

[@Wreckords-Marcel]

I feel like morale of the story is that if you are making a $125-$150 record, then it has to be a good recording, otherwise don’t bother putting it out…..I have the #24 CSN, #25 Clapton once’s steps and those sound awful and worse. Therefore, I have sworn off all future one steps. That $300 wasted could have been 10-15 good quality new and used records of new music

[@danilproskura4841]

Bill Evans at The Village is the best-sounding One Step of them all.

[@andysmusicden]

I haven’t heard all (lost interest after the first 10 or so), but I agree with you that it’s spectacular and beats the AP 45. I also really enjoy the Mingus and Monk releases. Abraxas is sonically speaking fantastic, although Santana is far from any of my favourite bands.

[@chaky1978]

Fun ranking, did you miss ELO El Dorado intentionally?

[@stevewestman7774]

Lol. Sorta

[@itsvladzino3246]

49:48 » ‘Time flies when you’re havin’ fun’. I don’t feel you we’re having fun at all at that point. No disrespect 😂

[@stevewestman7774]

I’m just miserable i guess. 🤔

[@LetThereBeSound1]

@stevewestman7774 keep that original MFSL From Elvis in Memphis. It is *infinitely* superior to this MOFI One-Step which is one of the worst sounding One-Steps so guess I am in complete disagreement with your guest. I sincerely hope you get your ears on a copy! Oh God, I have just seen the rest of the video and I cannot believe your guest Nathan Goss rates the Hotel California as his top MOFI One-Step. Wow. I am Gobsmacked! See, I finally heard my copy yesterday (2nd time, actually) and both myself and my guest (who's a fellow KZbinr whom will be coming out with his own review at some point) could not believe our ears. I won't completely spill the beans here ahead of my friend's review but I can say is, if Nathan likes this One-Step, he really owes it to himself to seek out a copy of the Steve Hoffman DCC from 1992. To be perfectly honest, even the original MFSL (MFSL 1-126) from 1984 trounces it. Also, the Lee Holko • Sterling press OG we had at hand ruled all over the MOFI One-Step so I have to conclude Nathan's OG is simply a worn copy if it sounded that bad to him. Respectfully... Oz LTBS

[@stevewestman7774]

Thanks fur all your feedback. Much appreciated.

[@markyexley9440]

Interesting the comments about ‘poor recording techniques’ on Hendrix. It may not be HiFi like lots of the totally bland records here. Hendrix was groundbreaking

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Give me the original album cover over those uhqr things anyday. I don't care if they sound better, i don't like the look of them or space they take up.

[@danamckissick4802]

Why was “Eldorado” skipped? For my money, that’s the One Step that shows the greatest improvement over an original pressing. Though it is far from audiophile.

[@stevewestman7774]

We did not own it.

[@LifelongMusicJunkie]

Somedays I think HC sounds bright and irritating! Of the Eagles One-Steps I disagree with Nathan and I feel On The Border sounds the best and One of These Nights is the worst! But that is ears for ya! :) I think Rhymin' Simon is the best sounding One-Step (I have not heard Abraxas)!

[@revelry1969]

Chug all night sucks in general. But the whole album is amazing. I have the one step and compared to my white label asylum they both sound amazing. Even if chug all night is a throw away song

[@michaeledwards7668]

Not all E.P.s movies were horrible

[@stevewestman7774]

I guess in their day.