Sounds like a whole new premium series from Mobile Fidelity/Music Direct is being introduced, with the first title being Santana's Abraxus (catalog # UD1S 001). I wonder if this will be something of a modern day UHQR series for them? On a related note, wonder what happened with Analogue Productions' new generation UHQR series? Chad bought the brand a couple of years ago, but so far nothing has been introduced under that label. Amused to Death would have been an interesting start...
Not strictly hype. Usually, you cut the laquer, make a negative impression of that, make a positive which you then create stampers from. In this scenario, you cut the laquer and you make the stamper directly from that. It's been done before, but it necessitates a limited production run. How much better is it? That's where they hype comes in.
Any word on this title release as it seems they have cancelled the 45 rpm set recently and is no longer listed.
I wish they would quit all this bs and just release stuff they advertise ........and NOT 2 or 3 years later!
Not sure what you are talking about, but I don't see anything new or a new series at MD or MoFi. Their "Abraxas" offerings date back to 2008. What I can tell you is, "Abraxas" has long been a poorly mastered album from it's original release. Starting with the incorrect hissy mixes into the quadraphonic version using the wrong sessions and into later generational releases, it wasn't until 2008 that MoFi corrected everything. Their vinyl LP version is superb and knocks any other vinyl issue out of the ballpark. You can't beat their UltraDisc gold CD. The only improvement which could possibly be made would be a 45rpm LP release as they did with the first Santana album. The trouble is, 45rpm LP versions can often bring out the flaws in the original master tapes. "Abraxas" was recorded at a time when CBS was using recycled recording tape instead of virgin tape, and that's where the quality issues start. Modern technology has been able to reduce the shortcomings, but that is affected by how carefully they go through the available sources.
These are new one step 45 rpm pressings. First up is Santana. Santana - Abraxas (Numbered Limited Edition UltraDisc One-Step 45rpm Vinyl 2LP Box Set) » A little rich for my blood. I'd like to hear one, though.
$99.99! You've gotta be kidding! I can't imagine that the sound quality is so increased that it's worth $99.99.
"Santana's iconic Abraxas, the debut release in Mobile Fidelity's exclusive UltraDisc One-Step (UD1S) series, reaches three-dimensional sonic and emotional heights never before attained by analog recordings on this extremely limited 180g 45RPM vinyl 2LP box set. Created in finite batches for the ultimate in sound quality, UD1S uses a one-step lacquer process that yields vinyl with the lowest-possible noise floor, exponentially greater details, and significantly enhanced dynamics. This ultra-hi-fi audiophile edition literally and figuratively brings you closer to the music of this 1970 masterpiece, which spent six weeks atop the charts and spawned the cosmic staple "Black Magic Woman." Experienced via UD1S, Abraxas is the ultimate confluence of celebratory vibes, bluesy jams, mellow vocals, and hip-shaking grooves. You've never heard Santana's peak creations come to life in such lifelike fashion or against such dead-quiet, squid-ink-black backgrounds." Sounds like Friday Music's hype geniuses have been moonlighting. And jumping on the "artisan" bandwagon ("finite batches") makes me throw up in my mouth. Just a little.
Never have, never will spend 100 bucks on an LP. Not when I can get 3 or 4 great new records or several fine used records for the same amount of cash.
If I had both the inclination and the money to buy the world's most nearly perfect records I might be interested, but I'm 0 for 2 on that front. I might instead look into releases from The Tape Project, where, for only about $50 per album more (ha) I could get first generation, 15 ips dubs and not have to deal with the clinical level of care needed to handle vinyl discs and playback equipment.
I just gave my MFSL Nevermind a spin tonight and was amused / saddened by the $19.99 price tag still on the outer sleeve. I miss those days. I suppose I wasn't literally and figuratively closer to the music, however.
Steve allowed me to hear her part her lips, and breathe on this album...hard to believe it could sound much better ... Linda Ronstadt Heart Like A Wheel | The Tape Project »
