Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab MFSL 2-45010 Other by EdAInWestOC

Model:	MFSL 2-45010
Category:	Other
Suggested Retail Price:	$49.99
Description:	Rickie Lee Jones - Rickie Lee Jones 45RPM
Manufacturer URL:	Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab
Model Picture:	View

Review by EdAInWestOC on December 23, 2013 at 07:27:37
IP Address: 199.173.226.236 Add Your Review
for the MFSL 2-45010

S/N: 00150

Many years ago MoFi released one of the best LPs it ever produced with the original release of Rickie Lee Jones (MFSL 1-089 4/1983). I have owned this pressing since it was released new back in 1983. Back in those days I bought every quality pressing I could acquire. Some were excellent some were less so. I won't debate the value of audiophile pressings here because the original MFSL 1-089 pressing of Rickie Lee Jones was so excellent.

The original MSFL 1-089 pressing bettered an already excellent commercial pressing. The MFSL was pressed on much quieter vinyl and the 1/2 speed mastering produced an outstanding product. MFSL 1-089 was one of the most in-demand pressings that MoFi ever produced. Those who own this LP will likely ask how much better a 45RPM product could be compared to the original MoFi product.

First, you cannot compare the quality of the vinyl used on the original MoFi to this new 45RPM product. The original JVC Super Vinyl is superior to the vinyl used on this new 45RPM pressing. The 45RPM vinyl is not bad and compared to a commercial pressing the 45RPM product would probably compare favorably but it is not as quiet as the JVC Super Vinyl.

The quality of the mastering is outstanding on both MoFI products. The 45RPM release is noticably more open sounding and there are places where the instruments take on a deeper 3 dimensional reality that we all strive for in our systems. When you listen to something this familiar any change will be noticable.

The 45RPM product includes low level detail that is there on the original MoFi product but the resolution is so crisp and real on the 45RPM pressing that your head snaps up and focuses on the instruments being used. The bass on Easy Money takes on a reality that makes you check for musicians in your listening room.

The original MoFi product was excellent here but the 45RPM product makes every note stand out and all aspects of the sound to take on a focus that is superb. The sound of this 45RPM pressing is not bright nor is it bass heavy nor is it forward nor layed back sounding. It is what the music sounds like.

The 2 LPs were absolutely flat, perfectly centered and free of any clicks or pops. The box was perfectly made with every seam well finished. The box comes with a layer of foam on the bottom, two LPs in MoFi inner sleeves, a booklet (with a reproduction of the front cover, a track listing, all of the songs including their lyrics reproduced in large typeface) and a top piece of foam.

There is a difference when you conpare the reproductions of the cover for the 45RPM release compared to the original MoFi release. The original MoFi presing had black text and the new 45RPM release has a brownish hue for the text. A minor thing but owners of the original MoFi will notice the difference.

All things considered, this is an outstanding product and it is one of those pressings you will no doubt use to show off your system. I wish it were pressed on Super Vinyl but that compound is no longer available. A shame....this mastering job pressed on Super Vinyl would be beyond criticism.

Product Weakness:	Very good quality vinyl but cannot compare to JVC Super Vinyl
Product Strengths:	Outstanding sound quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Adcom GFA-555II (modified)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audible Illusions L1 (modified)
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Denon DP-62L (Modified)
Speakers: Magnepan MGMC1
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber Hero, Kimber 8TC
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Blues/Rock
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Adcom GFA-555II (modified)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audible Illusions L1 (modified)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DP-62L (Modified)
Speakers:	Magnepan MGMC1
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber Hero, Kimber 8TC
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Blues/Rock
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner