Jimmy Reed Ultradisc vs AudioFidelity

Hi Gang- Sorry for not posting sooner I was not able to access the site for a few days.

Finally got to compare the Mofi Jimmy Reed with the Audio Fidelity disc. I have been unimpressed with the redbood layer of the Hybrid disc since I got it. This being the only hybrid Ive ever heard, Im not sure what to make of the technology. Well here goes...

The Mofi is very good. It has the ease and flow that I would expect from an old analog master. Open, transparent, involving. There is good low level resolution which can be heard in the decays off the cymbals and trailing mumbles and such from Jimmys vocals. On the downside it could be a little fuller and smoother sounding- Its just a touch electronic sounding. Very natural sounding for the most part, and fun to listen to.

The AF, to use my Girlfriend's words, sounds muffled. No breath of life, and the trailing decays arent there as much. There isnt much in the way of low level information. It reminds me of a No-noised affair. It is a bit fuller and smoother sounding though.

Ive also noticed that the 45 RPM discs from Acoustech sound a little tight, not relaxed. Im going to have my turntable checked out to make sure the 45 speed isnt off, although other 45s sound OK. Anyone else noticing this? Im hoping my dealer can loan me a strobe kit, I dont want to drive to MA from RI with the table in the car!

 

This is a very odd review. I actually think that my Audio Fidelity Jimmy Reed sounds phenomenal, but I haven't heard the redbook layer.

 

The AF actually uses the original mono sources for the mono tracks where the same tracks on the MoFi are rechanneled and Steve did not use NoNoise on any of the tracks.

 

Thanks Bradley. Good info.

 

Guess you didn't notice that the re-channeled stereo on a couple of the MF CD tracks ... as a "dyed in the wool" Jimmy Reed fan, I have both CDs (AWA, a first pressing of the original stereo LP) ... and think the AF CD is a significant improvement over the MF CD ... just one man's opinion ... who doesn't claim any audiophile expertise ...

 

I haven't heard the AF yet, but I used to have the MFSL gold cd.

I thought the MFSL was good, but I was underwhelmed with the fake stereo cuts.

I remember reading that Steve used lower generation masters or source reels for his transfer. So, in theory, his should sound better. So, I'm was tempted to pick up the AF, but after hearing the review above, I'm wondering if I should pass....

 

Do not pass on the AF at all.

 

He says ... tongue planted firmly in his sore cheek ... geez, Steve, somebody is going to read your post and take you seriously ... the Novocaine must not have worn off yet ...

 

Run, skip, jump and get it while you can. I am sacd enabled but mostly play a CD-R of the Redbook in my car. Audio Fidelity personified!

 

The Audio Fidelity is the one to get. The MFSL sounds funky with the fake stereo.

 

This is the first time that I have ever heard this recording and all I can say is the SACD layer is great. I cranked this one up yesterday and it felt like the musicians were right in the room with you. I can not recommend this disc enough. I can not imagine anyone not feeling the same way.

 

Now you tell me, after I bought it months back......

 

I know Steve was being funny.

 

I don't usually chime in with a post of disagreement but I couldn't help myself this time. Are you actually referring to the Audio Fidelity SACD hybrid of "Jimmy Reed At Carnegie Hall" in the above sentence? I ask, because for the life of me, I can't imagine how you could come away from listening to this disc and believe it has 'no breath of life' or might have been a 'no-noised affair'. You are certainly free to state your opinion but I have to wonder how you could hear it this way.

 

While I've seen mostly positive reviews for Steve's SACDs, I've seen a few puzzling reviews which claim they sound "muffled". I have several of the discs in question and they sound amazing, just as good if not better than any DCC disc. So what's going on here? Are people putting together hi-fi systems using the sound of modern overly bright remasters as a reference? Is it a lack of neutrality in playback systems?

 

Seriously Steve, what is going on? Should I send my disc back for a new copy, I cant figure this out. It seems to be compatible with my player. Ive heard good things about the SACD layer.

 

Hi John,

I suspect your cdp's configuration is the issue. Why don't you play the redbook layer of the disc on another player and report back to us what you hear.

Take care,
Jeffrey

 

Hi,

You would pass on A LOT of great discs if you based your decision upon one negative review posted at this site. Geez..... we never seem to agree on what sounds best (MFSL, SACD, original release, remaster, etc.) around here.

Take care,
Jeffrey

 

What Steve said should be the final line in this whole thread.

 

If only life was that simple ... if only ...

 

Hi Rocky,

Why did you sabotage your own concept?

Take care,
Jeffrey

 

HA! HA!HA!

 

Steve,

I just want to compliment you on the Jimmy Reed Carnegie Hall SACD. Giving it a good listen on my headphones right now, and it sounds great! I can't wait until I can afford a 5.1 setup to hear the SACD layer. Thanks for all you do.