Yes Fragile MFSL

I really like the sound of the new Mofi - nicely detailed, but my preferred version is still the DVD-Audio surround.

 

I listened to the MFSL version for the first time yesterday (twice in fact) at fairly loud levels and didn't notice any problems. No harseness whatsoever. Incredible sounding version.

 

It is a good sounding disc. But is it the best? Hmmm.

 

I feel the same. This is the best version I have heard.

Evan

 

I don't know if it is the best; however, it sounds so good it is the last version I will ever need to buy.

 

Hi everyone - this is my first post on the forums! I searched this topic out after listening to the MFSL Fragile in my car today... I was surprised how it hurt my ears... had to keep the volume down. So I just compared it to my old Gastwirt version on my pretty good beyerdynamic DT250 headphones. I agree with the "ear bleed" comment re: the MFSL version - I'm surprised that anyone could think it isn't harsh or crispier, but each to his own ears! I can put the Gastwirt Fragile on and crank it up - sounds smooth and clean but still exciting to me. It's very easy to compare these two versions because the apparent levels are almost identical. What an incredible album - I still remember the first time I heard Roundabout - truly changed my life!

 

I haven't heard the MFSL but I found I couldn't crank the Gastwirt up. The original Diament mastering however, is eminently crankable.

 

Because there's no top end on it.

 

Nah, because there's no digital compression on it.

 

There's no compression (analog or digital) on the MFSL, and it's louder than the Gastwirt so maybe there's no compression on that one either.

 

Both actually

 

There is some very light compression on the Gastwirt.

 

But less EQ than the MFSL and the Mo-Fi is louder.

 

Right.

And btw, the compression on the Gastwirt is apparent if you look at the waveforms for it and the original CD, but the overall levels are not maxed out at all. This is a case of using a bit of compression as an artistic choice and not peak limiting for the sake of getting the CD to be as "loud" as possible.

 

I haven't read through this entire thread, but has anyone compared the MFSL to the Analogue Productions LP mastered by Steve? I can't imagine this album sounding better than the AP LP, myself.

 

I don't know if Steve knows something we don't know, or if this is his opinion, but FWIW, here's what he said about Mofi's Fragile:

"I'd stake my reputation on the fact that there is NO added compression on the MoFi. What you are hearing is a mix artifact."

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showpost.php?p=2175871&postcount=239

Another post from the same thread, in which Rob LoVerde (who now works for Mofi) states that Shawn Britton mastered Fragile without using compression, and that Mofi never uses compression:

"...I've spoken to Shawn recently regarding this album and he didn't use any compression.
This isn't news, of course...MFSL NEVER use compression."

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showpost.php?p=2175948&postcount=246

 

I have Steve's LP and the MFSL gold disc. I've never listened to them back to back, but I love listening to both of them. Those two versions are the definitive versions (for me) on their respective formats. My digital system is far better than my analog system, so the MFSL is the one I listen to more often.

 

I haven't heard the MFSL but the Gastwirt sounds mildly compressed compared to the original Atlantic to me. The latter is clean and smooth to ear-splitting volumes, while the Gastwirt cannot be cranked to anywhere near that level before an overall harshness sets in IMO. I'm talking about that hardness, edginess, grittiness in the overall signal, so probably affecting the midrange more than anything else, that I usually attribute to digital compression.

 

The MFSL gold disc sounds great. Rhino's was an "ear bleed."

 

Thanks to all participants in the discussion for clarifying the situation and saving me - and others, possibly, - some $$$.

This forum rocks



P.S. I'll go for the MFSL

 

The Gastwirt is the best digital version out there. The original is just too muffled and dull. Not a very exciting listen. The MFSL is fine but has a bit too much upper mids for my taste.

The Gastwirt is the closest you'll come to Steve's LP.

 

The MFSL is excellent, but I do find the same thing Jamie Tate has mentioned; a few of the songs do exhibit a bit too much upper mids. But, overall, very enjoyable.

 

Despite the lack of top end on the original I find it a more exciting listen than the Gastwirt because of the fully intact dynamics and the ability to listen at louder volumes.

 

I really like the MFSL but the DVD-Audio is my favorite. Steve's LP is very good also.

 

Just did an extensive comparison of all different CD versions, and my new fave is MFSL Gold disc.

It has the goods, and all of the difference between these masterings are not subtle in the least. This one sounds that way I always thought should of in the first place. I still like Barry's for overall honesty, but the resolution of this disc is great, and very open. I lyke dat.

The Gastwirt is a little too squeez-y. The newer Rhino remaster...well, I'm not even gonna get into that.

Actually, all the new MFSL CD and SACD titles I've gotten from the recent catalog are *excellent*.