today i received my One-Step MoFi Ultradisc numbered pressing of Santana's Abraxas, 2 actually, #1520 and #1569.....and I opened #1569.
I already had 2 pressings of Abraxas. the recent Kessler German ARS pressing.....and while I don't have an early pressing or 2009 MoFi to compare it to, I do have the abysmal/un-listenable CBS Mastersound from my 'B' shelf.......and it goes right back there with godspeed and good riddance. the redbook is better than that.
added note; Myles reports here that the tracks were reversed on all early copies of this recording until the 2009 Mofi....scroll down.
first I played the first 2 sides of the One Step and they were superb. super clear, wide and deep, beautiful decay and layering on the big rig with the CA Goldfinger Statement/Telos Sapphire. excellent delicacy and separation of musical pieces, effortless and finely shaded tonality. the bass was very rich and sexy. different than I had recalled it.
next I played 2 minutes of 'Singing Winds' and 2 minutes of 'BMW' off the ARS and it was 'nice' if reserved and more one dimensional in comparison, a little rough here and there but solid sounding, less width and depth with the parts running together. if I had not heard the One Step I would describe the ARS as having good delicacy and texture, but in comparison it was just ok. the bass was more reserved but good.
then just one minute of both cuts on the CBS Mastersound, really bad. rough as a cob and I had to turn it down to listen to that much. not worth further description.
back to the One Step. this is really, really good. and will be a demo disc for me. spendy.....sure. but this music is from my sweet spot as it came out in my first year at college and was a frequent listen back then.
if you like the music buy it.....and btw, there are only 2500 numbered copies of this pressing.....and it might sell out. so be warned.
think......UHQR in 45 rpm
I already had 2 pressings of Abraxas. the recent Kessler German ARS pressing.....and while I don't have an early pressing or 2009 MoFi to compare it to, I do have the abysmal/un-listenable CBS Mastersound from my 'B' shelf.......and it goes right back there with godspeed and good riddance. the redbook is better than that.
added note; Myles reports here that the tracks were reversed on all early copies of this recording until the 2009 Mofi....scroll down.
first I played the first 2 sides of the One Step and they were superb. super clear, wide and deep, beautiful decay and layering on the big rig with the CA Goldfinger Statement/Telos Sapphire. excellent delicacy and separation of musical pieces, effortless and finely shaded tonality. the bass was very rich and sexy. different than I had recalled it.
next I played 2 minutes of 'Singing Winds' and 2 minutes of 'BMW' off the ARS and it was 'nice' if reserved and more one dimensional in comparison, a little rough here and there but solid sounding, less width and depth with the parts running together. if I had not heard the One Step I would describe the ARS as having good delicacy and texture, but in comparison it was just ok. the bass was more reserved but good.
then just one minute of both cuts on the CBS Mastersound, really bad. rough as a cob and I had to turn it down to listen to that much. not worth further description.
back to the One Step. this is really, really good. and will be a demo disc for me. spendy.....sure. but this music is from my sweet spot as it came out in my first year at college and was a frequent listen back then.
if you like the music buy it.....and btw, there are only 2500 numbered copies of this pressing.....and it might sell out. so be warned.
think......UHQR in 45 rpm
Last edited:
