I Robot
 

This weekend I was listening to Alan Parson's "I Robot" - MFSL version, with a long-time friend. He had asked if my table was set up right. I replied yes, why? He thought it sounded veiled and as I paid close attention I was in agreement with him. I put on another version - import from Portugal - and it was so much better in the dynamics and slam plus was much quieter between the grooves. I guess the MoFi engineer was asleep on this one.

Great album! Strange a MFSL was lacking. Worn maybe?

Not worn, new, played <5 times.

Will add my Cadenza Black was bought in 2015, conservatively has <700 hrs but yesterday I sent to a respected cartridge rebuilder to have a look at it.

https://youtu.be/rXjiUBEgDxQ

Mike from “the in groove” record store in Phoenix AZ has a nice review of multiple pressings of I Robot. I’m assuming your MFSL copy is the initial early 80s pressing that he rates pretty low. The 2016 MFSL 45rpm gets top shelf honor.

My version is a 2009 pressing but could have been same tape as the ‘80s version. Thank you for the link.

According to Discogs, MFSL only did three vinyl issues: one in 1982, a UHQR in 1983, and a 2 LP 45rpm version in 2016. If yours says 2009, it may just be a repress of the 1982.

I have a copy of the original pressing from 1982 and it sounds great. In fact it was just played in December. That said, the UHQR and 45rpm pressings should be far superior. It’s always been interesting to me that any mobile fidelity mastered by Stan Ricker is super pleasing to me.

I agree on your assessment. Not all MoFi releases are 5-star. The comparison between my MoFi and import is not even close. Plus the MoFi is not a 180g pressing.

I have the MOFI I-Robot 45 RPM reissue # 2920. On my current system at relatively loud volumes (60%ish +/-) it's a pretty darn good sounding LP.

Sound Check!!! A Very darn good sounding double LP.