Reviewing and Comparing the new MFSL Van Halen One Step With the DCC & More
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ธ.ค. 2023
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The Van Halen OG doesn't sound bad at all. Mikey is basically saying it's garbage and it hardly that. First time I've ever heard anyone say that. Mikey should be more specific as to what 70's pressing he's using.
It’s definitely not an early first pressing that’s for sure!
The copy in the video is a tan label, not the Burbank Palm Tree label. Like I said at the start of the video I was only going to compare the four copys I had in my collection. This is not my typical shootout video where I compare all the relevant pressings. I just wanted to discuss a few other copies compared to the One Step.
@@TheInGroove Good point. My tan label Warner copy was probably pressed at a different plant than yours was (we're on different sides of the continent). My Warner copy had much better bass than the Warner "HQ180" pressing from 2009 that used the metal parts from the Hoffman/Gray cut on DCC originally. (But even there, if Warner was reusing metal parts, they probably don't sound as "present" as the pressing originally was on DCC.)
Thanks for the clarification. The Burbank Palm Tree label Winchester Press (with misprint side one label showing two tracks numbered 4. has plenty of slam to it.@@TheInGroove
On the title of his video it says "FIRST PRESSING". Which it's absolutely not!
Mike! Don’t forget the DCC can be had at the fraction of a price, a 2009 reissue by Warner Bros and RTI reused the DCC stampers and it sounds incredible
Thanks! I didn’t know this and just confirmed I have this 2009 pressing. Probably wasn’t gonna waste $$ on the “Black CD” anyway, but now I don’t have to!
Good shout, Thomas...
The us 2009 reissue version is $90 whereas the eu version is $25 on discogs. Are they the same thing besides location?
I had just seen a sound quality shootout from the True Audiofiles channel, and he mentioned something about the 2009 reissue using the SAME stampers from the DCC release. But I wasn't sure if it was true or not. Well, you just "verified" that bit of information. Thank you!! Because, I have the 2009 reissue (to be honest with you, I was unaware I had it in my collection, until I "verified" the catalog number), and you are right, it sounds phenomenal.
@@JeffersonDDDon"t feel so bad. I didn't realize I had it in my collection either until after I saw the audio quality shootout done by True Audiofiles and had to check/verify the catalog number.
Respect for choosing a copy that you don't have a direct financial interest choosing. Gotta keep these recommendations honest & ethical. Well done!
The Mighty Van Halen! Mike you probably have a later '78 pressing, they do not sound that great. I did do an A/B with the One-Step against my 1978 Test pressing "LW1 F.E. / LW1" in the deadwax and my full 1978 LP Promo with "LW1 F.E. / LW2" in the deadwax. These two have beat out 80+ variants that I own of this LP, DCC, CB cut all of them (Yes, I'm a big fan). The One-Step did have the low end, mid and the clarity of my Test pressing & Promo, but the highs on the One-Step are very bright (not very natural sounding). It really stands out when the volume is up. The MoFi One-Step is very good but not great, a bit too bright on my system. If it's bright on my system which is an all-tube system, it might be very bright on a solid state system. That's my take.
The early first pressings have the black-and-white inner sleeve, if it has the color inner sleeve stay away.
SYSTEM: McIntosh MC2102 tube amp. McIntosh C2300 tube pre-amp, McIntosh MT5 turntable, Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC cart, Sonos Faber Amati G5 speakers.
Yeah I think you're right. I was a bit surprised when Mike said the original doesn't have the top end...Mine has a very open top end with lots of detail.
Thanks so much for all this info. Turns out one of my copies matches your test pressing's matrix exactly!! I did a shootout a few years back and the winner was this copy! I did then sell my DCC copy. I feel like the test pressing matrix lp just sounds more natural at really high volume...and its really punchy too!
@@george-nl4tb Yes, it's that good!!!!!
This is so very helpful. I discovered you recently and have gone back to watch all of your reviews. I look forward to your future comparisons.
That was the record that changed my world when I was twelve. Sixteen year old girlfriend of the family introduced me to it one day and we listened to it twenty times:)
Always thought they needed more bass.
I enjoyed hearing your take on this One Step. We came up with different conclusions on our favorite version but I do agree with what you are saying regarding the details of Eddie's playing on the One Step. ♥️ The 2009 using the DCC stampers has great midrange but fell flat to me compared to the dynamics of the One Step. Perhaps the stampers were worn down by the time my copy was pressed. Lol. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you, Angel and your entire family.🎄♥️
I have a different thought on the 2009. I find it's detailed enough, but upon listening to it again, it is weaker in the bass than my original tan-label Warner copy. Like you say, the metalwork was probably wearing a bit by the time this Warner pressing came out. And given how many different pressings there were of this record from 1978 onward (I bought my copy new, about six months after Diver Down was released), any one stock Warner pressing probably doesn't sound like the other. Mike's copy probably was a different pressing plant than the copy I owned. (Mine rattled the basement rafters more than a few times in my high school years! 😁)
Melinda, how are you always just so damn polite and diplomatic? 😄 Merry Christmas to you! Merry Christmas also to one of my heroes, Mike Esposito! The man catches hell for standing up for the “little guy.” Give ‘em H, Mike!
HI Melinda....I know you are a major huge Van Halen fan. If you haven't already, you should find yourself one of these....the sound on this is absolutely superb, especially at high volume. "LW1 F.E. / LW1" in the deadwax.
It will come with a black and white inner sleeve.
Once again, let's not confuse that 2009 reissue with the "legitimate" DCC pressing from 1998 people!
Just because they were "reportedly" made using the same metal parts DOES NOT MEAN it will sound identical to the genuine article! In all likelihood different pressing plants were used as well as different vinyl formulations, factors that greatly affect final SQ. There are simply too many variables. I don't know why this is so difficult to understand?
Stop saying that listening to a 2009 reissue is the same as having listened to the DCC Mr. Esposito auditioned and preferred. It is NOT. I find it an irresponsible misrepresentation of the facts. Period.
Merry Christmas! ♥️🎄@@foogloo78
Great video Mike and thank you for this comparison, especially with the DCC. Wish I had a copy of the DCC but I did pick up the one step and even though I’m not a huge fan of the digital process that Mobile Fidelity is currently doing. I can’t deny that it does sound very good. Thanks again.
Merry Christmas Mike and all at The In Groove🤘
Just ordered mine, love the ultradisc one steps
Thanks for the great review Mike, much appreciated. I’m a huge VH fan and 5 of their first 6 albums (not Diver Down) I have, all cut by Chris Bellman and I find them all sound amazing on my modest set-up. They will probably be my forever “go-to” copies but I might spring for my favorite album, “Fair Warning” from MFSL if that one seems to get high praise when released. But you’re right, for $25 the CB cut albums are an incredible buy. Happy listening.
I really enjoy and appreciate your shootouts. 👍👍👍👍👍 Your insight and deep dive analysis is great. You've really helped me to decide which one of these to buy for my budget and needs. Hope you will do more shootouts. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mike. 🎄🎄🎄
Great review!!! I was on the edge of the Aja because I just burned out on Steely Dan . But after reading the reviews, I'm glad I went ahead as it's excellent !! Van Halen is the same, I wanted to see some reviews before buying. I have a sealed DCC but burnt on VH. RIP Eddie !!!!
Great review. The original palm label LA pressing is great with LW-1 FE in the runouts. Earliest first pressing. The one step IMO sounds fantastic and lived up to the hype!
I've been listening to the new MoFi VH1 this week and have bee really enjoying it. The band sounds much fuller and present, almost like hearing them live. The increased bass and drum presence is very noticeable , but it didn't detract from the guitar and vocals for me. No regrets with the purchase.
Love these segments: your doing a public service with these videos, Mike!
Man! I don’t have other VH1s to compare but mine is an OG Los Angeles Peessing with the B&W inner sleeve (possibly promo?) and sounds incredible! One of the best sounding records I have in my collection.
The Mofi sounds huge and I agree, much more crankable. Looking forward to VHII.
I'm definitely getting 2 also
I'll probably buy the 1984 1 Step, but the Bellman analogue cuts are good enough for me for the rest. Great review, as always!
If I was you, I'd search for a Promo QUIEX II 1984 instead of the 1 Step. Reason being, the 1st Gen Master Tape has tape drop out on 3-4 tracks (Bellman's cut Vinyl or 192/24 files show this when loaded into a DAW). The QUIEX II IMO is basically perfection.
The “70’s” pressing you used is it on the beige WB label of the “Burbank / Palm Tree” label as there is a pretty significant difference between the two.
You are correct.
Also a big difference - the early pressings have the B&W inner and sound much fuller and clear over the the later 1978 pressings that have the color inner sleeve. The deadwax is a give away also, very little deadwax left on the early 1st pressings.
The copy in the video is a tan label, not the Burbank Palm Tree label.
@@TheInGroove yeah……… you really need to listen to “Burbank / Palm Tree”. Completely different animal. And the Promo with the Black and White inner takes it another level.
@@TheInGroove No wonder it didn't sound good.
The differences in technology, hence the 70s cut is your least favourite. That runs through all pressings. Then improvements in technology, tastes, modern listening tendencies. Good video Mike. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and New year.
Mike, can you compare the mofi SACD with the one step? Since they are both digitally sourced in DSD (assume sacd is also from DSD256 source), would be interested in hearing the incremental value of going back to vinyl vs keeping it DSD.
Nice Commercial!! Hope that helps move some more units in the store just in time for the holidays!
I enjoy my "Bellman cut" 2015 ! You have to factor so many things most of all the condition of the tapes being one of em (37 years old at the time of the Bellman cut)! The tapes from this particular album and "1984" are the best shape, the other albums in between not so much! I'm digressing, but you get the point of what I'm saying! I bet with the original the vinyl it was pressed on was"oil shortage" vinyl! I haven't heard the other pressings other than the various CD pressings , but the tapes for this first record have held up pretty well!
The futzing you are looking for in the Chris Bellman mastering is EVH's guitar sounds like the mids have been sucked out for the scooped sound that metal guitarist prefer.
Much depends on your system's resolution, or lack thereof.
When can I send back my Carole King Tapestry One Step for a full refund. I filled out and mailed the paperwork to MOFI 6 months ago.
really interesting comparison -- Mike, when you assembled your listening equipment, did you go out of your way to get amps/speakers that are tonally neutral or have a particular sound profile? Thanks
Chris Bellman is My Favorite
Mike, I watch your channel all the time been in your store love all the information
Can you tell me how many of the Van Halen DCC were pressed in 1998
And thank you
I listened to the MOFI SACD and I didn't think it was any better than my OG CD. I still like that DCC CD the best. Plus wasn't this one they admitted came from a digital master anyway? Maybe I am wrong. I feel like we waited years for this and it's not worth what it costs.
Mike, I could you do a shootout on Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies. I have some crappy mono reissue that sounds like it was recorded under a duvet and not sure what to replace it with
Was hoping you had the Boxset version to compare.
The box set has the Chris Bellman cut in it.
What about the 2009 repress that used the DCC stampers? does anyone know if that is any good? Seems like you could get the best - but at a fraction of the cost?
I would buy the 2009 with DCC stampers all day. DCC parts have also been used to repress a few other LPs over the years.
Mike, are you hearing hi hat sibilance? Several people have complained about this including me. It is very harsh when the hi hat comes to the foreground in the music. What have you found? I ask you to compare the DCC to the one step on running with the devil. Right at the beginning this sibilance becomes apparent. Fizzy hi hats
Also, whoever did the master of the LP has a sound. Much like audio equipment has a sound.
what about a comparison for the one step of somethin else?
At the very least, you needed Angel or ideally to fly in (joking) VH super fan Melinda Murphy (then again she's quite a MoFi devotee...) and have them play you excepts from all 4 versions so as to eliminate any chance of conscious or unconscious "conformation bias". That said, I generally trust your opinions and seen enough of your shootout reviews to know that you don't always prefer the most expensive versions; you're a straight shooter. Having gone to high school in the middle of the 80s, I was a BIG Van Halen fan. While I have some of my original pressings, for reasons both of budget and accessibility here in Canada, I've been happy with the Bellman cuts I have purchased; my favorite VH album being Fair Warning 🤘.
Taking my previous post one step (no pun intended) the PROMO on the “Burbank / Palm Tree” label where the inner is Black and White as opposed to color is on yet a whole other level.
Yes, you’re correct! The best sounding from my experience is the test pressing “LW1 F.E. / LW1” in the deadwax is = to the promo with “LW1 F.E. / LW2” in the deadwax. Absolutely killer!!
@@Jamko1970
Affirmative. If the Shoot-Out was with the late 70s “Beige” and NOT the “Burbank / Palm Tree” label I would say this Shoot-Out is inconclusive based on Mike’s stature in the Vinyl World I would expect him to have done this with said initial repressing and not the repress. If I were a betting man I would say that he did. However, if not. Then yes. Inconclusive.
I have a palm tree label with a color inner sleeve. Any comments on this copy ?
What about Roth’s vocals? Alex’s drums? 😊
I found many MFSL pressings a bit dull for my taste. "Chris Bellman" cut was amazing. So punchy. the separation was amazing, the bass was there the guitars you feel you was inside the studio and listen Van Halen in there. And for the price considering there is no discussion. For DCC no opinion but I think Chris Bellman cut do the work. One of the best sounding pressings I have listen
It really depends on the title for me. Some are better than the original CD pressings for me. Like the Pink Floyd ones I really liked. MFSL DSOTM CD is still my favorite one. But a lot of remasters being done now aren't too bad as long as they're not abusively compressed. For these Van Halen ones, I still like my original CD but I've also got that newer one from like 2015 I think (the 24/192 remaster) and I think that one sounds the best of anything I've heard.
I have the DCC and waiting for the mofi still but DCC is awesome !! Im hoping the mofi dosent sound the same i like to hear different versions sometimes.thanks mike
Did Belman do the boxset?
Yes.
japan original press is the best,
Which cut is the Rhino box set?
The Bellman cut.
Can MFSL just do a One Step of the first Montrose lp and get it over with?…
Somethin Else comparison video coming soon?
Maybe later this week.
Hai Mike, i am Andre from the Netherlands, i follow your reviews of the albums evers week, because its interessant, but i have quistion about Ryan Adams , i know hé had lets cal it some problemen, but after Big colours i have never seen any reviews from the albums after that one, not even in the magazine, and i understatement there were several good albums, but i never seen them, i hope you can give me an answer.Greetz Andre and maybe i see you in Den Bosch the next time.
would have been cool if you had the DCC plates RTI pressed 2009 reissue to compare with the real 90s DCC. im willing to bet the real 90s DCC sounds better.
I would assume the RTI pressed copies using the same plates as the RTI pressed DCC is identical.
@@TheInGroove those AP miles davis UHQR were from the same classic records plates and i think people said there was a difference.
MoFi digs deeper, has greater highs and greater instrument separation and greater detail of Eddie’s guitar yet you prefer the DCC?
Funny how that works but I like the overall sound of the band as a whole on the DCC.
I found that the One Step had better separation in the soundstage vs my 2009 “DCC” copy.
The 2009 definitely had a better kick you in the chest bass and probably had more neutral sound on the high end.
Van Halen anything is hardly worth a review when there are so many good albums present.
The mofi is still...a $125 digital record. Shouldn't be more than $40.
Ever since the mofi fallout, I refuse to spend that much for a digital record.
No more One-Steps. Period.
Mofi are dead to me.
I’ll bet if people never knew that those mofi records had a digital component to them people would like them.
you suckers keep falling for this crap...the entire vinyl "come back" thing is a money grab......
I sold my DCC in anticipation of the MOFI, and now I’m sad.
Should have waited and did a comparison.
Have you played it yet? Sound better than how you remember the DCC??
Is it the original WB with the palm tree label? Or the white wb label?
the original comes with a black and white inner sleeve, not color
The copy in the video is a tan label, not the Burbank Palm Tree label.
@@TheInGroove ok so not a first pressing so the first pressing might sound good in comparison.
@@Zoostation69 The tan label, YUCK!!!!!! LMAO... You want an early 1st pressing, it beats all others all day, every day.
@@Jamko1970 you’d figure he would have compared the og palm tree since you know he’s a record store proprietor, a record expert, built a TH-cam channel comparing original pressings. I guess not 🤷
*1.5 in video speed :)
Why even buy MOFI . Mike said they use a DSD why pay that much for vinyl.
You should sell them at cost
I very rarely find MOFI remasters to be worthwhile these days unless the other versions just downright suck. Like Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms I got because the original CD is too quiet and the 1996 remaster is too compressed. The MOFI is just right. Others like DSOTM I liked too. But some others just aren't really a noticeable improvement. For these, get the 2009 vinyl cut by Chris Bellman those are using the DCC stampers made from tape, not a DSD master. I am keeping my 24/192 remasters from 2015 that I got off of HDtracks.
Inconclusive
It’s getting impossible to watch your videos with so many commercials breaks 😳
So basically the one step won… 😜 crankable…more detail, low bass. Everyone loves those DCC. Not worth the money
Way too much info. And too much time on your hands.
I am gettin tired of all that comparing. There is one ultimate pressing and that is the original first pressing of VH from 1978. MFSL is only snake oil and a overpriced hype.
I bought my copy the week it came out, and since I like to think I take decent care of them, a quick cleaning in the Guru, and it still sounds great to me.
You are correct! The early first pressings you’re not gonna beat them! Look for “LW1 F.E. / LW2” in the deadwax. The early pressings have the black-and-white inner sleeve.
Don't mean to be disrespectful but I can't imagine a UK audiophile going anywhere near an album like this. It's mostly clichéd women hating garbage with interesting guitar solos. Eddie Van Halen never got the respect he deserved from musicians outside of the Heavy Metal world because of the band he was in. Painful truth but it's true. I'd be embarrassed to be caught playing this.
Woman hating garbage? Dood go take your protest somewhere else.
Love to hear all these internet people wanting subscribers for their NIRVANA couldn't really play to well........ BEATLES weren't a very good example of a real band......the SOUND QUALITY of Van Halen, I don't like....... Eddie's rewired brown sound was the best Ted Templeman had ever produced because those albums had the best technological sound any stereo speakers had ever blasted!! Sorry it wasn't good enough for our reviewer here!!
Where’s the Nevermind comparison since it’s no longer a Bernie Grundman cut?