| Review by sgb December 11, 2005 (11 of 11 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
I was curious about how this recording would sound, but was reluctant to buy it since I already owned a copy of the previous Sony SACD. That release was superior sounding to the much earlier MFSL CD released a decade or more ago in several ways. I thought to myself that it would be impossible to improve upon the Sony since it was one of the better DSD transfers among their various pop recordings available. I thought incorrectly. This new MoFi reissue of BS&T is significantly better sounding than the earlier Sony, and in significant ways.
It is more transparent. The voices and brass instruments convey a better sense of texture and air. By comparison the Sony sample sounds slightly constricted in the higher frequencies -- especially the brass, which can sound slightly dry and strident. I suspect few listeners would detect this dryness without the context of this competing version; they say ignorance is bliss. On its own the Sony can sound very transparent, but if this is one of your favorite albums and your equipment is up to the challenge, the MoFi will prove to be money well spent.
Imaging is markedly better. This is especially true in terms of depth and specificity, adding a heightened sense of the palpable that, again, wouldn't be detected without a direct comparison. There's a solidity to images within the sound stage that blurrs slightly on the Sony release. Width and height are also improved on the MoFi.
Dynamics -- especially micro-dynamics -- provide a greater sense of aliveness on the MFSL. The harmonics of drums and cymbals bask in a degree of thereness here that's immediately recognized as reticent when one switches back to the Sony. This reticence is most noticeable in several instances within "Sometimes In Winter" where the vocalist can be heard taking a breath on the MoFi, but not on the Sony. Meanwhile, the sound of the drumsticks rapidly tapping the cymbals sounds more convincingly real.
In all, this is a very positive example for having SACD enthusiasts encourage Mobile Fidelity to step up its DSD reissue program. I, for one, would very much enjoy seeing them venture into other Columbia artists -- Simon & Garfunkel, for one. I cannot provide any plausible explanation for why this album would sound significantly better here except to say that perhaps the master tape had been biased more precisely before it was sent through the digital workstation. There is no evidence of tricks with equalization. While I found the sonics on Mobile Fidelity's release of BS&T 3 to be just as excellent, I had nothing with which to compare it.
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| Review by vinyluver December 20, 2005 (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
| sgb nails it! Although I generally prefer vinyl and can't oppine on his comparisons with previous digital releases, I do own the original "2-eye" release on Columbia as well as the Audiophile half-speed master released by Columbia and Mobile Fidelity's SACD reissue doesn't take a back seat to either! Highest recommendation!
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| Review by mcondo December 22, 2005 (2 of 3 found this review helpful)
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Performance: |
| Not much to add to the glowing reviews to date. This is a superb SACD. If you are like me and struggle finding some Jazz you can listen to for a while - buy this disc! While known as a classic pop album when released, it is actually a fine piece of Jazz that is soothing and beautiful to listen to any time.....whether relaxing alone or with friends and a nice glass of wine. The vocals are sweet and full while the band is absolutely flawless. Highly recommended! (Stereo SACD only)
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| Review by analogue February 27, 2009
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Performance: Sonics: |
This sacd is a real gem. One of the best sounding transfers of classic rock I have heard. If you know this album and are familiar with it......Mobile Fidelity has done an incredible job giving us a copy of the original master tapes. If you are a fan of early Blood, Sweat and Tears....this their best album..is a must have on sacd. Mobile Fidelity shows you why they make the best transfers around. (Arguably)
This transfer is warm, has a three dimentional quality, instruments and their placement rendered with great presence and the vocals are gorgeous. Horns, guitars and drums sounds very realistic. There is anice reverb that can be herard in the studio where this was recorded.
This is one of the crown jewels I own of classic rock on sacd.
A fantastic transfer any way you look at it of a great album.
Highly recommended. 5+
Great work Mobile Fidelity...........yet again.
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| Review by lampertb January 28, 2011
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Performance: Sonics: |
| In my opinion, this release is the biggest "no-brainer" on this site. I have a good, but moderately priced, system: Oppo player, Onkyo receiver, Bose speakers... nothing that would be the equivalent of a new car :-) At least on my system (and especially with headphones), this release is unbelievable. I could listen to this one 'til the cow come home. Great SACD from MoFi, and a Grammy winner to boot.
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| Review by pvcmusiclover April 11, 2012 (1 of 1 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
I had the original MFSL CD and the orignal LP pressing. Both sounded pretty good (and I don't say that lightly), but this release beat out both of them. The EQ is about the same, but the bass and drums particularly are much tighter and more punchy (thanks to their ultra high bandwidth heads).
Not that this ever needs to be verified with MFSL releases, but this is genuine DSD, as verified from a spectograph view of an 88.2/24 rip.
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