My Favorite Mobile Fidelity One-Step Pressings (Part 2)
LINK TO FULL VIDEO
In this video, I continue my exploration of the Mobile Fidelity One-Step series by listening to seven more titles in my collection. The goal is simple: to determine which of these I truly enjoy and which I can potentially let go, as part of an effort to curate my collection down to the essentials.
Here are my honest impressions:
✅ Yes – Fragile
Verdict: Keep
I’ve done multiple shootouts with this title, including a deep dive with another channel. This One-Step isn’t perfect—bass is thick, which slightly slows the presentation—but it delivers incredible clarity, separation, texture, and space. For an alternate listen with more power, it’s fabulous.
I still slightly prefer Kevin Gray’s 2016 cut for balance, but this is too good to part with.
❓ Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years
Verdict: Undecided / Likely Let Go
My first copy of this album and enjoyed it in isolation. Great sound on some tracks (50 Ways to Leave Your Lover stands out), but musically not my favorite—feels overproduced and plodding. Sonically fine, but not one I’m likely to revisit often.
❓ Elvis Presley – From Elvis in Memphis
Verdict: Undecided / Likely Let Go
Loved the performance; it’s a landmark record. However, I’ve heard better-sounding versions (including the original MoFi and Speaker's Corner). This One-Step sounds good but isn’t the best copy. Took several replacements to get a clean one, so I’m glad to have it for now, but not sure it’s a long-term keeper.
✅ Muddy Waters – Folk Singer
Verdict: Keep
This is a classic audiophile recording and the One-Step handles it well—no harshness, just lovely sound. Yes, the Analog Productions 2x45 is all-analog and might be the purist’s choice, but I enjoy this One-Step a lot. I wouldn’t let it go.
❌ Crosby, Stills & Nash – Self-Titled
Verdict: Let Go
This is one of the One-Steps I didn’t like. The original recording’s issues (vocal blur, woolly bass) are magnified here, making it less enjoyable. Some beautiful moments, but too many sonic flaws to justify keeping it when better pressings exist.
✅ Eagles – Self-Titled
Verdict: Keep
A great-sounding One-Step. Strong rock energy, clarity, and presence. No other copies to compare it to personally, but this one stands on its own as an excellent listen. Unlike the Hotel California One-Step, which I didn’t love, this one is solid.
✅ Carole King – Tapestry
Verdict: Keep
An iconic album with known sonic flaws (boxy sound, hot piano), but the One-Step handles it very well. Great separation, clarity, and a surprisingly powerful kick drum. Possibly the best version I’ve heard of this album, though I’d love to hear thoughts from others on better pressings.
Key Takeaways:
Favorites I’m Keeping:
Yes – Fragile, Muddy Waters – Folk Singer, Eagles – S/T, Carole King – TapestryUndecided but leaning toward letting go:
Paul Simon – Still Crazy, Elvis – From Elvis in MemphisDefinitely Letting Go:
Crosby, Stills & Nash – S/T
📌 I’ll be continuing this journey with a third video featuring a major blind shootout of Sunday at the Village Vanguard (MoFi, OJC, Analogue Productions, UHQR, and even reel-to-reel tape).
