Yes, but I have not actually tried to *compare* anything.
There is no drop-off in quality on these new Mofi releases, and you likely won't be disappointed with them.
They are a significant step up from standard redbook CDs.
For example, the SQ on MoFi's Earth Wind and Fire's That's the Way of the World hybrid SACD is nothing short of stunning. And the Yes Fragile release was far and away the best I've heard that disc sound on CD. I can't wait to hear the new Rush release of Permanent Waves.

Linda - I'm definately with you: I love the Japan style mini-LP replicas even while I have a fervent distaste for "digipacks". Digipaks have had lousy designs where you can barely pull the cd out of the package, potentially scratching it in the process. On the flip-side, every mini-lp I've gotten has plenty of room with the cd stored in the rice paper sleeve, protecting the cd, while giving the LP feel. Since the mini-LPs are square dimensions, rather than the digi-pak dimensions of a jewel case, they've got the extra room so you don't feel like you're gonna break the cd every time you pull it out! Of course, they sit a little differently on the shelf, but worth it to me to have the original artwork in place!

I'm sorry, but $25 for these CDs is asking a bit much in this day and age. There's nothing wrong with the remastered Rush CDs. I really can't see it being that much better that it would warrant charging such a steep price, packaging issues aside.

It's too bad that Audio Fidelity stopped issuing their gold CDs, which were basically a continuation of the DCC golds. They were reasonably priced - Best Buy had them for $14.99 - and sounded great. Maybe at that price they didn't make enough of a profit to continue. Too bad.

It's the sound quality, not the gold disc however, that determines how good the disc is. These discs have gotten good reviews over at another unnamed forum, but for that price, I'll pass, thank you.

Takea a bow Steve. I have heard othere complaining about the digipaks for the SACD's MOFI released, saying that they would not buy them if they were not in jewel cases. That is a great way to support a format already on life support.

Sales will dictate whether MOFI continues this gold CD campaign and I for one will do my best to support it by picking up every Little Feat, Ronstadt, Pixies and other future titles I like.

I just got the Little Feat, and it sounds great, definitely an upgrade of the 1990 Warners version and worth the price. I also have the two Byrds SACD hybrids and Isaac Hayes Hot Buttered Soul SACD hybrid. Both Byrds titles sound great, and the Hayes is pretty good. I'm disappointed that MOFI seems to have abandoned SACD. I passed on The Allman Brothers Idlewild South because the Capricorn Remasters version from a few years ago sounds fine to me. I plan to buy the next batch of Little Feat albums.

I prefer the current crop of MOFI releases to the old ones because they are more consistent. The older ones were hit and miss, some sounded really good (e.g., Frampton Comes Alive), while others didn't sound as good as one would expect (e.g., Layla and Disraeli Gears). Many of the older MOFI discs tended to have a lot of hiss.

As for the packaging, I prefer the mini lp/digipak over that goofy "pop-up" jewel case that never worked.

The rumor mill has it that there will be 2 Marving Gaye releases (What's Going On & Let's Get It On), Chuck Berry-St. Louis To Liverpool, Derek and the Dominos-Live at the Fillmore and Roy Orbison-All-Time Greatest Hits as well as a few others that I can't recall offhand. I will be in for the two Marvin Gaye albums and the Derek and the Dominos for certain no matter what else gets released. If things are light enough, then I'm putting in for the Chuck Berry and the Roy Orbison as well.

I wasn't aware that BB had the AF's that cheap. I'll have to look for the Deep Purple & Faces next time I go in.

I have to agree with Chris-at $25 that is insanity for an album I still own on vinyl, had once on CD, bought the remaster and initially started out with on casette!
The current Rush remasters were handled very, very well and I'm not sure how they could be imrpoved upon. Also, I dislike the min-LP packaging-sorry, that's just me. Now, IF this disc was say 14.99 I'd get it despite the packaging. Maybe I'll find it a bit cheaper, I'll have to see. Rush are my favorite band and I love this album so I'll see what you guys think.
I also just found out Rush are playing the 4th of July at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City-wow! I will go no matter the price. That will be my 18th Rush show since 1982. This past year's concert was one the very best shows I've seen by anyone.

They did a few years ago. I still see an occasional Deep Purple or Bad Co gold AF at Newbury Comics. The most I've ever seen these for is $20. And they're in jewel cases too, just like the old DCCs!

I don't think that the AFare in lift-lock cases like the DCC's?? Aren't they in regular run-of the mill cases?

Sorry if you just meant jewel cases in general.

Too bad they could not get the rights to more titles, but I am wondering about sales of those discs. I bet they did not sell as many copies as one would think.

I remember reading on the Bad Co title that AF stated they had a very short licensing period of only a few months.

AF releases are in standard jewel cases.

No Best Buy stores here had them at that price.
The AF gold disc of Bad Company was $17.99 at my Best Buy, and they only had a couple of them.
I never saw the (equally popular) Faces or Doobie Brothers AF discs at any of the BB stores.

I picked up the Rush Permanent Waves MOFI disc today[came out to about $29 w/Barnes and Noble 10% discout w/card]and it sounds as good as that album ever has imho[i've had every version there's been btw].

[bigred]The Pixies: Doolittle
Hybrid SACD Stereo[/bigred]
[lilred]May 13, 2008[/lilred]



SACD/Hybrid 2008 version of the Pixies 1989 album, [title]Doolittle[/title]. Pixies is led by Black Francis (AKA Charles Thompson), this Boston band reveled in the raw, loud energy of punk, but harnessed it in service of catchy melodies laced with bizarre lyrics. Doolittle, is widely considered to be one of the best alternative-rock albums ever, and their influence extends to a legion of artists, including PJ Harvey and Nirvana. After five records in five years, they were gone, splintering into the Breeders (led by bassist Kim Deal) and Francis's solo namesake, Frank Black. In 2004, however, the band reunited for some highly publicized performances. 15 tracks.

1. Debaser
2. Fame
3. Wave of Mutilation
4. J-Bleed
5. Here Comes Your Man
6. Dead
7. Monkey Gone To Heaven
8. Mr. Grieves
9. Crackity Jones
10. La La Love You
11. Number 13 Baby
12. There Goes My Gun
13. Hey
14. Silver
15. Gouge Away

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001641ZZS/?tag=imwan-20

[bigred]Natalie Merchant: Tigerlily
Ultradisc II 24 KT Gold CD[/bigred]
[lilred]October 9, 2007[/lilred]



On Tigerlily, Natalie Merchant's warm, mellow voice, and mesmerizing yet gracefully understated musical textures are sure to please even the most discerning and contemplative music listeners. Stand out tracks include the radio hits "Wonder" and "Jealousy" which have a similar sonic signature to the unique folk rock mastery of 10,000 Maniacs and "River" an absolutely touching tribute to the late River Phoenix. Mobile Fidelity's heralded GAIN 2 mastering technique has extracted every tender nuance and note from this enduring '90s classic.

1. San Andreas Fault
2. Wonder
3. Beloved Wife
4. River
5. Carnival
6. I May Know the Word
7. The Letter
8. Cowboy Romance
9. Jealousy
10. Where I Go
11. Seven Years

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U1ZIKG/?tag=imwan-20

[bigred]Santana - Self Titled (Ultradisc II 24 KT Gold CD)[/bigred]
[lilred]January 22, 2008[/lilred]



Originally released the same month as their incendiary set at Woodstock, this impressive debut for Columbia kick-started a Hall of Fame legacy that lasts still today. Establishing one of the most instantly recognizable sounds in rock; Carlos’ signature tone and phrasing coupled with Afro-Cuban percussion virtually launched Latin-Rock fusion. Both AM and FM airwaves were scorched in the ensuing months with their charted singles "Evil Ways" (#9) and Jingo (#93) plus "Soul Sacrifice", a favorite after it’s featured spot in the Woodstock movie and soundtrack.

1. Waiting
2. Evil Ways
3. Shades Of Time
4. Savor
5. Jingo
6. Persuasion
7. Treat
8. You Just Don't Care
9. Soul Sacrifice

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ZLOAHI/?tag=imwan-20

Mofi doesn't generally include bonus tracks. That comes with Deluxe Editions. Just read somewhere that Skynyrds Street Survivors is coming out with yet another remaster with yet more bonus tracks.

Yep, it's being discussed in this thread:

http://www.imwan.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=24482

YES, THE PIXIES!!!!!!!!! Their first three albums are fantastic..........!!!!!!!!!! M.

It's too bad they're mostly getting away from the SACD hybrids.

That doesn't bother me too much.............I've got the Dylan Hybrids and the Big Star hybrid..............M.