Rush MFSL CD's

pmckeealaska

For those of you who own all four of the Rush MFSL CD's, which one sticks out in your mind as the best? I now own all of them except for Moving Pictures, which I have a bid on right now for about $70 on ebay. Just got 2112 in the mail today and havent had a chance to really crank it and give it a listen since the wife is home and cant stand Rush. So....I'd be interested to hear others opinions on these discs. For me, it's hard to choose a favorite right now.

pmckeealaska

Well, I have done a thorough A/B comparison of my MFSL 2112 and the remaster and, once again, the MFSL wins hands down in my opinion. 2112 is a little more raw sounding than the warmness of Signals, but its still the clear winner in terms of sonics and I actually like the remasters despite them being victims of the loudness war. The bottom end on the MFSL CD's has more balls to it and the detail is something else. I can hear the amp from Alex Lifesons guitar on the title track and thats a first for me. Man how I wish that MFSL would release the Rush catalog on SACD...that would be something.

Come on my fellow Polk Rushheads...surely others have an opinion on this!

pmckeealaska

Interesting. Thats one that I hadn't considered getting on SHM. I have Moving Pictures, Hemispheres and Power Windows on SHM and I love them all. Actually, I think HYF is one of the few thats still available as the others haave pretty much sold out. For those who doubt SHM CD's, I think the Rush albums that have been released on this format should put those concerns to bed for good. Closest I have ever heard CD's getting to vinyl!

pmckeealaska

Keiko, You just inspired me. After reading your post, I went straight to the CDJapan website and ordered the SHM Hold Your Fire. My wallet doesn't thank you but I do!

How does the SHM beat your vinyl version? Details please!

pmckeealaska

Just got my SHM-CD of Hold Your Fire on Friday. Absolutely wonderful sound to the album. It's not clear to me if these SHM's have been remastered or not but they sure sound like they have as they blow away my original CD's and Rush remasters, and thats just after the first listen. All of my SHM's have improved sound after several spins.

skrol

I just love going to local music shops to see what treasures are to be found. The latest was Permanent Waves on MFSL Ultradisc II and I am blown away. This has always been one of my favorite Rush albums and the remastering pays great tribute. The SQ is fantastic with detail without being harsh. The snare comes through with a sharp CRACK, the you get a sense of the lively jungle of fresh strings on the guitar. Listening through my Grados, I get a sense of the layering of tracks (maybe too much detail). While liking the music of Rush, I have not always been thrilled with the mastering of their albums in the usual formats. This one is done right.
Stan