Steely Dan – Katy Lied

Anybody saying this MSFL doesn't have a good sound has lost their ears. It sounds better to me than the OG, which I adore. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Some mixed reviews about this record, but I guess everyone has different ears and tastes! To my ears this sounds terrific and well balanced throughout the frequencies....and no I haven't an OG pressing by way of comparison.

Has anyone ever seen a sealed copy of this album on Mobile Fidelity with the insert outside the record ?
I recently bought one . The baggie is loose with one hole front and back, but it is not perforated .

There was no lyrics sleeve with this release, correct?
woed wird womp

This is a quite controversial pressing. MoFi has some notorious tendencies around this period and Katy Lied does not escape them.
But to first compliment the work here I can safely say after comparing with an early UK press that this press shines in bass and overall detail. The vocals are exquisite and real sounding with the extra reverb and rasp that the UK doesnt have. It can come across as a little artificial but it sounds great none the less. The different sounds are easily distinguished in the mix all the way through as well, especially note worthy towards the end of sides. Doctor Wu is a complete mess of sounds on the UK while as vivid and clear as all previous tracks on the MoFi.
The main problem then pops up in the form of their infamous smiley curve mastering. While Fagens voice sounds much better hes sadly less present in the mix here. Mid range suck out plagues the dynamics there and makes it sound strained and unengaging compared to other pressings in your face vocals. The aforementioned superior bass might also be the result of some lower end EQ favoring which muddies the whole performance just slightly, but noticeably. Not doing any favors for the already recessed mid range.
And while I praise the instrumental separation and timbre it shouldn't be confused with stereo imaging. Sometimes tracks can sound more centered than what I feel they should be, confusing the soundstage. The mid range also throws off the sound staging somewhat confusing you about the size of instruments and how far away they are in front of you, ruining some of that realism the detail brings.
The pressing is otherwise naturally quiet as its JVC MoFi and cranking the volume is necessary but causes no problems. And you should play this extra loud to combat some of the recession and muffling.
This is probably the most smooth and audiophile like pressing of the album out there but be very aware of what you like before paying for the price tags on copies of this. I just wish there was a little more mid range impact and presence as well as wider imaging. Perhaps someday someone will make a best of both worlds compromise.

Equipment Used:
Rega RP1 with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge
Cyrus 2 Amplifier
System Fidelity SF-3050 Tower Speakers
Custom made HQ Speaker Cables