Curtis Mayfield – Superfly (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

SUPERFLY SUPER COMPARISON 👇

This is between the 2016 Charly, the 2019 Mofi and the 2020 Run Out Groove KPG cuts.....

My usual Pioneer PL51 and Project Tube Box S2 phono stage had the AT VM95ML equipped for this test. I use and recommend this cart as its the most neutral and uncoloured "cheapish" (thus more applicable to more folks) mm cart and yet has the most advanced needle of my small selection. Its great for testing for any baked in IGD from poor cutting and its a truth teller beyond reproach for the silly low asking price.

First up, the 2016 Charly on orange vinyl that was an exclusive to Sainsbury stores in the UK. The pressing itself is quite superb... the deep translucent orange just works for this record. The vinyl is dead flat, bang on center and quiet throughout. Mastering wise though, its the lesser of the three copies. Its not bad per sè and it gets closer to the KPG cut than some would expect/accept (at least when levelled as its cut slightly quieter).

The Run Out Groove went second, as even though its newer than the MoFi, it retains the 33rpm playback and i again opted for the potentially noisier orange vinyl pressing again. This is a brighter more opaque colour with a light marbling to it which looks good, but not as lovely as the Charly. However the pressing quality matches the Charly in being flat and super quiet. Furthermore, KPG - and im far from his fawniest commenter - has done a fine job with this master. Against the Charly its got more clarity and sweetness, even if it would be hard to call it an audiophile demo disc. There is a hint of upper mid/lower treble dryness to it thats just about right and doesnt offend my ears which are very sensitive to this area. Despite the brighter sound its not done at the expense of causing sibilance or bittyness or any over emphasis. Its great to hear the improvement already but i will add the Charly press of Mayfield's No Place Like America today flips the switch and sounds better than KPG's Rhino cut.

The MoFi is last up and its clearly an audibly different beast and has some familiar MoFi traits for better or worse. The bass is deeper and chonkier, the mids sit back in deep richness and the treble really comes out to play. At first it sounds almost like a remix by comparison.... where the ROG is just the Charly with added refinement and clarity, this is EQ'd different. There is also the unmistakable notable dynamic ease you get from the 45rpm playback and while theres no less apparant surface noise than the other two cuts its got a blacker background which increases the perceived resolution. So despite the usual RTI unkept look the records are superbly pressed! This edition also has by far the biggest soundstage, sounding far wider and deeper than either 33 cut. But....there is a caveat and that is the treble. I think MoFi have gone close to excess again. Theres no sibilance or harshness but its pronounced enough to mildly distract me when listening and thats not something i positively look for or suits my usual tastes (when conversely the rest of the mastering totally does!)

TO CONCLUDE.... the 2016 Charly is nicely pressed and looks the best with it but sounds the lesser of the three. The bonus disc is nice bit non essential. I would still opt for the ROG as its better mastered, well pressed and has the heavier thicker and plain better jacket with better colour art repro to boot. But the MoFi sounds better on every level albeit with a treble that i cant decide if is a bad mastering decision! My ears may could well be the deciding factor and its not lost on me the AT VM95ML has an upper middy focus that my Nagaoka and Shure carts dont have (but who both have unacceptable IGD). I think most folks would be happiest with the Run Out reissue as for value and quality alround its the obvious winner but those with deep pockets, a patience to flip 45's and a smooth, dark upper mid setups (say a Hana SL or Naga Mp500 on a full valve phono stage) the MoFi will have no audible competition as the soundstage, bass and mids at least are to die for!

bought and received this edition. love the colour and those Additional Tracks & Alternate Takes sound great.

Superfly is Mayfield's perfect moment, flawless where Curtis is still working on the footing. But be sure, at this point, he was already an incredible song writer and an all-around outstanding leader and innovator in the genre of soul.