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User reviews and community discussions on the Michael Jackson - Thriller Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) One-Step 2022 remaster present a divided reputation, with praise for technical clarity and pressing quality but frequent criticism for lacking the original's energy, punch, and warmth—especially on side two.
### Sound Quality
- Strengths: Exceptional clarity, low noise floor, improved low-level detail, three-dimensional imaging (particularly on side one), precise percussion textures, wide soundstage, and fine detail retrieval. Reviewers note it reveals nuances like vocal overdubs and instrument separation better than many originals or reissues.
- Weaknesses: Often described as flat, veiled, or "blanketed," with reduced dynamics, punch, and excitement—lacking the "boogie," snare crack, kick drum impact, bass thump, and upfront energy of the 1982 original LP. Side two loses depth, warmth, and vocal dimensionality, sounding more like a CD transfer; some call it "boring" or rolled-off.
- Mixed views: Audiophile press tends to praise it (possibly influenced by promo copies), while forums highlight it as an "audiophile" take over a "dance record" intent.
### Build Quality and Reliability
- Strengths: High-quality 180g vinyl pressing with quiet surfaces and minimal surface noise; superior packaging over prior boxes (despite subpar cover art reproduction).
- Weaknesses: Cover art is criticized as poorly reproduced; no widespread reliability issues like warps or defects reported in reviews.
### Strengths
- Technical excellence for critical listening: Superb detail, realism, and fidelity to the master tape without excessive EQ changes.
- Side one succeeds in enhancing aggression and clarity without altering the original's bright character.
### Weaknesses
- Sacrifices the album's fun, thrilling, in-your-face vibe for refinement; fails to match originals or certain SACDs in groove and life.
- Pricey at ~$100, with some preferring cheaper original pressings for superior musicality.
### Overall Reputation
Polarized: Enthusiastic buyers and some outlets hail it as a top reissue for sonics and value, but forums and detailed listener critiques often deem it inferior to clean originals, calling it overhyped or a misfire on preserving Quincy Jones' punchy intent. Many recommend it for audiophiles prioritizing detail over energy.
English (US)