AP vs. MoFi vs. Impex Reissue Labels: Which Sounds the Best?

Three reissue labels dominate audiophile-quality vinyl for the discriminating listener: Analogue Productions (AP), MoFi, and Impex Records, catering to audiophiles who seek the best in high-fidelity sound. Even more pleasing to the purist is Lewis's refusal to over-analyse what he does, preferring as he does “to just capture that sound that you hear in the room”.Both bring their mastering philosophy, analogue purity, and production ethos, and you can bet that it's not only collectors who will be excited by them.

But how do they differ? And perhaps more importantly, which one provides you with a sonic experience that best matches your rig and your taste in music? At Elusive Disc, we decipher these industry giants so that you can make an educated decision based on your audio needs.

Understanding the Reissue Labels

Analogue Productions (AP)

From Chad Kassem comes Analogue Productions, the reference standard for reissues on all-analog LPs. The label uses only original analog master tapes (where available) and presses records at the state-of-the-art Quality Record Pressings (QRP) facility. QRP's commitment to quality provides the quietest surfaces and most stable geometries with no equal in the industry.

• Format Details: 180g & 200g virgin vinyl
• Mastering Chain: All analog signal path, mastering lathes, AP's QRP facility
• Sound Signature: Warm, rich tonal balance with a glowing, engaging midrange, deep, powerful bass, and smooth extended highs.
• Genres: Jazz, rock, classical, blues
• Best Sellers at Elusive Disc:
• Bill Evans Trio - Waltz for Debby UHQR 200g 45rpm 2LP Box Set
• Steely Dan - Steely Dan Gaucho Hybrid Stereo SACD

AP excels at what it does, and that's imbuing classic records with a warm, analog authenticity that's hard to beat. It's hailed as having a warm midrange and bass that possess commanding authority and a more realistic, dynamic sound.

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MoFi)

MoFi is Officially Licensed. MoFi is a company renowned for its Half-Speed Mastering technique and its proprietary techniques, such as Gain 2™ Ultra Analog and SuperVinyl. Their issues are extremely clear, with minute detail retrieval and a silent background, through a combination of digital DSD transfer and analogue chain.

• Format Reviewed: 180g vinyl, SuperVinyl, UltraDisc One-Step, hybrid SACD, CD
• Sound Character: High-resolution, clean, precise sound is perfect for close-miking, and super-compact design means this mic can be placed just about anywhere.
• Genres: classic rock, jazz fusion, singer-songwriter, and progressive rock
• Notable Titles at Elusive Disc:
  • Miles Davis - Kind of Blue 45RPM 2LP Boxset
  • The Ealge - The Long Run Numbered Limited Edition 180g 45rpm 2LP Box Set

MoFi's hybrid SACDs are a favorite of digital audiophiles; however, their One-Step vinyl editions are often purchased now and flipped online for more money later.

Impex Records

Preface! Elusive Disc, Inc. owns Impex Records, so we will be a little biased regarding this section. Digitally remastering albums at 45 r.p.m. isn't unique; Impex Records offers a boutique, handmade analog reissue. Renowned for working directly from analog tapes and eschewing digital conversion, Impex pays meticulous attention to both packaging and sound, as part of an overall philosophy that seeks to treat music as a form of storytelling.

• Format Reviewed: 180g LP (Timeless), hybrid SACD, reel-to-reel tape
• Mastering Philosophy: Tape-to-lathe all-analog workflow
• Sound Signature: Real, uncompressed emotional.
• Genres: Jazz, classical vocal, Latin, orchestral
• Featured at Elusive Disc:
  • Frank Sinatra - Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra 1STEP Numbered Limited Edition 180g 45rpm 2LP (Mono)
  • Patricia Barber - Modern Cool 180g VR900-D2 2LP
  • Dan Fogelberg - Souvenirs 50th Anniversary Numbered Limited Edition 180g LP
  • Stan Getz & João Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto Hybrid Stereo SACD

Impex is known for its albums that sound “alive” and not too polished. Their rather quiet pressings and inner groove fidelity are also a positive for many acoustic and vocal recordings.

Which Label is Right for You?

Go with Analogue Productions if:

• Hyperspec'd is not as important to you as is analog warmth and musicality.
• You own a lot of jazz, blues, or classic rock on vinyl.
• You care about all analog chain mastering and a quiet pressing.

Choose MoFi if:

• You're a big fan of sonic precision and engineering fidelity.
• You're into rock and fusion.
• You utilize digital and analog (SACDs, One-Step LPs).

Opt for Impex Records if:

• What you want is a musical, emotionally honest analog experience.
• Boutique presentation and limited-edition packaging are important to you.
• You dig classic jazz, orchestral, or vocal albums.

Final Thoughts: If Not All Three, Why?

Indeed, many audiophiles acquire titles from all three labels to suit various moods, genres, and (perhaps) playback systems. Where AP leans towards warmth and heritage, MoFi focuses on clarity and transparency, and Impex serves up analog magic.

The good news? And you don't have to pick just one. Create a library of the music you've discovered along your way.

Related Helpful Articles

• Turntable Setup 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Spinning Vinyl the Right Way
• Beginner’s Guide to Vinyl Playback: Turntables, Cartridges, and Setup
• Impex and the Art of All-Analog Mastering
• Collectors’ Guide to Analogue Productions Box Sets