Product reviewsAbraxas by Santana (CD, Sep-1991, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab)

Abraxas 24 Karat Gold Ultradisc Recording

Probably the best mastering/recording of the classic Santana album. The beginning of the 70's saw rock fusion with salsa, jazz and blues - a frankly unkown concept - incredibly it found a market and in some instances like this worked supremely. This would be a good entry for first time exposure to this genre. The Black Magic Woman cover of the classic Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) song adds a who new dimension giving an almist Voodoo slant with the use of a different beat and chord structure . The cover has the painting "annunciation" by Mati Klarwein ((1961) apparently Santana saw it in a magazine and asked it be used as the album cover . As a vinyl fan I have heard all versions of this album including the audiophile quality - this recording has a warmth and clarity that frankly all the others lack .
Mind you your own ears are the best judge!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: micksmuse

Lush, thunderous, acid rock pioneers of the 1970s

This is a certified classic. In the early 1970s, this LP by Santana was fresh; with long, blazing Latin-influence Rock & Roll/Acid improvisations by Carlos Santana & other members of his band. The cornerstone is "Black Magic Woman/Gypsey Queen, which seamlessly run together. "Hope you're feeling better" was another very memorable track, receiving a lot of airplay in those years. "Samba Pa Ti" may be one of the finest improvisations by Carlos Santana, and is probably on every list of favorite performances by this master of Latin/Acid/Rock/R&B guitar. But what really made me want to purchase this CD was the fact that Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs (or MFSL) has remastered this recording from the original tapes, and the CD is strikingly realistic. The bass guitar & electric guitar chords & feedback thunder when played at the levels which I used to play this LP as a teenager. It is just stunning, and well-worth the extra cost of this gold "Ultradisc II".Read full review...

From Jacket to Gold Disc CD, Abraxas is a Trip Como Va

A while back I purchased a beautiful wool-sleeved and leather jacket with Abraxas embroidered on the front with a large logo from the album cover on the back for $10 at a Thrift store.

Doing some research, I found that many of the songs that I loved by Santana were on the album/CD "Abraxas". My quest began and is now complete as I own the album, the mass produced CD, and the piece de resistance this production of Abraxas [Gold Disc CD].

The audio dynamics of this recording are exquisite and make you believe that you are back in the studio with Santana as they are laying down the tracks. Indeed, this recording is trademarked as an "Original Master Recording" by MFSL. This is indeed the ultimate musical listening experience.

My only regret would be that I paid a little too much in order to get a confirmed copy as I had another engagement at the time when the bidding closed for the copy I had been following.

If you love your music like I do and really love to hear it as it was originally made and meant to be heard, the Gold Disc CD is definitely the way to go and well worth the investment in equipment and media.Read full review...

A superb sounding MFSL cd.. Buy one now.!!!

I bought the album back in the 70's and I played in countless times.... This MFSL cd is incredible and worth every penny.. If you love the music of Santana-- this is for you..!!!!!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: geodog

Santana at their best...

I first heard this legendary album on vinyl, picked up at a local car boot sale for £1. This is a truly legendary album from Santana. The album gently draws you in with 'Singing Winds, Crying Beasts', a progressive and dynamic track which demonstrates some of the genius behind the band. The album really begins to come alive around track three with the classic track 'Oye Coma Va'. This is a toe tapping delight and the remastered version makes it that more enjoyable. The standard recording is pretty poor in my opinion, but MFSL have added so much more soundstage and detail to the whole album and I would wholeheartedly recommend buying the MFSL gold edition over the standard CDRead full review...

Pricy but Worth It

Pricey but worth it. I purchased when it was released when I was a teenager. I had it on vinyl, 8-track, cassette and CD. However, this CD recording comes closest to the original vinyl that wore out years ago.Read full review...

Finally a version I can listen to

I've bought this CD many times, some in hi Rez formats and they sound terrible. This copy is as good as it gets

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: texasdave3

Another great title from MFSL

On a scale of one to ten, I'll give it an eighth. MFSL did a great job with an album of this age. If you love this ABRAXAS then definitely get this one

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: helter-skelter

Santana at his best

Really enjoy the release

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: raskolnikov_rec...

Santana Abraxas

Carlos Santana's best album ,in my opinion,and it was the album that made people aware of thier existance when they first started out.Sounds great on mobile fidelity sound lab.much better than regular cd.
us old analog enthusiasts from the 70's appreciate the closeness of sound to vinyl.Read full review...