Steely Dan aja MFSL 1-033 audiophile Original Master Recording w/inserts

$

34

This is a dear old friend that has been in my collection since the early 80s.  I picked this up used when I was a voracious record collecting audiophile and it has been cared for well since coming into my possession. 
The cover shows shelf and edge wear probably made more apparent by the black cover.  Inserts included are the original cardstock stiffening insert with text only so this is an early pressing before the inserts with album covers and the old masters.  Lyric sheet is in fine shape on paper (presumably this was printed on the standard release's lp sleeve but I never did own a regular copy.  Also included is the manufacture defect return/replacement paper.
LP is in original rice paper sleeve.  Visually it appears VG+ with minor scuffs, but I played through both sides prior to listing to insure an accurate assessment and to have one last listen before saying goodbye.  
I have not played this in years so it was a shock to be slammed by the tight deep bass on the opening track "Black Cow."   The sound quality is insane, no wonder Mobile Fidelity chose this to be one of their first remastering efforts.  Separation of instruments and detail is incredible, this sounds like a Sheffield direct to disc except with way better music!  Surfaces were silent on my system (VPI HW-19 mk III, Rega arm and Sumiko cartridge) but your mileage may vary.  The better your playback deck the less noise intrusion you will find.  But in my listening notes just as I was praising how silent the surfaces were there was a big pop in the middle of "Aja"  It passes quickly though it is a noticeable in an otherwise silent side. 
I got lost in the music on "Deacon Blues" noting that I really wan't paying that much attention to if there was any surface noise or not, the music and recording was just to good.  So if there was anything here, it wasn't intrusive to me!
When the needle dropped on side 2 there was some surface noise in the lead in, then went silent before "Peg" begins.  Then I got lost in the music again...this is an absolutely fabulous recording and pressing.  I thought I sold this years ago but I now can see why I held on, I just didn't want to let it go!  I note a quick loud pop in "Home at Last" but it is so fast you may not notice it, it could be a random static thing too!  
between tracks on side 2 I do notice low level noise which I did not hear on side 1.  On the intro to "Josie" and in the quieter sections I do hear some surface noise too, especially as the track fades out.  For the most part none of this surface noise would I consider intrusive to the music and I probably would not even notice were I not listening specifically for any defects to report in this ebay listing.  
Overall side 2 shows a little more surface noise than side 1, there are a couple of instances of loud pops.  But for the most part this is an incredibly well recorded album presented in a stunning audiophile pressing.  Deep tight bass and crisp detail are found throughout this to delight the audiophile, and for the music lover this is a fantastic album presented with sound quality that makes you wish all recordings were this good.  

Photos are of actual item.
Feel free to ask questions!
Payment due within two days of auction's end, PayPal only.
Will ship to US addresses only.  Will combine shipping with similar items.
thanks for looking!