Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab Class Action Lawsuit Settled: Did MoFi Win?

It certainly feels that way to us. Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has settled the class action lawsuit launched against it in 2022 and the terms are rather favorable for the music label.

A number of us have received the documentation in the mail and trying to find the receipts for the applicable records that we purchased feels like a time-consuming task that might not be worth the money.

Putting aside our reluctance to start digging, consumers are now entitled to different forms of compensation.

if you purchased select vinyl LPs from MoFi between 2007 and 2022, you may be entitled to a payment.

The Backstory

A class action lawsuit filed by a group of customers accused MoFi of selling vinyl LPs under the Orignal Master Recording and Ultradisc One-Step labels as “Analog only” through the production, distribution, and sales chain during the years encompassing 2007 through mid-2022 when, in fact, one of the production steps included a DSD (Direct Stream Digital) transfer step. 

As a result of what was perceived as false advertising (MoFi denies any wrongdoing but admits that they were not clear about their production process), a settlement was reached, authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington State. 

Tip: The name of the case is Stephen J. Tuttle, et al., v. Audiophile Music Direct, Inc., et al., (Case No.: 2:22-cv-01081-JLR)

What Happens Now?

If you live in the U.S. and purchased an Original Master Recording or Ultra Disc One-Step viny record directly from MoFi, or partner retail merchants (Music Direct is the principal retailer listed in the case), and still own those recordings you may qualify as a member of the “class ” as part of the settlement. 

To find out if you qualify you need to submit a claim form through AudiophileSettlement.com. You must include “proof of purchase and ownership”. You can also exclude yourself from any payout if you wish, or just ignore this process – either way, you will not receive any payout. 

For those seeking payouts under the settlement, claims must be postmarked or otherwise submitted by September 21, 2023.

Qualifying Titles

Some of the titles that are included, with their product numbers and original prices are:

Tip: For more qualifying titles, refer to the complete Applicable Records List 

How to Get Money Back?

Product Return Option: Claimants can return the applicable record(s) in its original cover or box and receive a “return refund” of the purchase price plus tax and shipping.

Keep Product Option: If the claimant qualifies for a payout but decides to keep the record(s) they can receive a 5% refund payment of the purchase price or a Music Direct coupon for 10% of the purchase price. 

Payments will be “based on the purchase price, not to exceed 110% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price at the time of purchase” 

Tip: Authorized payments are receivable by check or via electronic transfer (PayPal or Venmo).

If you have additional questions, fill out the Official Contact Form

Related Reading

Although MoFi’s reputation appears to be tarnished by the above turn of events it should bounce back. Also, in addition to the vinyl record business, they also have a growing audiophile component business, which include some of the items mentioned below.

• MoFi Introduces MasterPhono Preamplifier: High-End Munich 2023

• MoFi Electronics Unveils New SourcePoint 8 Speakers By Andrew Jones: AXPONA 2023

• The MoFi SourcePoint 10 Loudspeakers By Andrew Jones Have Arrived

• MoFi UltraGold MC Cartridge Takes On Some Heavy Hitters

• Fender X MoFi PrecisionDeck Limited Edition Turntable Will Burst Your Mind