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Best demo CD for hi-end audio?

Hi, I was just wondering what CDs you guys bring to demo some hi-end audio equipments?

I'm looking for a recording that is perfectly recorded and that can help, say choosing between two 100,000+ pair of speakers. A recording so good, that when you do hear some distortion, wrong tone, noise, etc, you know it's not the fault of the CD, but the equipments. A recording so moving, you'll end up in tears by the last track.

Thanks in advance,
spacekadet

Showing 2 responses by gunbei

gunbei
2,327 posts
 
A recording so moving, you'll end up in tears by the last track?

How about, "If I Had a Hammer " from "Spaced Out: The Best of Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner". Incredibly moving talk/singing by two of the Federation's best crooners.

Also look into that classic recording, "Christmas on the Ponderosa" sung by those happy yodelers Lorne Green, Dan Blocker and Michael Landon.

These are sure to test the strengths and weaknesses of any system as well as the patience and sanity of your local audio dealer.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Dmitrydr, your first paragraph is very interesting. I hadn't thought of it that way. I think you make a great point.

Although I feel the point of audiophilia is to enjoy the music we love, if we use our favorite recordings a definite bias could affect our judgement and therefore an objective evaluation might be more difficult.

If the goal is to find speakers that move your soul definitely listen with material you know well. However, if your goal is to judge the speakers purely for their performance, a test CD with various testing parameters might give you a better objective understanding of them.
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