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 1 response by seandtaylor99

I think there's truth in both classes of suggestion. A really well recorded disk will help you find the more revealing speaker. That's for sure.
However if this speaker makes some of your favorite music less than enjoyable due to the poor quality of the recording then you'll find it very difficult to live with your super-system.
There's an old joke about an audiophile with a $50,000 system and 20 LPs .... all different versions of the 1812 overture.

Ultimately, if you listen to any pop or rock music you may have to live with a trade-off (or buy two systems ... one somewhat more forgiving than the other).

That said I was listening to this DG organ CD last night, and each time I upgrade my system it just keeps sounding better. And it really does need full range to do it justice. (Bear in mind that mine is approximately a $10k system, new).

Deutsche Grammaphon CD 427 668-2 "Toccata & Fugue BWV 565".

I also agree with the Ricky Lee Jones suggestion ... her first album is also superbly recorded.