Dealer's demo recordings


I always suggest bringing your own familiar recordings when going to a dealer to audition equipment. On the other hand, while going to dealers and just lending an ear to what is playing in their demo rooms, I sometimes hear recordings that, obviously, favour the system at hand. While often enough unimpressed by the music itself, I become quite intrigued by the sound of its reproduction. Sometimes both the performance and recording quality coexist in the demo record. This sort of thing occurred while visiting the Montreal show. I heard in the JM Labs' room a song titled "Stimela" by Hugh Masekela that was wonderful to appreciate the dynamics of the system. I have had one hell of a time trying to find that particular version from all the ones recorded by this artist. I wonder what are the recordings playing as demoes in high-end rooms of the dealers you pop into and have you ever gone out to purchase one of these recordings. It would also be interesting to know what you think the dealer was specifically trying to show off by playing such recordings and whether it was successful. Thanks.
pbb

Showing 1 response by ehart

Albert, nice mention of Allison Kraus' album. This has been my favorite lately. I had it for a few years, but never thought much of her voice (sort of wished she had stuck with fiddling, I thought her voice sounded thin). Then spun the CD again after a recent system upgrade, and it just sucked me in. Gorgeous sound and musicianship, and incredible choice of (mostly sad!) material. Really a haunting album.