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 thegeneral

Abex, I love that track on Amused To Death. I've been listening to that CD for years, but it wasn't until my recent stereo system completion that I've recognized its potential. The whole CD is just recorded extremely well it seems. But "Too Much Rope" is so good it's scary.

And regarding dealers demo material, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE some of the stuff on demo discs. I have bought quite a few of the original cds that were highlighted on compilations. What can I say, I'm a sucker for impressive new demo material.