I often start with a well recorded voice. Sometimes I use the song "I know you by heart" off Eva Cassidy's 'Songbird' CD. If that does not paint a deeply holographic image, sound acoustic and incredibly detailed, and completely free of the speakers with some potential to stir the emotions, I usually stop there. If it works, I have around 20 diversified favourites on a range of albums to listen to.
"Litmus test" songs
I know, I know, you can't evaluate a component, let alone a whole system based on a single piece of music, or even a half-dozen pieces. That said, are there any songs out there that you use as litmus tests when evaluating a purchase? Some song that you use when you say, "If this gear doesn't sound good with this song, then I don't care what else it does, it's going back"?
For me the Number 1 is "It's For You" by Pat Metheny Group.
For me the Number 1 is "It's For You" by Pat Metheny Group.