Whats your favourite track to play to the non hi-fi visitor?


Lets be clear, the uninitiated offer an opportunity to show off your hi-fi, and give them an unexpected experience. Most visitors wonder why there is laboratory equipment and Stanly Kubrick 2001 monoliths in the lounge - some even make the connection to the wall of vinyl.

Time to pull out the Matt Bianco LP ’Who’s side are you on’, after warming up the system for an hour or so.
Some people don’t get it at all, but most can be impressed - but not with extended playtime. So, its a rare person that will sit and listen, as the demo nearly always gets turned down to background music to allow conversation.

I once had a good mate over for an evening of music and the odd wine, at one point during the evening he rushed to the kitchen and came back with spoons, which he played alongside the hi-fi to everything - including Pink Floyd. Mind you after a few wines it did bizarrely become a fitting accompaniment.

Whats your ’knock them dead track’ to play to non audiophiles?
128x128surferandy
I’ve got several short tracks I can use as demos. My favorite is "Die Nacht" from this album: Schubert Male Choruses, BIS 1033. The naturalness of the sound, space, and dynamics always gets to people. Usually, there are a few moments of silence before anyone speaks.

"Save your Love for Me." Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley on an old Capitol LP.
Side One of "Villancicos," Atrium Musicae de Madrid on Harmonia Mundi France. Vinyl.
?who doesn't like James Taylor......nearly everyone has heard of him and can recall a least one hit fondly. I like the SACD "Hourglass" the two songs 'Line Em Up' and 'Gaia' always brings a warm smile and goosebumps.