What is the One Test Track That Tells You Almost Everything About A System?


My recent thread comparing Tidal and Qobuz generated a lot of great discussion so I thought I’d try another question for the group.

If you had to choose one track that tells you almost everything about a system, what would it be?

I’m talking about the track you play when:

• evaluating a new component

• setting up a system

• showing someone what your system can do

Ideally it reveals several things at once — imaging, tonal balance, bass control, dynamics, etc.

One of mine is Patricia Barber – “Nardis” from Cafe Blue.

The recording exposes bass articulation, room ambience, and micro-dynamics almost immediately.

I’m always looking for new reference tracks, so I’d love to hear what others use — and what specifically the track reveals about a system.

ulcerdoc

@ulcerdoc 

I don't have test records or test tracks; I generally just go on to the next thing I want to listen to. I dialed in a new (to me) pair of Spendor a2s while I was listening to the Bee Gees - Spirits Having Flown and the soundstage popped into precise focus.

A bit pedestrian maybe, but…Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall.   So much more qualitative acoustical content than one who’s not familiar might think.  

One is very hard,  but here are 3 I like. 

"Calling all occupants of interplanetary craft" by Klaatu, "At the end of the evening" by Nightnoise,  and "The friends of Mr Cairo" by Jon & Vangelis.    I pick these because I really, really like them. One of these is often the last song I will play at the end of a night of listening.   If I want an emotional experience I will play "Cry" by Godley & Cream.    I am not saying these are the best, but these among others are the vinyl lp's that I bring to a shop to consider a purchase. Not that this is the questioned asked, but here are my other songs (lp's) I play at shops. "Money" by Pink Floyd, "Growing up in Hollywood town" by Amanda McBroom, and "Irobot" by Alan Parsons.

 

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