I found a Bella Sonus (Enamoured) cd at half price books many years ago. It’s been one of my favorite go tos ever since. I’m happy to see it mentioned in this thread.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Liberty by Anette Askvik
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.
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I understand why so many folks choose Jazz - it is so easy... To me Jazz can have excellent SQ, but it will always be insufficient for evaluating audio systems. Why? Jazz may be the least complicated group-base music being recorded today. Perhaps, this is why nearly every equipment vendor at every audio show uses jazz for demos. Although most jazz recordings are often uncompressed and natural-sounding, jazz is completely insufficient for honest system demos. Go from 4 or 5 instruments to 80+ instruments, and you have a recording that has a real opportunity to both challenge and show-off your system. For me, Gustav Holst's The Planets works very well. Full orchestra, NINE octaves of sound, full dynamic range - typically 30 to 100 dB (a 70 decibel range), 90 to 100 instruments/performers. Now that will challenge your system... When I ask vendors to play it, I usually see anguish in their faces... Caveat - it must be an excellent recording. Good luck ;-) |
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@wsrrsw thanks for the playlist.. |
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