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analyzing sound

Some recordings may demonstrate better audiophile-related variables (e.g., soundstage, imaging, blackness, quickness, microdynamics, dynamic range, low/mid/high frequencies, sibilance, etc.) than others.  Playlists are therefore offered as examples of music to use when evaluating hifi components or systems.  I assume, for example, that it is necessary to have a recording that is able to demonstrate a wide soundstage in order to evaluate whether a system/component produces a wide soundstage.  However, I have not found a playlist that also identifies which specific recordings are good for evaluating which specific variable that an audiophile may be interested in.

 

For example, is there an annotated playlist that provides something like the following entirely fabricated example:  Bill Frisell's recording of Baba Drame on The Intercontinentals is a good track for evaluating imaging (but not microdynamics), whereas John Eliot Gardiner's Volume 3 recording of Bach Contatas is excellent for evaluating microdynamics (but not imagining), or Imogen Heap's recording of First Train Home on her Ellipse album is good to use for determining the degree of sibilance (but not low frequency definition) of your system. 

 

Or is any good recording capable of demonstrating all qualities of interest?

jrdavisphd
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,203 posts
 

I use this. Import into qobuz and stream.

g2the2nd
212 posts
 

These are some tracks I use to test out components, speaker positioning and sub integration. You may or may not like all the music, but that is not the point.

 

Like Someone in Love, Diana Krall  - bass balance for sub integration. I know how the bass should sound relative to the mix.

Girl in the Red Dress, Greg Karukas - The keyboard should be ridiculously big. A good indicator that the system can soundstage and cast a image beyond the speakers.

Lineage (Lenny's Solo), Return to Forever, Returns Live - A great track to see how "tunefull"your system's bass is.

Papa was a Rolling Stone, Superbass 2 - If this track doesn't make you smile something is wrong.

The Boy is Mine, A-capella Remix, Ariana Grande, Brandy and Monica - you should be able to differentiate the vocals - Besides it proves that some pop singers have talent if you strip away the "pop machine."

Basic Drummer Free Improvisation, Jim Keltner, Shefield Drum and Track Record - Just an awesome test of you systems capabilities, keep one hand on the volume control the first time you play this one.

 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,226 posts
 

I still stand by the old saw, "You'll know it when you hear it." 

You see, I'm one of those that still stands by the quaint belief that my ears can do the hearing part for me. Must be a generational thing.

All the best,
Nonoise

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kennyc
2,047 posts
 

@jrdavisphd 

An audiophile is nothing more than one who pursues better sonics for recorded music through better equipment.  Like the sky, ocean, mountains, etc words cannot describe how much more a musical connection from recorded music we each feel, a much more inviting musical and emotional connection.

There are different sonic presentations, we chase the ones we subjectively find more pleasing within the constraints of our budgets. Sonic differences in sources (analog, digital  tape, tuner), typology (Solid State, tubed, hybrid), speakers (dipole  cone, Omni, electrostatic, planar,…), DACs (r2r, chip..)….

To truly understand, you have to go out and listen for yourself to discover the sound profile that personally resinates with you.    We cannot tell you what you’ll like.  

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