Most demanding passages for a turntable & system

I don't know how demanding this is for a cartridge to track, but it will surely tell you if your system is up to snuff: Sheffield Drum Track LP.

This uncompressed direct to disk recording is extremely dynamic. You will be able to tell very quickly if the amp/speaker match is good, how much distortion is in your system and how well your turntable is isolated. It is also a resolution acid test.

I often use this LP to test components under audition and what friends' systems are capable of. It can be very humbling and may cause ear ringing if played at appropriate levels. Use caution.

I also use Sheffield's Drum Record, especially the side with Jim Keltner. Compare your listening experience with that of the liner notes. If your system doesn't match up, then, your system has a weakness.

I also play Mozart's 2 piano concerto. If I can clearly identify which piano is playing, that is the better piece of equipment.

I seem to remember that Shure (the cartridge manufacturer) had a torture test record.

I'd like to try the Sheffield Drum Track. I've been thinking of other LP's I own that are tough. Rick Wakemans' Myth & Legends of King Aurthur, Merlin the Magician also fits the bill. There are some extremely demanding passages on that as well. If the cartridge setup can track and handle that song well then I know I got it all goin' on. Smiles all the way. The turntable set up as noted above plays everything very well. Joni's Court & Spark always makes my wife come in and sit down with me too. It's like Joni is singing in our home.
-John

One of my favorites and most demanding to play is a Japanese Direct to Disc 45rpm recording of Bethoven's Appassionata on the RCA label. It is very dynamic and exciting to hear. I got it in the 80s and have played it on some good systems. I have heard mistracking on most systems with this record. I can play it with my current cartridge but the stylus has to be perfectly clean. The other record to try is T's 1812 overture on the Telarc label. You can plainly see where the canon shots are in the grooves. I have seen that record (not with my copy, fortunately) throw tonearms off the record! If Peterayer ever invites me over to hear his turntable, I'm bringing these two records with me.