What music do you use to audition equipment/cables

Right on, Roxy54, me too. And I listen to both acoustic and electric music. Also, some good vocal and bass. Many use piano music, I don't because I don't really listen to piano.

I don't change anything I just play what I normally Play you will hear a different it may not be right away but you will here it. I guess that's because things happen slowly The differents may not be right away but you will get it. I guess that's because things have to break first, and give you time to stop concentrating and start enjoying. If that makes any sense.

@Moemoney - you're missing the point as well...this isn't difficult guys...!

I was just curious to know which track you use, that's all.

Sorry Infection I should have explained my point. If your asking for tracks that specifically showcase certain aspects like imaging/clarity/dynamics etc thats a different question. When it comes to auditioning gear I am with Roxy, at the end of the day I want a system that allows me to enjoy all the various types of music I listen to especially bad recordings.

I use the same 7 tracks from a burnt CD compilation :

1. Spanish Harlem - Rebecca Pidgeon (Chesky Records CD)

2. Handel - Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba, Scottish Chamber Orchestra (from a 1985 Hi Fi News Demonstration Disc; HFN003)

3. The Bass Walk - Bert Kaempfert (from a special Avantgarde Acoustics demonstration disc called "Nice to Meet You")

4. Goin' Back - Devendra Barnhart (regular CD)

5. Somewhere Down The Crazy River - Robbie Robertson (from the MFSL gold CD)

6. Mercy - Duffy (regular CD)

7. The Garage Door Or The Dynamic Range Of Real Life - Mike Skeet (from a 1985 Hi Fi News Demonstration Disc; HFN003)

All 7 tracks are excellent recordings and I now know intimately how each track sounds on my system. Hence, when I use these tracks for demonstration purposes it is easy for me to say; better, worse or different when comparing equipment. If you have never heard track 7 (Mike Skeet); you need to. This is a great track for making people jump with fright the first time they hear it. Absolutely incredible dynamics, nothing I have ever heard compares to this. Track 3 (Bert Kaempfert) will make you realize just how good some vintage recordings still sound on modern equipment, absolutely glorious.

Marcus