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What are your top songs that you use to evaluate a new high end purchase ?

When I bring home a piece to evaluate ( I only evaluate at home, or another household ), I have a handful of  recordings ( songs actually ) I specifically listen to ( keeping in mind warm up time / break in time ) for the new piece, as I know, and enjoy, these selections ( on CD ). Rolling Stones : Under My Thumb > Sway > Wild Horses > Can't You Hear Me Knock'in ( Maybe another or 2 ). SRV : Tin Pan Alley. Led Zep : When the Levee Breaks > Stairway To Heaven. Sarah Vaughnn : All of Me. Sheffield Drum Record > The solos. Allman Brothers ( at the Fillmore East ) One Way Out. Blind Faith : Do what you like. I estimate this about 1 1/2 hour.  At this point, I usually know if I like it. If I do not like it, I would know much sooner. Enjoy ! MrD.
mrdecibel
mitchagain
416 posts
 
I agree with BigKidz that a variety of "live recordings (acoustic & electric) is essential, as is songs where the notes have a lot of decay (particularly acoustic piano). Big picture wise, have some male and female vocals, while also focusing on guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. Finding something with a string quartet or a full orchestra is also a good idea. Little picture wise, any song that gives you "goosebumps" is an automatic candidate; or, any song that you pick up subtle details on headphones but not your current speakers would also be good.

Some of my recent "live" favorites are: "Fools in Love/For Your Love" - JOE JACKSON; "No More Buffalo" - JAMES MCMURTRY & "First and Repair" - MONTE MONTGOMERY.

Some of my recent "studio" favorites are: "Get Inside" - JOHNNY A; "Try, Try, Try" - ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO; "That is Why" - JELLYFISH or anything from "Turn Of The Cards" by RENAISSANCE. I also agree with Irish_Tim that "Babylon Sisters" by STEELY DAN is an excellent choice.

Good luck and happy speaker hunting!

 
grinnell
1,077 posts
 
Zappa's Apostrophe
mrdecibel OP
3,025 posts
 
I listen to alot of compressed studio recordings because of my musical tastes. Most all live recordings and higher quality audiophile recordings sound great. I need my system to sound good on everything. I know many people who only play audiophile recordings, and although I have many, I listen to it all. What I have realized, in every case, is that I am listening to recordings, and I am fine with that. As long as I am able to " get into the music ". Enjoy ! MrD.
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