Two Against Nature-What is your reference recording?


I have a number of different recordings that really seem to highlight the strengths and SQ of my system. This week I purchased a used CD ($3, free shipping) of Steely Dan's Two Against Nature and I'm just blown away. To me, it seems better produced (maybe overproduced) than Aja. (A copy of Gaucho is still on the way so we'll see how I feel about it.) It rises above the three or four other 'reference' recordings that I use as a benchmark for my system and so Two Against Nature is probably now my single 'reference' recording.

But here's the thing, I do not like any song on Two Against Nature as much as any given song on Aja. So what seems to carry Two Against Nature (for me) is its production value. It is just a sonic joy to listen to even if the songs are not as catchy as those from Aja and Gaucho.

So that got me to wondering: First, what is your reference recording (any format/medium) for your system? Second, is it also your favorite recording to listen to? In other words, is it the best recording/production AND your favorite music?

George
n80
My whole collection is my reference recording.   It all has to sound its best.  
This should have been named. " what is your favourite Pink Floyd recording"......

😉😉

Some seriously good stuff though.
Just about anything from 2L......
in Digital

Analog Disc Blue Note recorded by Rudy

Analog high speed half track - Jacinta - Tribute to Ben
or just about anything by The Tape Project

I love to testing with female vocal.... so three tracks from Amanda McBroom’s Dreaming XRCD album are my go to.

1. Dreaming
6. From Time to Time
8. When Hearts Collide


Mapman, are you saying that every album in your collection is as good as the next? Not a single standout? Not a single tinny blues recording from the 1940s? Not a single poorly produced but otherwise marvelously recorded song?

I’m not even sure that sounds good or interesting.