Cleanest CD recording to test with

I agree. It is a good topic. And yes there are many variations of it going in various active threads. But that's okay.

Most new music is being recorded in sloppy, low DR high loudness format so it is good to hear what is out there that is well produced and well suited to demonstrating what a good hi-fi system can do.

My two recommendations: Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature" and Mark Knopfler's "Tracker" are both sonically outstanding. I am anxiously awaiting Knopfler's new album due in November.

I use the dynamic range database to vet various CD releases and have found it to be a valuable resource. DR isn't everything when it comes to SQ but there is not much you can do with a narrow DR recording.

Stumbled across your post just now and will throw in the three that I am listening to this morning.  Was in the mood for that sourcery that you are referring to - no walls to be found type of sound.  Music and musicians placed across and deep in their specific venues.  Today's three are....

Dave Weckl Band - Live (and very plugged in)

Melody Gaedot - My One And Only Thrill

Acoustic Alchemy - Against the Grain

+1 Jamie Cullum. Discovered myself earlier this year. 

Listening right now to The Teskey Brothers "Half my Harvest". Sounds very promising. Try "Hard Feeling" and then "Honeymoon". Great NEW recording. Like Leon Bridges. THEY ARE STILL MAKING FANTASTIC WELL-RECORDED MUSIC. 

Theres so many. Roseanne Cash made an acoustic "demo" a long time ago. Don't miss Radka Toneff, Eva Cassidy, Nancy LaMott.

Maybe they don't count but studio acoustic lives from Lynherd Skynherd, Nirvana, Alice in chains.

Guy Davies - Sweetheart like you
Bill Evans - Waltz for Debbie
Joss Stones - Soul sessions (first track is CLOSE)
Eric Bibb - Spirit and the blues
Jazz at the pawnshop
Featuring Norah Jones
A lot with Leonard Cohen
Cowboy Junkies - Trinity 

Need to stop. Will be back. 

Did I forget
Muddy Waters - Folk singer 
Shame.

and naturally:

Chuck Mangione - Childrens of Sanchez ...probably high om DR List :-)

Lou Reed - Berlin: Live at St. Ann's ...Men of good fortune (Live but needs to be mentioned)