In Get Better Sound, Jim Smith lists about 180 CDs (no LPs, he explains why) that he finds useful in one way or another. Of these, one (standard, non-audiophile release) is is favorite and in another chapter he details specific sections and what parameter they are used to optimize. https://www.getbettersound.com/ I and many others have found many useful suggestions in this book. |
Although I have several "go to" test tracks for new equipment, the following are at the top of my list: Patricia Barber Companion XRCD - "Use Me". Terrific live recording with excellent stand-up bass intro, and some Hammond organ highs that will show smooth top end or screechy. Pink Floyd Dark Side of The Moon - Blu-Ray 24/96K Arne Domnerus - Jazz at the Pawnshop - 30th Anniversary Edition - Limehouse Blues Shakti - Joy - Just an awesomely recorded live album Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard |
+1 for Sting's "Ten Summoners Tales". A stellar collection of well-written, well-played and well-produced music. +1 for Lyle Lovett's "Joshua Judges Ruth" (esp. "Church"). +1 for "Jazz at the Pawnshop" (3-SACD 30th Anniversary edition) "Getz/Gilberto" (2020 Verve SACD) "Live" Alison Kraus and Union Station |
My "testing" playlist is really just tracks that I enjoy and know well in my system. So, if I stop by a hif-fi store I'll bring a thumb drive with a few such tracks. After I break in a new wire, say, I'll play these and listen for certain things (e.g., bass on bridge on first cut below). These are not necessarily very well recorded. A few of these are: "Out All Night", The Pietasters "King of the Mountain", Midnight Oil "Last Laugh", Dancehall Crashers "Swamp Thang", Hipster Daddy-O and the Hand Grenades "And She Was", Talking Heads |
