Any song recommendations for testing purposes?


Hi y'all,

So me and my pal came up with an idea about testing our own " streaming system " and see which is better, but yeah ofc, there can only be one variable, otherwise the test wouldn't be fair, no?
we decided to only change the streamer/player in each test, well luckily, my friend who happens to be an ultimate PC Hi-Fi fanatic, so the test itself which became rather easy haha, equipment-wise for sure.

Last Sunday, we were just chilling in my living room and chitchatting, he said he wanted to listen to some new modern pop song, so I played Shiver by Ed Sheeran, and he said the dynamics don't seem quite enough, I was like what the heck do you mean, and he said his system could present more details in the music than mine, anyways, so I brought my streamer over to his place, and would like to have a competition hahaha.

As I mentioned, he's a PC Hi-Fi dude, so he's done a lot modifications and all that upgrade stuff to his PC, so he used USB port to connect to his DAC and the rest to play the same song, Shiver by Ed, well truth to be told, I also thought the dynamics weren't quite sufficient as well lol, ofc he said my perception was biased bc he judged my system first, thus, we both agreed to play some more complicated tracks, like classic genre or something, however, both of us aren't that much of a elegant music admirer I'd say, which I sincerely hope you guys can share some nice songs with me!!!

BTW, we both played TIDAL via Roon, the only difference is just he used PC, I used Munich M1T, no network switch or linear power supply attached.

Best,

preston8452

Hotel California is actually one of my favorite test tracks, but I don't use the studio version.  I use the live version from 'Hell Freezes Over'.   I especially like the intro leading up to the percussion (which I think it's a conga drum).   On a good system, the conga really stands out beautifully with a good punch.

I also like 'Money for Nothing' by Dire Straits.

Also a few tracks from Santana's 'Supernatural' album like 'Corazon Espinado', 'Smooth', and 'Maria Maria'.

Have fun!

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Problem is with most old Rock / pop (although period good) a decent revealing system makes it sound like crap because it was recorded like crap. Get the feeling you should buy an old 1000 switch equalizer and try to filter / remaster it Lol.

Nothing from the Eagles. They have some of the worst produced recordings out there.

my go to is Stevie Ray “Tin Pan Alley”. Provides everything you need and was produced very well.
to dial in bass look to Pink Floyd “The Wall” kick drum will punch your gut with out a sub needed!

stereo separation and dynamics anything Doors.

@rmiddlemas 

Yes, another vote for Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music.

 

If ever an album rendered both listening tests and critical evaluation irrelevant, it's this one.

The great leveller.