What is the most challenging music to play on a stereo?

@edcyn

Vocalists. Any genre. Do the male voices suffer from a buzzy midrange distortion? Or do they sound rich, clear and authentically human? Are the sibilants spitty or hashy?

+1

Vocals are the most challenging. We hear human voices every day for a reference. Do they sound natural in your system? (Allowing for a slight touch of reverb.)

For something different, visit a piano dealer. While someone playing, listen from 5 ft away. 15 ft away. 25 ft away. It will be educational.

Getting both vocals and a grand piano right would the ultimate success.

@larsman 

FYI, there is a global listening party for Metallica's new album in movie theaters being played in Dolby Atmos on Thursday April 13th, don't miss it:

https://metallica.film

To me, it's all about the recording technique/mixing, etc. But in general, I would say piano.

It depends on what you are testing. There is no one genre that does it all. In terms of low bass performance nothing beats the right organ piece. In terms of imaging nothing beats a great string quartet recording. In terms of dynamic performance, percussion pieces and NIN. If you want to get a divorce, Slipknot. 

CD’s (lp’s are subject to any possible/minor alignment errors, a particular cartridge’s sound). (turn your ac system off).

Vocals: I listen at home; take these CDs to Showrooms; then listen again at home.

There are dynamic portions, but I want to hear Richard Burton’s voice. It is easy to ’know’ if it is ’off’.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Wayne%27s_Musical_Version_of_The_War_of_the_Worlds

Next, Barbra Streisand/Donna Summers Duet: No More Tears. The similarities and subtle differences of their voices is amazingly revealing.

https://www.discogs.com/release/494873-Barbra-Streisand-Donna-Summer-No-More-Tears-Enough-Is-Enough

Next, my beloved Cassandra Wilson, her voice better be ’right’.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Light-Dawn-Cassandra-Wilson/dp/B000005HBI/ref=asc_df_B000005HBI/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=266064389217&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12585101619310403828&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003512&hvtargid=pla-526084129831&psc=1

Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams: lots going on, sparkling highs and fading footsteps, channel separation, and again her voice better be right.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/155488856216?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=155488856216&targetid=1262779893809&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=9003512&poi=&campaignid=14859008593&mkgroupid=130497710760&rlsatarget=pla-1262779893809&abcId=9300678&merchantid=420524323&gclid=CjwKCAjwitShBhA6EiwAq3RqAwHxt_WjGbRm2q2CuFBAFcHsuIUf6tHlkpn0lXq6cMGzeGLaJGDdzhoCcQ4QAvD_BwE

 

Dynamics/Range/Extension: this can be a trap, accurate may not be best for your ears/room/pleasure. One way to be objective is to play test CD, and measure/document with a SPL meter rather than your ears. Test CD, at listening position, ear level. Make a chart, write results down.

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-Pressure-30-130dBA-Warranty/dp/B00ECCZWWI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=spl%2Bmeter&qid=1681242408&sr=8-3&th=1

Amazing Bytes Test Tones, tracks 9 to 38

https://www.discogs.com/release/7290000-Various-Amazing-Bytes

there are others, luckily I got this when it was free, expensive now.

Extension: same thing, it can be a trap, more might not be best.

My JSE Infinite Slope Model II were always impressive at shows, finally got a pair, they were the most accurate speakers I ever owned (my friend has them now, restored). Joseph Audio uses some of the original Modafferri patents now)

https://www.audioclassics.com/mods

But, after a while I missed the sound of my less accurate vintage 4 way horns, with L-Pads to adjust for/in the room and for your particular preferences. (hard to get right, but when you do ,,,)

Canons ....boom, but balanced to other frequencies?