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

Try Shostakovich Symphony No 10 with Andris Nelsens conducting , that will clean your ears out and rattle the crockery !!!

In general I'd say Classical  but more specifically  

Dvorak's  Symphony #5. " From The New World "

and or Beethoven's Piano Concertos .  

Topic follow-up...

Last Sunday, sat Row 3 Center --- at nearby Bowdoin College Concert Band concert...40+ musicians at full roar...band, not an orchestra...no drawn strings involved.  I officially surrender to the futile concept of ever experiencing THAT dynamic in my small studio!  That said, THIS Thursday, I will be meeting two longtime friends who both prefer large horn systems near Boston: 

Steve, in Hudson Valley, NY, spins uber vinyl...mono, two channel plus surround in the beautifully-thought-out, converted dedicated music space of his converted winery Guest house garage.  Jeff, our experienced Host in Massachusetts, has done DIY for decades, and has written audio reviews.  He also spins vinyl into large DIY horns and subwoofers and sports many years of subwoofer expertise.  Along with Steve, this will be my first visit.

Let' see how a well-designed large horn system matches the shuddering, rumbling gut-punch of Sunday's experience?  And yes, Karen Sumner (see above) ..."the sound system's ability to reveal the finer musical details of the performance, the sound of the instruments, the venue, are far more relevant to creating a fulfilling musical experience than analyzing specific sonic qualities."  ...well stated, Karen.  And ya, I did close my eyes as I often do in my little studio.           

...planning to report back       (bold print for old eyes)            More Peace!         Pin

As with this hobby there are all differing opinions so here’s mine…. The hardest music to play is the music you love and are familiar with.  You build and tweak your system to make the stuff you love sound the best.  And if you’re like me with a wide palette it’s near impossible to achieve the best of everything. 

Doug Wamble - Blues in the Present Tense