What CD is your System Reference

subaruguru - I also think Graceland makes a great demo disk (cool music as well). I like it some much that I keep buying spare copies on vinyl when I see it at Half Price books. My personal demo disc is the Neri Per Caso (an Italian group) X-mas CD. The a cappella version of God Rest Ye Merry... and Happy Day let my system strut its stuff in the areas of midrange purity and soundstaging. Belafonte at Carnegie Hall ain't too shabby either

Kiss My Axe, Al Dimeola is my personal favorite.

Same choice Jerie, Kiss My Axe.

Dire Straits "sultans of swing" is a HDCD best of collection from 1998, this about as good as any main stream rock album I have ever heard! Lucinda Williams is very good, I agree with Craig. The Sade "best of sade" contains 1994 mastering of her great early work, as well early albums are now available with brand new remasters.....yes I know her new album is a bomb, but her early work is superb.

I agree the dire straits hdcd is awsome for rock. for jazz try christy barons steppin 24/96. the sound stage is there you are there,the best on my set up. patrica barber cafe blue on the gold recording also. i like sade as well but the sound is not that good. i was looking for that yesterday on a good remaster and founf none hoping for a new 24/96 of sades best of.