How do you roll? First LP on a new TT.


I am new and I am sure there are threads that touch on this, but I was wondering what others play that first virgin time they hook up a new turntable.

I will be getting my kit in a couple of days, and I naturally started thinking about what I wanted to play. Of course, it is not just about the turntable, but the amps, speakers, cartage etc. but just in terms of music: what do you use to test your new kit out?

My family is very musical. A great relative founded the Vancouver symphony; I have two family members in the Chicago symphony chorus; and my grandfather was an accompanist to Italian opera singers in the 40s. 'Classical' is natural, so some Sir George Solti comes to mindm -- but I don't have any of his vinyl.

I also have a soft spot for punk rock (yikes), and laying down some Lagwagon or Authority Zero would really make my day -- but probably wouldn't tell me much. It would be fun though.

In the end, I think I am going to go with some Andrew Bird (Scythian Empires) or even more contemporary, such as First Aid Kit. Nice vocals with some good instrumentation.

Just wondering what other people's play-back reference is.

Cheers,
k.
drinky
It is presumed that you set up your turntable to the best it can be. Then find the album of music that you like the best...don't worry about its fidelity. You should be overtaken at how great it now sounds
I was just wondering: would 12" 45rpm LPs break in the cartridge more quickly?

To the OP's question, given your background, I'd give it a run with some big orchestral pieces. Some of my favorites are:

o Analogue Productions' reissue of RCA Living Stereo's Scheherazade by Reiner & Chicago Symph.,
o Analog Prod./RCA reissue series of Reiner/Chicago of Pines and Fountains of Rome and also Pictures at an Exhibition,
o Andre Previn/Royal Phil or Mehta/LA Phil of The Planets,
o 1968 Angel box of Mendelssohn's Elijah cantata
o A good "Carmen"
o Zubin Mehta/London Symph "Turandot" w/Pavarotti doing the tenor.

Here are all 26 Living Stereo orchestral reissues by Analogue Productions. According to the reviews I've read these are the first reissues to actually exceed the original RCA first pressings. My copy of Scherazade from this series is incredible and has some of the best dynamics I've heard on vinyl.
I always go with an Lp I know very well that is well recorded just to get a reference point...for me Hotel CA, Abraxas, Rumours, Back in Black,etc...and I usually follow that with something new just to mix it up