tough sounds to reproduce ???

I have to diagree with Abstract7. An Ocean I have heard reproduced 'faithfully' at times in my system. But Clapping and thunder I agree is really hard to reproduce to its full relization. People in crowd or a a party could be done. Certain pessages (can't explain) of strings or piano at times sounds incorrect(not just my system). We will ignore the real life dynamics v/s its reproduction topic for this discussion. Good thread!

Yes, I agree that the sound of the piano is very difficult to reproduce correctly. I have heard very few systems that get all the notes (seemingly) right. The overtones and harmonics of the mid and treble notes can really grate or ring or be shrill. I have a couple of piano pieces I always use when auditioning new equipment for just this reason--they usually sound pretty bad unless the equipment is first-rate.

Are there any specific discs with good recordings of the above mentioned noises ? In other words, music based discs that also have "noises" that fall into the tough to reproduce category but are good enough recordings to judge system resolution by ? I'm not specifically talking about "sounds of nature" discs that put you to sleep or are used for relaxation purposes, but if you think that they qualify, please list them.

The disc that i mentioned with the recording of thunder was by "Days of the New" ( OPRD-30004). Since there is no name on it, i would assume that it is simply their first release and is self titled. At this point, i think that they've got 3 discs out now. For those that aren't familiar with this band, think of "angy" yet melodic acoustic based music. It is accompanied by melodic yet rough edged vocal work. I'm not saying that this disc is "reference quality", only that the thunder in the background inspired me to ask such a question. Sean
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Sean, Actually the 'Days of the New"'s first is a reference quality disc. The 2nd and latest(even though it is HDCD) us not of same quality. Their music is very good. (2nd is the best)Although I don't remember which one has a thunder sound you're referring to. One CD I would like to note here is ' The avalanches's Since I left You. Musically ( essentially a dance genre)this CDs is great in that imagin you are on a cruise, live music is being performed in front of large group of people, the ship is docked, you are near one of the joints and you listen to the music. Very uplifting, noisy, strange, unlike anything you have heard but beautifully put together, such that end effect is you can't stop inbetween and wanna play again and again. Phew!

the tribal drums at the end of the Peter Gabriel song Rythym of the Heat will test many amplifiers and systems - off Peter's 4th album (Security)

as to reproducing musical nuances - yes piano is tough, good way to evaluate cassette tape decks in the old days
percussion can be taxing, and the resonant wood sound of a nice stand up bass can be difficult to do righ ton inferior systems

tom