What music do you use to assess your system?

Here's mine;
Jamie Cullum -twentysomething CD/SACD (2004).
Miles Davis- Kind of Blue CD/SACD (1986, 1999).
Paul Simon -negotiations & love songs (1988).

Keep this train a rollin'

I can appreciate the fact that to evaluate a systems potential, the best recordings available would be used.
But,I actually also try to listen to the music I play and enjoy the most. Say, the best audio version recordings of CCR.

I like to listen to everything, all genres regardless of recording quality.

So I assess by randomly queuing up tracks to get a random sample of how things sounds overall.

Every recording is recorded differently, so I listen to make sure I can hear what is going on in each clearly, for better or for worse, and take note of the variations and unique aspects of each recording

Then I just listen to whatever I want to. If I hear a problem anywhere, I take note and address it, if needed.

Another benefit of using a random sample is that one is better able to determine when a particular sonic deficiency is common across multiple recordings (most likely a system problem) or not. If not, then sonic deficiencies can be attributed properly to the recording rather than the playback system

These days a few of my favs are Shonen Knife's Let's Knife, Dylan's Modern Times, Led Zeppelin's Mothership Disc 2. Just for testing purposes, officer.

Old thread... but I'll add Spoon to mix. The whole album is fantastic but the first side of Transference is a reference for me. (All Spoon albums are a must for me)

Also Sting Ten Sumners Tales.

Cannonball Adderly Something Else

Norah Jones first side of Not Too Late.

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