Test music for new gear


As I am testing out a new DAC I realized that there are a few songs that I use to test out all of my new gear when I get it. Speakers, preamp, amps, tranports, turntable (when I have the vinyl), DAC....

Here we go:

High end coherence (does it play high and clear):

Dixie Chicks "Cowboy Take Me Away"

Berlin Philharmonic "Magic Flute" Queen of the Night Mezzosaprano Solo

Pink Floyd "Eclipse" - very layered, tough track for all gear

Midrange, voices et al:

Tierney Sutton "What'll I do"

Kings of Leon "Sex on Fire"

Elton John "Take Me to the Pilot"

Bass Extension, how low can you go, but fast:

Pink Floyd "Speak to Me"

Alice in Chains "Would"

Miles Davis "So What"

SLAM!! enough said:

Jackson Brown "Dr My Eyes"

Velvet Revolver "Slither"

Pink Floyd "Happiest Days of our Lives/Another Brick in the Wall"

Overall, top to bottom response:

Toni Braxton "You're Making Me High"

really shows any flaws from bass speed and extension to how well the highs are handled. Great test song.
macdadtexas
A superb recording for really everything imo is Kieth Richards' 'Talk Is Cheap'. Also Dylan's 'Oh Mercy' and 'UTRS'. Throw in Roger Waters' 'Radio Kaos', 'Pro's and Cons', and 'Final Cut'.
Go to Soundstage.com/referencediscs to see what Soundstage! writers use and why they do.
Csontos, I suspect your record/CD collection has a lot in common with mine. Based on your musical recommendations over the past months. Main Offender is also great, as I am sure you know well.
The Stones' 'Voodoo Lounge' is probably as good as it gets, especially for testing since imo, Mic's compilation sucks. The only two cuts I listen to on that one are Kieth's.
Now I know we are brothers separated at birth! I have argued with all my friends about Voodoo lounge, feel it to be one of their very best records.