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
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.
My reference;

Jamie Cullum - twentysomething (2004).

I like Voodoo Lounge as well.