Most Challenging CD


What is the CD that most puts your system to task in your collection?

My best is, Tchaikovsky "The Nutcracker," by the Kirov Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev. This CD has it all, huge bass passages, giant crescendos, sharp horns and interwoven dynamics.

Yes, I know, there are lots of CDs that show all these attributes. There is one thing on this CD that I have never heard on any other, a real loud gun shot.

Sure, some 1812 Overture discs have real cannon fire. They just aren't as powerful as the gun shot on this Nutcracker disc. This report is a CRACKPOW!!!!!!!!

Ok, what do you have that tests your system like no other? I am not really interested in test discs. I have those and they aren't as good, besides being boring.
muralman1
I am noting all of your CD favorites for this system torture test. Certainly, as has been noted, soft kissy passages sung by a sultry siren have to be kissable. Also, the ability of a system to play loud passages while simultaneously tinkling a triangle is also just as necessary.

Jax2 mentions the necessity of keeping the orchestra intact during loud crescendos. Come to think of it, the finality of Bolero is a good test. On most systems it sounds like a raging wounded bull. I know. I have had plenty of those systems.

The problem of citing voice is that discussion can dissolve into how many angels on the head of a pin. How many times have you heard someone saying, that's not what she sounds like on my system. There's no arguing that.

There are clues as to whether you are getting a good rendition of the singer. How human they sound is one. Can you hear them breathing in?
Elizabeth: I saw that movie noth nore than Hollywood piffle. Your system should be able to convey emotion and bring enjoyment. Has far as a cd that would test a system? What ever brings you to tears.
"Kev at the George Community Hall" TRL sampler disc. Exceptional dynamics, low level information and ultra high resolution.
I have to agree that test CDs are boring. I had one with a track of an army tank, now that was some fabulous listening. And, I knew my system was accurate because last time I stood next to a moving tank it sounded just like that. 8^)
Then there is the: 32hz, etc, etc...............tone pitches. Again, what a blast.
Rja, I cracked up on that one. Tanks...are you serious?

I Love music. We had the pleasure of having best seats in several music venues during the Holidays.

Some folks I have known like to tote around their system check discs. We all had heard the same discs ad infitinum. It didn't matter.... Here we go again.

One only has to know what live music sounds like to ascertain an educated opinion on music CDs.