• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Reference CD Suggestions?

Dr. Music

Dr. Music

Super Member
Hi All-

I'm considering picking up a new disc player to incorporate into my system. As a music lover I find there are many lousy sounding recordings and some really great sounding recordings on CD, in many cases that depends on the age the disc was released IMO. When testing a player for its musicality, what CDs' do you guys suggest as personal references to audition a CD player with? In regards to video, whatever player I get will be used for sound quality only; it won't be used in a home theater environment. Thanks in advance!
 
Register to hide this ad
Hi,

I always bring along a Telarc CD for those purposes, for example, Richard Strauss´ Alpine symphony with Andre Previn conducting the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra. The beginning is very quiet, with low notes on the trombones in pianissimo, and later on, there is a passage that describes a storm whre the full orchestra blasts everything out of an audio system. The ending quiet passages are useful for testing the midrange reproduction.


All the best
 
Telarc, Mapleshade, Chesky all make fantastic quality minded recordings but also take things you know and like even if its not the best. You dont want to only rely on great recordings if your favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Dire Straits Brothers in arms, Donald Fagen's Nightfly, Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon, Tom Pettys WildFlowers are some examples of popular music that is well recorded and many already have around the house.
 
While there are some amazing recordings that will expose faults with a given audio system, if you're not familiar with the music then you probably won't notice. I'd say that you'll be the best judge of the music you like best (and sound great) on your system. Burn yourself a CD with tracks from songs you feel will explore the musical range and bring that along with you to the sampling session. :)
 
Norman Brown - After The Storm. I found that it has a good, clean sound. Also has a very natural bottom end sound to boot.



Jason
 
Any of the 3 Shpongle albums I use for reference purposes. Are You Shpongled?, Tales Of The Inexpressible, Nothing Lasts...But Nothing Is Lost.
 
I only need to play 'Hotel California' and I know if I am on to a winner. A separate test CD from Philips is used to check out the quality of the laser. If the laser skips on any of the critical laser obstacle tracks, I move on.
 
Spryo Gyra 1996 heart of the night CD songs #4 and #8.These two songs in particular are tight and will reveal weakness in a player or a speaker.
 
BadassBob said:
Any of the 3 Shpongle albums I use for reference purposes. Are You Shpongled?, Tales Of The Inexpressible, Nothing Lasts...But Nothing Is Lost.
Click to expand...

Amen brother. It's nice to find another person who likes Shpongle. Divine Moments of Truth is a great system test track. :yes:
 
I aways use LA4 ~ Going Home, Holly Cole ~ Don't Smoke In Bed, and for rock Midnight Oil ~ Diesel and Dust, Junior Wells ~ Better Off With the Blues
 
Interesting replies :)

I need to look for a Telarc disc.... I've heard about them for decades but never got around to finding one.
 
I always bring Patricia Barber-Modern Cool on MFSL Hybrid CD,Sarah McLachlan Surfacing is also good. Roger Waters Amused to Death is recorded fantastic or anything by SADE.....
 
I recently read some good reviews pertaining to Patricia Barber but have never heard any of her offerings. Seems I am missing out!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom