I wanted to start this thread to get everyone's input on what are your favorite "reference" recordings, meaning which releases do you regularly use as a reference to determine the sound quality performance of a music system. Ideally, these would be recordings of enjoyable and interesting music that have been recorded, mixed, and mastered to the highest standards. You know, those recordings where the music is not just enjoyable, but the recording quality gives you that jaw-dropping "ohmygod this artist is performing in my living room" type of feel.
I'll start with a few of my favorites that I come back to time and again.
1. The World's Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings (Chesky) SACD
This disk is excellent, but in particular I love the first two tracks. Rebecca Pidgeon's version of "The Rose in Spanish Harlem" is great, especially the nuance and power of the plucked bass. It can really give you some insight into how well your system (and room) handles bass response. And Livingston Taylor's version of "Isn't She Lovely?" is a nice blend of acoustic guitar and raw male vocals that can tell you a lot about your system's abilities. Particularly the whistling at the beginning, which will be almost painful at higher volume levels if there is any grain/sibilance in your system.
2. Herbie Hancock - Possibilities CD
Another disc full of great music, featuring a plethora of talented musicians and some incredible keyboard playing. But the track I keep coming back to is "When Love Comes To Town" featuring Johnny Lang and Joss Stone. Oh my god, this track has everything, from Lang's gravelly voice and gritty guitar, to Stone's unique vocal prowess and ability to belt out the blues like no one else, to Hancock's amazing and intense keyboard work. Highly recommended.
3. Diana Krall - The Girl in the Other Room SACD
Ok, I know this one is a bit overdone in the audiophile world, but it's still a great disc. Luscious female vocals, powerful piano playing, and it is very well recorded. Tracks 1,2,6&9 are my go-to tracks for evaluating system performance.
So what are your favorite reference recordings for evaluating a system?
I'll start with a few of my favorites that I come back to time and again.
1. The World's Greatest Audiophile Vocal Recordings (Chesky) SACD
This disk is excellent, but in particular I love the first two tracks. Rebecca Pidgeon's version of "The Rose in Spanish Harlem" is great, especially the nuance and power of the plucked bass. It can really give you some insight into how well your system (and room) handles bass response. And Livingston Taylor's version of "Isn't She Lovely?" is a nice blend of acoustic guitar and raw male vocals that can tell you a lot about your system's abilities. Particularly the whistling at the beginning, which will be almost painful at higher volume levels if there is any grain/sibilance in your system.
2. Herbie Hancock - Possibilities CD
Another disc full of great music, featuring a plethora of talented musicians and some incredible keyboard playing. But the track I keep coming back to is "When Love Comes To Town" featuring Johnny Lang and Joss Stone. Oh my god, this track has everything, from Lang's gravelly voice and gritty guitar, to Stone's unique vocal prowess and ability to belt out the blues like no one else, to Hancock's amazing and intense keyboard work. Highly recommended.
3. Diana Krall - The Girl in the Other Room SACD
Ok, I know this one is a bit overdone in the audiophile world, but it's still a great disc. Luscious female vocals, powerful piano playing, and it is very well recorded. Tracks 1,2,6&9 are my go-to tracks for evaluating system performance.
So what are your favorite reference recordings for evaluating a system?
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