Test Records
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Music
Forum Name: Music!
Forum Description: Because it's #AllAboutTheMusic
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=130
Printed Date: 20 Apr 2024 at 8:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Test Records
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Test Records
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2008 at 12:06pm
No, not the Hi-Fi Sounds Test Records 
But when you try different pieces of equipment out, which records do you use to listen for improvements?
The one I turn to most is " One World One Voice "
Virgin V2632 1990 recording.
It was a "chain tape" sent around the world, so is full of different musicians and musical instruments! Interesting trying to identify who is playing what !
Adrian.
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Replies:
Posted By: Darren/Audio Elevati
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2008 at 12:42pm
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Vinyl - Bruce Springsteen 1985 Live Box Set. "Thunder Road" track.
CD and Vinyl - Natalie Merchant - Tigerlily.
CD - Crash Test Dummies - God Shuffled His Feet
CD and Vinyl - Eagles XRCD - Hell Freezes Over
CD and Vinyl - Tracey Chapman - Tracey Chapman
CD - Elvis Costello - All This Useless Beauty
CD - Kate Rusby - Awkward Annie.
If the kit does those well, I'm happy enough.
Someone once brought me a Clannad first pressing to clean and we played it afterwards - sounded amazing. Also, someone brought the Enigma CD with "Sadness Part 1" on it. Fantastic - even if not my personal choice of tunes.
What else does it for you guys?
------------- http://www.audioelevation.co.uk - Audio Elevation - taking your hi-fi to another level. |
Posted By: XTRProf
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2008 at 5:56am
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A few that cmes insitu are:
1) Sekou (Vital sames as VTL tube amps) 2) Phil Collins - Face Value 3) Sonny Rollin - Saxophone Callosus 4) Sade - Diamond Life 5) John Makovich (Sheffield Records) 6) Sheffield Drum Record I better stop here as beginning to be endless now ............ |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2008 at 7:26am
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Vinyl - Josef Krips & LSO Beethoven 7th, great range of instrumental timbre, dynamics, lots of crescendos, great test of arm and cartridge matching, tracking and virtually everything else. Dire Straits - Love over Gold, Telegraph Road. Others vary depending on what I think I am hearing/not hearing. CD Eva Cassidy, Bridge over Troubled Water or almost any of Live at Blues Alley. Diana Krall - Temptation, Prodigy - Fat of the Land, others as vinyl. |
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2009 at 11:08am
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Personally, I often choose the following: Depeche Mode - Ultra (remastered CD and SACD versions): great warmth, full sound, with deep but not boomy bass extension Depeche Mode - Violator (remastered CD and SACD versions): quite different from above, definitely more sparse and electronic, very clean Mark Knopfler - Shangri La (SACD version): great crystal clear guitar work Opeth - Ghost Reveries (CD): an aggressive and "noisy" album, but if the equipment is fine it still is intelligible and very detailed and layered Metallica - Metallica (CD): the boomy attack with pedal drums on Enter Sandman sure is a test for measuring the punchiness and tightness of bass Prodigy - Fat of the land (CD): a benchmark in deep and aggressive sounds Nick Cave - almost anything in his post-"The Good Son" discography, perfect test for vocals R.E.M. - one of the first very jangly records will do Dream Theater - Scenes from a memory: a majestic sounding album if there ever was one... Blade Runner soundtrack Casino Royale soundtrack |
Posted By: mrarroyo
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2009 at 3:49pm
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I actually use all kind of music at different times. However when I am comparing two products I use the same song over and over. By the time I am through I may have heard the same song 20 times. ------------- Miguel |
Posted By: fabiocorneti
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2009 at 12:13am
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I listen to a lot of music, but the reference recordings which I usually listen to first when evaluating speaker setups (and now headphones) are:
Verdi - Rigoletto - Decca B0000041Q2 with Pavarotti, Milnes and Joan Sutherland Depeche Mode - Violator (remastered) Dream Theater - Awake, A Change Of Seasons (I love the production of these two albums) Al Di Meola - Elegant Gipsy Marcus Miller - The Sun Don't Lie (great bass player, very good production) Death - The Sound Of Perseverance Weather Report - Black Market |
Posted By: Chivas
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2009 at 11:11pm
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What happened to Dark side of the moon - Money and Time, once upon a time the reference for testing audiophile gear?
I have a few albums that stretch to the extremes on both top and bottom end to test that if needed, but since the true test of quality gear for me is the life like reproduction (high fidelity) of a performance, I like taking live recordings like Jazz at the Pawnshop and close my eyes. If I can imagine that I'm actually sitting in the room and can "see" the artists performing, I'm happy. This is the acid test for me, since I don't have the ear to hear the nth degree of detail and differences and to be honest I think most of it is perception |
Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 1:26am
It's probably because we wore the record out listening to it so much - it was 35 years ago. (you do mean vinyl don't you?) I still have mine but it has more clicks and pops on the begining of Time than tick-tocks! ------------- That none should be able to buy or sell without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps |
Chivas wrote:Posted By: Chivas
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 7:03am
| Yip, I do mean vinyl. Is it the clocks or clicks and pops keeping you awake this time of the morning Graham...? |
Posted By: tg [RIP]
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 10:03am
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Spill the beans Chivas, you are really enjoying the vinyl experience aren't you When are you going to post the review ? BTW an album I have used a fair bit since Ivan M mentioned it here some time back is The Pogues "Rum, Sodomy & the Lash", a rollicking good listen at any time and a real variety of vocal and instrumental things to listen to/for, tin whistle, pipes etc. Great variation in emotional inflection from track to track - I already had it on CD and after Ivans recommendation I obtained a good condition vinyl copy. Just picked up the re-issue of Aretha Franklins album "I never loved a man" on the 4 men with beards label - that is a system workout. Hopefully the G man is up poring over a hot simulator proggie whilst designing more audio delights for the importunate and addicted. Then again, he might be having some well earned time-out and more power to him if he is. ------------- Tony G |
Posted By: Chivas
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 10:39pm
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Recently at the NAS I found myself getting a little over saturated with listening to system after system, probably due to arriving late and trying to fit as much in as possible in a short period of time, so I must have appeared more like someone playing musical chairs than an appreciative listener. Like I said, after system 10 you start becoming "numb", but what did intrigue me was the choice of music the exhibitors chose to demo their systems with. One record I came across, which I subsequently bought was the Stockfisch label's "Vinyl Collection". They employ direct metal master cutting, whatever that means, but although it's not 100% my type of music (not all the songs in any case), the recording does impress. It is hugely detailed and transparent and most songs also span the whole frequency range, which I think makes this quite a good test record. Some listeners may find the presentation a little upfront, by I do enjoy a bit of detail and clarity every now and then, without it being too much in my face or bright. Worth a try me thinks. Only problem is you will probably have to order directly from them in Germany, around €30, but the service was quite good and postage reasonable.
There is one song though by Christian Willisohn called "Caruso" that seems to distort near the end when Christian becomes quite emotional during this melodramatic song. I'm still trying to figure out whether it is the recording (e.g mic), my cartridge (although it distorts on both DL-110 and Goldring 1042), my electronics or speakers (also distorts on HD650 via Solo).
Will be interesting to hear of anyone else has had experience with this album/song.
Cheers
Chivas
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Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 5:39pm
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This is a great thread. Love getting tips about new music. Here are a few recommendations for test material, from my collection. Rob Wasserman - Duets, Ballad of a runaway horse with Jennifer Warnes. - Try and follow the bassline and make sure the choir is positioned nicely behind Jennifer. - Also see Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat, exellent for evaluating voices. Korn - Issues. Just brutal and very extended basslines. So much happening and exellent production with a very good frequency range (no compression). Try playing it at low volume, and enjoy the dynamics. Prince - Graffiti Bridge. - Instant test record here. The dynamics are a blessing. If your gear responds to the enormous soundstage and the genius of Mr. Symbol, then you're well off with good recordings. Iron Maiden - Killers. - My old first edition press, still spins when testing gear. Not a high budget production - but good 'air' and the rather simple rythms will keep your toes tapping if done right. Massive Attack - Mezzazine (man next door track). - If you can seperate the basslines in the rather muddy composition, then you're good. Nirvana - Bleach/nevermind/In Utero/Unplugged. - Because I just always enjoy Nirvana. Unplugged is a good live recording. Deep Purple - Made in Japan. - Say no more. And last but not least : Pro-Pain - The Truth Hurts (1994), original or remaster. - Both are in reality crap productions, but the energy/rage/frustration in the music is just flawless. (read the lyrics). Those are some of the favorites, when testing new gear. As well as Nils Löfgren, Bela Fleck and Infected Mushrooms (digital). ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 7:11pm
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I use 'Man Next Door' too! ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 6:49pm
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Thanks to your plug I played Grafitti Bridge last weekend. Very good! ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2017 at 12:01pm
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Prince was a great producer overall and an extremely talented musician. I believe that he could play almost any instrument. Still digging through my father-in-laws record collection, and found a few gems there.. Alan Parsons Project is a nice recording, and a few records by the Smiths were very exiting as well. Might be updating and extending the test record list in the future. And hopefully pick up the loaner Reflex M, so it's going to be a very exiting weekend :) ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2017 at 7:18pm
| Which Alan parsons? |
Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2017 at 9:17pm
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It's "Eye in the Sky". Had never heard anything with Alan Parson before, only knew the name. Found 2 identical ones when digging through the boxes. ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2017 at 9:49pm
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One of the best recorded APP albums and a favourite though I have several favourites! A very dynamic album with huge soundstage. Bob also is a big fan, I am sure between us we can recommend a number of other APPs! |
Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2017 at 9:33am
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Recommendations are always welcome. I have really enjoyed the Eye In The Sky album so far. Would like to hear more :) ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2017 at 4:58pm
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They do vary musically. I really like tales of mystery and imagination but is very much a project album their first from memory. However the original mid 70s was rerecorded in the late 80's? - whilst good not a patch on original imo. I bought the APP original album series last year which contains 5 original CDs have 2 on vinyl and still gettting to k ow the other 3. Wouldn't like to rank as very personal choice and probably don't have the very latest APP. Any thoughts Bob? |
Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2017 at 7:08pm
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Listened to the 'Tales..' album on my way home from work today. Granted on my iphone/spotify combination which hardly qualifies as a decent source. But hey, music is music :) Still, it was very good, and I will look out for that album when I go shopping in the future. It was very relaxing and smooth, I enjoyed that. ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: itsmanhattan
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2017 at 12:17am
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For LPs it has to be: Keith Jarret - The Koln Concert Devil's Anvil - Hard Rock from The Middle East Shiloh - Shiloh Townes Van Zandt - Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas Herbie Hancock - Blow-Up (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) William Onyeabor - Atomic Bomb Johnny Jenkins - Ton-Ton Macoute! Richard Wagner - Vorspiel from Das Rheingold Henryk Gorecki - Dawn Upshaw, Lonodn Sinfonietta, David Zinman, Symphony No.3 Moondog - Moondog Pink Floyd - Meddle Daft Punk - Discovery And anything by James Brown! |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2017 at 10:57am
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An excellent LP from the 80s: https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiz3tnf4bLTAhXD8RQKHWT7DsoQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fd%2FCDs-Vinyl%2FDiesel-Dust-Midnight-Oil%2FB0000265SW&psig=AFQjCNFl7-tsP7yxu4kemZAuFUXcCZNYww&ust=1492768389254841" rel="nofollow">  ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Gekados
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 8:31am
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Midnight Oil, had almost forgotten about that one ! That's a great album. Just received a mint condition record here, one I've used on CD for testing equipment for 25 years. The Simpsons - Sings The Blues. A lot of people think it's a joke album, but it's actually a really really good blues record that's decently recorded :) ------------- I'm not harmful, just introspective. You can probably think I'm weird, but it's not harmful weird. |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 6:22pm
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This is another LP I play a lot & like to use after any system changes - very well played & recorded classical guitar with occasional flute & keyboard accompaniment.  ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 11:05pm
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I've got Diesel and Dust, very good album, but it's not in perfect condition although very clean nowadays. I have a number of LP's from round then that come out when I've got new equipment setup like Robbie Robertson's debut album and Stanley Clarke's "If this bass coul;d only talk." ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 6:08pm
That's either one little guy or a huge guitar . . .  ------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2017 at 9:15pm
| Is this Jeremy Corbin's fav album too? |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:07pm
Little guitar, huge guy... ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: RichW
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 3:29pm
Could be, & maybe May's fave song is Bad Company's I Don't Care. ------------- Majestic/Enigma, Accession MM & MC. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 4:01pm
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Or Maggie may? |
Posted By: morris_minor
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2017 at 4:57pm
Good one!------------- Bob Majestic DAC/pre-amp Accession MC/Enigma, Accession MM, Reflex M, Elevator EXP, Era Gold V Solo ULDE, Novo, Lautus USB and digital, Libran balanced, CuSat50 2 x Proprius + Spatia/Spatia Links |
Posted By: sheepskinstu
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 5:54pm
| One album I go back to for test purposes is Computer World by Kraftwerk. Such a tightly produced record with excellent bass parts. |
Posted By: itsmanhattan
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 11:11pm
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Anythong by Kraftwerk for that matter - such a great group and excellent music to test out new systems with, and often over looked. ------------- Manhattan |
Posted By: Drewan77
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2017 at 6:40am
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When setting up a system, I focus on getting music to be clean, fast & free of room effects so everything else that follows tends to be fine. A systematic approach using these tracks / albums & starting with bass: BiggaBush - Intravenus I (bass sounds almost out of phase / weird until the speakers/room are tuned properly) Nortec Collective - Ciruela Electrica (window rattling sub bass) Afro Celt Sound System - Whirl-Y-Reel #1; London Grammar - Hey Now; Chris Jones - Long after You're Gone (extremely deep bass on all, difficult to get right without boom) Jonny Lang - A Quitter Never Wins/Hit The Ground Running; Booker T - Hey Ya; Zac Brown Band - Jump Right In; Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer (fast, lively transient recordings) Buffy Saint Marie - She Used To Wanna Be A Ballerina LP (female vocals, sibilance, channel balance, bias) Sutherland Brothers Band - The Pie (channel balance, bias & imaging) The Civil Wars - Poison & Wine; Elvis Presley - Fever; Daft Punk - Giorgio by Moroder (soundstaging & vocals) Stevie Ray Vaughan - Tin Pan Alley; Van Morrison - I Forgot That Love Existed (delicate shimmering percussion) Michael Jackson - Thriller LP; Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand (soundstaging & imaging) Genesis - Fourth OF Fifth (everything!) As an indulgence I often play the following to check at the end of setup. All are high quality recordings which I like a lot & would sound good on pretty much any system: Tony Joe White - Closer To The Truth & Ice Cream Sandwich LPs Stevie Ray Vaughan - Couldn't Stand The Weather LP Peter Gabriel - So LP Yello - Stella LP (or any Yello album) Boris Blank - Electrified LP box set ------------- Older than I once was, younger than I'll be ............................. Andrew |
Posted By: lfc jon
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2018 at 4:06pm
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the last time up grade (HIfi) I took Blondie. Parallel Lines had this when in my teens :CD: so i know this inside and out and Pink floyd. Dark of the Moon and Enya CDs for her voice i like the female voice so my new HiFi had to sound good at bringing out this but when i got back into Vinyl i only went into the shop for advice on what turntable to buy but they had Pink Floyd. dark side and some vinyl i can't remember after listening to Pink Floyd i came out with my P******t turntable on the same day My advice when going for new HiFi or up grades always take some CDs or Vinyl you know inside and out you'll know what to listen out for. A good HiFi dealer will tell you this anyway has my dealer did |