Simple question, maybe not.

treitz3
treitz3 Posts: 19,211
edited December 2007 in Music & Movies
"For accurate and demanding purposes, can anybody fill me in as to what YOU use as a "test reference" CD, SACD (or vinyl)?"

Edit: allow me to clarify....What music do you listen to to test your system?
~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
Post edited by treitz3 on
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited December 2007
    Because I have no other sources and I'm a college student, I use an ipod and a combination of organ, piano, classical, and vocal pieces with which I am very familiar. An ipod is not recommended, but it's better than unfamiliar songs played on an unknown CD player.
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,211
    edited December 2007
    Let me rephrase, of the aforementioned formats....For accurate and demanding purposes, can anybody fill me in as to what YOU use as a "test reference"?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2007
    good question....I would like to know that myself
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited December 2007
    I just purchased the HiFi News, Cardas, and The Analogue Test records. All three have something different to offer in challenging and setting up an analog rig.

    Three of the actual reference LPs I use when checking out something new in the rig are Pink Floyd's, "Shine on You Crazy Diamond & Welcome to the Machine;" Telarc's Tchaikovsky's, "Capriccio Italien;" and finally "Jazz at the Pawnshop" the 180gm pressing.

    PS: I forgot, I always use Zuben Mehta & The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra's performance of "The Swan Lake & Nutcraker Suites."

    Those four pieces of music are all I need to check the musicality of an addition to my rig.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,211
    edited December 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I just purchased the HiFi News, Cardas, and The Analogue Test records. All three have something different to offer in challenging and setting up an analog rig.
    We need to start another thread on this. That, my friend is valuable information for my vinyl front.

    TXS for the rest of the references Joe. ;)
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,513
    edited December 2007
    I have reported Joe as he discriminated and deliberately left digital out of his post.:eek::p:D I agree with him that test LP’s are good for setting up, but music is the true test. I also eagerly await his comments on the two test LP’s I don’t have. I’m not sure if the Cardas and Analogue Test records come with universal protractors, but if one has the need, the HiFi News LP comes with a nice one.

    The Rives Test CD contains some partial tracks of excellent sounding Mapleshade recordings. Other than that I use excellent recordings of material that I like to hear. It doesn’t have to be exotic material either. Police, Ghost in the machine and Syncronicity have a deep bass range with great impact and dynamics. Steely Dan Aja and Gaucho are also excellent choices. So are Dire Straits, and we could go on and on. I am fond of Patty Larkin’s Regrooving The Dream CD for demos.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,086
    edited December 2007
    I would highly recommend a good test LP. One of my faves is an old Fisher test LP.

    That said, it depends on what you are looking for....for bass response, pick up the Telarc disc Round-Up. The cut from the William Tell Overature will separate the 'haves' from the 'have nots'

    One of my fave demo discs is Jennifer Warnes "The Hunter".....I also have a direct recorded, unedited master recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons that I use (however, you can't find this one anywhere because it was never for sale)...however there are several good versions out there.

    BDT

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,086
    edited December 2007
    nms wrote: »
    Because I have no other sources and I'm a college student, I use an ipod and a combination of organ, piano, classical, and vocal pieces with which I am very familiar. An ipod is not recommended, but it's better than unfamiliar songs played on an unknown CD player.

    I don't think that an iPod is a terrible source...but, we've got to get you out of the dark ages. When I get back, lemme rummage around.....I might be able to come up with something on the cheapish to free side.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited December 2007
    SACD: "Dark Side Of The Moon" hybrid multichannel, "Boston" SL stereo
    CD: Queens "A Day At The Races"
    DVD: Roger Waters' "Live In The Flesh"
    I'm no audiophile, but these sources represent a wide spectrum of sounds.
    Good luck.
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited December 2007
    TroyD wrote: »
    I don't think that an iPod is a terrible source...but, we've got to get you out of the dark ages. When I get back, lemme rummage around.....I might be able to come up with something on the cheapish to free side.

    BDT

    If done properly it makes a great source. However, there are many other factors that come into play. Such as what quality the music was ripped at, whether your going through the 1/8th jack or through the Ipod connector, whether your going through the Ipod connect or Ipod Dock(for charging), the cable quality you choose, etc.

    I wish someone would come by and have a listen on my 2ch Ipod rig, I wanna see what people think of how it compares to other media formats.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited December 2007
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    I have reported Joe as he discriminated and deliberately left digital out of his post.:eek::p:D

    Guilty as charged but only because of lack of experience in my own rig with digital.

    If I had to recommend good digital references however it would the Mapleshade sampler CDs. Diverse music that is very, very well recorded.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited December 2007
    I'd have my set reference material right now. This is stuff I would throw in for my set generation and friends who would visit.


    HD-DVD - Transformers
    BR – Cars
    SACD – NIN (only because my collection is extremely limited)
    DVD-A – The Police (limited)
    DTS – The Police (limited)
    CD (Sctually Wav format) – Lincoln Park: Minutes to midnight (contemporary) / Rush Chronicles (classic: My generation).
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Refefer
    Refefer Posts: 1,280
    edited December 2007
    I use the stereophile test cd #2 and a mix cd I made which has a mix of classical, acapella vocal, strings, as well as more modern styles such as rap and electronica. Every system is sweating by the time it's done with that cd ;)
    Lovin that music year after year.

    Main 2 Channel System

    Polk SDA-1B,
    Promitheus Audio TVC SE,
    Rotel RB-980BX,
    OPPO DV-970HD,
    Lite Audio DAC AH,
    IXOS XHA305 Interconnects

    Computer Rig

    Polk SDA CRS+,
    Creek Audio 5350 SE,
    Morrow Audio MA1 Interconnect,
    HRT Music Streamer II
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  • nms
    nms Posts: 671
    edited December 2007
    TroyD wrote: »
    I don't think that an iPod is a terrible source...but, we've got to get you out of the dark ages. When I get back, lemme rummage around.....I might be able to come up with something on the cheapish to free side.

    BDT

    You guys are way too nice! That would be wonderful!
    My system

    "The world is an ever evolving clusterf*ck." --treitz3
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,211
    edited December 2007
    Thanks for the replies so far.

    I was originally speaking of music that you listen to. I apologize for not being clear in my question to begin with. What music do you listen to to test your system?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,794
    edited December 2007
    Donald Fagen: Kamakiriad or Nightfly
    Or for you metal heads out there: Pantera, Vulgar Display of Power.
    Goat horns in the air!!!!
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited December 2007
    Excerpt from Post#5;
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Three of the actual reference LPs I use when checking out something new in the rig are Pink Floyd's, "Shine on You Crazy Diamond & Welcome to the Machine;" Telarc's Tchaikovsky's, "Capriccio Italien;" and finally "Jazz at the Pawnshop" the 180gm pressing.

    PS: I forgot, I always use Zuben Mehta & The Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra's performance of "The Swan Lake & Nutcraker Suites."

    Those four pieces of music are all I need to check the musicality of an addition to my rig.
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  • lightman1
    lightman1 Posts: 10,794
    edited December 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Excerpt from Post#5;

    snob.;)
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited December 2007
    Why buy a test CD? I simply use a couple of my favorite CDs.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited December 2007
    Same here EB. When Mark & I went to Goodwin's I brought along a cd that had 10 of my favorite songs on it to check out the speakers.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,513
    edited December 2007
    Early B. wrote: »
    Why buy a test CD?


    No one has to buy a test anything. If you don't have a use for one, don't buy it. My Rives test CD has 1/3 octave test tones from 20-20kHz, compensated tones for the Radio Shack SPL meter, phase testing along with Mapleshade Recordings for subjective testing.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,513
    edited December 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Guilty as charged but only because of lack of experience in my own rig with digital.
    J/K bud. Did you report me?:eek::D
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited December 2007
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    If I had to recommend good digital references however it would the Mapleshade sampler CDs. Diverse music that is very, very well recorded.

    I just picked up their sampler and have to agree, it's very well recorded and has something for everyone on it.

    For vinyl I listen to MoFi's release of Bob Marley Catch a Fire.

    Digital it's DSOTM SACD or the Mapleshade release.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited December 2007
    I like to use certain songs from these particular disc's to help me determine SQ differences when I change something in my system.


    Donald Fagen-Morph the Cat DVD-A and CD.-Title track has dynamic and punchy mid bass.

    Barenaked Ladies-Gordon -good male voice test.

    Porcupine Tree-Stupid Dream track #11 and Chuck Loeb -Simple Things track #7 both tracks are great tests for bass and mid bass tightness and detail.

    Charlie Haden and Pat Meteny-Beyond the Missouri Sky.


    Pink Floyd DSOTM SACD

    Eric Clapton-Unplugged CD -great for soundstaging and instrumental placement.

    Eric Clapton-Back Home-DVD-engaging room filling multi ch sound even if a bit unnatural.


    I use several disc's by these guitarists to show intrumental detail Jesse Cook,Craig Chaquico and Acoustic Alchemy.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,211
    edited December 2007
    GV#27 wrote: »
    Donald Fagen-Morph the Cat DVD-A and CD.-Title track has dynamic and punchy mid bass.
    I can't believe I haven't gotten this yet. It has been recommended to me many times. I'm such a slacker. :(
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited December 2007
    treitz3 wrote: »
    I can't believe I haven't gotten this yet. It has been recommended to me many times. I'm such a slacker. :(
    Im a Fagan- Steely Dan fan but I like this one more for its excellent sound quality than I like it musically.I should add that I do like it just not as much as AJA or Gaucho.It is definately worth getting.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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