CD for A-B comparisons

[regal]

I'm always comparing amps, sources, headphones, etc. When it comes to midrange and treble the Joni Mitchell "Songs to a Seagull" is a great album. You can really differentiate the good from bad components with this CD. It was recorded and mastered perfectly and Joni's beautiful voice is so surreal that your hearing instinct just picks up different presentations.

 

[Know Talent]

While I like to use G.W.A.R.'s "Scumdogs of the Universe" for many of the same reasons

I usually grab a few of the following...

Patricia Barber's "Live: A Fortnight in France"
Parallel Realities "Parallel Realities Live"
Diana Krall's "Live in Paris"
Eva Cassidy "Live at Blues Alley"
Boz Scaggs "Greatest Hits Live"
"Jazz at the Pawnshop"
Amhad Jamal "Live in Paris '92"
Nina Simone "After Hours"
Cowboy Junkies "Trinity Sessions"
Alman Brothers Band "Live at the Filmore"
Counting Crows "New Amsterdam: Live ..."
Massive Attack "Blue Lines"
Erich Kunzel & CSO "1812 Overture"

...and always a random Puccini/Pavarotti opera piece!

 

[progo]

I first run some of Angelo Badalamenti's Mulholland Drive soundtrack. There's some amazing pieces there. I really couldn't say what else would I listen to. Maybe Pink Floyd's The Wall and DSOTM would be tested as well.

I don't have the finance to get new toys every month so when I upgrade something major I'm going to make largish comparations, track-based. It will include anything I can grab.

 

[moogoob]

Nightwish's Dark Passion Play. The last four tracks, to be specific.

 

[analogbox]

"The magic hour" by Wynton Marsalis. It's beautifully recorded. The cymbals, double bass, trumpet and vocal are so clear.

 

[fatcat28037]

Chesky, The Ultimate Demonstration Disk