Jahn
Headphoneus Supremus Prolificus
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2004
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Hey gang, this comes up once in a while but i can't find the other darn threads. So to be helpful, let's post up what we use for reference tracks, and where to find em. Not necessarily music you love - but it helps if you love it, because then you'll probably know the track by heart.
1)Train in Vain (Stand by Me). By The Clash. On the London Calling Remastered CD. Redbook. Clean Rock/Punk. Check for a tight bass drum and bouncy clean electric bass. Separation is key. Also good for soundstage - check out the reverb on the electric guitar. Cymbals should be a dark timbre.
2)We've Only Just Begun. By the Carpenters. Carpenters Gold:35th Anniversary double CD. Remastered. Redbook. You only need to listen to the intro - if the female vocals of Karen Carpenter don't grab you, there's something wrong. Lip licking should be juicy. Sibilance shouldn't be too pronounced. Good to check sibilance because it's borderline sibilant as recorded, and a good system will keep it in check without sacrificing detail.
3)My Romance (Take 2). Bill Evans Trio. Hybrid SACD - "Waltz for Debby." Riverside. All I can say is 5 times during this track I took off my cans because i thought my wife was calling me. Now that's realism. As live as a club recording is going to get. Amazing. Don't even need crossfeed for this, it's like all the instruments are exactly where they belong, and depending on your can, you're right where you should be (for me, in the band jammin!) So look for placement, detail, realism, soundstage.
4) The Unexpected Visitor. Michael Hedges. "Beyond Boundaries - Guitar Solos." Redbook CD. Crystal clear no hissy background, just the acoustic guitar jamming - no fake reverb, etc that usually kills "Wyndam Hill" type music. Just the man going to town on an acoustic guitar. Catch every little snap and pop on this track. Acoustic Guitar, steel strings. Grados were made for this.
5)uh oh. getting caught up in my music. will report more later. Add more if you like! Especially a reference tracks for pipe organ. I gotta hear the O.G. bass!
1)Train in Vain (Stand by Me). By The Clash. On the London Calling Remastered CD. Redbook. Clean Rock/Punk. Check for a tight bass drum and bouncy clean electric bass. Separation is key. Also good for soundstage - check out the reverb on the electric guitar. Cymbals should be a dark timbre.
2)We've Only Just Begun. By the Carpenters. Carpenters Gold:35th Anniversary double CD. Remastered. Redbook. You only need to listen to the intro - if the female vocals of Karen Carpenter don't grab you, there's something wrong. Lip licking should be juicy. Sibilance shouldn't be too pronounced. Good to check sibilance because it's borderline sibilant as recorded, and a good system will keep it in check without sacrificing detail.
3)My Romance (Take 2). Bill Evans Trio. Hybrid SACD - "Waltz for Debby." Riverside. All I can say is 5 times during this track I took off my cans because i thought my wife was calling me. Now that's realism. As live as a club recording is going to get. Amazing. Don't even need crossfeed for this, it's like all the instruments are exactly where they belong, and depending on your can, you're right where you should be (for me, in the band jammin!) So look for placement, detail, realism, soundstage.
4) The Unexpected Visitor. Michael Hedges. "Beyond Boundaries - Guitar Solos." Redbook CD. Crystal clear no hissy background, just the acoustic guitar jamming - no fake reverb, etc that usually kills "Wyndam Hill" type music. Just the man going to town on an acoustic guitar. Catch every little snap and pop on this track. Acoustic Guitar, steel strings. Grados were made for this.
5)uh oh. getting caught up in my music. will report more later. Add more if you like! Especially a reference tracks for pipe organ. I gotta hear the O.G. bass!
