[KenW]

I know the board might tire of such questions but.....

Which CD/SACD do you turn to when you want to dazzle guests or put new equipment through it's paces before purchase?

It doesn't necessarily have to be a "favorite" CD but one which always seems to amaze you when you hear it.

 

[skiingemt]

I always start with Madonna - The Immaculate Collection when I'm testing anything new. Anyone else use that one? Especially "Express Yourself," it's great for testing imaging, separation, tightness, and also has good range of highs and lows. Several other good testing tracks on that disc.
I wish I could get my hands on the MFSL gold Roger Waters - Amused to Death... I borrowed it briefly from a friend a while back and the imaging and presence of the first track would impress anyone.

 

[Wilson]

A few come into mind:

Patricia Barber, "Companion";
John Rutter, "Requiem", Reference Recording;
Patricia Barber, "Cafe Blue", SACD;
Rebecca Pidgeon - Retrospective (SACD), Chesky;

 

[Demian]

Here's a few that always impress:

DiMeola et al.--Friday Night in San Francisco. SACD
Alison Krauss and U.S.--live. SACD
Cowboy Junkies--trinity sessions. CD
Stan Getz--pure getz. SACD
Emmylous Harris--quarter moon in a ten cent town. CD