[OlManRivah]

We need a good test track.

A sound track (no specific genre) that has a wide range of qualities that
will bring out the best (or the worst) of our Cans. Bass, treble, midranges
and vocal segments.

We can't all have the same stereo equipment, mp3 players, amps, etc., but we could all have access to the same down-loadable track. It could also be used to judge burn-in traits, sound stage opinions, etc. Maybe we could get
imputs from our sound engineer members.

We are in dire need of a level playing field. We would also need suggestions on how to best use the track. No specific language (English, German, Zulu) would be required. After the decision (via a poll), we could request a Stickie to publish the track, maybe what basics a good Can will deliver, and where it can be downloaded.

It also, might be used to properly equalize your equipment to help upgrade
the sound being heard by your present Cans.

What you guys and gals think?

 

[gshan]

Check this thread in the music section out: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=125689

 

[AuroraProject]

I think this would be a good idea, a headfi reference track if you will. We will of course need permission from said artist(s).


Mark

 

[tilt]

Michael Jackson - Thriller

 

[OlManRivah]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gshan Check this thread in the music section out: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=125689

Very interesting thread. I've downloaded all his suggestions and am testing now. I don't think that many tracks are necessary. One, good, uncopyrighted track, with a description of what good Cans will hear and what bad Cans won't hear is what is needed.

By the way, I didn't see Mush or some other HiFi Forum descriptions being used. Mush isn't helpful, but, more of a Can bashing, IMHO.

 

[jerryg]

the best test soundtracks would be the Hotel California

 

[OlManRivah]

After listening to these, supposedly, test tracks for headphone quality, I
had to laugh. Although some tracks may exhibit some characteristics that
could define quality Cans from inferior Cans, the poor quality of the
downloaded MP3's diminished, completely, their use.

Just an example would be "Sweet Georgia Brown". This track has a severe
disortion on the left side, that can be seen on a frequency analizer. "Grandma's hands, has it on the right side of the track.
"Ask me now" has terrible tape hiss embedded in the track.

I don't think any serious music critic would suggest using an MP3 file to
judge quality or use tapes with tape hiss as an example.
So, even though I really think we need a universal track to compare with,
this is definitely not it. It would have to at least be a lossless, CD quality file.