Best Album - to test your system??

[Bonzodogdick]

I reckon Radiohead's OK Computer takes some beating.

Anybody know if its available in a good vinyl offering?

[cwick]

Vinyl here ... https://www.shop.vivante.co.uk/resul...&Submit=Search

[eviljohn2]

There's loads of good test albums in every genre. Ones that spring to mind for me are:
* Tool - Lateralus
* Prodigy - The Fat of the Land
* Catch 22 - Keasbey Nights
* Joe Strummer & the Mescaleroes - Global-A-Go-Go
* Rancid - Rancid 2000

There's a lot of fast pacing across the whole frequency range in that lot, along with some excellent acoustic recordings.

Also bear in mind that any disc with the HDCD logo on it will have been very well recorded and mastered whether or not you have the capability to play the full 24-bit version on your system.

Even after those thoughts, however, I believe that the most important thing is to pick music that you know well. I wouldn't necessarily take all those discs if I was testing new equipment but would certainly take London Calling by The Clash for example (which isn't a great remaster but I know it almost inside out).

[Gorshin]

'Blue Lines' by Massive Attack because it rocks

[karkus30]

I use five tracks :

Nirvana - Nevermind Smells like Teen Spirit and In Bloom (Im looking for a dark claustrophobic sound and the right swing and rythmn from the drums and also the seperation of the voices from the guitars during thre Yeahhh bits).

Sting Ten Summoners tales- If I Ever loose my Faith (I hate sting and I dont really like this recording, so if it sounds OK then it means I will listen to just about anything).

Peter Gabriel - Mercy street (Im listening for the tom tom being distinct from the drums).

Cyndi Lauper-12 Deadly Cyns Im gonna be strong (This should give a raw vocal that lifts the hairs on the back of your neck. If it doesnt, its not right).

Thats it, just five tracks means that I quickly evaluate changes. I should point out that Im looking for the sound that I like, which might not be the true hifi sound.

Currently running Naim NAC72 with custom PSU, 2 x Naim 135 monoblocks with custom wiring. Neat Ultimatum 7s with Naim NAC A5. Marantz CD17. Roksan Xerxes with Origin Live Encounter tonearm and Ortofon Jubilee Cart.

If I want to impress with Vinyl, then on goes Aerial Boundaries by Michael Hedges ( If you have'nt heard this, you need to, its probably the greatest acoustic guitar recording..........ever) theres a couple of bits where he hits the body of the guitar which are so dynamic.

Then theres Paul Simon's Hearts and Bones on QUIEX an original promo recording, the bass goes really low and you can feel the room pressurise.

Ella Fitzgerald Re release of Clap Hands Here Comes Charlie on 180g virgin Vinyl.............be in that nightclub, you can almost smell the Cigars and taste the Bourbon. Smooth like a deep slow river.

Buddy Holly's self titled re released a few years ago on audiophile 180g Vinyl, Amazing, just Stunning really. Hes in the room with you, a ghost from the past made solid. Those 50s recordings are pure magic, why we cant manage this with all the sophistication of modern recording Techniques is beyond me.

Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat another audiophile reissue - A twist on Leonard Cohens songs and an amazing voice.

Not that I listen to this stuff all the time...but when you want to convince someone of how good vinyl can be this smokes 'em.

[Bonzodogdick]

Originally Posted by cwick

Vinyl here ... https://www.shop.vivante.co.uk/resul...&Submit=Search

Thanks cwick,

Its ordered!

Bonzo

[sh18]

any Korn album will definately test the bass!