Audition Music

[azaky]

I am very new to this forum and am totally loving the knowledge that you all are sharing and giving, I really appreciate all the help I get from you guys. On another note (literally) I have been auditioning new fronts for my system and having been going back and forth on the audition music that I feel is a great test for the set I eventually will pick up. Gaucho by Steely Dan is my mark, if you will. I know Jaxvon might agree, but wanted to know what you guys were using as your benchmark(s). Thanks for the info!

Current System:

NAD T762 A/V Receiver
NAD T514 CD/DVD
Paradigm 5seMKII's OR Polk RT400s-FRONTS
Paradigm Mini Monitors-REAR
Paradigm ADP Cinemas- Surrounds
Velodyne Sub
Panasonic TH-42PX50U Plasma

 

[jaxvon]

I agree with Gaucho (of course), but be aware that it is a BRIGHT recording. Be aware of this before you crank up some Klipsch speakers blasting this album. The same goes for Royal Scam.

If you're a fan of Stevie Wonder, I would recommend you put on Songs in the Key of Life and/or Innervisions. The fidelity on these albums is superb.

Also, if you have anything on the GRP label that you like, take it as well. GRP has excellent quality on their recordings.

 

[Spiffyfast]

it really depends on your musical taste, what do you listen to, what do you like? Pick something that you know what it should sound like. When I went to audition some speakers I brought Linkin Park, Kid Rock, 3 doors down, Staind, AC/DC, and Dave Mathews. Music I knew well, when I first went out to listen I never brought any cds and the sales guys would put in these acoustic cd's with jazz and classical music, it just wasn't me and nothing really sounded that great, and I hated the sound of klipsch when I first heard the reference series. Went back to all these places with MY music and found that I prefer the sound of a horn, so something like a Klipsch speaker is what I'd enjoy.

 

[azaky]

Ah yes, totally understood. I have the reissue of Innervisions, so maybe I will drag that along with me as well. One of the reasons I love pumping up Gaucho is actually how bright it is, I mean I love how crisp and clean things are on that album.

Thanks for the info Jaxvon.