Question Best record production for Hi-Fi tests

[David B]

My music library is composed of many different genres, from jazz to electronic, folk to pop, rock (...).
One of my favourite bands is Radiohead, which is also one that has released albums with a very high production quality.

Having said that, if I had to choose one single album for testing equipment, I would have to go with Daft Punk - Random Access Memories.
In terms of production, this album is to me as close to perfection as can be: incredible dynamics, clear and clean punchy sound, and a very controlled and complete frequency range.



If you had to choose the perfectly produced album, what would it be?

 

[BigH]

I would use less perfectly produced albums, l find that tests systems better than well produced. As the majority of music is not well produced, then that is better test.

The reason why hifi shows often use the same sort of music, is it easy to sound good. Ever wondered why a lot of them the same boring music?

Some audiophiles fall into the trap of only playing well produced music.

Use a wide range of music. I nearly bought some Wharfedales once, sounded lovely on vocals but fell apart with bass guitar. The dealer blamed my music but it was fine in other speakers. Double bass can cause cabinets to audibly resonate even at moderate levels, especially on floorstanders.

Sibilance is a major issue for me, always use that in tests, l found upgrading has reduced or even eliminated it, in some cases.

 

[David B]

I would use less perfectly produced albums, l find that tests systems better than well produced. As the majority of music is not well produced, then that is better test.

The reason why hifi shows often use the same sort of music, is it easy to sound good. Ever wondered why a lot of them the same boring music?

Some audiophiles fall into the trap of only playing well produced music.

Fair enough. I should have phrased my post differently then, my intention was to share best sounding albums between members, to have a list of great sounding albums available here

 

[Al ears]

The best way to ensure an LP based system is set up correctly is a proper test disc.

 

[BigH]

Fair enough. I should have phrased my post differently then, my intention was to share best sounding albums between members, to have a list of great sounding albums available here

There are lots of Jazz, most of the ECM catalogue, certainly the more recent ones are top notch. Tord Gustavsen would be one artist. Does anyone record drums and piano as well?

Nils Frahm albums are pretty good generally.

Lots of "jazz" singers of course. Melody Gardot would be my pick.

Sade.

Aja - Steely Dan.

 

[David B]

There are lots of Jazz, most of the ECM catalogue, certainly the more recent ones are top notch. Tord Gustavsen would be one artist. Does anyone record drums and piano as well?

Nils Frahm albums are pretty good generally.

Lots of "jazz" singers of course. Melody Gardot would be my pick.

Sade?

Great choices!
With jazz, I have been particularly impressed by the last few albums from Avishai Cohen as well...

 

[BigH]

WYWH and DSOTM - Pink Floyd

Eric Bibb albums are well produced.

Boards of Canada also. Many in that genre probably also.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Bob Marley's One Love. Not my typical choice of music, but a great test of bass, vocals, soundstage, percussion etc etc.

 

[speedthing]

Yes 90125

 

[Hifiman]

An old favourite amongst audiophiles (but no worse for it) is Joe Jackson, Body and Soul, either on vinyl or CD. Great songs and a great recording. It was at the vanguard of 1980s digital recording and mastering, and there is a whole backstory around the search for the most ideal venue to record it, finally plumping for a Masonic hall in New York.
Just do not go for the disastrous European 1997 digital remaster with all its pops and clicks which, unfortunately, also seems to be the version used by most streaming services. Unfathonable how that ever saw the light of day, or why JJ never put a stop to it as soon as the first person listened to it.

 

[Cork]

I set up test tracks with two considerations, (1) I'm extremely familiar with the tracks (have played them to death), (2) the tracks hit on separation, attack, bass & treble (voice & instrument), harmonics.

I have 19 tunes that try to cover that list, here's the first ten:

In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed-Allman Brothers
Ixtapa-Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Freddie Freeloader-Miles Davis
What'd I Say-Ray Charles
Fearless Blues-Ana Popovic
When The Levee Breaks-Led Zeppelin
Piano Concerto No. 2 In Cm, Op. 18 - III. Allegro Scherzando-Rachmaninov-Bernard Haitink
Piano Concerto No. 4 In Gm, Op. 40 - I. Allegro Vivace-Rachmaninov-Bernard Haitink
Symphony No. 5; I. Allegro con brio-Beethoven-Christopher Hogwood
Jazz Man-Beth Hart