record_spot
Well-known member
The opening minute, or so, of Yes' "Starship Trooper" from their 1971 album, The Yes Album. Get the original Atlantic CD, still the best, and ignore MoFi, Steven Wilson, etc, versions. You could get the Joe Gastwirt remaster if that's all that's there, but the original's my pick of the bunch.
You'll get a big opening splash, but your system ought to then track the Chris Squire's bassline, but also should be able to pick up not only Steve Howe's electric guitar, but also the distortion as his notes pay in the background. Then, you should hear Squire's bassline notes naturally decay at the same time.
Any of the opening three tracks on Julie Feeney's Pages album from 2009. Just her vocal and strings adorn this album. And it's all the better for it. Great for trialling a new stereo item.
You'll get a big opening splash, but your system ought to then track the Chris Squire's bassline, but also should be able to pick up not only Steve Howe's electric guitar, but also the distortion as his notes pay in the background. Then, you should hear Squire's bassline notes naturally decay at the same time.
Any of the opening three tracks on Julie Feeney's Pages album from 2009. Just her vocal and strings adorn this album. And it's all the better for it. Great for trialling a new stereo item.
Revolutions
Well-known member
Jasonovich
Well-known member
Nagra is a great album for testing your HiFi.
2xHD has original Recording Format in Analog or pure DSD of the highest quality.
Worth exploring
2xHD has original Recording Format in Analog or pure DSD of the highest quality.
Worth exploring
aversaurus
Well-known member
twinkletoes
Well-known member
Man what a load of nonsense about nothing. The man is simply asking for test tracks!
Any how it depends what your into but here’s a short list of well recorded music that a good system should be able to make shine regardless of budget.
Cleopatrick, bummer. Lofi rock/metal. Though hard, you should be able to follow the vocals on good system. The opening track is a fair good test.
Leanne la havas. I think it’s self titled. The album with the black and white picture on the front flicker her hair about. Good opener
Mac miler circles. A really good test for vynal replay. There are some very long and low notes in there. If the cart isn’t sorted you’ll know with this track.
Nothing but thieves, broken machine, not made by design. Should put the hairs on the back your neck up.
Fieh cold water burning skin, the whole album is very well recorded.
Robert glasper. Covered opening tracks will give bass reproduction a work out. Lot of quick plucked strings and loads of layers.
Speaking of bass DJ shadows three Ralph will certainly work your system out. I’d be surprised your system can reproduce this faithfully
The prodigy music for the guilted generation, poison, again be surprised if your system can reproduce this faithfully. You also have mindfields by them as well.
Clair maguire, stranger things have happened, opening tracks are very haunting and great vocal test.
Death from above 1979 outrage is now, fast and frantic metal/ electronic muisc system will need a good sense of timing.
The internet, get away. Really airy vocals surrounded by rich and powerful acoustics. You should be able to here all the layers.
This lot won’t be to many’s taste round these parts but good test tracks if you are into this sort of stuff.
Think that will do you for a bit.
Any how it depends what your into but here’s a short list of well recorded music that a good system should be able to make shine regardless of budget.
Cleopatrick, bummer. Lofi rock/metal. Though hard, you should be able to follow the vocals on good system. The opening track is a fair good test.
Leanne la havas. I think it’s self titled. The album with the black and white picture on the front flicker her hair about. Good opener
Mac miler circles. A really good test for vynal replay. There are some very long and low notes in there. If the cart isn’t sorted you’ll know with this track.
Nothing but thieves, broken machine, not made by design. Should put the hairs on the back your neck up.
Fieh cold water burning skin, the whole album is very well recorded.
Robert glasper. Covered opening tracks will give bass reproduction a work out. Lot of quick plucked strings and loads of layers.
Speaking of bass DJ shadows three Ralph will certainly work your system out. I’d be surprised your system can reproduce this faithfully
The prodigy music for the guilted generation, poison, again be surprised if your system can reproduce this faithfully. You also have mindfields by them as well.
Clair maguire, stranger things have happened, opening tracks are very haunting and great vocal test.
Death from above 1979 outrage is now, fast and frantic metal/ electronic muisc system will need a good sense of timing.
The internet, get away. Really airy vocals surrounded by rich and powerful acoustics. You should be able to here all the layers.
This lot won’t be to many’s taste round these parts but good test tracks if you are into this sort of stuff.
Think that will do you for a bit.
WayneKerr
Well-known member
Revolutions
Well-known member
Dom
Well-known member
James105
Well-known member
Well I listened to it twice, I gave it a bit more juice the second time and I'm not sure what the challenge is although I did halfway through the 3rd attempt realise why they're called Kefaya.
Al ears
Well-known member
Please explain?
Your comments are becoming nonsensical.
Al ears
Well-known member
nothing of the sound quality from a YouTube channel is ever likely to challenge my system....
So stop posting links... It's a bit spammy.
Al ears
Well-known member
I don't think there is any way one particular track can 'challenge ' or even test a set-up.
There are LPs designed to set up and test a vinyl based system and CDs to do likewise.
A single track? Not possible.
That said, from personal experience, a track with female voice and piano can be very useful.
There are LPs designed to set up and test a vinyl based system and CDs to do likewise.
A single track? Not possible.
That said, from personal experience, a track with female voice and piano can be very useful.
James105
Well-known member
I'd suggest Blue by Joni Mitchell, if not the whole LP then just the title song. You have Joni's hauntingly pure vocals which will captivate you then you have her accompany herself on piano which should be heard as an equal partner to her voice but as a completely separate instrument at yet merge into a complete whole.
Its hard to explain and I wouldn't even try IRL but here I think people know what I'm trying to say
Its hard to explain and I wouldn't even try IRL but here I think people know what I'm trying to say
James105
Well-known member
WayneKerr
Well-known member
Just played this and have to say along with all the recommendations in this thread that unless it's your particular taste in music it falls flat on its face. The only thing the recommended tracks have tested with me is my patience
Just my opinion 
plastic penguin
Well-known member
One track that really tests the control and tightness the lower frequencies and treble is a track by Cooper Temple Clause called 'Did you Miss Me'. It's a real wall shaker.
View: https://youtu.be/eFuTGMYSD2c
WayneKerr
Well-known member
skinnypuppy71
Well-known member
Probably anything from Infected mushroom will give your system a workout.....it's electronic music in case your wondering...I can't say I listen to them often, but heck.
Gray
Well-known member
To 'challenge' I've got plenty of test CDs with single tones and sweeps.
But it has to be about music - and real instruments for me.
I took a USB stick to a dealers with several tracks including this.
If a speaker hides the HF detail such as the bells, it's a no-go for me.
Kettle drum is a tester too....to be played loud:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLHMxFGqhIs
But it has to be about music - and real instruments for me.
I took a USB stick to a dealers with several tracks including this.
If a speaker hides the HF detail such as the bells, it's a no-go for me.
Kettle drum is a tester too....to be played loud:
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