[simoon]

Since my tastes in classical music tends to be on the atonal, and "thorny" sounding side, musically speaking, YMMV.

But sonically, these are worthy.

LP:
Ernst Krenek - Static and Ecstatic (1972)

Amazing for demonstrating image and soundstage. This thing creates such a 3d soundstage, it is easy for me to imagine I can get off my listening seat, and walk into the soundstage and steal a bow from a violinist. Dynamics are also very good.



Charles Wuorinen and Donald Martino

Again, great 3d soundstage. Good dynamics, very detailed. And again, "thorny" sounding music.

Back in the 70's, the budget label Nonesuch, did a series of recordings called "Spectrum: New American Music", that tended all to be recorded very well.

Several years back, I was at an audio event here in LA, where Peter McGrath (recording engineer with Wilson Audio) gave a talk. Afterwards, I approached him to discuss these recordings, not thinking he would know about them. As soon as I mentioned them, his eyes list up. Turned out one of his mentors engineered a bunch of these. He made a statement something like, "considering how good these budget recordings are, it is a real indictment on modern recordings".




CD:
Augusta Read Thomas - EOS: Goddess of the Dawn (2015)

This is on the consistently good, Reference Recordings label. Huge, layered soundstage, dynamics to spare, very coherent. Percussion is particularly well recorded.

Musically, this is on the more "approachable" side of my tastes. Definitely modern, but not a super challenging listen. 

Jason Serinus, in a review for Stereophile called it a "sonic spectacular".

https://www.stereophile.com/content/sonic-spectacular-utah




I recently discovered the Kairos Music label https://www.kairos-music.com/, that is loaded with the type of classical music I love. So far I have bought about 10 recordings of theirs, and so far, they have all been recorded very well.

[Jeff_From_Michigan]

100% in agreement with Victor - Dawn to Dust does indeed sound spectacular.  And this is the Qobuz 24/192 stream via USB from the computer to my sub-$2K desktop system. I can't imagine how good it is going to sound on the main rig.

Thanks for the tip, simoon!

[Desertpilot]

Hello all,

Just want to say, I am very gratified that my thread has almost 43,000 views.  Thank you.  My purpose was to list music that would challenge your system.  I do own plenty of DSD multichannel surround albums.  My preference over the past few years is DXD (24/352..  Music is often recorded in DSD 256 and then mastered in DXD.  I like owning the DXD master version.  I have not found any new music to list here.  There are a few releases coming and I will list them.

Thanks again everyone!

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks for inform us your real life personal experience Marcus 

[Desertpilot]

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies 5 & 9

London Symphony Orchestra
Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor)

Finally, some new music to list here.

Marcus' thoughts:  I love RVW's music. I own the Hickox versions and others. Up until now, Hickox was my favorite. But, Pappano is now my preferred versions. Dynamic range is huge. Instruments are easily identified and in a broad and deep sound field.

John Quinn at MusicWeb International writes: "...I think this is an exceptionally fine disc. It’s a worthy follow-up to the preceding pairing of the Fourth and Sixth symphonies. If Pappano and his orchestra maintain this standard of interpretation and execution – and I can see no reason why they wouldn’t – this could come to be regarded as one of the finest VW symphony cycles of all."

Graham Williams at HR Audio.net writes:  "Pappano and the LSO pull no punches in delivering this often enigmatic (9th) symphony.  His purposeful conducting and assured playing from the orchestra, attuned to both the subtle tonal palette and granite like architecture of the piece, ensure the work’s elusive blend of austerity and radiance is delivered with absolute conviction.  ...The Fifth Symphony, drawn from performances on 12 and 14 April 2024, receives a reading of luminous poise and spiritual depth. Pappano stands comfortably in the lineage of such distinguished interpreters as Boult, Previn, and Hickox, matching their authority while bringing a fresh sense of refinement and transparency."

Tech Specs:
Available in all codecs and SACD.  I own the DXD versions in both 5.1 and 2.0
Recorded live in DSD 256fs (mastered in DXD)
Venue:  Barbican Hall, London
Recording Dates:  17 & 18 April 2024 (Symphony No 5) and 15 December 2024 (Symphony No 9)
Engineer:  Jonathan Stokes for Classic Sound Ltd balance engineer, editing, mixing, and mastering

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks Marcus, great job.