Reference CD's to evaluate imaging?

jermmd · « **on:** 31 Dec 2004, 09:40 pm »

I've added a sub to my two channel set up so I can be more flexible with my speaker placement. Can anyone suggest any demo tracks to use for tweaking soundstage and imaging?

Joe M.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:10 pm »

Some suggestions:

Muddy Waters - Folk Singer (any track on the disc)
The Famous Sound of Three Blind Mice (XRCD sampler, track 1)
Jimmy Smith - Root Down (Sagg Shootin' His Arrow, track 1)
Le Carnaval Des Animaux - (track #12 by Camille Saint-Saens)
Willie Nelson - Stardust (any track on the disc)

pretty much anything from MA Recordings

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:13 pm »

What about "Jazz at the Pawnshop"? While its musical merits may be suspect, it HAS been widely regarded as a reference disc. Since so many people have the disc (s), you'll probably find opinions on the web fairly easily: for instance, the phone rings during one track and, as I remember, it comes from BEHIND the band.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:21 pm »

Jazz at the Pawnshop is definitely excellent for this (my favorite version is the XRCD if you are willing to spend the $50 for it). I like using track #3 from Disc 2 of this version (sorry..lent mine to someone, so can't look up the name of the track at this moment).

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:34 pm »

I STILL remember hearing "Jazz at the Pawnshop" for the first time, being demoed by Michael Green in the audio store he ran before starting RoomTunes. The tinkling of glasses and idle chit-chat of the audience before the band began was just like being in a real club.

FWIW, here's the XRCD version Phil mentioned

zachslc · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:44 pm »

My favorite is slightly esoteric: "The Splendor od al Andalus" on MA recordings. I have never heard a MA disc that is not absolutely superb.

John Casler · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:56 pm »

Quote from: jermmd

I've added a sub to my two channel set up so I can be more flexible with my speaker placement. Can anyone suggest any demo tracks to use for tweaking soundstage and imaging?

Joe M.

One of the best is the Blue Port Release of "Carl Saunders Sextet in San Francisco".

The Sextet is spread accurately across the stage and each instrument is pretty much where it should be in all three planes.

It was recorded "outside" so if you have your room well set up and treated, that is what it will sound like.

Here is a picture of the group playing

Aside from the drums being a little forward and more to the right of the sax player, that is how it sounds if your system is set up well.

http://www.audiohigh.com/lines/blueport/blueport.html

jermmd · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 10:58 pm »

Athough I have a lot of CD's, I have none of those mentioned so far.

Anything else?

Joe M.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 Dec 2004, 11:03 pm »

Quote from: jermmd

Athough I have a lot of CD's, I have none of those mentioned so far.
Anything else?

Joe M.

Huh...I thought you were looking for new music to check out...!

What kind of music are you into? Might help narrow things down...

jermmd · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 02:42 am »

I am quickly increasing my CD collection by buying many of the CD's recommended here and on other forums. I've listened to George (Zybar's) demo tracks often and I think I have most of them now. I'm interested in music that you guys use for imaging but I figured I'd have some of it to test today. My tastes are all over the place and I'm trying to expand my horizon's. I appreciate the recommendations and I'm more interested in what other people like than in what I already know. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Joe M.

nickspicks · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 12:18 pm »

I find many of Dylans releases image scarily well.
especialy Time out of Mine, track 7 "not dark yet".

Also, any of the stereophile test CDs will have great tracks for these kinds of test.

now, school me please? What is an MA disc?

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 12:28 pm »

Quote from: nickspicks

....
now, school me please? What is an MA disc?

http://www.marecordings.com/

nickspicks · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 12:36 pm »

cool, thanks.
looks like a tasty collection.

beemer · « **Reply #13 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 04:30 pm »

Pick up the soundtrack to "Patriot Games".

Not only imaging, depth and placement.....it will also test the limits of your subwoofer.

Best,

Paul

nickspicks · « **Reply #14 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 05:56 pm »

Quote from: beemer

Pick up the soundtrack to "Patriot Games".

Not only imaging, depth and placement.....it will also test the limits of your subwoofer.

Best,

Paul

subwhoofer? whats that?
Oh, you mean the things my Von Schweikert VR4s sprinkle on their cereal.

beemer · « **Reply #15 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 07:34 pm »

Perhaps I should have said: woofer

Best,

Paul

zachslc · « **Reply #16 on:** 1 Jan 2005, 07:47 pm »

Also try James Taylor's "Hourglass" and anything by Ana Caram.

electricbear · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Jan 2005, 05:01 pm »

The Tutti orchestral sampler is a must have . Great recording and good variety. Try and find a copy of The Uri Honing Trio- Star Tracks. This is used by the likes of Martin Logan to demonstate imaging. I use it in the store with great effect. I also recommend the sound track to Fifth Element. This is a favourite of some of the guys at enjoythemusic.com.

ted_b · « **Reply #18 on:** 2 Jan 2005, 05:58 pm »

Thanks. I just ordered the Tutti and Fith Element. One of my favorites for imaging eval is Cassandra Wilson's New Moon Daughter.

Ted_B

_scotty_ · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Jan 2005, 11:44 pm »

I am enjoying the soundtrack to the Lemony Snicket movie. Very clean recording with awesome lows and an enormous image/soundscape.
Another good recording is the American Beauty Soundtrack. Same composer as Lemony Snicket. Scotty