Reference recordings and their reproduction in various environments

[454Casull]

As advised, I have fine-tuned the original topic into somewhat that I hope is more palatable to the powers that be. Moving on:

I would like to propose that we collectively select a variety of well-recorded songs, or sound files in general, for the purpose of determining what is common and not common to the varieties of speakers and listening environments that we have at hand. Specifically, I am interested in how different polar responses and room setups can affect/effect imaging, soundstage (inside/outside the speakers), change in effect based on differing listening position, etc.

The inspiration for this thread came to me both from many of the posts in the now-off-kilter "disappearing act" thread, and from browsing Linkwitz's demo CD page here:

Sound Picture CD

We can certainly use this collection as a starting reference but I should advise that public domain or low-cost recordings be given preference for selection. Does anybody have any suggestions for worthy recordings?

[454Casull]

Once we have a list of recordings (perhaps 10 to start), we can start working on the criteria which can hopefully isolate differences between speakers+environments.

[AllenB]

Very interested in titles with specific praise and criticism of their parts. Knowing how much recordings vary it is hard to be confident about a reference (hence this thread, I guess) and I'm reticent about being the first to offer up titles.

I would add that I don't buy the idea that a reference title is the one that displays spectacular clarity. If there's one thing I'd like references to offer it is tonal quality, followed by spatial characteristics.

[graaf]

IMHO unsurpassed cds for testing purposes come from Tacet:

TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
TACET-Website - english
and more
also:
TACET-Website - english

I have them all and to my ears they are all great, they are reference for me

[rob g]

Here is a good recording for excellent clarity and very realistic dynamics (not soundstaging/spatial clarity):

O-zone Percussion group:
Amazon.com: La Bamba - The O-Zone Percussion Group: Doug Overmier, Pat Metheny, William Cahn, Thaddeus Jones, Jared Spears, David Mancini, Ron Delp, Phil Faini, John Beck, Frederic Dutton, Les Hooper, O-Zone Percussion Group: Music

[rob g]

One that surely has to go on the list is Shostakovich Symphony no.15 performed by the Uppsala Chamber Orchestra. This is a a live recording.

Excellent everything. Very natural balance, dynamic range, spatial realism and a good performance. Also it is superb, powerful music.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shostakovich.../dp/B004AWX3YY