With all these discussions on components and accessories, I would suggest some CDs for your own perusal and even for test/demo purpose when you consider buying something. Based on my personal experience...
(1) Naim Audio's "True Stereo" --- This is one of those rare discs, perhaps the only one I have come across, which shows a layout of the singer(s) and instruments for each track, front to back and left to right, and therefore certainly one which will tell you for sure how the imaging and soundstage of your system is. The music is good and the CD is available in Naim website.
(2) Chesky's ultimate hearing and demo disc --- Before each track, there is an explanation of the specific audiophile attribute (resolution, dynamic range, imaging etc) which is demonstrated in that track and what you have to listen for. All tracks sound good and listenable and should be available in stores selling Chesky CDs or in websites like musicdirect, acoustic sounds etc.
(3) Burmester CD #2 --- Perhaps the finest recorded CD I have with gorgeous music in all tracks. If your system is really good, this is music par excellence with great recording. Unfortunately their disc #1 which should be as good or even better is unavailable so far and I am still searching.
It is important to carry a well recorded CD when one goes to listen to a new equipment especially after playing the same in one's own system several times to really gauge whether one is going to get a better performance.
There are others too, and if someone is interested, I can give their names also. Such good CDs cost around US$20 and is a worthwhile investment and should last for a long time compared to many of the stuff we buy here which get pits and scratches after using a few times.
After all, why should one have a good music playback system unless one has greatly recorded and wonderful music!
Happy listening.
> murali
(1) Naim Audio's "True Stereo" --- This is one of those rare discs, perhaps the only one I have come across, which shows a layout of the singer(s) and instruments for each track, front to back and left to right, and therefore certainly one which will tell you for sure how the imaging and soundstage of your system is. The music is good and the CD is available in Naim website.
(2) Chesky's ultimate hearing and demo disc --- Before each track, there is an explanation of the specific audiophile attribute (resolution, dynamic range, imaging etc) which is demonstrated in that track and what you have to listen for. All tracks sound good and listenable and should be available in stores selling Chesky CDs or in websites like musicdirect, acoustic sounds etc.
(3) Burmester CD #2 --- Perhaps the finest recorded CD I have with gorgeous music in all tracks. If your system is really good, this is music par excellence with great recording. Unfortunately their disc #1 which should be as good or even better is unavailable so far and I am still searching.
It is important to carry a well recorded CD when one goes to listen to a new equipment especially after playing the same in one's own system several times to really gauge whether one is going to get a better performance.
There are others too, and if someone is interested, I can give their names also. Such good CDs cost around US$20 and is a worthwhile investment and should last for a long time compared to many of the stuff we buy here which get pits and scratches after using a few times.
After all, why should one have a good music playback system unless one has greatly recorded and wonderful music!
Happy listening.
> murali