analyzing sound


Some recordings may demonstrate better audiophile-related variables (e.g., soundstage, imaging, blackness, quickness, microdynamics, dynamic range, low/mid/high frequencies, sibilance, etc.) than others.  Playlists are therefore offered as examples of music to use when evaluating hifi components or systems.  I assume, for example, that it is necessary to have a recording that is able to demonstrate a wide soundstage in order to evaluate whether a system/component produces a wide soundstage.  However, I have not found a playlist that also identifies which specific recordings are good for evaluating which specific variable that an audiophile may be interested in.

 

For example, is there an annotated playlist that provides something like the following entirely fabricated example:  Bill Frisell's recording of Baba Drame on The Intercontinentals is a good track for evaluating imaging (but not microdynamics), whereas John Eliot Gardiner's Volume 3 recording of Bach Contatas is excellent for evaluating microdynamics (but not imagining), or Imogen Heap's recording of First Train Home on her Ellipse album is good to use for determining the degree of sibilance (but not low frequency definition) of your system. 

 

Or is any good recording capable of demonstrating all qualities of interest?

jrdavisphd

Showing 1 response by kennyc

@jrdavisphd 

An audiophile is nothing more than one who pursues better sonics for recorded music through better equipment.  Like the sky, ocean, mountains, etc words cannot describe how much more a musical connection from recorded music we each feel, a much more inviting musical and emotional connection.

There are different sonic presentations, we chase the ones we subjectively find more pleasing within the constraints of our budgets. Sonic differences in sources (analog, digital  tape, tuner), typology (Solid State, tubed, hybrid), speakers (dipole  cone, Omni, electrostatic, planar,…), DACs (r2r, chip..)….

To truly understand, you have to go out and listen for yourself to discover the sound profile that personally resinates with you.    We cannot tell you what you’ll like.