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?
OP…. Glad you are going to the Toronto Hifi show… Listening to live or recorded music is like practicing a sports skill or any other skill, the more hours and effort you put into it the better you will be at putting together a system or systems that connect you emotionally to the music and musicians. Go to as many live concerts in good venues with good sound as possible, the time and effort will pay off. |
Some music pieces for you maybe, inspired by alt-music and from Youtube channel : Sophisticated Layering: The Jacques Loussier Trio’s The Bach Book intricately blends classical composition with jazz improvisation. The result is a piece that explores both precision and fluidity, with each note highlighting subtle shifts in dynamics and space. The dialogue between instruments invites listeners to explore the nuanced interplay of microdynamics and imaging, creating a soundstage that feels expansive yet intimate. Electronic Complexity: Daft Punk’s Motherboard layers complex electronic textures over organic instrumentation, offering a spacious soundstage and sharp imaging. Each element exists in its own sonic space, demanding a system capable of resolving high-frequency detail without sacrificing coherence. Here, the technical mastery lies in Daft Punk’s ability to evoke both depth and clarity, providing an immersive experience that transcends the mechanical nature of electronic music. Minimalist Emotion: Nils Frahm’s Says presents a minimalist electronic composition, building gradually in emotional intensity and dynamic range. It is in the quiet moments that Frahm’s mastery reveals itself, as the music explores deep soundscapes and the intricate balance between low frequencies and spatial clarity. A system that can maintain control across these dynamics is crucial to capturing the full emotional weight of this piece. Vocal Intimacy: Agnes Obel’s Citizen of Glass delves into the complexities of vocal presentation. Her ethereal voice cuts through layers of delicate instrumentation, showcasing microdynamics and control over sibilance. In this piece, the subtlety of sound is key—every whisper, every breath must be clear, yet natural, highlighting the system’s ability to handle midrange detail with precision. Atmospheric Depth: Ólafur Arnalds’ Saman takes the listener on a journey through vast sonic landscapes. The sweeping string arrangements and soft piano touches test the system’s ability to reproduce midrange detail while maintaining a wide, immersive soundstage. Arnalds’ minimalist approach emphasizes spatial depth, requiring a setup that can render each note with clarity and emotional resonance. Rhythmic Precision: GoGo Penguin’s Hopopono seamlessly merges intricate rhythms with melodic jazz elements. The complexity of their arrangements requires a system that can resolve quick transients and maintain clarity across the full frequency range. This track challenges the listener’s ability to differentiate between tight, controlled bass and shimmering high-frequency percussion, all while preserving the rhythmic flow. Ethereal Jazz: The Portico Quartet’s Ruins is a study in high-frequency detail and spatial precision. The band’s use of ambient electronics and jazz instrumentation demands that the system reveal every nuance in the upper registers while maintaining a clear separation of instruments across the soundstage. Here, clarity and delicacy go hand in hand, offering a rich auditory experience. Cello Resonance: Julia Kent’s Last Hour Story showcases the deep resonance of the cello, creating an emotional landscape where low frequencies play a central role. The piece unfolds slowly, emphasizing the importance of microdynamics and control over low-end reproduction. Kent’s cello swells demand a system that can balance warmth and clarity, ensuring each note resonates naturally within the larger composition. Innovative Sound Design: Yosi Horikawa’s Bubbles is a masterclass in imaging and dynamic range (friends are surprised as if it is real.) Each percussive sound is precisely placed within a vast soundstage, and the rapid shifts in dynamics create a challenge for any audio system. Horikawa’s innovative use of natural soundscapes blends with electronic elements, requiring both spatial accuracy and transient quickness to fully appreciate the track’s intricacy. Emotional Elegance: Max Richter’s On the Nature of Daylight offers a deeply emotional exploration of orchestral dynamics. The swelling strings create a lush midrange that tests the system’s ability to render complex harmonics and subtle shifts in dynamics. Richter’s composition demands attention to the smallest details, with each crescendo revealing the system’s capability to handle broad dynamic swings without losing focus. Drone-Like Intensity: Hildur Guðnadóttir’s Elevation explores the tension between low-frequency weight and subtle microdynamics. The drone-like quality of her cello builds slowly, demanding a system that can handle deep bass without overpowering the more delicate upper registers. This piece challenges both the system’s control and its ability to maintain clarity through dense, resonant sounds. Polyrhythmic Mastery: Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin in Modul 33 pushes rhythmic precision and imaging to the forefront. The interplay between piano, bass, and percussion is sharp, yet fluid, making this track a test of both quickness and spatial accuracy. Each instrument occupies a defined space, requiring the system to handle complex layers without losing coherence or rhythmic tightness. Chamber Rock Exploration: Esmerine’s The Neighbourhoods Rise presents an expansive soundstage filled with rich textures. The combination of strings, percussion, and atmospheric elements creates an evolving sonic landscape where microdynamics and midrange detail are key. The emotional depth of the piece is only fully realized when the system can reproduce the intricate layers with precision. Improvisational Synergy: Bugge Wesseltoft & Henrik Schwarz’s First Track blends live piano with electronic improvisation, creating a dynamic interplay between acoustic and synthetic sounds. The system must balance these elements, maintaining clarity in both the mid and high frequencies while capturing the live, spontaneous energy of the performance. This track is a study in dynamic range and imaging, offering a rich, layered experience. Acoustic Innovation: Tin Hat Trio’s Fear of the South delves into acoustic experimentation, with each instrument engaging in a conversation of microdynamics and spatial depth. The system’s ability to reproduce the intimacy of the recording while maintaining clarity across the midrange is key to fully appreciating the Trio’s avant-garde approach. |
