If I had to pick just one (that isn't terribly obscure), it would be Roxy Music's Avalon. Almost a perfect recording.
Best demo recording
Best demo recording
OK I assume we all have systems we love
please share your favorite recordings to hear the dynamics of our fine systems
Especially in the genre of rock and jazz
The album or CD that makes your stereo shine
Thanks
OK I assume we all have systems we love
please share your favorite recordings to hear the dynamics of our fine systems
Especially in the genre of rock and jazz
The album or CD that makes your stereo shine
Thanks
19 responses Add your response
Technically it is the system that makes the recordings shine. Or should be. But I get your drift, and with Roxy Music we are off to a good start. Sinatra-Basie for incredible vocal presence. Jennifer Warnes The Well (the limited 45) for incredible lush liquid luxuriousness. Tom Petty Southern Accents for dynamic audiophile rock. Ellington Jazz Party (the 45) for kaleidoscopic live jazz. The percussion on Maletoba Spank will knock your socks off! From the Age of Swing on Reference Recordings for superbly recorded orchestra. Janis Ian Breaking Silence, for superb pop/rock that is all analog, with a couple recorded live to two-track. Michael Ruff Speaking in Melodies on Sheffield, just superb in every respect. |
@millercarbon, "Technically it is the system that makes the recordings shine. Or should be." We know that plainly isn't the case. Not even technically. There's little getting away from the fact that differences between recordings are far greater than the differences between any decent or semi-decent systems. Even you must, as the remainder of your post above went on to illustrate. Unless of course you were singularly referring to your much vaunted - yet seemingly high strung, system alone. How many times have we heard you declare that the smallest change can make its sound become unlistenably drab? A shill too far perhaps? You've already been discredited at least once due to your various undisclosed financial benefits yet you keep freely handing out such 'advice'. Don't you think you might owe the rest of us some form of an apology? Or have you forgotten? |
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@millercarbon, Au contraire mon frere, it is precisely the case, technically and in every other way. High fidelity literally means highly faithful. The very best any component can do is - nothing. The perfect component passes the signal perfectly, neither adding nor subtracting anything. Okay so that being the case then for certain the absolutely perfect system will do nothing but let the recordings shine- exactly what I said. What about the non-perfect systems? There’s little getting away from the fact that differences between recordings are far greater than the differences between any decent or semi-decent systems. Really? The recordings we all buy are all professional. That is, again, literally the definition of the term: professional, done for money. Where all our systems are by definition amateur. Usually I would say done for love, as that is literally the meaning of the word. The root of amateur is the same as amorous, out of love. In your case however we are not so sure and will leave it as not for money. Unlike myself, who whatever else you may say about me you certainly seem to find me professional, surely no one would ever offer you money for whatever the heck it is you do. Anyway, this being the case, recordings are professional while our systems are amateur. So in order for you to be right you would have to be saying amateurs are better and more consistent than professionals. Since when? Even you must, as the remainder of your post above went on to illustrate. Unless of course you were singularly referring to your much vaunted - yet seemingly high strung, system alone. The problem with this lame attempt at disparaging my system is all the people who have heard it and left their comments on my system page. How many times have we heard you declare that the smallest change can make its sound become unlistenably drab? Never. Not a one. If I did find it, prove me wrong. |
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Best demo recordingOkay, #1, if I could play only one: Jennifer Warnes, Born in Time, so far as I know only available on the 45RPM Limited Edition 3LP boxed set https://elusivedisc.com/jennifer-warnes-the-well-numbered-limited-edition-45rpm-180g-3lp-box-set/ Luxuriously deep and 3D, with superb bass, impeccable recording and of course Jennifer Warnes fabulous voice, this one has it all. When I played it for Keith and Deborah they were like Who is that? We are getting the Moabs. And afterwards, What was that last one you played again???! |
When friends are here and ask to hear something played my go-to demo is Steely Dan’s Aja (side 1). They’ve heard those tunes many times but played on a good system they quickly realize there’s a lot more music there to hear and enjoy. They’re surprised it’s just an LP I bought in 1977 and have taken care of (played countless times), not a special high-end recording. They always want to hear an LP. If they care to compare, I can play them the digital versions. If they want more it’s on to Roxy Music’s Avalon or Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors or for something way different Jennifer Warnes’ famousblueraincoat or EL VY’s Return To The Moon. |
Tho our stereos are amateur systems , my stereo if my reference for how live should sound . If I go to a live show which is often , I expect it to sound better or I am disappointed for paying big bucks for live music. yes our stereos should make the audio sound great but I have many albums that stand out in the production sound and recording |