Good Bass Recordings on CD for Subwoofer Testing


After reading Vade Forrester's excellent review of the Syzygy SLF870 Subwoofer in The Absolute Sound Issue 275 I've decided to try one.

My Magnepan 1.7i loudspeakers, even with a DWM Bass Panel, have always been a bit bass-shy. The SLF870 seemed like it might be a good addition. Amazon sells them, so I figured if it doesn't integrate well with the Magnepans I can always just return it.

The subwoofer arrives this coming Thursday. In the interim I'd like to find some good CD recordings for tests.

I'm looking for recommendations.

I listen primarily to classic rock and some classical, no jazz or hip-hop or metal though.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Here's my current system configuration:

Magnepan 1.7i Loudspeakers with one DWM Bass Panel
Audio Research SP14 | Audio Research 300.2
Rega Planar 3 w/ RB 330 | Ortofon 2M Blue
Rega Apollo CD | Cambridge CXN Network Player | CXC Transport
Rotel 870 AM/FM Stereo Tuner | Terk FM-50 Powered Antenna
Pioneer RT-1050 Reel-to-Reel | Nakamichi 600

Thanks

  -gb-

128x128gregorybraun
For Jazz, I'd add Zoot Sims' album At Ease, particularly "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me". It's also just a great album.
+1 on the Keb Mo Slow Down album.  It has exceptional separation of instruments and fantastic low-end bass lines.  This is absolutely one of the best recordings for bass I've ever heard.  Check out the cut "Soon as I get Paid".  This album is one of those magic recordings all the way around.

The American Beauty soundtrack "Dead Already" and "Root Beer" (Thomas Newman).