You're doing it the right way. I have done this in the past, too, brought recordings that I kknow are harsh. They can reveal harshnesses in a system when you only have a few hours to evaluate a bunch of equipment. There is much high-end equipment that is harsh sounding in and of itself. Using only the best recordings will not reveal this. You will figure it out eventually, when you get home and live with the stuff for a while (then we'll see it here for sale). I agree with Arni - the very best equipment makes great recordings sound their best, but also allows poor recordings to be listenable. Many of the components I have heard seem to be a trade-o0ff between harshness and resolution - the more resolving, the harsher the sound. I don't think this has to be the case, and I'm trying to find the exceptions to the rule.
Be honest to yourself about what your goals really are. If you are more interested inthe gear than the music, that's cool. Many people collect watches, cars, etc., not because they make great timekeepers or transportation, but because they are fascinated by the technology and artistry that went into each piece. HiFi is no different, and if that's your goal, fine. But if yo0u just want to hear your favorite music the best way possible, then you must test equipment with that music. When a snotty salesman questions you, just explain with complete confidence what you're doing. Tell him flat out that only a fool would buy a system based only on audiophile recordings. Tell him there are a lot of high-end pretenders out there, and that you're into iot for the music, not the gear (if that's your goal). I find this is the ultimate elitist move. No audiophile seems willing to argue against the "it's all about the music" thing; by saying this, you've outsnobbed him, and now he has to admit you're right.
Be honest to yourself about what your goals really are. If you are more interested inthe gear than the music, that's cool. Many people collect watches, cars, etc., not because they make great timekeepers or transportation, but because they are fascinated by the technology and artistry that went into each piece. HiFi is no different, and if that's your goal, fine. But if yo0u just want to hear your favorite music the best way possible, then you must test equipment with that music. When a snotty salesman questions you, just explain with complete confidence what you're doing. Tell him flat out that only a fool would buy a system based only on audiophile recordings. Tell him there are a lot of high-end pretenders out there, and that you're into iot for the music, not the gear (if that's your goal). I find this is the ultimate elitist move. No audiophile seems willing to argue against the "it's all about the music" thing; by saying this, you've outsnobbed him, and now he has to admit you're right.