What CD I would use for a system reference?? Well, that depends on what I am trying to listen for. For soundstaging and vocals, I use Bob James (The Obsession -- WB/1986), soundstaging only, I use George Benson and Earl Klugh (Collaboration -- WB/1987) and Chuck Mangione (Feels So Good -- A&M/1977..... but you have to listen past the hiss, as this was originally an analog recording and not a digital one). For bass response and a variety of vocals (both male and female and singing and rap), I use Quincy Jones (Back On The Block -- Quest - WB/1989...... to me, this was one of Jones' best work ever....... to me, it's even better than 1994's "Jook Joint". I use a number of cuts off of this CD). For female voice, I use Karen Carpenter (of the Carpenters..... I use a variety of CD's of her work...... All A&M....... late 60's/early 70's) and Toni Braxton (also great for evaluating the bass response of a given system..... Secrets -- LaFace/1996). And for system depth, I use Wynton Marsalis (a number of different CD's........ Columbia/mid-to-late 80's). So, as you all can see, there is no "one" CD that I use for all purposes. Some CD's are better some purposes and others are better for other purposes. --Charles--
