I use the Bill Evans album "Waltz for Debby" to determine whether the system or device being tested properly shows off the magic of this recording. If the cymbals don't shimmer, or the brushes aren't palpable, and the soundstage isn't a glow, I know there's a problem somewhere in the chain.
What is your goto reference recording
What record CD or down load is the music that you use to judge your system by or shop with ?