My best test tracks ,and what I am listening for.

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ความคิดเห็น • 226

  • @johns6256
    @johns6256 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Subbed. I like this guy's approach to audio. Simple, honest, and without any fancy intro etc. Tonnes of often-overlooked info. Keep it up, Sir.

  • @double531
    @double531 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Outstanding, real world genuine sound discription and enthusiasm.

  • @WyreForestBiker
    @WyreForestBiker 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    When I was a DJ from the late 70's to the early 2000's I always tested the
    bass with the original pressing of the 12" version of " I'm in love " by Evelyn Champagne King from 1981 .
    The bass was so clean and hard hitting it was on a different level to any other track,
    ( including re-issues ,the album version and CD copies which were all inferior )
    I had literally thousands of other records and CD's to choose from over the
    years but nothing could touch it ! ... Ah good days !

  • @connycharlieekstrom5479
    @connycharlieekstrom5479 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh, man! You're the best... thank you so much for all this input. Been a vintage hi-fi fan for years but still love to learn more. You are giving me just that.

  • @johnadair6108
    @johnadair6108 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I found your channel recently...love your content and presentation.

  • @happypuppy8221
    @happypuppy8221 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for this video. I am new to appreciating music and this video really helps me assessing equipment.

  • @hugobloemers4425
    @hugobloemers4425 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Kelvin is one of the most down to earth Audiophiles / Audio equipment reviewers on TH-cam and that can't be a bad thing.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That’s nice to hear thanks Hugo

    • @howardleah8401
      @howardleah8401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I completely agree, a thoroughly Sound guy

    • @m00nraker39
      @m00nraker39 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He is the best! 😎🎧

    • @edwardbalboa5528
      @edwardbalboa5528 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      crack

  • @ethimself5064
    @ethimself5064 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    One I used to really like is ELP - Lucky Man. Near the end there is a synthesizer passage that just rocks. I had ESS Monitor Towers back in the day that were flat down to 35 Hz and at volume this passage rocked my internal organs, put a 5 foot crack in a picture window and literally moved a solid Oak coffee table across the carpet. I have no idea just how low this went but was wonderful to feel it all. I have no idea these days if tunes on TH-cam can actually go this low in a digital format.

    • @nsw9154
      @nsw9154 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      good choice another ELP track i play as a test is From The Beginning that Acoustic Guitar at the start is so so crisp and the overall sound stage is amazing

    • @shaynesparkes8740
      @shaynesparkes8740 ปีที่แล้ว

      My dad’s favourite song of all time ELP - Lucky man and always insists that gets The Edgar Winter Group - (They only come out at night )- Frankenstein
      I play them both plus I love
      Supertramp - Crime of the century
      (Album)
      School & Bloody well right
      They both have a lot of great dynamics in
      My dad introduced me to proper good music when I was about 11 😂
      29 years later you can’t beat the old stuff

  • @sosonic12000
    @sosonic12000 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just a quick hi 5 Mr K. Since we've been un-locked down been busy with life, work etc..Massive thanks to you Mr K and your videos that prevented me and I'm sure lots of others both here and on the other side of the pond - from going totally bonkers!!! 🥰

  • @thomaswachter7782
    @thomaswachter7782 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic commentary. I usually put on a lot of "normal" music just to hear the mix, no matter how bad the recording sounds. I also listen in show-off mode to big beautiful recordings. It's the mix of recordings that keep it interesting. A Very fine video you did here. 5 stars to you.

  • @rodpinfold8824
    @rodpinfold8824 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video, a song that expresses everything you say into one is Muddy Warers : My home is in the delta from his Folk Singer album.
    Foot tapping, hair standing, jaw dropping, eye watering magic of a track

  • @howardleah8401
    @howardleah8401 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interesting there kelvin, thank you. I will have to try these out and see how it rests with me..

  • @reinhartfrais8549
    @reinhartfrais8549 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are fabulus !!!!!!! And funny Thank you !!!!!!!!

  • @stevemumford6983
    @stevemumford6983 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In the 70s when I had no money and loved my hi fi the magazine's raved about Joan Armatrading.
    I've realised since that was an album like the Steely Dan track's you've mentioned. It's just a beautifully recorded album and really just enhanced your system.
    Since them with the big Kef's I've inherited I've managed to put together a seriously cheap vintage system that I'm hard pushed to find a big fault with and instead of reaching for the Steely Dan's and Joan Armatradings I'm enjoying al sorts.
    A good test of your hi fi as you've highlited before is leave everything flat. I'm convinced more and more that sometimes recordings are so crappy I can't imagin they would even sound spectacular on a £6000 system.

  • @pieterschaar5613
    @pieterschaar5613 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cheers for this video Kelvin gives me a great point of reference to go with your great ramblings of reviews and what to look for in a song on my system to see how my own list of songs compares
    If you like bass, then 'The Man next door' by Massive Attack, will burst your spleen, on my Rogers LS8a's this track shakes the man next door but my Image Studio Monitors the bass does doesn't reach down into your gut, its from a really well recorded album

  • @jamesvozar1
    @jamesvozar1 2 วันที่ผ่านมา

    cheers mate i enjoyed going through that tonight listening to the tracks as i went through. Tracks they all sounded really good on my modest little system, except the one that you said was a snare test could not find that track. cheers james

  • @Cartier_specialist
    @Cartier_specialist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love The Who "Bargain" to test bass guitar. Billy Thorpe "Children of the Sun" for drums. Elton John "Come Down in Time" for vocals.

  • @tasman94
    @tasman94 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great episode. I also appreciate the down-to-earth approach very much. Unfortunately, there are other channels out there.
    My favourite test tracks: Almost perfect in one song is Melody Gardot's "March for Mingus" from the Live in Europe record. This has an adorable female voice, great upright bass, and a very complex horn section. The song is starting slow and low and gets really busy towards the end. Otherwise, Nick Cave's "Into my arms" great for male voice and usually a mixture of classical music, jazz and rock.

  • @burkholdst.rudderberg3574
    @burkholdst.rudderberg3574 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Everyone knows what the Beatles sound like; when demonstrating a set of speakers as a salesman, that can be used to your advantage. On a quality set of speakers, the three part harmony on THIS BOY sounds fantastic! After hearing the Beatles like you have never heard them before, I can sell you a set of speakers, or an amp, like nobody's business!
    Another great demo CD is JAPANESE MELODIES by Yo Yo Ma . ( When selling a car system, I always used Midnight Oil! )

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great stuff good point thanks

    • @sbwlearning1372
      @sbwlearning1372 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Crazy isn't it. I did like the Beatles but rated Doors Who Stones Jefferson Airplane Kinks etc etc above them. Now after getting back into vinyl and hearing various digital hi Res remasters of all bands of the era . My favourite is to listen to the Beatles on vinyl. George Martin was a genius

    • @MustangBoss1973
      @MustangBoss1973 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      But I can't stand the Beatles it would probably leave :-(

    • @nisabelle513
      @nisabelle513 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This Yo Yo Ma's album reveals imaging in an incredible way.. Thanks for the tip:)

    • @pedromarques7457
      @pedromarques7457 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The advantage of listening to The Beatles is that even if the sound quality may not be audiophile, there is a guarantee that the music is brilliant!

  • @GoldPlate29
    @GoldPlate29 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Exactly! Good one mate!

  • @donalddeorio2237
    @donalddeorio2237 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Fleetwood Mac, the Chain remastered for bass and Riders on the Storm remastered ( amazing thunderstorm, shakes my house). Walking in memphis, Marc Cohen great piano and vocals for midrange

    • @MrJueKa
      @MrJueKa 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" album is overall a timeless masterpiece, no matter which track you choose ... currently ranked 7th on the list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in the "Rolling Stone" music magazine

  • @andrewpetley7008
    @andrewpetley7008 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like you straight forward approach. I'd be interested to hear if you have used/heard a B&O 4002 turntable, I use mine and love it. I like B&O stuff from the 70/80's good sound and looks and so usable.

  • @martindevon3204
    @martindevon3204 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Kel. At Bristol show David Price( famous reviewer) used Babylon sister to demo a top end Marantz/ monitor audio system as the hifi choice rep ☺️

  • @WWeiss-nv5vz
    @WWeiss-nv5vz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video! Do you have other test track videos? Love your explanation of each.

  • @justinprabhakaran4156
    @justinprabhakaran4156 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    ""Sung by people who can really sing" lol. subscribed mate. Cheers 🍻 it feels lovely to listen to you. Experience Counts.

  • @necromancernorway7653
    @necromancernorway7653 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks,thats great songs.A good song you may try for following the instruments is Open Secrets by the band Rush.Great song by the way.Another is YYZ an instrumental great for testing the bass😀

  • @gime3steps
    @gime3steps 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice choices Kelvin, all of them. Like that lava lamp as well!

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s actually the lava lamp show more than me

  • @baldF
    @baldF ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A man who talks sense! … An endangered species!

  • @adamhindle9215
    @adamhindle9215 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Great video Kelvin. Like you, for me the female voice is ultimate test, so I'd go with Moorlough Shore by Sinead.

    • @bmj4052
      @bmj4052 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great song, but I couldn't find the Sinead version.

  • @malcolmlittler9408
    @malcolmlittler9408 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent advice here 😊

  • @sosonic12000
    @sosonic12000 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Running a Sansui AU-2200 1975 silver face amp only 10 w/ch. Sounds great! Sansui magic.

  • @allanpowell7208
    @allanpowell7208 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The whole of "Gaucho" takes your system on an examination of its ability. Cheers Kel.

  • @lamaludwig1470
    @lamaludwig1470 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice! I suggest Simply Red - Picture Book (2008 remastered), Voice, Bass, Timbales, Groove, and Dire Straits - Once upon the time in the west (live at Hammersmith Odeon) for live experience, Cheers from Switzerland

  • @ericschulze5641
    @ericschulze5641 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Emerson Lake and Palmer from the beginning, and still you turn me on are top notch as test songs

  • @garethvaughan426
    @garethvaughan426 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolutely love the Alison Krauss track, as you say 1.05 in oooo that bass, fantastic, like the female version of James Taylor👌

    • @omaramark
      @omaramark 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh yes on the wonderful Krauss and the Orton tracking is absolutely stunning.

  • @andrehb
    @andrehb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Funny, as you began talking about how some tracks aren't good demos because they're recorded so well (that they sound good anywhere), my mind immediately jumped to Steely Dan Aja/Gaucho -- I'm a bit of an audio novice that's just started thinking about assembling a thoughtfully set-up audio system, and I've noticed that even on my current caveman stack, those recordings still sound pretty pristine!

    • @patriciawilson9666
      @patriciawilson9666 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are 100% correct.I use Aja in particular to test every new/old piece i add to my set-up especially new belts/cartridges for my turntables.

  • @nicksundby
    @nicksundby 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I often play first few bars of Babylon Sisters just to feel good about my system lol

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah makes the whole world seem better

  • @bjrnhee1646
    @bjrnhee1646 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    "Wicked Game" with Chris Isaak has a good stereoimage on a good stereosetup.

    • @TheDjcarlos67
      @TheDjcarlos67 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Agreed. I always play it when auditioning new equipment

    • @Shaun.Stephens
      @Shaun.Stephens หลายเดือนก่อน

      My issue with Wicked Game is similar to Kelvin's issue with Babylon Sisters - the song sounds great on most systems.

  • @greymurdock2
    @greymurdock2 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for sharing. I agree there some songs that will sound good on just about anything. One of my test track it astral weeks by Van Morrison. The stand up bass very quick all over the place and isn’t easy to pick apart on average system. Not to mention all the other instrumentation in that track all dances around each other so beautifuly on a good system. But it’s not your typical 70s great sounding recording. Van Morrison’s moon dance and vans choir is great for that stuff. Gypsy queen is another great track

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Van Morrison did some great recordings I certainly agree

  • @andygee8716
    @andygee8716 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Slovo: Whisper. (Beautiful female vocal and minimalist musicianship).
    Chris Botti: Easter parade. (Chris' trumpet has cracked up many a dome tweeter on this track at volume).
    Victor Wooten: Classical Thump. (Probably the best bass player on the planet playing classical music using slap n pull style at extremely high speed!)
    Eva 808: Psycho Sushi. (Used to test the absolute bass depth of large / floor speakers and subwoofers. The infrasonic harmonics are lethal!).
    Lonnie Liston Smith: Expansions. (The definition of 70s Funk at it's absolute finest).
    Dave Matthews Band: # 41. (Tight, in-the-pocket groove spearheaded by Carter Beauford's intricate yet powerful drumming).
    Terrific content, Kelvin. Cheers fella 👍

  • @Absa7319
    @Absa7319 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    when i was in hifi albums we always listened to were dire straits "brothers in arms", fleetwood mac "rumours", steve vai "passion warfare" jeff beck "guitar shop" as well as IT Bites, Joe Satriani and Living Colour and others back when laserdisc was a thing for a fleeting glimpse... qed power amps, B&w 805s were the business and hafler, quad and bill beard valves were cooll. and wharfedale diamonds were taking off as well as tannoy's in all sorts of ways. hifi was so good and fun and magical back then. wow i even remember the beauty of an ariston cd1 unit was super sexi!

    • @richardcrook2112
      @richardcrook2112 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Extremist by Joe Satriani I always use for some reason.

  • @arnoldschloss9634
    @arnoldschloss9634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Dire Straits "You and Your Friend" and Steely Dan's "Aja" will both show up any limitations of your system, and sound great on a superb system.

    • @Cartier_specialist
      @Cartier_specialist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms" will test the imaging of your speakers really well. The keyboard high note at the beginning of the song should come in from far stage right quite high and bore into your brain like a drill bit if your speakers are properly positioned. Stage right which would be from your left speaker.

    • @richardcrook2112
      @richardcrook2112 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Everyone plays that "you and your friend" in youtube videos.

    • @quananginh9446
      @quananginh9446 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      "You and your friend" sounds great on my really cheap, $10 earbuds, it's JBL C150SI

  • @charlieconghos
    @charlieconghos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ha.. "Clever Trevor" most excellent...!

  • @jhuc2869
    @jhuc2869 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Human speech and sounds that you can relate to from real experience such as live performance and applause. Anything recorded and processed in a studio you have no benchmark - it may sound impressive, but accurate - who knows.

  • @reinhartfrais2434
    @reinhartfrais2434 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Added a few to my playlist again. I like to put on the cacophony of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" From Willy Nelson's and Friends Outlaws and Angels Album with Jerry Lee Lewis, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Merle Haggard. Great energy and a lot going on with all those artist performing at the same time. And Perfidia by Xavier Cugat.

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    👍 test songs … ARE VERY USEFUL…
    GOOD ADVICE 🤗 WE are on a winner 😊 we will try your favorites THANKS 😍😍😍

  • @haycrossaudio5474
    @haycrossaudio5474 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Kelv. Loved the video as always. I've just finished restoring and upgrading a pair of celestion Ditton 22s (see my channel). The Allison Krouss track sounds fantastic on them as do pretty much everything. Completely agree with all your comments especially on the steely Dan track. So good though. Fantastic video as always. BTW Gravity bass line with a sub to is incredible. Take care. Matt

  • @AndyBHome
    @AndyBHome 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like to use Allison Krause's version of Cluck Old Hen to test for bass. It's an instrumental and like most Allison Krause recordings it's very well made. The bass in that particular song goes lower than most speakers can play, lower even than most subwoofers. Once you've heard that bass once you'll always known when it's missing in that recording.

  • @espressoaz
    @espressoaz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I admire your manner of speaking

  • @iankendell7761
    @iankendell7761 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    what about live ..ie four way street, csny. deep purple live in japan ?? and possibly the best album with depp bass bille eillish

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANKS AGAIN KEVIN…🤗😎👍 they are all 🥇 winners 💚💚💚

  • @pneumati8537
    @pneumati8537 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just discovered your channel since via the old youtube algo. Nice to hear candid talk about a topic that garners more snake oil and bullshit than any other. Anyhow, I'm not a classical snob, like I mainly listen to pop and electronic but if you really want to test a system, it has to be an orchestal piece for dynamics, sound stage, transient response, bass and anything else other than vocals really. There are many recordings of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring but the one that does it for me is Salonen with the LA Philharmonic. The bass drum in the 'Sacrificial Dance' is the deepest acoustic bass drum you'll ever hear. The brass and percussion in that track will show you what kind of system you have.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds interesting thanks I’m going to try it

    • @pneumati8537
      @pneumati8537 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@stereoreviewx There's actually a couple of different versions by him. This is the one I meant www.discogs.com/Esa-Pekka-Salonen-Los-Angeles-Philharmonic-Orchestra-Le-Sacre-Du-Printemps/release/4457897

  • @steverees1936
    @steverees1936 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You mentioned the Eagles and their great vocals, the song to play for vocals by them is Seven bridges road live. Awesome track to test any speaker with vocals. 😁

  • @flachi32
    @flachi32 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been playing Killers Hot Fuss album on CD and that is good for putting speakers through some gymnastics. Track 5 especially. Let me know what you think.
    Also track 11 on Think Tank album by Blur

  • @mungos1312
    @mungos1312 ปีที่แล้ว

    the chain bass solo is amazing

  • @Gadgetdad007
    @Gadgetdad007 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You remind me of Billy Mitchell from Eastenders. 🙂

  • @alexandervaneijken7741
    @alexandervaneijken7741 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have this little fantasy where I go to a shop selling incredibly expensive high end equipment
    and bringing along a number of 78,s from my collection

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah now make this sound good

    • @howardleah8401
      @howardleah8401 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah right, a good system will show up the defects so much you will be Rushing to kill the volume ASAP!

    • @howardleah8401
      @howardleah8401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ps - that reminds me, when i was a kid of about 8 in my very early audiophile career, we had an old wind up 78 player which i used to play my older siblings modern records on - boy i got a hiding for that

  • @doplinger1
    @doplinger1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Back in the day, mine were Steely Dan - "Aja", Al Stewart - "Year of the Cat" and Supertramp - "School".

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I’m a big fan of year of the cat Uber smooth

  • @stefansiikavaara5444
    @stefansiikavaara5444 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Calvin for your great work! Here is my fav eval tune. Check it out. Not pretty but ill separate the corn from the crop ya. Iron Maiden, Powerslave. Have a go!

  • @richardcrook2112
    @richardcrook2112 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always listen to "Day and Night by The Shroud, and if her voice doesn't hurt my ears then it's a keeper.

  • @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461
    @budgetaudiophilelife-long5461 ปีที่แล้ว

    🤗👍 WATCHING AGAIN AND wondering how KEVIN
    is fairing these days 🤔
    HOPE ALL IS WELL 🤗💚💚💚

  • @natnut2008
    @natnut2008 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks. Now to purchase high resolution file of these tracks.

  • @jacovanlith5082
    @jacovanlith5082 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Erato record company; two test discs made in 1975..
    All kind of tracks, even tracks with NOTHING,
    then you could hear the freight trains
    rumbling along in your headphone.
    Left and right, frequencies etc.
    Adjusting the weight/magnet.
    Those wear the days.

  • @ljsites
    @ljsites 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The songs I like to use are Supertramp CRIME OF THE CENTURY, Yes ROUNDABOUT, Doubie Brothers BLACK WATER.

  • @Ronnymikkonen2686
    @Ronnymikkonen2686 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had Dire Straits Sultans of swing as a test song. The problem was that it sounds really good even with a simple transistor radio. And then I had some reggae songs to play, like Red red Wine and Kingston town. That was little better because of the bass tunes. If the bass moves your house that's better. Then you have good sound equipment when you put your head against the speaker and it feels like somebody Hits you with a brick in the head. Good tunes!

  • @chrisclose7793
    @chrisclose7793 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I find dire straits walk of life is a great test track for timing, and massive attack ft Tracy thorn protection is a good track for dynamics and bass and Louis Armstrong wonderful world is excellent for vocals

  • @bisarowood
    @bisarowood 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    nice call on Beth orton ... that London Grammar with the orchestra would be sweet too

  • @LyndonSoulGroove
    @LyndonSoulGroove 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Great, wondered if any Voluntary jobs reviewing equipment / Records you know of any contacts, i have been so passionate about hi fi for over 25 years

  • @MostlyBuicks
    @MostlyBuicks 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes! Whenever I evaluate a new piece in my system there are several test tracks I used for different purposes. Sometimes it can be just ONE hit of a drum, or a couple of seconds of the bass. One track I listen to only the finger squeak of a person playing an acoustic guitar. On lesser equipment the first squeak sounds like a click and is smeared and distorted. In fact it sounds like a scratch on a LP record (but it is a CD I use). On better equipment it sounds like what it is, a finger changing chords. So, sometimes it only takes one note or just a few seconds of a recording.
    Other times it takes the whole song, especially if that song has a LOT of nice, natural information that changes throughout the song, and if micro and macro dynamics are what you are listening for. Another thing: One must evaluate whether certain songs you like have more or less of an emotional impact on you while listening to certain equipment. Some stereos can convey that emotion better than others. Some pieces can totally wash out any emotional impact if they are bad enough. And yes, I have a few examples of very "edgy" vocals to see if they sound harsh with certain pieces.
    But I would never rule out Babylon Sisters! Yes, it sounds great. But on some systems there is such a lifelike holographic effect that lesser systems cannot relay.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes I pretty much agree with all your saying if I am in doubt Alice until the end of autumn leaves by Eva Cassidy that really should do something to you

  • @philbarone4603
    @philbarone4603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A reviewer I actually like

  • @raidendigital1003
    @raidendigital1003 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I often try a song from Westworld - Movers and Shakers - T11, Panic Button. It has this harmonica that springs to life in the most amassing way on my Technics SB-CR55 speakers. I've been listening to that song on many, many speakers and nothing even comes close to the way the Technics do it.

  • @alexfalcao
    @alexfalcao 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Focus - Moving Waves song "Focus II" (Besides instrumental) is one that tests my system, it has that huge bass and very good dynamics, my house walls shakes.....LOL

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes my house has now disappeared I’ve got so much low base 🤪

  • @nedbressler3234
    @nedbressler3234 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice

  • @stuartlee8041
    @stuartlee8041 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I worked for Philips as an engineer for many years, repairing and modifying Philips, and associated companies hi fi pruducts, I eventually came to the conclusion that 'opinions vary on everything', during early CD trials experts were gathered, and 48% of those experts concluded, the sound improved with 50% of the information turned off. I've heard wonderful systems described as rubbish, and rubbish systems described as wonderful, I gave up years ago listing to the opinions of others.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Well I kind of agree with you but of course I think I’m right like everybody does😀

  • @martyjewell5683
    @martyjewell5683 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another interesting video, my friend. Seems to me that female voices and piano notes (especially sustained) are challenging for speakers to reproduce realistically. I also like to hear bass response where the bass notes change and don't drone along in the one note variety. A favorite for my bass testing is a 60's instrumental piece titled Let There Be Drums, by Sandy Nelson. Check it out. Lastly, whatever music you "test with" speakers should not suffer from Acoustic Traffic Jam, the sound shouldn't be a mish-mosh. Each voice and instrument should be distinct and identifiable. Sharp transients and excellent stereo imaging (to the point where the sound seems almost totally detached from the speaker) are essential qualities for me.

  • @JukeboxAlley
    @JukeboxAlley 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really great tracks, dire straights- you and your friend, and your latest trick, ray lamontagne-born to love you, john zhorn and sonny clark memorial quartet- voodoo, just too many to list here! May wanna check out my playlists.

  • @TheCverha
    @TheCverha 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Agree with selects ... if you have Spotify/Music and good hi-res audio periphery, just try band Banket and song Tlakova niz. Is in slovak language, but I think one of the best sounding record with mens vocal for hifi testing.

  • @Chris-nd5se
    @Chris-nd5se 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just listened to all tracks mentioned . There were one or 2 thinner sounding parts of the Beth Orton track. However didn't really sound harsh on my system so presume speakers are ok. Another track apart from Babylon Sisters that would sound good on all systems would be Rotterdam by The Beautiful South

  • @staggerlee6794
    @staggerlee6794 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always test my speakers and amps with Pink Floyd's 'Time'.....well actually the whole DSOTM album really. I can't even remember why, although I do recall it might to do with the clocks chiming or something. I was told to do this when I was a teenager and I have carried on the tradition into my 50s.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes and I have always listen to the change going into the till on money
      It’s a great test for tweeters what you want is for it to sound really solid not just bright and sparkly but realistic I guess

    • @staggerlee6794
      @staggerlee6794 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stereoreviewx Yes that is spot on.

  • @arnelarson2849
    @arnelarson2849 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a great variety to use for a test. Maybe I missed it, but do you use digital/CD, reel-to-reel tape or a phonograph record ("vinyl" for the newer generations) for the source?

  • @TheDjcarlos67
    @TheDjcarlos67 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tears For Fears Woman In Chains is my top tip for auditioning HiFi equipment. I’ve never heard a better produced/mixed track🎶🎵

  • @kaplanyx
    @kaplanyx 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My best test tracks are recordings of pure acoustic instruments and vocals with a minimum of postproduction. There are tons out there in the field of jazz, classic, avantgarde and very less in pop, rock and similar. One Example: Dell, Lillinger, Westergaard „Grammar II“

  • @reinhard1888
    @reinhard1888 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you have test songs for vertical imaging, i.e. soundstage height?

    • @FOH3663
      @FOH3663 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      There's a test track purposely made for this very thing; LEDR, it's Cabassa percussion, that's manipulated spectrally in the recording process.
      Chesky has a test disc with a LEDR track.
      What should occur is a seamless arc up from one speaker, up and over, then down to the other speaker.
      It's likely on Spotify or whatever streaming service.

  • @jimbrimcharrington1481
    @jimbrimcharrington1481 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My go-to is by Bucky Pizzarelli, A Little World Called Home, from album Nirvana. BEST drum song. EVER.

  • @test40323
    @test40323 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    “Three little words” sang by Dominique Fils-Aimé. Recommended by Steve Guttenberg.

  • @j.b.55
    @j.b.55 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ryan Adams…’Come Pick Me Up’
    Norah Jones…’Come Away With Me’…(Whole album).
    Radio Head…’Amnesiac’ and ‘Kid A’… and ‘Moon Shaped Pool’
    Daniel Lanois…’L’Acadie’

  • @deadbugdoug4158
    @deadbugdoug4158 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Al Green for the Leslie speaker

  • @WalterWhite-pr1qs
    @WalterWhite-pr1qs 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Some of John Cage will sound great on a good system, even when it's switched off! 😂

  • @WaynesWorldStudioVancouver
    @WaynesWorldStudioVancouver 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Found Dimash Kydaibergen while searching for Yma Sumac for her 4 to 5 octave vocal range. Check out SOS by Dimash, a beautiful song sang in French; sadly the CD I bought didn’t have this song for test but have few songs that have good vocal range. My go to CD song was Queen, under pressure for testing.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes under pressure Sounds like a useful song nice and varied

  • @Peace_Guard
    @Peace_Guard ปีที่แล้ว

    How's that lamp-y thing in the background on the left called? Where can you get such a thing?

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  ปีที่แล้ว

      Lava lamp they’re everywhere

    • @Peace_Guard
      @Peace_Guard ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stereoreviewx Thanks for the info, I will definitely considering acquiring it, looks cool. I can now see they're available, but I never had a chance to stumble on such a thing before :)

  • @bruunm1975
    @bruunm1975 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    On my Yamaha 303 and the orange cone Monitor Audio 200’s Beth sounds slightly forward but not unbearable. I mean I don’t like the song. But this combo is pretty good for the money ;)

    • @bruunm1975
      @bruunm1975 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Also my test songs are. Massive Attack Angel. Bjork Play Dead. Tears for Fears Woman in Chains. Toto Gift of Faith. Marcus Miller Sun don’t lie.

  • @zlatanhabul1743
    @zlatanhabul1743 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I miss one song with good stereo perspective, that I was hoping to get tip for. Today's all multichannel recording miss this feature.

  • @krom447
    @krom447 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Stopped video. Started Spotify :)

  • @typ044
    @typ044 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Cliche I know, but I use dsotm for testing all my gear, mainly because I know it so well and have heard it on every piece of music reproduction equipment I've ever owned since the 70's. I have it on every format released except 8track.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I’m a big fan of that happened to particularly like the sound of the change go in the till as a test o mean .
      So many tweeters make that sound too bright or not real or solid enough
      The Celestion HF 1300 Twitter does that fantastically

    • @typ044
      @typ044 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stereoreviewx Indeed they do, I used to have a pair of B&W dm3's that had those tweeters, loved them, dont even remember why I got rid of them.
      I dont buy much stereo gear anymore unless something dies,
      I have an assortment of gear I swap around from time to time but for the most part these days Ide rather just enjoy the music. I realized at some point I was spending way to much time and money chasing some elusive perfection than just listening to music. Recently been thinking of just selling a lot of it because I have a bunch of vintage stuff I haven't even hooked up in many years, should probably let someone else enjoy it. But then again I've thought this before and when I dig it out and pick it up I change my mind without even listening to it again, some of it just because it took me so long to find nice examples of. Sadly when I die my son will probably just give it to the thriftstore lol. Kind of makes me smile though when I picture the elation of some guy finding my old gear in a thriftshop though haha.

  • @glasscockpits
    @glasscockpits ปีที่แล้ว

    Just a small footnote. I was looking for Ian Dury's "Clever Trevor" track on Tidal but could not find it. It turns out it's on the album "New Boots and Panties!!. The spelling is odd as it's titled "Clevor Trever". 😉

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Interesting I didn’t really know that it’s a pretty good album that some brilliant tracks
      I often wonder what people from America or other countries would think of this album it’s very London centric

  • @barlow2976
    @barlow2976 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    More wise words. I started playing Tidal's test tracks mix (as recommended by industry ears) and they all sound too good. Babylon Sisters opens the mix. One day I'll get round to making my own mix (as you suggest), I already have a few tracks edited to leave sections to test soundstage, not all high hats are as high as some.

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I mean its boring but a good stereo makes an average recording sound good .
      steely Dan is the hi fi shop favourite

  • @pekkatervala8476
    @pekkatervala8476 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I agree, some artists sound great with any set up. Steely Dan, Donald Fagen, Sade and The Police are engineered and produced to perfection.

    • @Ronnymikkonen2686
      @Ronnymikkonen2686 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Especially Donald Fagen. You can crank up the volume so much more. Do that with normal recordings and you will burn your speakers to dust.

    • @pekkatervala8476
      @pekkatervala8476 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Ronnymikkonen2686 I guess most people, who own The Nightfly album, play it sooner or later every time they update their amps or speakers...

    • @Ronnymikkonen2686
      @Ronnymikkonen2686 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@pekkatervala8476 Night fly sounds alright with everything. No "need" to upgrade.

    • @pekkatervala8476
      @pekkatervala8476 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Ronnymikkonen2686 I wouldn't even think of upgrading system for one perfect album. But different speakers always reveal some new nuances. I use three speaker pairs constantly, two pairs are small/midsize studio nearfield monitors.

    • @Ronnymikkonen2686
      @Ronnymikkonen2686 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@pekkatervala8476 I listen to several speakers. I have 20 pairs of speakers. Some oldies, some inexpensive, and some that cost shitload of money. I have made my speakers in my main ljudanläggning.

  • @romeocrisa9629
    @romeocrisa9629 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    My testing playlist:
    From the beginning - Emerson Lake & Palmer
    Redbone - Cassandra Wilson
    Dat dere - Rickie LeeJones
    Dream of Picasso - Caroline Lavelle
    Signal to Noise - Peter Gabriel
    Growing Up - Peter Gabriel
    Roger Water - Amused to death (the first three tracks)

    • @stereoreviewx
      @stereoreviewx  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I am having great fun going through everyone’s test songs they’re mostly brilliant recordings

    • @geoffoliverphotography
      @geoffoliverphotography ปีที่แล้ว

      Brilliant list, thanks 👍

  • @johnquartieri5141
    @johnquartieri5141 ปีที่แล้ว

    Money For Nothing, I will always love you, and Feel The Bass. That should suit!
    The horns in Dave Bruebecks Alice In Wonderland will see about those speakers quickly.