Heart Dreamboat Annie really pops on vinyl, especially Magic Man. I also love Bowie Ziggy Stardust and Tom Petty Damn the Torpedos. The Who, Overture from Tommy always impresses too.
Way back in the day when I was installing car audio systems (early-mid 90s) I used the first Seal album (1991) as my reference disc. The production is outstanding and the variety of music and tones is really great. It translates really well to vinyl as well. Another good one was Genesis - We Can't Dance.
I have always thought that Paul Simon's Graceland could sell any good system, the recording is amazing. And of course almost anything by the Alan Parsons Project!
@@rickybobby6760 It sounds F-L-A-T, like one of Frank Zappa's records. I caught the live tour twice, I'm a Paul Simon fan but the record sounds like poop.
This channel is my new favorite in the music/gear/vinyl record community on RUclips. Steely Dan is one of my go-to’s for auditioning new equipment. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is a good one. Joe Jackson’s Jumpin’ Jive and Night&Day are good recordings but I like the sheer force and in the room sound of I’m the Man. That disc just jumps.
Totally agree. It is such an excellent-sounding record. I have been listening to that album since 1977. If you genuinely want an enlightening experience that will change your life, try the 180-gram LPs cut at 45 RPM (pressed at Pallas) mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman. The 45 RPM version blows the CD and the SACD out of the water. I have all three. I can finally hear colors!
i remember visiting music stores when money for nothing was big ,,I heard it in every store demo to the point I swear I coudnt stand to hear it again ,,,its featured on every audiophile channel ,,it just wont slip into the back burner when will this obsession with that song as a demo die ...lol I would bust out laughing if someone demoed with that song for me today ,,im sure to the store oweners wonder whats my problem...haha...but seriously there are so many more just as good options
I love all kinds of music but I don't listen to it as loud as I used to. My hearing isn't that great, everything sounds pretty good to me. Head phones are a treat for my ears but at times I find them uncomfortable. A song you might consider playing for customers is On your way down by Little Feat . Album Dixie chicken. Personally one of my faves !
Im with you. I love breakfast in America. I think htat's my favorite album. THANK YOU! Sade is so Beautiful. Her voice and her production is Great.Gonna have to get Wild Flowers and Gaucho and Brothers in Arms. THANK YOU AGAIN!
AJA was the go to demo LP for HI Fi sales back in the 70's - 80's. I worked for a huge chain that sold mid fi and a little hi fi (Pacific Stereo) and my guess is every store had copies on vinyl, real to reel and even cassette. Gaucho too and even the first Steely Dan LP. Alan Parsons Project and early Dixie dregs were also very popular. Anything by Joanie Mitchell covered the sweet female vocal slot. And Sticky Fingers and Revolver covered the Stones and the Beatles.
A shop I visited way back when used Christopher Cross Sailing to demo some Time Windows...wow...but since I couldn't afford the Time Windows, I bought the album 😀
Brothers In Arms is a no brainer. If you want a treat to the ears, get a copy of Ambrosias debut. Some really nice detail and seperation.....and produced by Parsons. Oh, and the last tune Drink Of Water......will really test your subs at the end with that organ! A hair raiser for me on a good system. On CD it is my go to.
The highs on any given system are fairly easy to reach, but harder to sustain. If you really want a good standard to see whst your sysyem is capable with on the lows, you have to grab a copy of both Keys To Ascension by Yes on gold cd. All those years that vinyl masked Whites drumming and Chris Squires bass become painfully obvious. No wonder everyone loved seeing them live where those 2 could play unhibited by the limitations of vinyl. Personally, I can't take a standard to test a system seriously that was originally engineered to fit a format that pulled all those lows out.
Going to try your suggestions on my system tomorrow just to see! Although I have records from the eighties I’m still stuck in the fifties and sixties blues and British rock!
Super late to this party. But I brought a six pack of warm Milwaukee’s Best. Now can I come in and scratch your records? Interesting choices for a specific purpose. When I was a very little kid, I went to a high-end stereo store at the mall with my much older brother. I remember two things. First, I was amazed by the Bang & Olufsen gear because it looked like a spaceship and even I knew it was too expensive to touch. Second, I got really bored of Emerson Lake and Palmer’s “Lucky Man”, which they played over and over to test speakers (no one called it “auditioning”, that’s for damn sure!). Thinking about it now, perhaps it was a bad choice for the task. But the song brings back memories of a very different time. Binge watching your channel and I’m enjoying it. Thanks much!
Some I used to audition gear: Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill. Boz Scaggs - Silk Degrees. Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me. ELO - Eldorado. Billy Joel - The Stranger. Soundtracks for Easy Rider, The Great Escape, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
I was waiting with baited breath for you to pull out a Mark Knopfler record :) Love his stuff. My goto test piece is "Private Investigations" from Love over Gold. Great video! cheers
I totally agree with you because I own every record you showed😂 I use Dire Straits to show off my equipment all the time and Mark Knopfler solo albums as well the production quality is off the Charts check out his album called Tracker every track is gold. I have one you might want to add to your list it’s an album on double red translucent vinyl by Joe Strummer called Assembly. It is an exquisite sonic masterpiece front to back. Trust me just buy it if you don’t already have it it is available in standard black vinyl as well for less but I have to say the red vinyl I got is a very high quality pressing records are smooth as silk and shinny.
I must be doing something right I use exactly the same music to demonstrate my system to my friends, bloody well right is like taking off in a rocket ship when that sax kicks in
Man, I'm late to the game on this video...but I only recently discovered your great channel and I've been binge-watching. One of my favorite "show off the system" songs is The Chant, by Fourplay. Freakin' amazing on a good system...
Stepped into a stereo shop in the late 80's They had a new Pioneer system with lots of base! The song they used to demo that was INXS The Devil Inside ! Wow did it ever sound incredible! Still one of my faves and it really gets my Cerwins pumping!
l like your album choices...I would also throw in some Toto, Return to Forever 's Romantic Warrior & to really get someone 's attention as to why i love my JBL L 100's i will put on Joe Cocker'sUnchain My Heart...let them hear that low b string on the bass&those ladies singing backup...WOW.....i wish you hadn't mentioned Babylon Sisters... now it will be in my head for the rest of the night!
I use Rush Moving Pictures to 'show off', I also use Ozzie Osbourne's Mr Crowley to test gear. As for Steely Dan, I like The Royal Scam best. But I plan to listen to some of your examples as well.
Gonna throw these into the ring. But keep in mind you'll really only need the opening tracks, although letting them play is valid, too. WAR - All Day Music Rush - Moving Pictures
@LeRoy SL I tend to not be nostalgic, but with somethings I just can't help it. Even though I was a toddler when that album came out and wouldn't get into it for a dozen or more years after, when that harmonica comes in on City, Country, City I'm a little kid in dusty jeans and a t-shirt wanting to see the next Benji movie or something. That sound, the melody of it, is just perfect and it gets me every time.
Kevin, I would love to hear your opinion on a band that I always use to show off a stereo. It is Buddy Blue, and the album is called Dive Bar Cassanovas. They were a local San Diego band, playing a modern big band style. Now, it's never been available on vinyl (I know, the point of this video...) but it is so well done that listening on most any streaming service sounds as good as my CD. It really showcases a speaker's range... smooth low base, punchy kicks, great guitar, horns, and outstanding vocals. Give it a listen some time if you think it might suit you. I wouldn't post this if I didn't think you'd be impressed. Thanks for the great videos.
Great talk on music! Kelvin at the Stereo reviewx channel has another great talk on albums to gauge systems with. Kelvin talks about specific tracks that highlight vocals, drums, bass etc. He’s a vintage fan too.
Might give The Best of Gino Vannelli a try, used it to sell a ton of equipment in 1982 when I worked in an audio store. Still listen to it today, when I have someone over to show off the stereo.
My two favorites to test with are Boz Skaggs, Thanks to You; and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tin Pan Alley. Both songs have terrific range, clarity and tonal quality.
Need to get into my 'inner' Skylabs as will be going out hunting in Hanoi for vintage hifi equipment. The last time I was able to score a Denon DP 790 Japanese version. I will be looking for receiver to pair it up with this afternoon. Any suggestions??? Thanx for all of the information and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Back in the 1980s a nearby record store carried Japanese pressings. They had high quality sound and covers so I got quite a few. One LP I got was "Honky Chateau" by Elton John. "Rocket Man" came out when I was in high school and I heard it many times on the radio and off of the LP. But the version of Rocket Man on my Japanese version of Honky Chateau is absolutely stunning and unbelievably better sounding that what we are forced to listen to. It really shows off what a stereo can do.
I like to use Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughan for its crisp jazzy sounds and it’s deep echoey sound. I also like the guitar solo in Gravity by John Mayer. Vital Signs by Rush has a lot of dynamic range too & I have to sign along 😀
Enya Orinoco Flow from Watermark was used in a "high end" shop to demo for me something and I've never forgotten how good that sounded. I use David Benoit Waiting For Spring if I change anything and want to compare it to what I had before but specifically the tracks with drums and love the late Emily Remler's guitar playing on it.
Natty Dread. Thriller Tea For the Tillerman. Summer side of life. Tommy. Trinity Sessions. The Wall. Tattoo You. For those who think young. Folk Singer. Live at Leeds Check out the Tas list of sonically supperior recordings
Rick Beato did a similar video recently and as I was adding my “2 cents worth” I realized alot of people beat me to the punch, Bruce Cockburn-Dancing in the Dragons Jaw. For the gut punch of the drums,the song Inconsistent Blue. Also ELP -Works vol 1 ,side 2 Greg Lake-C’est La Vie.cheers
New sub due to utub suggestion, great vids and your knowledge and delivery are great. Building a vintage system to relive my youth, north of 60 at present and counting so took the plunge on the H-K 330c and looking for speakers now. Too bad u r not on the internet sales, I’m in PA so I’ll have to dream of visiting your store some day. Great site and look forward to more vids. Have a good one.
My first album was Breakfast in America, have it framed in my music room. When I demo my home system, find out what they like first. Otherwise, I play Donald Fagen "New Frontier", Peter Gabriel "Sledgehammer", Dire Straits "Ride Across the River" and Depeche Mode "World In My Eyes". If they want rock, I play something off Tres Hombres or Moving Pictures. If they have the time, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" while I fetch them a drink. ps. my second album was Led Zeppelin I, its framed also. Thanks for the video.
Im mostly streaming. But when I test or audition systems I have The Comet is Coming’Summon the Fire’ from Tidal hi rez on my phone. Hook up my Dragonfly DAC and let it rip. Can spot any issues in the first few bars.
Dude , your taste in recording & taste is great . Have every LP you sample systems with . Looking for a Luxman R 117 ( Must be MINT ) , have the R 113 & R 115 paired with Denon TT & JBL L 100t3
Here 30 yes ago all high end shops in our area had the ltd. vinyl (and 24KgoldCD) of Roger Waters Amused To Death. Today I love it, but was a bit difficult to get in as this is no easy listening album
All good choices Kevin. For really high end gear, you can't deny Michael Jackson Thriller and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon wouldn't impress the customers too.
Its to bad discrete 4 channel died even a good 8 track deck in a car sounded incredible I had a Sanyo 4 channel with Pioneer speakers with 2 pioneer amps this is the seventies now the best 4 channel tapes were The Doobie Brothers Cat Stevens Edgar Winter Group Pink Floyd they just sounded so good the separation was fantastic good old days
The first SAGA album produced buy Paul Gross at Phase One studios in Toronto. amazing mix But hard to find. Honorable mention to Reach the Beach buy The FIX!!
Gino Vannelli Brother to Brother and Steely Dan AJA. A lot of good music and sound, but I agree that Gaucho is a great recording. You can't go wrong walking in to hear Steely Dan. Dixie Dregs Industry Standards is also a listen to album. Instrumental is sometimes something to put into consideration when showing off a good vintage speaker.
Great choices Kevin. I’ve been using Babylon Sisters and “the chime” as a reference for my entire career as a recording engineer. I have assistants who like your techs now can’t stand the song or Steely Dan for that matter 😂
These are all great LPs to demo a sound system. And many of the recordings recommended by others are also great. My personal faves are Dire Straits - Love Over Gold, and Supertramp - Crime of the Century. But another favorite of mine that no one else has mentioned yet is The Cars - Heartbeat City. Specifically the song Hello Again. This has got to be one of the quietest albums I own. And when Ric Ocasek belts out Hello Again at the beginning of the song, it just seems to come out of nowhere and hits you in the face. If you haven't heard this album or this song on a good system in awhile, give it a shot. You won't be sorry.
I don’t know the Petty record. Gotta check that. My tech, when I last had a piece of gear at his place groaned when I picked Asia as my post repair demo. “I’m so sick of that record! It’s a cliche.” Speaking of which, I just rebuilt my main 2 ch system and never occurred to me to play your featured demos. I own em all save Petty. +1 on Simon and Parsons BTW.
I recently recorded a cassette with Aja (2008 remaster)one side and Gaucho (original)on the other. Say if you are playing Aja and you flip the cassette over randomly in the middle to the Gaucho side I'm amazed at the airlines and warmth of Gaucho over Aja. I always thought Aja was the pinnacle SD production. Nope.
What, know Jazz, blues, classical, contemporary classical, bluegrass, or music from other countries, or cultures? I always admired dealers who played music I wasn't familiar with, introducing me to other perspectives in music. Your list reads like a best hits list on pop radio radio stations rather than one of the more adventurous college stations out there. Personally, I think "On Every Street is a better, more interesting recording than "Brothers In Arms", but I came later to appreciate Dire Straits. But that's me. I tend to prefer music that's less mainstream but not all the time.
Steely Dan's "Gaucho" is quite good, but I still think "Aja" is better sound-wise. Maybe because I have the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's version of "Aja."
Personally, I think the Aja songs are better but production and sound quality goes to Gaucho. I think it's a preference thing- Gaucho, for me, has more detail where Aja sounds a little dull.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
One to consider: Robert Plant-Big Log. My test tune.
Out of left field. One I like to use is Vince Guaraldi "Charlie Brown Christmas"; "Linus and Lucy"
That may seem strange to people unless it is Christmastime.
Heart Dreamboat Annie really pops on vinyl, especially Magic Man. I also love Bowie Ziggy Stardust and Tom Petty Damn the Torpedos. The Who, Overture from Tommy always impresses too.
Pat Travers- Crash and burn live album makes your audio system very hot
Same here. Also used this one.
Way back in the day when I was installing car audio systems (early-mid 90s) I used the first Seal album (1991) as my reference disc. The production is outstanding and the variety of music and tones is really great. It translates really well to vinyl as well. Another good one was Genesis - We Can't Dance.
My go to album to show off is usually Yes 90125. Owner of a lonely heart, leave it, etc. Production is amazing
Get the remasteted cd. You won't regret it.
Seals & Crofts “Diamond Girl” - sold a ton of Stereo equipment in 1974-75. Clear, dynamic, live, amazing.
I have always thought that Paul Simon's Graceland could sell any good system, the recording is amazing. And of course almost anything by the Alan Parsons Project!
Graceland was poorly recorded. Most of it was digital files sent over phonelines from all over the world.
@@rickybobby6760 It sounds F-L-A-T, like one of Frank Zappa's records. I caught the live tour twice, I'm a Paul Simon fan but the record sounds like poop.
I just found out about Alan Parsons and Soumd equipment connection....I love I 🤖 Robot!!!!
@@rickybobby6760 None of those awards has a thing to do with how a recording sounds...You have failed to support your premise.
@@poopy_pants_joe1194 there is no more arrogant snob that a self professed 'audiophile'.
Pink Floyd the Wall is such a good record to test speakers and amp setup!
Sade's recordings sound really great. Even the live stuff.
I don't know if it's available on an album, but A PICTURE OF NECTAR by PHISH on CD is worth a listen.
great suggestions. Thank you!
This channel is my new favorite in the music/gear/vinyl record community on RUclips. Steely Dan is one of my go-to’s for auditioning new equipment. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue is a good one. Joe Jackson’s Jumpin’ Jive and Night&Day are good recordings but I like the sheer force and in the room sound of I’m the Man. That disc just jumps.
Abraxas....was the one for my new Yamaha INT in 93....Santana III for the Acoustic Designs a year later...
Had to go to Steely Dan's YT channel and listen to Babylon Sisters! Awesome!!!
After hearing you mention Supertramp I went and played the album. I forgot how good that one is. Right on man.
Tiger Lily (Natalie Merchant). "Carnival" was the hit single.
Aja was always my choice when demoing speakers. The drum solo on the title track is a nice workout for the speakers.
One of my Best sounding cd is fleetwood mac rumours. It sounds great on my Pioneer Elite c90/m90a separates
Totally agree. It is such an excellent-sounding record. I have been listening to that album since 1977. If you genuinely want an enlightening experience that will change your life, try the 180-gram LPs cut at 45 RPM (pressed at Pallas) mastered by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman. The 45 RPM version blows the CD and the SACD out of the water. I have all three. I can finally hear colors!
Another good one is Linda Ronstadt & The Nelson Riddle Orchestra - What's New?
Excellent sound quality and can be found in any thrift store.
i remember visiting music stores when money for nothing was big ,,I heard it in every store demo to the point I swear I coudnt stand to hear it again ,,,its featured on every audiophile channel ,,it just wont slip into the back burner
when will this obsession with that song as a demo die ...lol
I would bust out laughing if someone demoed with that song for me today ,,im sure to the store oweners wonder whats my problem...haha...but seriously there are so many more just as good options
Excellent video. ,thanks
Your channel is one of my favorites
I love all kinds of music but I don't listen to it as loud as I used to. My hearing isn't that great, everything sounds pretty good to me. Head phones are a treat for my ears but at times I find them uncomfortable. A song you might consider playing for customers is On your way down by Little Feat . Album Dixie chicken. Personally one of my faves !
In my days selling stereo mid 80s I used Spirogyra quite a bit. Also Blues Bros. Briefcase full of blues.
Spot on as usual.
I agree with all of his selections. I would like to add the nightfly by Donald Fagen.
Kind of Blue!
That is how you will sell me speakers!
See ya in a few months.
Kevin is a Smooth Operator. Even metal guys like Sade. Cool. I know I like Sade when I want some relaxing music.
"Hey Nineteen" is amazing!!! Gaucho is a great one!! (for sound demo)
Im with you. I love breakfast in America. I think htat's my favorite album. THANK YOU!
Sade is so Beautiful. Her voice and her production is Great.Gonna have to get Wild Flowers and Gaucho and Brothers in Arms. THANK YOU AGAIN!
Thank you! Appreciate it
AJA was the go to demo LP for HI Fi sales back in the 70's - 80's. I worked for a huge chain that sold mid fi and a little hi fi (Pacific Stereo) and my guess is every store had copies on vinyl, real to reel and even cassette. Gaucho too and even the first Steely Dan LP. Alan Parsons Project and early Dixie dregs were also very popular. Anything by Joanie Mitchell covered the sweet female vocal slot. And Sticky Fingers and Revolver covered the Stones and the Beatles.
A shop I visited way back when used Christopher Cross Sailing to demo some Time Windows...wow...but since I couldn't afford the Time Windows, I bought the album 😀
Brothers In Arms is a no brainer. If you want a treat to the ears, get a copy of Ambrosias debut. Some really nice detail and seperation.....and produced by Parsons. Oh, and the last tune Drink Of Water......will really test your subs at the end with that organ! A hair raiser for me on a good system. On CD it is my go to.
The highs on any given system are fairly easy to reach, but harder to sustain. If you really want a good standard to see whst your sysyem is capable with on the lows, you have to grab a copy of both Keys To Ascension by Yes on gold cd. All those years that vinyl masked Whites drumming and Chris Squires bass become painfully obvious. No wonder everyone loved seeing them live where those 2 could play unhibited by the limitations of vinyl. Personally, I can't take a standard to test a system seriously that was originally engineered to fit a format that pulled all those lows out.
Going to try your suggestions on my system tomorrow just to see! Although I have records from the eighties I’m still stuck in the fifties and sixties blues and British rock!
Super late to this party. But I brought a six pack of warm Milwaukee’s Best. Now can I come in and scratch your records?
Interesting choices for a specific purpose. When I was a very little kid, I went to a high-end stereo store at the mall with my much older brother. I remember two things. First, I was amazed by the Bang & Olufsen gear because it looked like a spaceship and even I knew it was too expensive to touch. Second, I got really bored of Emerson Lake and Palmer’s “Lucky Man”, which they played over and over to test speakers (no one called it “auditioning”, that’s for damn sure!). Thinking about it now, perhaps it was a bad choice for the task. But the song brings back memories of a very different time.
Binge watching your channel and I’m enjoying it. Thanks much!
I was in the dark until 4:10. I was right at home from then on.
Wish you were closer so we could eliminate the 'Tube'.☮
Bob
Somewhere Down That Crazy River by Robbie Robertson works pretty good for showing off...lots of bass and prominent tom toms. Deep soundstage.
Will give it a go! Thanks!
Great compilation of albums. Can’t go wrong with any of them. I need to listen to Wildflowers. That one I have not heard.
Great video. I'm very pleased RUclips recomended this channel, greetings from Perú!
Thank you for watching!
Some I used to audition gear: Steely Dan - Can't Buy A Thrill. Boz Scaggs - Silk Degrees. Fleetwood Mac - Mystery To Me. ELO - Eldorado. Billy Joel - The Stranger. Soundtracks for Easy Rider, The Great Escape, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
I was waiting with baited breath for you to pull out a Mark Knopfler record :) Love his stuff. My goto test piece is "Private Investigations" from Love over Gold. Great video! cheers
I totally agree with you because I own every record you showed😂 I use Dire Straits to show off my equipment all the time and Mark Knopfler solo albums as well the production quality is off the Charts check out his album called Tracker every track is gold. I have one you might want to add to your list it’s an album on double red translucent vinyl by Joe Strummer called Assembly. It is an exquisite sonic masterpiece front to back. Trust me just buy it if you don’t already have it it is available in standard black vinyl as well for less but I have to say the red vinyl I got is a very high quality pressing records are smooth as silk and shinny.
Blood, sweat & Tears second album, Graceland,Eva Cassidy live at Blurs Alley, Santana Abraxis, Berlioz Symphanie Fantastigue
I always play T-Rex Electric Warrior and a handful of stuff to check out new gear.
I must be doing something right I use exactly the same music to demonstrate my system to my friends, bloody well right is like taking off in a rocket ship when that sax kicks in
Man, I'm late to the game on this video...but I only recently discovered your great channel and I've been binge-watching.
One of my favorite "show off the system" songs is The Chant, by Fourplay. Freakin' amazing on a good system...
The first Little River Band (long way there..)..Bill Evans Live at the Village Vanguard..Boston debut..to name a few more.
Thoughts on Donald Fagen The Night Fly, New Frontier? Was always my go to. So easy to sell the big JBL’s at that time with it.😊 Still have my 250Ti’s.
Stepped into a stereo shop in the late 80's They had a new Pioneer system with lots of base! The song they used to demo that was INXS The Devil Inside ! Wow did it ever sound incredible! Still one of my faves and it really gets my Cerwins pumping!
Great song and mix
Another very nice and informative with no bs video, thank you!
Try ‘The Trinity Sessions’ by The Cowboy Junkies. That record is an incredible recording.
If I could find a copy 😢
l like your album choices...I would also throw in some Toto, Return to Forever 's Romantic Warrior & to really get someone 's attention as to why i love my JBL L 100's i will put on Joe Cocker'sUnchain My Heart...let them hear that low b string on the bass&those ladies singing backup...WOW.....i wish you hadn't mentioned Babylon Sisters... now it will be in my head for the rest of the night!
A song I play to showcase my system is “Song Bird” by Eva Cassidy.
Thanks for the suggestion, Bob. Will listen to it tomorrow for sure.
Eva was such an incredible singer. Such a tragedy she died so young, and just before she got really recognized. =/
One of my favorites ❤️
Mahavishnu ... Birds of Fire for fusion
Any of the Gino Vanelli A&M records. The Sheffield Labs, direct to master disc recordings are very good.
I use Rush Moving Pictures to 'show off', I also use Ozzie Osbourne's Mr Crowley to test gear. As for Steely Dan, I like The Royal Scam best. But I plan to listen to some of your examples as well.
Gonna throw these into the ring. But keep in mind you'll really only need the opening tracks, although letting them play is valid, too.
WAR - All Day Music
Rush - Moving Pictures
@LeRoy SL I tend to not be nostalgic, but with somethings I just can't help it. Even though I was a toddler when that album came out and wouldn't get into it for a dozen or more years after, when that harmonica comes in on City, Country, City I'm a little kid in dusty jeans and a t-shirt wanting to see the next Benji movie or something. That sound, the melody of it, is just perfect and it gets me every time.
Carole King - Tapestry , even a RE pressing sounds amazing on my work setup of Sansui FD-D25 TT w/ AT91 & Sansui R-7, Polk Audio M5
I will put that on my turntable today! It's been a while since I have givin it a good listen. Thanks for the recommendation, Zachary!
+1 for the Dire Straits.
I usually test or demo with CDs, not vinyl, just for the clarity, but good vinyl is something special.
Kevin, I would love to hear your opinion on a band that I always use to show off a stereo. It is Buddy Blue, and the album is called Dive Bar Cassanovas. They were a local San Diego band, playing a modern big band style. Now, it's never been available on vinyl (I know, the point of this video...) but it is so well done that listening on most any streaming service sounds as good as my CD. It really showcases a speaker's range... smooth low base, punchy kicks, great guitar, horns, and outstanding vocals. Give it a listen some time if you think it might suit you. I wouldn't post this if I didn't think you'd be impressed. Thanks for the great videos.
Great talk on music!
Kelvin at the Stereo reviewx channel has another great talk on albums to gauge systems with. Kelvin talks about specific tracks that highlight vocals, drums, bass etc.
He’s a vintage fan too.
Might give The Best of Gino Vannelli a try, used it to sell a ton of equipment in 1982 when I worked in an audio store. Still listen to it today, when I have someone over to show off the stereo.
Will do. Thanks
My two favorites to test with are Boz Skaggs, Thanks to You; and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tin Pan Alley. Both songs have terrific range, clarity and tonal quality.
Need to get into my 'inner' Skylabs as will be going out hunting in Hanoi for vintage hifi equipment. The last time I was able to score a Denon DP 790 Japanese version. I will be looking for receiver to pair it up with this afternoon. Any suggestions??? Thanx for all of the information and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Back in the 1980s a nearby record store carried Japanese pressings. They had high quality sound and covers so I got quite a few. One LP I got was "Honky Chateau" by Elton John. "Rocket Man" came out when I was in high school and I heard it many times on the radio and off of the LP. But the version of Rocket Man on my Japanese version of Honky Chateau is absolutely stunning and unbelievably better sounding that what we are forced to listen to. It really shows off what a stereo can do.
I like to use Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughan for its crisp jazzy sounds and it’s deep echoey sound. I also like the guitar solo in Gravity by John Mayer. Vital Signs by Rush has a lot of dynamic range too & I have to sign along 😀
Great choices!
Enya Orinoco Flow from Watermark was used in a "high end" shop to demo for me something and I've never forgotten how good that sounded. I use David Benoit Waiting For Spring if I change anything and want to compare it to what I had before but specifically the tracks with drums and love the late Emily Remler's guitar playing on it.
I first heard Enya in our local HiFi shop in the 90s. Great stuff
Natty Dread.
Thriller
Tea For the Tillerman.
Summer side of life.
Tommy.
Trinity Sessions.
The Wall.
Tattoo You.
For those who think young.
Folk Singer.
Live at Leeds
Check out the Tas list of sonically supperior recordings
At the time, I like to demo with Heart's "Crazy on You"
Rick Beato did a similar video recently and as I was adding my “2 cents worth” I realized alot of people beat me to the punch, Bruce Cockburn-Dancing in the Dragons Jaw. For the gut punch of the drums,the song Inconsistent Blue. Also ELP -Works vol 1 ,side 2 Greg Lake-C’est La Vie.cheers
I love Rick Beato. That guy is an insane wealth of knowledge! Incredible.
New sub due to utub suggestion, great vids and your knowledge and delivery are great. Building a vintage system to relive my youth, north of 60 at present and counting so took the plunge on the H-K 330c and looking for speakers now. Too bad u r not on the internet sales, I’m in PA so I’ll have to dream of visiting your store some day. Great site and look forward to more vids. Have a good one.
Thank you!
My first album was Breakfast in America, have it framed in my music room. When I demo my home system, find out what they like first. Otherwise, I play Donald Fagen "New Frontier", Peter Gabriel "Sledgehammer", Dire Straits "Ride Across the River" and Depeche Mode "World In My Eyes". If they want rock, I play something off Tres Hombres or Moving Pictures. If they have the time, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" while I fetch them a drink. ps. my second album was Led Zeppelin I, its framed also. Thanks for the video.
Add Argents Hold Your Head Up to that repitar.
Great video. Totally agree on Sade. I also like Toto’s Rosanna as strange as that might seem.
Almost put Toto on the list, Joel. Great sounding album!
I like your taste in music.
Nice list. Sade! You nailed #1. I don't have Dire Straits because something is definitely wrong with me, ha!
I'll get you a copy, Ethan! Appreciate you!
Im mostly streaming. But when I test or audition systems I have The Comet is Coming’Summon the Fire’ from Tidal hi rez on my phone. Hook up my Dragonfly DAC and let it rip. Can spot any issues in the first few bars.
Dude , your taste in recording & taste is great . Have every LP you sample systems with . Looking for a Luxman R 117 ( Must be MINT ) , have the R 113 & R 115 paired with Denon TT & JBL L 100t3
L100t is way way way under appreciated, IMO. Love those speakers
Nice set up!
I have Luxman L-5 with JBL L100(a) loudspeakers.
I don't think it gets any better than Roy Orbison - You Got It.
Try Avalon by Roxy Music.
Here 30 yes ago all high end shops in our area had the ltd. vinyl (and 24KgoldCD) of Roger Waters Amused To Death. Today I love it, but was a bit difficult to get in as this is no easy listening album
Great choices Maybe Try Queen Dragon Attack off the Game Album
Love the KGGO shirt!
I use anything acoustic (piano) by Joni Mitchell, when I'm sampling speakers & the break out LP from Christopher Cross.
...Newk from Kentucky
All good choices Kevin. For really high end gear, you can't deny Michael Jackson Thriller and Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon wouldn't impress the customers too.
Agree. Billy Jean is a good one for sure
I'll agree with Dark Side...and since Alan Parsons helped produce it, you can find similar quality on a lot of the Alan Parsons Project albums
Can be a bit odd / eerie sounding on some tracks but gives an interesting test on speakers. Emmy Lou Harris. Wrecking Ball
Supertramp’s studio sound engineer Russel Pope also did their concerts,they were noted for their excellent concert sound
Its to bad discrete 4 channel died even a good 8 track deck in a car sounded incredible I had a Sanyo 4 channel with Pioneer speakers with 2 pioneer amps this is the seventies now the best 4 channel tapes were The Doobie Brothers Cat Stevens Edgar Winter Group Pink Floyd they just sounded so good the separation was fantastic good old days
The first SAGA album produced buy Paul Gross at Phase One studios in Toronto. amazing mix But hard to find. Honorable mention to Reach the Beach buy The FIX!!
Gino Vannelli Brother to Brother and Steely Dan AJA. A lot of good music and sound, but I agree that Gaucho is a great recording. You can't go wrong walking in to hear Steely Dan. Dixie Dregs Industry Standards is also a listen to album. Instrumental is sometimes something to put into consideration when showing off a good vintage speaker.
Great choices Kevin. I’ve been using Babylon Sisters and “the chime” as a reference for my entire career as a recording engineer. I have assistants who like your techs now can’t stand the song or Steely Dan for that matter 😂
It's not my favorite song either, but damn, it just sounds soooo good. :)
These are all great LPs to demo a sound system. And many of the recordings recommended by others are also great. My personal faves are Dire Straits - Love Over Gold, and Supertramp - Crime of the Century. But another favorite of mine that no one else has mentioned yet is The Cars - Heartbeat City. Specifically the song Hello Again. This has got to be one of the quietest albums I own. And when Ric Ocasek belts out Hello Again at the beginning of the song, it just seems to come out of nowhere and hits you in the face. If you haven't heard this album or this song on a good system in awhile, give it a shot. You won't be sorry.
I don’t know the Petty record. Gotta check that. My tech, when I last had a piece of gear at his place groaned when I picked Asia as my post repair demo. “I’m so sick of that record! It’s a cliche.” Speaking of which, I just rebuilt my main 2 ch system and never occurred to me to play your featured demos. I own em all save Petty. +1 on Simon and Parsons BTW.
Check out Stevie Ray Vaughn . Tin Pan Alley from couldn't stand the weather
I recently recorded a cassette with Aja (2008 remaster)one side and Gaucho (original)on the other. Say if you are playing Aja and you flip the cassette over randomly in the middle to the Gaucho side I'm amazed at the airlines and warmth of Gaucho over Aja. I always thought Aja was the pinnacle SD production. Nope.
Personally, I think the songs on Aja are better, but the production on Gaucho is unparalleled.
2great albums.
What, know Jazz, blues, classical, contemporary classical, bluegrass, or music from other countries, or cultures? I always admired dealers who played music I wasn't familiar with, introducing me to other perspectives in music. Your list reads like a best hits list on pop radio radio stations rather than one of the more adventurous college stations out there. Personally, I think "On Every Street is a better, more interesting recording than "Brothers In Arms", but I came later to appreciate Dire Straits. But that's me. I tend to prefer music that's less mainstream but not all the time.
Of course the list will lein in the direction of personal preference.
Mine would.
Yours does.
🤷♂️
Benson ... Breezin for Jazz
interesting that beside Tom Petty, I have all those on licorice pizzas (I'm 73y.o.)
Another really good demo is the song “It could happen” from Yes 90125 - Source from Apple Music is definitely superior.
Steely Dan's "Gaucho" is quite good, but I still think "Aja" is better sound-wise. Maybe because I have the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's version of "Aja."
Personally, I think the Aja songs are better but production and sound quality goes to Gaucho. I think it's a preference thing- Gaucho, for me, has more detail where Aja sounds a little dull.