🎶 Which album(s) to test my sound system?

I think I need a new pair of speakers for that room…

A new amp would be a great addition to this set-up…

My better half just approved my proposal that we need a REAL sound system.

If you are looking for a new Hi-Fi gear and are wondering which albums to test it with, Restory Music have some tips for you.

We recommend having 4 albums that will go to the ends of the earth with you.

Album #1 – The Well-recorded Album

This one is to test how well your new equipment brings to life recorded music. A well-recorded album has great details and great imaging—so great that you can pinpoint the position of each instrument during the recording session. Using this album will help you test how well the minute details and imaging are portrayed.

I personally like albums with 4-5 instruments. If too few, then it’s a bit difficult to hear the minor details. If too many, there is too much detail for my ears to process (my ears are not golden 😅).

My favorite song for this purpose is Livingston Taylor – Isn’t She Lovely (Chesky Records). Livingston’s melodic whistle, the precise captured position of each instrument, the separation for the left and right guitars are all fabulous. The song itself is also lovely.😁

Other songs that I think are great:

• Dave Brubeck – Take Five
• Michael Ruff – Wishing Well (Sheffield Lab
• Or Eagles – Hotel California in the Hell Freezes Over album is also great (and very affordable too)

Albums #2-4 – Ones With Songs You REALLY REALLY REALLY Like

Choose the albums that have the songs that you really love (have I mentioned this before?) across different genres. These are the songs that you have listened to hundreds of times, and will likely listen to many hundred times more. And each time that you listen to it, you still love it (and love it even more).

These songs will have sections that you really like and are very familiar with. We can see how well the gear you are testing plays out your favorite sections. And very importantly, do you enjoy MORE these songs that you love?

My go-to songs are:

·       Fourplay – Bali Run or Max-O-Man (love the Lee Ritenour era)

·       Jamiroquai – Love Foolosophy (funky)

·       Pink Martini – Le premier bonheur du jour (probably the closest thing to hearing mermaids sing)

For these albums, I cannot recommend any as musical preference is a personal choice (and that’s the beauty of music).

So what’s more important? Album #1 OR albums #2-4.

Definitely #2-4. 😍

Because the most important thing is the music that we love sounds great (or greater), and we enjoy that beautiful music. 🎶

What are your favorite albums for testing your sound system? Please share with us. 😁🎶