Reference Music for System Evaluation
Dec 20, 2022 17:23:04 GMT
SteveC, mattspl, and 1 more like this
Post by MartinT on Dec 20, 2022 17:23:04 GMT
Melissa Tallon - Tell Me So
open.qobuz.com/track/126172719
As well as a beautifully sung song, this is a remarkably instructive test track. It's in standard Red Book 16/44 resolution so no cheating with hi-res, ANY system with enough resolution should be able to reveal the detail hidden in its digits.
The opening immediately reveals a HUGE soundstage, communicating the space the piano occupies. If the soundstage doesn't sound vast, your system (not just the DAC) has deficiencies in least significant bit resolution. Her voice comes in multi-voiced (chorus? not sure which effect this is) but alternates with solo-voice at different times, the difference being very obvious. There is a simply delicious tight bass line underpinning it, which plummets at points but always with potency. Different cymbals are used, some 'dry' while others shimmer (again, not familiar with the exact types). The whole is contained within that wonderful acoustic, sounding rich and enveloping.
I have heard this track improve with my most recent system changes and it really has helped as a baseline, a known good reference for me. Yes, it is only 16/44 but it should sound beautiful, not rough.
open.qobuz.com/track/126172719
As well as a beautifully sung song, this is a remarkably instructive test track. It's in standard Red Book 16/44 resolution so no cheating with hi-res, ANY system with enough resolution should be able to reveal the detail hidden in its digits.
The opening immediately reveals a HUGE soundstage, communicating the space the piano occupies. If the soundstage doesn't sound vast, your system (not just the DAC) has deficiencies in least significant bit resolution. Her voice comes in multi-voiced (chorus? not sure which effect this is) but alternates with solo-voice at different times, the difference being very obvious. There is a simply delicious tight bass line underpinning it, which plummets at points but always with potency. Different cymbals are used, some 'dry' while others shimmer (again, not familiar with the exact types). The whole is contained within that wonderful acoustic, sounding rich and enveloping.
I have heard this track improve with my most recent system changes and it really has helped as a baseline, a known good reference for me. Yes, it is only 16/44 but it should sound beautiful, not rough.
