Recommended CDs
This is a list some of the recordings that have been used to evaluate the sound quality of this amplifier.
The LP version can be superior, but it is difficult to obtain.
Most recording engineers today try to make the music sound fine on the cheapest stereo systems,
simply because they are in majority and thus brings more sales of CDs.
The following recordings will test the limits of a eigh-end system, from the subtle to the outrageous.
They combine this with being very enjoyable for the artistry of the musicians and composers.
Verve 521485-2
Verve Grammy Winners Stan Getz/Joao Gilberto track 9, "The Girl from Ipanema"
This recording gave Phil Ramone a Grammy for best sound in 1964.
Many years later, it still allows you to dim the lights, make a nice cool drink and imagine you are in
Brazil with the girl standing very close to you, singing her song quietly in your right ear.
This is what a high-end system is all about, to recreate the past so vividly, that the emotions of the
past performances can be experienced again and again.
It is interesting to hear how different the same track sounds on Verve 521 414-2, the digitally
re-mastered version of the album. And then try hearing the LP from 1963, Verve V6-8545.
Reference Recordings RR-70CD Stravinsky, Eiji Oue conducting the Minnesota Orchestra
The full dynamics of Stravinsky requires a HDCD recording. The quiet opening of the first track lets
you hear the sound of the concert hall, and the big drum will surprise your friends or your speakers.
Almost visual three-dimensional sound.
"The rite of spring", well, Stravinsky wrote this based on the sacrifice of young girls to please the old
gods. It is not pleasant for the humans involved, and it should not sound pleasant.
If you want to relax, choose the next CD instead.
dmp CD-457, Warren Bernhardt, “Hands On”
The first track opens up with a very grand piano played in classical music style, which later transforms
into very relaxed jazz. Natural detail indeed; you hear the piano sound as felt hammers hitting metal
strings, and also the unique series of resonances from strings, metal frame and wood.
A fine Steinway or a Bösendorfer grand piano costs about EURO 100,000.
Is it reasonable to expect a stereo system costing much less to reproduce it perfectly?
Deutsche Grammophone 427 772-2, “Horowitz at home”
The poor studio technician had to come to the master’s home this time and make this recording.
Fascinating, very difficult recording to reproduce, but with a core of golden inner details..
Compare the two types of piano sound, this and dmp. A good stereo system must highlight the
differences between different recordings and play both of them well.
Vertigo 800 051-2, Dire Straits, “Dire Straits”.
Track 4, "six-blade knife", is actually better than several of the later recordings.
This is due to the mixing console; the expensive console used for the later recordings is known for
its harsh sound, but it was used in many large studios due to its excellent automated mixing computer
system
Yes, there is tape hiss, but the detailed bass guitar and soft drums are wonderful to hear.
