Music To Inspire Or Impress

[B-Man 4,763]

If you are reading this you likely have multiple experiences with the scenario. A person you may know or may be meeting for the first time visits your home. They likely notice at some point that you enjoy music and conversation around the stereo system is likely to begin. You turn the system on at a reasonable volume level and probably answer questions about the various parts and pieces. They tend to ask more regarding the speakers, especially if they don't look like traditional box speakers. (SDA SRS 1.2TL's)

 

At some point you likely explain about power - how music can be incredibly visceral, emotionally charged when played at higher levels - without noise or distortion. Your new audience is all in - they want to experience this for themselves. They ask you to play something to demonstrate what you are talking about.

 

What do you grab and throw into the Oppo ? Explain why - is it the overall score? A song with a "special" drum solo, lead guitar, bass line, piano solo, etc. that really stands out? A song that vividly demonstrates huge presence, wide range and distinct subtleties? A particularly impressive vocal performance? I'll start - and I didn't even select the song this time.

 

A friend brought his new lady friend over, with the express purpose of letting her hear my system. She was a bit on the "stereos are the same" wagon and he wanted me to show her how different one could sound from another. The stereo was already on when they arrived and I was trying to end a work call so they had 15 minutes or so sitting in front of it while I completed my work day. After we talked for a few minutes I asked her what types of music she preferred. Soft rock, classic rock, some jazz, easy listening. OK. She then says “On the way here we caught the end of a song. That “I’ll be right here waiting for you” song. I like that one – can you play it?”

 

For those not familiar, the song she was referring to is “Right Here Waiting” by Richard Marx. It was a reasonably good recording job in 1989. The song starts with an electronic keyboard score, followed by a very distinct medley on the piano. A bass movement is then brought in that is very expansive sounding. Throughout the song there are very striking bass notes, keyboard tones, etc. that jump out at you when played on a quality system. His lyrics are very clear and there is a nice acoustic guitar solo in the middle as well.

 

To be honest I had not really given it much thought before but it is a great demo song. I played it at the same volume as when they came in and she said that it sounded “good”. I asked her to sit in the sweet spot. I asked if she was OK with it played loud? She said sure, I love it loud. I re-queued it, set the volume at 2:00 o’clock and hit play. The look on her face was priceless. She kept looking over her shoulders and she asked afterwards where the side speakers were?

 

We talked for a bit and she asked how could it be so loud but it didn’t hurt her ears and it was perfectly clear? I smiled and said “Thank you Bob Carver and Matthew Polk”.

 

I gave her the tablet and let her play whatever she wanted. I had a good time hearing quite a few songs I hadn't heard in quite some time. I'm going to let other people drive more often. I tend to play what I like and am familiar with - leaving a huge portion of music in my library unheard.

 

Not any longer...

[jeffs 2,578]

I recently bought a set of speakers.

The owner offered up his vinyl collection for me to pick. Might as well have been my collection, Jeff Beck, Dire Straits (everyone demos gear with Dire Straits), etc. All good stuff. All sounded really good.  I hooked my phone up via bluetooth and put on Chitlins Con Carne by Stevie Ray Vaughn and turned it up to a reasonably high level. It's my go-to "demo" tune. The percussion thumps you in the chest while the guitar just floats around. One can listen at high levels without any discomfort. I looked over and his mouth was hanging open. The speakers didn't fit his new space so he had to sell them ....😊

[Daddyjt 8,606]

1.  Fleetwood Mac Rumors on DVD Audio, The Chain. I have never heard a recording that better puts you right in the studio with the band. The clarity, separation and soundstage are superb. 
 

2.  Telarc’s Time Warp, Battlestar Galactica Main Theme. The bass on this track is so deep, and hits so hard - the disc actually has a warning on it for this very reason - it’s been known to damage speakers. 
 

3. The Eagles Hell Freezes Over DTS, Seven Bridges Road. Probably the best live recording I’ve heard. The harmonization of the voices is pure magic. 
 

4. Skryllix Recess, Fu*k That. For flat-out pound you in the chest bass, this track just plain scares people, especially with the DD18. 
 

5.  Alison Krauss A Hundred Miles Or More, Whisky Lullaby. Spectacular recording, tear-jerking lyrics, and intoxicating presence and clarity. 

[Daddyjt 8,606]

I was looking forward to reading a bunch of replies in this thread...

 

c’mon guys - what say you?

[jeffs 2,578]

Calvary Cross by Still Corners , live studio (probably Youtube only)

 

Not sure that I care for the entire song, but the beginning thru the first minute or so has some very warm room filling bass that is well defined without that muddy sound.