Music to show off your system.

My apologies in advance if this topic already has been covered.

Had a few opportunities recently to show off my system to guests. None of them had ever heard of Naim, and all of them probably would choke if they knew what I paid for my system (it is a relatively modest system by Naim standards). That's OK by me, as I bought my system for my own enjoyment and because it maximizes MY enjoyment of music in the home. However, when I do have a chance to play a few tunes for guests, I can't help but want to show off the system a little. I recently noticed that I rarely play my favorite music for guests, but, rather, tend to pick selections that sound the best on my system (all of which I like, but are not necessarily among my favorites to listen to alone). I can't be the only forum member whose favorite albums are not necessarily the best recorded or best music to show off your system (or am I?).


It got me thinking - do forum members tend to play the same music to the uninitiated and, if so, what tracks and why? For instance, my favorite artist is Bruce Springsteen. I've loved his music for over two decades and I see him live whenever I get a chance (20 times and counting). However, Bruce's LPs and CDs never have been known for great sound quality, and I tend to play different music when demonstrating my system to others. My usual demonstration recordings:

Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon (predictable, I know)

Tutti, a Reference Recordings sampler of classical music that I think sounds superb

Track 3 (Battle) from the soundtrack to Gladiator - this track alone is worth the price of the CD; incredible dynamics

Cecilia from Simon & Garfunkel's remastered Bridge of Troubled Water - it just sounds great

Walking in Memphis - Mark Cohn; to me, excellent vocals

MBM