I'm aware that audio memory is very short (which is my I said "as well as possible"). When I listened to my M22s this morning, it was mainly for the purpose of noting passages that are especially good for testing bookshelf speakers sans sub.

I've also considered just buying the CSW M80s with the intent of returning them the very next day. (I believe CSW's liberal return policy is their in-home audition program.) That would allow for the best evaluation. I might actually do it if I don't feel the store's listening room is revealing enough for my tastes.

Incidentally, the CDs and tracks I've picked out for this test are:
  1. Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds, Live at Luther College - (6) Crash Into Me
  2. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Nocturama - (2) He Wants You
  3. Tom Waits, Mule Variations - (11) Picture in a Frame
  4. The Randy Newman Songbook Vol. 1 - (3) Louisiana 1927
  5. The Waifs, Up All Night - (6) Highway One
And the reasons for each are:
  1. This is a classic speaker test track. I know what an acoustic guitar and male vocals sound like live. The recording captures the space of the auditorium well, especially when the crowd cheers.
  2. This is a very well recorded CD. Nick Cave has haunting vocals full of emotion. I picked this track especially because of his voice, a 'lazy and flowing' piano, and a brushed drum kit.
  3. You gotta love Tom Waits. I picked this track because it uses a sloghtly detuned piano and is recorded in a way that makes it seem slightly ambient yet still right there in the room. It's a weird effect that my M22s really convey well.
  4. Randy Newman is a genius. This CD contains raw songs -- just the man and his piano. All the tracks are good but I picked this one because I'm more familiar with it than the others.
  5. This is my new favorite CD. This track features female vocals and some great acoustic guitar work. It will be a great test of the upper-mid capabilities of the speakers.
And there you have it.