Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Recommendation for CDs That Image and Demo CDs

Hey everyone- now that I'm all set up with my M-60's, thanks to Spiff and Curtis, and of course, the fine staff at Axiom, I'm quickly finding out that my CD collection is lacking.

I'm wondering if anyone here could give me some recomendations on CDs that they find to have great stereo imaging, or that they would use to demo speakers or equipment with? Now that I've got speakers that acutally image well, I'd like to find some high quality recordings that would compliment my system.

I'm open to any style, any suggestions. Rock, jazz, classical, acoustic, vocals, house/dance/electronica, whatever.

And, just incase you guys wanted a suggestion or two from my collection, I'd recommend-

Dead Can Dance- Spirit Chaser- Probably the best recording I've ever heard. Great CD to demo equipment on.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000002N74/qid=1063224519/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/002-5694491-7976808?v=glance&s=music

Willie Nelson- Essential Collection- new double CD release of most of his classic tunes. The imaging on "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" makes it seem as if he's playing the guitar right in front of you.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008BXK3/qid=1063224805/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/002-5694491-7976808

Chill Brazil- double CD collection. I recently got this set before I purchased my M-60's and I wasn't all that thrilled with it. Now that I've heard it on the new speakers, it's my favorite CD to listen to. Imaging is great and recordings are outstanding.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006BCDB/qid=1063224686/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-5694491-7976808?v=glance&s=music

Just thought I'd add the links there for anyone interested in picking up these CDs I've listed. Don't feel like you have to do the same in your reply, though.

Thanks for the help.
Kevin

Johnny Cash - American Recordings.

AWESOME CD for enjoying a stereo setup. Just johnny cash and a guitar.

Spirit Chaser is great

if you want better, get Patricia Barber - Modern Cool

I have Dead Can Dance - Wake
and track 5 & 7 image amazingly

Opus3 Cds

any of these:
http://www.opus3records.com/cd_samp.html#19400

Kevin, I'll suggest the same CD that I've mentioned previously as a low cost(about $7)item having thrilling music in excellent sound: Smetana's Ma Vlast(My Country) with Berglund and the Dresden State Orchestra on Seraphim SPH 73736. It's in stock at several Borders in the LA area, depending on where you are.

Oh I forgot...check out this link too.

http://www.uhfmag.com/AudiophileStore.html

Pink Floyd-The Final cut.. Particularly. "paranoid eyes"

and Roger waters-Amused to death.

You must buy this CD! It's called Sacred Treasures II (on the Hearts of Space label) and is absolutely the most stunning choral recording (and performance!) I have ever heard. It is guaranteed to make the walls of your listening rooms completely disappear. The ambiance of the church and the decay of the voices is chillingly real.

Make very sure you buy this one -- this goes for everyone reading this. It brought tears to my eyes the first (and second) time I heard it on my Axioms.

Tears? Now that may be a little hyperbole, but I have to agree with Peter, this CD is simply incredible. I remember Peter and I sitting down listening to it with the lights off, the doors closed, and the volume up and just being completely floored by how darn real it sounded. It puts you in the hall(/cathedral), and you can hear the decay of the voices and the coronets move past you with the most 3 dimensional soundstage and imaging I've ever heard. It might not be the most exciting music, but in terms of putting you IN the music, that's number one on my list.

I just grabbed that Sacred Treasures II cd from Ebay for $2.50.