The reason I ask is I helped set one up yesterday - and we had to choose what to play first to test it out.
and then just let the rest of the album play through
Shaggy - Angel. I don’t even like the song that much but the mixing engineer really did his job on this one. The mix is outstanding.
But more important is that you play a song you know well so you know how it should sound.
Talk Talk - Spirit of Eden / first track
Edit: loud
Probably something akin to a left-right audio test so I know the system is working properly.
The first time I DJd in a club, I dropped this track purely so I could hear it over a big expensive system. And it was glorious.
Emptied the dance floor, but it was worth it.
Tough question…
If I want to test it out it might be something like Tipper.
But, in reality, it would probably be something from my favourite album pile like NIN, Squarepusher, Allman Brothers, Four Tet, Caribou or something from the 90s.
Everybody’s Talkin’ by Harry Nilsson
For the record we went with shine on you crazy diamond from wish you were here with the quiet opening and punch when the rest of the band kicks in. Sounded great.
I’m going with “Change of The Guard” by Kamasi Washington because it’s amazing. “ The Leper Affinity “ by opeth is a close second.
Basically anything by State Azure. Beautiful tracks mastered very well.
For bass testing - 3:25 from “Why So Serious” from the Dark Knight soundtrack. Serious sub-bass warning if you try it yourself, though.
Atlas Air by Massive Attack. Really check you have that sub cut over in the sweet spot.
Hysteria by Muse.
I got into the LP game late, and the first record I bought and played was Metallica’s Master of Puppets. Still think it was a good choice.
Leaving Hope by Nine Inch Nails
I really enjoy rock. When I’m dialing in the eq on any new setup I always use Rise Above This by Seether. This particular song is very clear and just sounds better than most songs that I listen to